It's a Wonderful Life...Pt 1

I hate that I left my post right before Christmas on a "bad" note, but while I was on my Christmas vacation, I just really needed to relax---so I put all my electronic devices in my bag and left them there.   It was refreshing.  I loved not being connected to the world.  I even started reading a book! 

My first run was the morning of Christmas Eve.  It was cold (13 degrees).  It was beautiful.  It was glorious. I went alone.  My husband asked if it was ok if he didn't go with me, and I was thrilled.  I just needed some me time.  I ended up with 7.5 beautiful miles. 

You can't see them...but the rolling hills are beautiful in the background.

I love this little running trail next to the road.

Me!  It's dang hard to take a picture of ones self while running.  Yes, I'm talented.

Ran by this sign and I thought it was funny...

While dinner was cooking I sat down with my handicapped sister-in-law (she's SO cute!) and sang Christmas songs.  She doesn't speak in full sentences, but she is really smart.  She will sing the last word of every phrase.  And if she doesn't know what the word is supposed to be (if she's not familiar with the song), she'll make it up.  So adorable!  Or if she doesn't like the word used, she'll change it.  When she was younger she would change the words to Away in a Manger:   (keep in mind she only says the last word or two words of the phrase)

Away in a manger
No crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the bed

She is so tender and she obviously didn't think that sleeping in the hay was any way for the Lord Jesus to sleep.  So, even though she knew the words she would change it.  So precious! 
 


Merry Christmas!  I didn't notice, but Mandy still had her headphones on when we took this picture.  She was listening to ABBA by request.



"Smile!"  I obviously was concentrating too hard on the music to smile.  Haha...I look constipated.

Later in the afternoon & evening we played some games, delivered Christmas goodies to neighbors & friends, watched the old school  White Christmas, watched The Nativity and discussed it in depth.

Funny story:  Earlier in the day we were playing with momma's new IPAD, taking lots of silly pictures.  And Mandy thought it was hilarious, so she was making funny faces and smiling.  When I pulled out my ipod to take a picture of me & Justin (12 year old boy in the picture) she snuck in the top of the picture with a big ol' grin on her face.  We were DYING laughing afterwards.  So funny.  You can tell by our faces we didn't see that coming.  Hahaha!

Merry Christmas to my love!  Goodness he looks so young in this picture!