A couple pictures and thoughts

Aubrey is enjoying her Christmas present from Bill's parents. Yes, a little early, but I couldn't see waiting to let her use it when she doesn't really know what Christmas is yet. She just learned how to jump up and down in it today, it is so, so very funny. She gets extremely excited, her arms wave around and her eyes get huge and round.

And here is Aubrey all dressed to go Christmas shopping. I figured since it is December it is okay to start dressing her in her Christmas outfits. :)

We have been busily decorating and shopping for Christmas. I really love this time of year, it is so cheery. The hustle and bustle of the malls, the twinkling and sparkling decorations everywhere, the smells of holiday baking all bring me excitement. Last week my bible study enjoyed an interesting conversation about Christmas when we were discussing what we were planning as far as having our kids believe or not believe in Santa. During this conversation I realised how many people in this country are raised to celebrate holidays not really understanding why or what we are celebrating. It is our intention to have Aubrey grow up knowing Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ most importantly, but also that the origin of the Christmas tree came from the missionary St. Boniface and Martin Luther is reported to be the first to decorate it. There is so much rich biblical and historical tradition surrounding this day that go way beyond a man in a red suit jumping down chimneys.