Moudy Christmas

We had a great Christmas with the Moudy Family, although we were disappointed that more of the family couldn't be there. Robyn & Vernon were not able to come as planned because of family health issues and Matt & Keely's family was not able to come either. We missed them all dearly, but made the best of it and enjoyed being together for a quiet and relaxing Christmas together. Lynsey got to come earlier than Robby, so we got lots of time with her! She is always so sweet to play with Avery and participate in whatever games Avery thinks up. This time, it was mostly about having "total makeovers", so this is what you will see in the photos below. Aren't they gorgeous? Lynsey spent a night with us and slept on Avery's bottom bunk, which made Avery so happy.

Lynsey and I got to have a fun afternoon of shopping together one day and I had so much fun with her. Lynsey is one of the sweetest people I've ever known, and so much fun too. I'm so glad to have her as a sister.

We didn't get nearly as much time with Robby as with Lynsey, but the time we had together was good. We celebrated our Christmas Eve early with our traditional Baked Potato Soup and then had a Dirty Santa exchange with the adults and Avery got presents from everyone!! Our pretend "Christmas Morning" we had our big brunch and Grandmother & Grandad Mimms joined us for that. We went to a movie and had a great day.

Aren't these 2 girls GORGEOUS??

Robby and Lynsey went up to Fritch to celebrate on actual Christmas Day with his family, so we had a quiet morning at home together and Avery woke up at 6:30 to see what Santa had left. He left this adorable Groovy Girls bicycle for her!

Granpappy & Mam came over for breakfast and spent the day with us. Granpappy took Avery to the park for her first ride on her new bike. We took a drive to Plainview and through the country and came home for a late lunch and a game of "Family Fued" on the DVD player. It was a fun and restful Christmas Day.

New Friends and Jewelry Fun

The Lord has blessed me with several new girlfriends lately, and I want you to meet these awesome women. First of all just let me thank God for friends who inspire me to want to be better! These girls are people are I want to be like and who encourage me - the way they fill their roles as godly wives, mothers, and friends. They are each heavily involved in service in their church, and in sharing their faith. They are true worshipers who honor God with their lives. They are also very REAL - very fun, not at all "religious"! They are extremely Godly and spiritual, but open and honest with daily struggles of life. These girls pray. These girls value the Word of God. These girls are striving to love and discipline their children in a godly way so that their kids will learn to have kingdom eyes. These girls are givers - givers of their time, resources, and money.

This is what I already know about these friends, and I've only known most of them for a few months! We get together one Friday each month and make jewelry (and visit, and EAT!) for several hours. One of the girls, Laura, has a booming jewelry business and has taught me everything I know! I didn't have the first clue how to put a necklace together, but now I'm addicted! She makes the cutest necklaces and pendants and has generously shared her ideas and expertise with all of us. There are a few others who weren't able to come to our get-together Friday, so they aren't in the picture. I want to thank these girls for including me and reaching out in friendship! I love you guys!

Left: Jara, Heather (in red), Lyndsie (in green) and Laura

This is SERIOUS business. Deep concentration is required! (but we get lots of visiting done too)

Breakfast With Santa