The week is upon us..

Life has been such a blur these past few weeks.  We have been going non-stop, staying up late, playing as much as possible and simply enjoying the season.  I have finally conquered the monster of laundry that has been stalking me since we got home from Montana, so life feels like it is settling back into place. A huge praise is that we have managed to stay healthy despite all the sickness going around. 

Yesterday, we had our last Christmas of the season with the Watson family.  We weren't sure it was going to happen due to various illnesses that the family had been experiencing.  Even though we were minus three, we still had Christmas.  So while we celebrated and had a lovely day, it still felt a little off since we didn't have the entire team present.  When you have that many little ones.....well, unfortunately, it is bound to happen but we always miss having everyone there.

We start the downhill countdown in regard to Amanda's chemotherapy treatment this week.  Amanda will start her SEVENTH chemo cycle on Friday.  She seems to be holding up pretty well, but can tell it is that time when her counts are on the lower side.  Between now and then, we have a fun week planned.  For New Year's Eve, we will have our second annual New Year's Eve Cousin's Camp.  Cousin Camp is where all the nieces and nephews from the Smith side come to our house and we play games, watch movies and stay up late.  We try to do this several times a year and always have a great time. 

I don't know about you, but every year, before we have even packed away our Christmas decorations, I start thinking to next year.  I start planning on what I want to do better or different or maybe even planning on what gifts to buy. (Shocking, I know.)  This year, however, I fought against the urge to go there.  The unknown is so much scarier than the present for me at this point.  So amidst the celebration and laughter, all the joy and hope that is the season of Christmas, I remembered, and at times struggled, to stay focused on the here and now and enjoy each moment.  It was a wonderful Christmas.

I am so thankful for our family.  We are blessed.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 A little more Montana:

On the flight out of Austin, the kids were given a tour of the cockpit.

As the kids were seated in the seats, the pilot leaned over and flipped a switch that made Amanda's controls vibrate.  (see photo below) Needless to say, I found this extremely funny, which is one of the reasons the photos are so blurry.  Even though they are blurry, I still think they are pretty cool reminder of that small part of our trip.

You can tell by her expression here that she found it amusing....thankfully.

What a great pilot!

Back to our Christmas this past weekend with the Watsons:

Amanda has started wearing my old stetson from high school.  Before all the festivities began, we made a quick trip to Cavendar's to buy Amanda new boots and we took the hat with us for a little refreshing.  It was fun to watch and the hat looks great!

Here is Brandon reading the story of the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke.  Notice how sweet Abby just can't help but start to peek at the gifts - the temptation was just too much. 

On to singing Christmas carols...Papa and Jem were bustin' a move to Jingle Bells.

Awesome Aunt Lindsey brought a little craft for the kids - making Christmas trees out of ice cream cones, green icing and fun candy decorations.  Fun and yummy all rolled into one.

Merry Christmas and a Happy, Happy, Happy New Year from the Watson family!

(We couldn't help ourselves...)