It's the MOST Wonderful time of the Year

Christmas fun is in full swing around here! We are having a blast celebrating with all of our friends and looking forward to family celebrations as well. We are taking time to remember what this season is really about, the advent study I am doing has been such a sweet reminder of Jesus's birth, but also a reminder that he is coming back again. He is the only one who can truly provide us with hope and peace. I pray that this season I grow closer to him and that all that I do reflects my relationship with him. I pray that this Christmas season we find true Joy in Jesus & him alone! 

I mean I couldn't not share :) 

This is not really Christmas related, but I had to document our first trip to Magnolia and our last home game this season! SIC EM BEARS! 

We celebrated with our community group with tacky sweaters and white elephant! 

Our town is known as the Christmas Capitol of Texas & we kicked off the season with a Parade of Lights (or people) down main street 

We had our 2nd annual GCYL Mr. Christmas Tree 

We celebrated with our favorite Juniors with hot chocolate and smores 

My sweet friend Bethany hosted our first annual ornament exchange for some of my favorite girls! Seriously thankful for each and everyone of these girls and their friendship

We went on our 5th annual best friend Christmas date with the Jeffrey's.. when we got married we decided it would be more fun to go do something instead of get gifts and it has stuck and it is one of my favorite traditions

Then we got to celebrate with our GCYL family! This Christmas party is always such a sweet time.  I look forward to it every year! 

Wow! What an incredible first half of DECEMBER! It sounds a bit exhausting, but I honestly wouldn't trade a moment we've gotten to have this month. I am super thankful for this life God has given us! Looking forward to a more low key week before we head off to Winter Park for GCYL ski trip and then back home to celebrate Christmas with our families! 

Thankful for Christmas fun, 

MJ 

First Annual Friendsgiving

This past weekend we hosted our first annual friendsgiving. We have been blessed behind measure with the community of people we are surrounded with. We cleared our living room out and created one big long table, then spent time around the fire enjoying each others company. We fried and smoked a turkey (thanks AJ & Jeffrey) and everyone else provided sides, appetizers and dessert. It was night filled with food, laughter, and great company. I am so thankful for our home and for the relationships we have with these friends.

Thankful for November, 

MJ 

GCYL Crawfish Boil 2015

This was Jeffrey and I's 4th crawfish boil with GCYL and I do not know how it is possible, but it keeps getting better. Crawfish boil is extra special to us because it was our first ever YL thing to go to. We have been hooked every since and I look forward to attending theses for many years to come!

Thankful for GCYL & Crawfish,

MJ

April Showers

April flew by, but we got to spend some sweet time celebrating two special people. My sisters roommate/bestie from college aka my second little sister is getting married in May and we had a bridal shower to celebrate her.

Krista my bestie is having baby #2 in June and we surprised her with a little sprinkle to celebrate Jack & Krista! I cannot wait to be a part of all these sweet times.

And just for fun we registered Annie and Ruthie (yes she has a name and yes it is adorable! Sweet Britt came with us on the same day as her bridal shower ( I told you she was a bestie)

Thankful for sweet celebrations,

MJ

Scarf Exchange Take 2

Some girls and I from my community group decided to start a tradition last year to kick off fall with a scarf exchange. This was NOT our idea at all in fact I got it from a blog I follow (mix and match mama..if you do not follow you should) Needless to say it was a blast last year so we carried on the tradition. It is a fun way to get us all together and get a new scarf out of the deal. I hosted it at my house this year and loved getting to put all the details together. Looking forward to many more! 

Thankful for Fall, 

MJ