Carrying Christmas Into the New Year

"If, as if Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we consider ourselves to be so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds? Or brood over the coming of the child as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel. A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring life."

Author Unknown

I read this quote on Christmas & have thought of it often. It takes hold of the Christmas Spirit & shows you how to carry it in your hearts every day of the year. We were created to be, we were created to discover our star, and we were meant to take the time to "brood" over the coming of the women we were created to become. Sarah Ban Breathnach says, "Our lives are gifts from God and what we do with them is our gift in return." May you carry the Christmas Spirit with you throughout this New Year and may you find happiness in the gifts you are giving to Him.

Happy New Year!

Our Christmas

We took a trip to Northern VA to John & Leslie's wedding. What a sweet couple! John is Danny's younger brother. We were also able to spend lots of time with our familes. We had three mini-Christmases wrapped into one visit!

On Thursday, we got back to Richmond and had our own Christmas.

Santa was good to the Dow girls this year!!! Our little tree looked even smaller with all of these big gifts!
Christmas morning was magical. Our home was full of joy, love, and grateful hearts. The snowfall was the cherry on top.

This year we got the girls a trampoline. Danny spent Christmas afternoon putting it together. I'm not sure if it was for the girls or himself :0).

Christmas night made me think of A Christmas Story when the parents turned out the lights & enjoyed the snowfall. What a beautiful end to a perfect Christmas.

~Merry Chirstmas~

From our family to yours~ We wish you a very Merry Christmas & many blessings in the New Year~!

Just What I Needed!

What a perfect snow day. Although we only got 2 inches, schools were closed. When I found out last night I was a little stressed, but I think it was just what I needed. We slept in a bit, stayed in our jammies, made sugar cookies, and went on a sledding adventure. I've been running around like crazy these last few weeks, so it was nice to slow down and enjoy the day with my girls.

Surprise!!!

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland!!!!! Last night the weather forecast said there was a slight chance of light snow flurries and this is what we got! That's Richmond weather for ya~

Simple Abundance

A sweet friend gave me this book for my birthday & I love it! It has short readings for each day that inspire you, bring you comfort, and gets you thinking. I read a great quote yesterday that I thought I'd share~

"I do hope your Christmas has a little touch of Eternity in among the rush and pitter patter and all. It always seems such a mixing of this world and the next- but that, after all, is the idea!" Evelyn Underhill

Grand Illumination Night

Last night our neighborhood had it's annual lighting of the Christmas tree. It was FREEZING out, but Santa was coming, so we decided to go. I'm so glad we did! On our way there, it started snowing!!! The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement! See the snowflakes!!

Mmmm...snowflakes taste good!

Of course, the highlight of the night was seeing Santa. Can you believe Anabelle had the gall to ask him for an iPad??? Seriously? I don't even think she knows what that is. We told her she might have offended Santa because his response to her was, "That costs a fortune!" Yikes! You definitely don't want to offend Santa!

~The Light of the World~

Last night I drove down the street where you can see our house from a distance and was amazed at the view. Danny strung a multitude of lights this year in both our front & backyard. It's a beautiful & magical moment when you stand under them beneath the black sky and it warms you when you gaze at them through the windows. At the start of the Christmas season, I was overwhelmed with the rush & anxiety that can come with it. I found myself dreading the work ahead of me and even sighed at the thought of pulling out those Christmas decorations. How sad is that?? It wasn't until last night when I stood outside in cold night air by myself & took in the view my husband worked so hard to create for us that I felt that peace & joy. The view of the lights was simply stunning and what a beautiful reminder this is of the greatest light of all! The true reason we celebrate this season. It's such a simple reminder, but one that gets lost so easily. I'm so grateful for my husband who worked so hard to light up the house for our children and for me :0).

John 8:12 "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."