Holiday Extravaganza

I can't believe how fast this month went by! (The reason I'm just now updating). The title of this post is a little sarcastic because, for some reason, I just wasn't in the "holiday spirit" this year. I usually enjoy shopping for presents, baking, decorating, wrapping presents, sending out Christmas cards (which by the way will now be "Happy New Year" cards because they're so late) and engaging in the whole "holiday extravaganza" (I like to call it), but I just wasn't feeling it this year. Not that I was a scrooge or anything, I just really wanted to be home with family and that's it. Again, I think having a kid has once again made more things seem not so important anymore. Maybe next year when Clara can enjoy the "holiday extravaganza" with us I might feel a little different. But above all I must say, Happy birthday Jesus! Thank you for coming down to earth and saving us!

This month was filled with Christmas parties, serving the homeless in Galveston, me getting rear ended on HWY 146 and Jason getting a boot on his foot. Clara has become EXTREMELY fascinated with touching and eating EVERYTHING. When I walk around the house with her she reaches and tries to touch anything we pass. It's so cute! Today I looked back at all the pictures I have of Clara and started crying (I'm such a baby). 2009 has been such an incredibly blessed year that thinking about it greatly humbles me before God. I think about how much I don't "deserve" the life I have and how much grace Christ has showed me. So much that it really makes me understand the reality of us never being able to pay Him back. That we can't and will never do enough or be "good enough." But by accepting Him into our lives, we can embrace the fact that God sees Jesus in us instead of ourselves. I was looking at all of Clara's ultrasounds and was just amazed at what truly a miracle she is. How amazing creation is. I feel like I know more people than not that struggle with miscarriages or getting pregnant and it really just reminds you how precious life really is. For us to be blessed with just one child is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you Lord! Happy New Year everyone!!!

Get ready for an excessive amount of pictures...

The Skytland's Christmas party. Sorry you won't like this picture Christy but I love it. HAHA.

Small group Christmas party. The BEST white elephant present EVER a metal knickknack of 2 wild bears.

We tried peas for the first time. I made them and it was super easy! I love the color it made. Reminds me of the Nickelodeon Gak we had when we were kids.

She liked them... :)

Rollin' into the puppies

So Jason damaged his toe surfing this summer in Florida and just NOW got it checked out. The bone is all messed up and the dr. said he has the feet of a 50 year old. On went the boot.
Playing around in her Christmas outfit

Little angel

Mellie and Clara on Christmas Eve at Nana's

Paper!!!!!!! It's so true about babies loving paper more than the actual presents!

Opening her presents with pretty cousin Grace

Holding onto Mitchell's beer. She looks guilty. ;)

Grandma Grace and all the cousins on Christmas

I love my brother in law

Clara loves Aunt Marie

Sweet sweet Gramma Mara

Micthell's present to Clara

We met up with Cindy and Justin in Austin. Cindy just found out she's having a boy!!! Do I sense a future marriage? Or maybe an arranged marriage? HAHA.

Clara thought Ava was the most hilarious thing on this earth. If Ava said one little word Clara would bust out laughing. It was so funny. Maybe it was the high pitched voice?

Pretty mommy Melissa (Jason's cousin) and her boy Brayden