It has been a whirlwind around here, but I am happy to say, life seems to be slowing down, thus giving me the opportunity to let it all sink in and reflect. The decorations have been taken down and I am left with the after Christmas emptiness. The empty spot where the tree sits. The undone mantels and railings. The leftover glitter in every single corner of our home. But I'm also left with a renewed sense of love and family. A renewed sense of what's really important. That days can be long, but the years are short. That love and family are really all that matters. That as we embark on a new year, I am reminded to enjoy the small things, the small moments. To be more patient. To laugh more. To love harder. To hug those we love a little bit tighter.

The holidays were truly wonderful this year. We loved being surrounded by laughter and love of family for weekends on end. We spent Christmas in both North and South Carolina. We visited with all of those we love, making fun new memories, building on old traditions and soaking in the true spirit of Christmas.

I have quite a few posts to get done, and am hoping to have them up this week. Until then, i'll leave you with this, brought to you by red sock monkey footed pajamas...

Baker Family Christmas, 2011



From our house to yours...

Merry Christmas from the Branch Family

2011

Counting down to Christmas

"The joy of Christmas, stays here inside us. Fills each and every heart with love..."
-Faith Hill, Where Are You Christmas

This Christmas season has been so busy, yet so joyous. We have spent the past few weekends on the road visiting friends and family and celebrating this Christmas season.

We headed to Charlotte this past Friday night for the Stutts Christmas party, and as always, had such a wonderful time.

Saturday, we were at my parent's house, and my mom and dad kept the girls for the afternoon while Sean and I finished up some Christmas shopping, sans kids. We really had a great day. We had a lunch date, shopped, had a coffee date at our old favorite spot, and really enjoyed the day. Thanks mom and dad!

Saturday night was my oldest and dearest friend's 30th birthday! Happy Happy Birthday, Carrie! We gathered at her parent's house then headed out on a party bus to celebrate. It was quite entertaining and we had such a good time. Carrie and I have been friends almost 25 years and she is such a special part of my life. Most of my memories include her!

Some of the girls at the party...

Sunday, we headed to Winston-Salem to celebrate Christmas with Sean's side of the family. We enjoyed a really nice brunch and the kids had a great time playing together. Three 5 year olds, a 2 year old and a one year old. It was busy, to say the least.

The girls pre-brunch...

We hit the road back to Columbia that afternoon, and both girls slept all 3 hours home. To say that they were pooped is an understatement. 

Sunday night, Sean and I put the girls down early and snuggled in to finish watching Family Man (which by the way, is a really great Christmas movie).

We have spent this week wrapping gifts, watching Christmas movies, and getting ready to hit the road again to celebrate the holidays.

Watching the girls excitement for Christmas this year, I am reminded of our Lord and Saviour, God's only son, who was born on this day. "Behold, the Lamb of God has come." May we believe in the magic of Christmas and not forget our Lord's birthday and the real meaning of this joyous season.

Christ is come, let all creation sing

God's own Son, oh hail the newborn King

The word made flesh, now dwells among us

Christ is come

-Big Daddy Weave, Christ Is Come