We enjoyed a sweet day celebrating Jesus' birthday that culminated with a family slumber party by the tree

Jason captured my favorite moment of the day, enjoying the rare treat of getting to hold my sleeping babe

Holly Jolly Photos

I have neglected to post Christmasy events as they've occurred- so now you get a BIG dose of Christmas all in one shot. I think this may be a record for the most photos ever in one post. I hope it leaves you feeling merry and bright! Personally it leaves me feeling like a want  a long winters nap (ha!)

                              Rooftop Light display in Shatin

Making wrapping paper using Starfruit from our village tree

stained glass ornament

looking cute

Mom's Group Christmas Party

Hong Kong snow with our friend Phoebe

baking!!

Annette's performance- she was a star!

 Josiah doing the Jingle Bell Rock

          I really need to post the video of this- Grandparents remind me (:

 Reading a Christmas story as part of Josiah's class party

Annual Christmas cookie exchange

Gingerbread House decorating

A very special, meaningful event to us this year was a Christmas party we hosted for the neighbors in our village. It was the first event we've had with entirely local friends. We weren't sure how it would go, but we all had so much fun. Many of them commented that they'd never been in a "foreigners" house before. We played a game and there was a lot of laughter and chatter (mostly in Chinese). We feel so thankful for the friendships we are building here. 

 Merry Christmas!! May this Christmas bring you joy, rest, and gratitude!

Staying Cozy

It's cold out there- so we love to stay in jammies when we can!

 Look at Annabelle's new breakfast trick!

Shannon and Hyppo

Anybody remember this? This was the last wedding Josiah was a "flower boy" in. You can read the story here. Bless.

When my sweet friend Shannon asked Annette and Josiah to be her "flower girl and boy", I was met with a little bit of anxiety. I was thrilled at the honor but suffered from some post- traumatic mother- of- the- flower- boy stress. However Shannon was a such a calm, laid back bride and not focused on perfection, but rather celebrating the way God makes everything beautiful (she and her husband Hyppo have an amazing story). Josiah and Annette did a great job! They carried this sign down the isle and got lots of smiles. I was so proud of them. Annette couldn't have been happier with they twirly dress and lavender crown. 

 Shannon is Chinese- Canadian and Hyppo (pronounced Hippo) is from Togo. We loved the multicultural aspects of the wedding. The reception was a big African dance party. Why didn't I think of that when I got married? SO fun!

 Shannon came to Hong Kong when we did 7 years ago and it has been fun to walk through life with her. For many years we were in a small group together. She has a huge heart and their beautiful wedding reflected who they are perfectly. Hyppo is a very Godly man, a leader at out church and always has a smile on his face.

The kids are all warmed up now for the big wedding of 2014- my sister Angela's!!! Can't wait!!!

Coca Cola 10K

Running during this season of life feels a bit tricky. The only times I can really go are in the early morning hours or at night after the kids are in bed. And then there is that reoccurring problem that I just don't feel like it. It is a struggle to lace up my shoes after a night of wakeful nursing or at the end of a tiring day. So this fall I have been so thankful for the motivating goal of this 10K and the support of the "Wu Kai Sha Mamas". These running friends have pushed and pulled me through many runs. As we therapeutically pound the pavement we also run through the highs and lows of our days. Although hard to start, I always feel refreshed and clear headed by the finish.

                                                   Wu Kai Sha  Mamas

 My biggest fans, Jason and the kids, made me feel so loved and supported. Annette cheered for the whole hour I was running. Josiah kept asking me if was going to "win" (I think he is used to watching his daddy race). I tried to explain to him I was just going to do my best- but he seemed unimpressed I didn't get a trophy (: 

  Feeling good at the start! 

Smiling because I can see the finish