The Mustard Seed Family: Twelve Days of Christmas- Day 6, 7, & 8: A Christmas Collage

Okay.. I apologize for slacking on my blog series. I have been unbelievably busy the past few days.

Honestly, I feel a little guilty for actually sitting down with my laptop to write a blog post.

Since I missed a few days, I'm just going to do a little "Christmas Collage" to catch up and actually finish on Christmas Eve now.

Day Six: Christmas Card

So I love sending Christmas cards. And I LOVE receiving Christmas cards in the mail. To look over and see my Christmas tree full of Christmas cards sent to me from my next door neighbor, an old friend in Tennessee, a beloved family member, or even a bloggy friend in Maryland just makes my heart happy.

(Rabbit trail: I don't think that we send actual mail, snail mail- you know the stamped kind, enough anymore. It's such a sweet surprise to see a note in the mail from a friend and not just a bill or sale paper. I'm going to try to send more mail this year.)

I usually plan the Christmas card in advance, but this year, I still have some to mail out. Maybe they'll reach the recipient by New Year.

It's not fancy, but these were the pictures on our Christmas Greeting.

Getting a decent looking picture of all of us was a total nightmare. I had several family photo sessions and finally got the pictures by editing, editing, and more editing.

Day 7: Candlelight Worship Service

If you remember my post on traditions, you'll know what this is about.

Every year, the last Sunday night before Christmas, our church hosts a Candlelight Worship Service. We worship outside, no matter how cold, with our candles; and we usually have some some special "treat". We've had a snow machine in the past and the last couple of years, we've had fireworks. We have gone for the past four Christmases.

Well this Christmas was no exception. It wasn't too cold so I decided to keep the kids with us.

These pictures were taken with my hubby's iPhone. I have a really nice camera that never has a memory card in it :-(

Regardless, the night was special as we had two testimonies given. One from a lady I am so honored to call "friend". I recorded it, but it won't fit on Vimeo.

Day 8: "Joseph's Lullaby"

I ~~sing~~ make a joyful noise in our church's choir. I have enjoyed being in the choir so much. I love all the members. My church is a family, but the choir is my immediate family. My husband as well as my mother in law, father in law, two of my brother in laws, and one of my sister in laws also sing in the choir. It's a family affair ;-)

Did you know that my hubby is also a terrific singer? He actually had a solo in our Christmas musical this year. I've got that recorded as well, but it's also too large for Vimeo. I'd love to share it if I could.

Anyway, this year, one of the songs in our Christmas musical was "Joseph's Lullaby". It was a beautiful song sang by the tenors and basses in four part harmony. It really sets in the reality of our Savior coming as a human baby and from His earthly parents' perspective. I can't hardly listen to it without crying. I actually had to pull over the first time I listened to it.

Go to sleep my son

This manger for Your bed

You have a long road before You

Rest Your little head.

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?

Do You understand the price?

Or does the Father guard Your heart for now

so You can sleep tonight.

Go to sleep my son.

Go and chase Your dreams.

This world can wait for one more moment.

Go and sleep in peace.