Christmas Cookie-ing

I put up Christmas decorations yesterday! The house feels all festive and cozy now. I love the lights twinkling and all the memories adorning the walls.

I thought for sure the kids were going to come home and feel the peacefulness of it all and we'd cuddle and read books...not quite what happened. I guess I forgot they are kids. They came home and yelled "CHRISTMAS!!!" And it was pretty high energy from there. They all got into Christmas pajamas and started decorating their rooms and it was a nut house. 

They finally crashed when I put on the Little Drummer Boy. And I couldn't help looking at those kids and swelling with all sorts of grateful emotions. They are good kids.

 We had the missionaries over for dinner and it was a great way to end the night.

 I love being home with William and Matthew.  They were mesmerized by the leaf blowers this morning!

I almost didn't make sugar cookies with the kids today. It just seemed like too early in the season and a lot of work. I'm so glad we did it. We had a blast together! They worked away while Christmas music played in the background. A few times I'd look over at the table and think,  "OK Mary, promise yourself to always remember this moment."

We talked about a lot of things and it was good for me to know what was going on in their sweet little hearts. It's interesting how much comes out over sprinkles and frosting.
This Christmas....it is already making me smile.