it's a wonderful life

Merry Christmas friends! We have been having such a fun season, I don't want December to end. Every year my family gets together to decorate gingerbread houses. We each have our own kit that my dad made us in his elf-y workshop, the garage.

Jesse and I went to an exhibit in Midway for inspiration. This barn with the nativity scene inside was the grand-prize winner. It had real lights!

We had our annual Christmas Eve celebration with the Smyth early this year since both families will be out of town this Christmas. It's my favorite thing about Christmas.

Check out this so cute wiseman.

My favorite tradition is going around the table, saying what we are most grateful for that year as we pass the flame from our candles. There are always lots of happy tears. I had three. Shortened version:

1. generous (very) parents

2. miracles (a.k.a. baby boy-that-isn't-out-yet)

3. answers to prayers

In my bowl of clam chowder, I found the almond that will bring me good luck all year! Maybe that is a great coincidence or maybe there is a slight chance that it was planted in my bowl on purpose, as the chef knew I had spent a horrible day in the hospital, worrying about baby boy.

So grateful for my friends, my family, and my faith