GRANDparents!

Time with grandparents is always so special. I feel blessed that we are constantly reminded of the main reason we felt this move was important. Ella truly knows and loves her extended family!

Simply Thankful

No pictures for this post or updates about other holiday activities we have been doing at the Cordrey home. Instead, I felt like I just needed to write, for myself, a post about simply being thankful. I am so thankful for my wonderful family, my home, and especially the blessing of being Ella's mom.
As I write this, I think about the two families in our community that have recently experienced loss. Last night, one of my students called and told me another sweet boy from the high school was killed in a car accident. I know this isn't an isolated case and there are young people killed often in auto accidents, but it is different when you know the person and family. My heart aches for the family, especially so close to the holidays. He was a wonderful young man.
Today, I also heard that a good friend from high school lost his little boy this weekend. He had cancer and they knew to expect it, but they were hoping to have one more Christmas with him. He was only 5 years old and brought so much love and joy to his parents. I can't imagine what they must be feeling.
So I write this to ask you to pray for the Riley and Kerr families. I also write this for myself - to reflect on simply being thankful for the non-tangible blessings that are in my life, most importantly, the people I am blessed to have in my life.

Cousins Christmas

We had this great plan to take all the cousins to the bed and breakfast here by the golf course for holiday pictures. It was a wild hour and a half, full of crying, tantrums, and few smiles. The older kids, were of course wonderful, but it was the toddlers who didn't want to be too cooperative. After much prodding, we were able to coax a few smiles.

Trying to avoid the "hustle and bustle"

I feel like I wake up daily and think, "OK, today let's try and slow down a little bit and actually enjoy the holiday season for what it means." We have been trying to do different holiday activities with Ella during the month. We try to read the Christmas story by the tree and talk about the true meaning of Christmas.

Well, about a week ago, we also had the brillant idea that, "Sure, she's probably old enough to do and enjoy a gingerbread house." The enjoy part was right on - the finished product was a huge pile of icing and half eaten or licked toppings as decorations. She definitely had a great time, though!

We also had a kid's party at our house to decorate cookies with some of the little ones from church. They all seemed to have a great time, but I think I am still finding sprinkles along every nook and crevice. Mocha likes to help in that department, too!

It's December!

Our tree is up, house is decorated, and presents are wrapped! I am just trying to enjoy the days and not rush through the holidays so fast this year. It seems to pass quicker and quicker every year. Ella loves the ornaments, lights, and most especially - the gum chain! (Thanks Waynetta and Kristin!)

We had our Murray Girls weekend this past weekend. Every year, afterwards, reminds me how blessed I am to have such wonderful friendships with those girls.