OrangeFoodsRGood: December 2010

It was an extra-special Christmas for us this year. Past Christmases have been great, but this year, we saw it through the eyes of our baby boy, Luke. He's only 5 1/2 months old, so he won't remember much of it, but having a child has sure changed my perspective on Christmas.

I hate to admit, but lately Christmas has been about family time, and of course, gifts! Sure we go to all the Christmas events at church, and this year we even read the Christmas story before opening gifts.... but most of the time the meaning, true meaning is lost on me.

But after becoming a parent this year, I can't imagine what God felt when He sent his only Son to be sacrificied... I love my baby more deeply and strongly than I ever thought I could love anything or anyone, but i'm sure the love i have for him pales in comparison to how much God must have loved us in order to send His son to die for us... Amazing Love... Thank you God for reminding me of your Love for us all.

As far as family and presents go.. that was pretty great too.

We spent Christmas with Deric's parents on the ranch. On the way to their home, we stopped and visited Deric's brother Eric, and his family in Oklahoma. His wife Chy made an awesome dinner, and then we played Mexican train dominos. Luke also had fun playing with his 3 cousins, Kealey, Kylie and Kynlee.

This is what happens when you leave a baby boy alone with 3 girls :)

Yikes that bear is big!!!

The next morning we continued on to the ranch, but stopped by Deric's other brother's house also. We had a great spaghetti lunch, got to see some puppies, a horse named Freckles and Luke got to borrow their jumping toy! He loves it! They even let us take it home to borrow it.. but they're having a baby next summer, so we gotta return it :)

We finally made it to Deric's parents' house later that day. Deric’s family has ranch in the Texas panhandle. Real-life cowboys!
Mimi and Poppa were ready to see Luke! I am so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws.. they love their family so much and devote so much time and effort to show that love.

Luke had a special outfit for christmas... candy cane elf! Well, it didn't last long... the red and white stripes became red, white and orange.... need I say more?! But after a wardrobe change and nap, he was ready to open presents! He got some fun toys!

I also received a very precious gift from my father-in-law, Larry. Larry likes to work with wood and metals and is very talented. He's made a horse trailer, kitchen table and chairs, and even corrals for the cows... very talented! This year, he made all his daughter-in-laws pendants. Each pendant had our birthstones on it, and also the birthstone of our kids, isn't that the sweetest thing ever??!! So, I had a garnet for January, and also a ruby for Lukes b-day in July. Oh, and he also tucked $100 bill in so we could buy a chain for it :)

After Deric's brothers left, it was just us and the in-laws. Luke got their full attention! Deric decided to take us shooting. Luckily, they have their own mini Grand Canyon on their property... perfect shooting ground. We shot at an old feed bag... fun! Deric is a much better marksman than I am... but he just has more years of practice ;-)

Luke, meanwhile, also had fun taking a bath with his mimi… in the sink! It’s a lot easier to sit up and splash in the sink!

Mary, Deric's mom made us the awesomest lunch - something that I've been dying to try - Chicken Fried Steak!!! I've been purposely avoiding eating it anywhere else because Deric said she makes the best... and he wasn't lying!

***ALERT**** Following pictures may cause excessive salivating and lip-smacking!!!

Just flour some beef,