Christmas 2012

Christmas lasted for 2 1/2 weeks for the three Bairds.  We celebrated Christmas in Arkansas for several days and then came back to Quincy and had Baird Christmas, Isla's birthday, and rang in New Year.  We had a blast with everyone this year.  Something just seemed so different.  Perhaps it was the way we approached it this year.  Jerod and I have desperately been seeking the Lord in our life, and all we wanted for Christmas was for the fruits to be present in our time with family.  We wanted love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faith fill our Christmas season.  We wanted Him to be the focus.  It wasn't the presents (although we both got more than we needed), it wasn't the food (even though it was amazing), it was simply enjoying every moment we had with each person we were around.  We just had fun!  My mom found this brilliant idea of putting a frame outside.  We did live pictures!  It was so fun, and the girls loved it. 

We had way too much food, partly because I have a tendency to over do it when it comes to baking at Christmas.  Oh well!  It's Christmas time right?!  Some people broke the rules and bought presents for us ...... Gosh Mom and Dad (Thank you!!) 

We also had a Duck Dynasty marathon.  Ashley thought ahead and bought us all Si Tea cups.  We were so excited.  It was a true redneck Christmas.  Jerod wore his mullet and dad wore his wig.  They were in rare form.  The girls also had there camo on! 

Jerod and I sang at our candlelight Christmas Eve service.  We were so honored to be asked, and thoroughly enjoyed being apart of that night of worship.  Although Ash, Greg and girls weren't there, my 88 year old granny ventured out in the cold to be there. 

Christmas Day was beautiful.  We had presents, a lovely lunch, and a special visit from my best friend.  In the South, we always dream of a white Christmas, and this time it happened.  In Illinois life would have continued on as usual, but in Arkansas the world stops.  We are just not equipped for that.  It was gorgeous, until I slipped on the ice.  It is Christmas tradition to go to the movie, but we weren't going to venture out in the snow.  So... we went the next day.  We went to see Les Mis, and it was phenomenal.  it is a true depiction of mercy, grace and redemption.  I had never seen it, but on the way down to Arkansas Jerod played the old Cd's for me so that I could understand what was going on.  It really did help explain some things, but it was more fun for me to see Jerod singing to some of the songs.  He definitely put on a performance for me.  I think he could star in the show if we had it here.  It was hard to leave, but we were excited to come back for Baird Christmas.  That will be the next post.....

Lexi and Beaux had a great time this Christmas.... Ain't that right Momma??? hahahah