I have always enjoyed the smells, sights, tastes, hustle, and bustle of the Christmas and holiday season. I must confess though that this may very well have been my favorite year yet...my first time going through the holiday happenings as a married woman. I enjoyed decorating our home, burning Christmas candles, and all the baking to my hearts (and our stomach's) content. What a fun time to cram a few more social events into the calendar, attend Christmas programs, and see family. Most importantly, I enjoy the intentional focus we put on the birth of our Savior.
Our Pastor did a sermon on this topic the Sunday before Christmas that helped me see the nativity in a new light. His sermon was entitled "O Come, Let Us Adore Him" and preached on the topic of worship. He used the example of the response the shepherds gave when they heard from the angels. I highly encourage you to take the time to listen to this.
The school Christmas program was a lot of fun and again, amazed the mister and I with the God-given musical talent the students at this school have. My little preschoolers did a wonderful job singing.
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The mister's parents came in Christmas Eve and helped me prepare for Christmas day, while he still had to work. We praise the Lord that he did not have to travel to fix a plane out of town. He came home on time, and in time to go to the Christmas Eve Service with us. What a beautiful, and God-honoring candlelight service we had. After the service, we had simple finger foods: cinnamon caramel popcorn, veggie pizza, and crock pot meatballs.
Merry Christmas Eve!
I enjoyed playing hostess for our first Christmas together with my in-laws and sister-in-law at our place. My mother-in-law made breakfast casserole for breakfast, and then we enjoyed a slow day of visiting and gift opening.
We ate a big lunch and continue to enjoy the fellowship of each other. Earlier this year, I had decided I wanted to make a cheesecake, but had not yet found a recipe. I had someone gift me a subscription to Kraft Food &Family. I found just the cheesecake I wanted to make...Peppermint Bark Cheesecake. It still has room for improvement, but was still quite tasty.
All in all, it was a wonderful first Christmas for this Miller family.
Miller Christmas 2013
Daniel had Christmas day, Thursday, and Friday off. I too had taken the days off, so we were able to enjoy the time together. He returned to work on Saturday. We left after he got home on Saturday and drove through the night. We surprised my family by coming in about twelve hours early. The reactions were all a lot of fun. Between their reactions and the clear roads, we were thankful to have driven through the night.
Having come in early, we were able to see some of my extended family. It was a wonderful visit with my side of the family.
Having come in early, we were able to see some of my extended family. It was a wonderful visit with my side of the family.
We rang in the new year with my parents. It was a quiet and uneventful evening, but so good to catch up with them, and simply be with them. We are thankful for the time we had with them, though it was much too short.
Life resumes to normal tomorrow as I get back to work in the preschool.
This year, more then other years, I find myself wanting to make a lot of changes in the year 2014. I am thankful for new beginnings, and starting points. The key to making these changes happen is that I want to make a big goal, with smaller steps to reach that. I need accountability, which a husband is great for! I plan to organize my goals, by the roles I play...what changes can I make as a wife? as a keeper of our home? as a teacher? as a daughter of the King?
Life resumes to normal tomorrow as I get back to work in the preschool.
This year, more then other years, I find myself wanting to make a lot of changes in the year 2014. I am thankful for new beginnings, and starting points. The key to making these changes happen is that I want to make a big goal, with smaller steps to reach that. I need accountability, which a husband is great for! I plan to organize my goals, by the roles I play...what changes can I make as a wife? as a keeper of our home? as a teacher? as a daughter of the King?
God is good and is bringing so much to mind. I am thankful that He is patient and it is HIS strength that gets us through each day and helps us meet our goals.
With all this said, I wish you a Happy 2014 with many changes that draw you closer to your friends, family, and your great big God!
With all this said, I wish you a Happy 2014 with many changes that draw you closer to your friends, family, and your great big God!
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