I absolutely love this time of the year--even though it is the busiest part!  I love the family time together, the reason for the season, and the warm glow of the lights that start to show up soon.  I love having hot chocolate in the glow of the Christmas tree while Christmas Carols fill the room with their familiar words.  I love the smell of goodies baking in the oven, of holiday scented candles, and cinnamon scented pine cones.  I love the glow of anticipation in the childrens eyes as they (not) so patiently await a visit from jolly old St. Nicholas.  I like to watch them pour through toy catalogs as they make their lists of wants. 

I don't particularly "like" shopping in the crowded stores, but I do enjoy the feeling of satisfaction when I find the perfect gift for someone on my list!   I love giving gifts.  It is almost an art.  Sometimes I bomb though--and buy something either too old or too young for the person.  I miss shopping for the freshly cut trees we used to buy--but do enjoy the fake tree because we can leave it up and enjoy it so much longer.  It's always fun to pick out the "best side" of the artificial tree!  We'll be assembling the tree on Friday, and I hope to share some photos of little Birds and possibly little Staleys as they may be here to help grandma and grandpa with their tree!

In the meantime, I have a couple of layouts to share.  One is of the three little birds last month, and the other is from when Micah was just a little guy in 2004.  The layout of Micah is a "classic" baby layout.  I hope you enjoy it!

Look at that sweet little face!  Poor Micah!!