Thursday, December 22, 2016

Friday Favorites: Christmas Edition

I think it's Friday, but I'm not sure.  During Christmas vacation every day seems like Saturday, right?  Assuming that it's Friday I am sharing a FIVE of my FAVORITE things from the last few weeks....


I have been in a bit of a "blogger slump" lately due to the busyness of life.  This week I tried to get back on track with my posting.  

On Tuesday I shared a few of my FAVORITE seasonal purchases from Trader Joe's.  If you need some ideas on what to eat or drink this Christmas, be sure to check out my post.  


On Wednesday I confessed my guilty pleasure; I'm a QVC shopper.  I shared a ten of my FAVORITE QVC purchases.  Like my FAVORITE dishes...



I posted my What's Up Wednesday post...on a Thursday, because I'm a rebel...or possible just running behind.  Check it out and see what we've been up to, and a few of my FAVORITE memories from this Christmas.



Yesterday we boarded the North Pole Express in Grapevine, Texas.  The kids wore robes and pajamas and Mark and I wore robes (over our regular clothes...I felt like I needed to clarify that).   We boarded the train where an Elf greeted us and led us in Christmas Carols.  The kids wrote letters to Santa and put them in a "special bag" for the Elf to deliver to the Santa's Workshop.  Mrs. Claus came aboard and greeted the kids and gave everyone a silver bell to wear around their neck, before we pulled into the North Pole.  It was "snowing" at the North Pole, but after Jess tried to catch a snowflake on his tongue he said it "tasted soapy!"  Then we went into Santa's Workshop where the elves and Santa put on a musical show that the kid's loved!  The elves passed out Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk in a souvenir mug.  We had a great day!  The kids were the perfect age for this.  If you're in the DFW area, and have small kids, I would definitely recommend a trip on the North Pole Express.  Be sure to buy your tickets early though, it sells out in October.  



You may have noticed that my sweet Kendall isn't in any of the North Pole Express pictures.  No, it's not that she was too cool for school...but, really she probably was too cool for the train.  Anyway, she left last Saturday to spend the week with her Dad and his family.  She will be back home on the 26th.  Even though it stinks to not have her here for Christmas, I know she is enjoying herself with her family.  
Last month her aunt bought her an advent calendar that she opens everyday.  Jess and Jentry love to see what's behind the little door everyday.  She wins Big Sister of the Year for Face Timing them everyday to open her calendar so they can see what she got.  My little kids are so blessed to have her as their sister!

We miss you Kendall!  Can't wait to see you Monday!




 Last week my monthy Bunco group met for our Christmas Pajama Party (& Bunco ...of course).  We were missing a few of our regulars due to schedule conflicts, but this is such a fun group of ladies!  Taking time to do something for myself is something I have a hard time fitting into my schedule, but I am so thankful for this little bit of girl time I have each month with these amazing ladies.  


We tried so hard to take a silly picture, but we are not up on our silly poses.  Bunco ladies, we have twelve months until our next Christmas party.  We need to be Pinteresting silly faces, so we can nail this picture next year!




I posted something similar to this last December when I was just dabbling in blogging, but it's been on my mind again this Christmas season, so I thought I would share:

My mom bought the kids this Little People nativity after Thanksgiving last year. They have loved playing with it so much! Every night when they go to bed, Mark & I put it back together; but every night it seems Joseph is missing. The irony is not lost on me. How easy would it have been for Joseph to abandon his fiancée and her new baby? How many times did Joseph have to explain his "baby mama" situation? Mary is often admired for her faith & purity, but in 2017, I want to have Joseph-like integrity. I want to trust in God that even when it makes no sense to me; even when it's messy or complicated, it's all in His plan. What are your goals for 2017?


Thank you so much for stopping by today!  I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!


I'm linking up with my Friday regulars today...





20 comments:

  1. Hi doll!!! Look how fun that PJ party looks and love your reindeer shirt!!! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!! I know 2017 holds great things for you!! Christmas Hugs!!

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    1. Thank you, Andrea! I'm so thankful for your friendship & words of encouragement this year! Hope you have a special Christmas!

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  2. Merry Christmas sweet friend!
    How cool to ride the Polar Express!!

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    1. Thanks, Heather! The kids loved the Polar Express. I love seeing the magic through their eyes!

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  3. Hi Emily... you have been one busy little bee! Loved your QVC post - that channel is off my radar because I've gotten myself in trouble watching it. I cannot pass up any good deal on cosmetics or cosmetic "miracle" devices. I sent your link to my girl that works part time for TJ's. Hope you and your beautiful family have a wonderful Christmas.

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    1. Thank you, Katie! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that falls for the QVC pitches!!
      My husband and I were just talking about how the employees at TJ's are always so happy. It must be a great place to work!

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  4. I keep forgetting what day it is too! lol. Kendall is so sweet, I'm sure you will miss her while she's away. I hope you have a great Christmas!

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    1. Thank you, Dara!! It's always so hard when Kendall isn't here to celebrate, but we try to make the day she comes home an even bigger day to celebrate!

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  5. I've been tempted to buy the Little People Nativity so many times because I live in fear that by the time I have children I won't be able to find it! I love your thought process on Joseph, it's something I hadn't really considered before but you are so right!

    Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. You totally should buy one! You could decorate with it now, too! We're all a kid at heart, right?

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  6. I love that Kendall face times the others to let them watch her open the advent calendar. What a HUGE heart. Merry Christmas to you and your family Emily!

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! You're right, Kendall does have a huge heart. She's a blessing!
      Merry Christmas to you, too!!

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  7. It has been so good to see so many posts from you lately. Looks like you had an AMAZING time on that train too. Have a VERY Merry Christmas friend!!!

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    1. Thank you, Beth! I'm trying hard to get back in the blogger groove!!
      Enjoy your Christmas with your family!

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  8. I have loved your post this week!! You have been so busy. I was not in the blogging mood yesterday so I took today off. Hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

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  9. Life has become so busy that blogging has taken the back-burner for me. I miss it, but just haven’t had time to fit it in. I’m trying to catch up as much as possible today. I really need to make a trip to Trader Joes. Can you believe you’ve never been there? We don’t have one near us. I’ve never ordered from QVC, but you’re convincing me that I am missing out. How did you guys like the North Pole Express? We did it for three years in a row. Now we drive to Palestine for the Polar Express and make a weekend out of it. I know you are counting down until Kendall gets home. I hope your sweet family has a very Merry Christmas.

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  10. Merry Christmas, Texas Sweetheart! I loved your posts this week especially the QVC one. I must stay away I can see myself getting into trouble with that! Merry Christmas gorgeous! Love you to pieces :)

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  11. Loving the pj party! And I love your take on Joseph...it's so true. Thanks for sharing your heart.

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  12. Catching up on my reading a bit and I have to admit....I LOST IT at that picture of Jess singing. He and he kid in front of him. SOO FUNNY! I've laughed so hard - precious picture!! I Bunko once a month with a group of girlfriends too...we had our December party PJ style too with breakfast foods! Its my favorite Bunko of the year!

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  13. Where are you, dear Emily? I am missing you!!!

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