Peaced Together: Christmas part 1

I'm back!!...I know many of you think I probably gave up blogging, but as we all know it's been a busy few weeks. As busy as the Christmas season is, I am always sad to see it go. Actually, it's not over (while many have already taken down their tree and lights, ours will remain up for awhile!). This coming Sunday we celebrate Epiphany! Here is a little Church history for those of you that may wish to have a reason to extend your Christmas!!!

The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 6th). On the updated calendar — since Ephiphany is celebrated on a Sunday — these days may be more or less.

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures. In the Western church, Epiphany is traditionally celebrated as the time the three Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus. In some cultures Epiphany is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings. Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, Epiphany is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Anyway, I promised a few of you I would get back to my blog "next year", and since 2013 has arrived, I figured I better keep my promise! We pray the New Year will be a blessed one for you and your families....now let's get to the fun stuff....:)

"I'm ready to decorate mom. Where do you want me to hang these?"

One of my favorites this year....Jude by the manger. Hoping to start some neat traditions next year!

This was the first year, we were able to pick out our tree and cut it down.....over the past years, the day we would plan to get our tree, it was usually about -20 degrees outside! Needless to say, I usually wimped out and just picked one pre-cut. The weather was on our side this year!!! What a fun experience it was! It was quite the tree farm!!!

My little man....

What a priceless picture I was able to capture!

Trying to get a little someone to cooperate in his sport coat....

Fun with the lights!!!!

About two weeks before Christmas, Jude and I made trip to Lancaster to visit Nana and Pappy. A little car belonging to my brother (who is now 24) was dusted off (maybe a little more than dusted...haha). Jude had a blast with it! By the end of the weekend he had somewhat figured out how to make it go!

What a ham!!

Playing with his favorite musical toy given to him by his aunt and uncle....(let me just say one thing....there is no volume control and no on/off switch). We are sooooo glad they got it for him.....haha.

Piggy back rides.....Jude's favorite! Almost every morning he waits until I sit down at the top of the steps and carry him down! Spoiled? Not at all. :)

Hanging out with his dad......

Ready for Christmas Eve Mass......(Jude just didn't want to be held - I tried to get his attention with his favorite snowman ornament!)

Invading the sanctuary after Mass......a typical thing he loves to do after Mass!

Attempt at another family pic.....the top of Jude's head is all we got. haha.

What a little man. He loves to walk along this and then try to step down. He's getting better at taking steps....sometimes it's more of a hop down!

After Christmas Eve Mass, we visited with Father A for a little......

....they really are buddies....

Christmas Morning!!! Jude got up pretty early - he must have known St. Nicholas came!

Attempting to open a gift....

One of the gifts Santa brought him.....

Later that afternoon, we went to Aaron's parents' house for lunch and gifts with his side of the family! Here is Jude (just waking up from a nap) with his Pap-Pap! Check out Jude's shirt if you didn't see it. It says "Pucker Up"!