ThanksChristmas & Advent

We had a fabulous trip home over the Thanksgiving holiday.  For us it's always a week long as we use the opportunity to visit family in Michigan and experience two holidays for the price of one.  As you can probably imagine Christmas time is hard for a music pastor to get away from church, so our tradition for many years now is to celebrate Christmas with our families over Thanksgiving.  We've taken to calling it, "ThanksChristmas."  Here are some highlights from the trip this past month.

Our first stop this year, Sturgis Michigan to see my family...

Tate hanging out with Grandma and "Aunt Ronna" (Rhonda)  

He still can quote the Polar Express Santa that is above him on the couch...

We got to see my best friend since 2nd grade in Muskegon while we were visiting Dan's family in Grand Haven.  She and her hubby live in Traverse City, 

but were in town for the holiday.  

Tears were shed, it's been WAY too long.

We got to tromp through a beautiful Christmas tree farm 

with Dan's brother's family in search

of the perfect tree for their home....what fun!

The Leverences!

This year is going to be so special as a family.  

We've decided to celebrate Christmas by

celebrating the season of Advent with Tate.  He doesn't understand it all yet, but lighting the candle with him today was simply precious.  He says, "what does that mean, mama?"  We answered, "this is the candle of Hope Tate, Baby Jesus brought hope to our world."  His answer, "of course!"

Dan and I enjoyed driving all over town to find the pieces to create our own wreath. 

We hope to use this every year to help Tate understand the truths of Christmas.

Stay tuned for images of our new "Jesse Tree" with explanation. Having a child has brought us unforeseen joys this year as we brainstormed ways to help him understand what Christmas is really about.  We feel the burden more than ever to take the focus off of material things, and on the most precious Gift of all.