Wow! Christmas has come and gone...I can hardly believe it. We had a banner year at the Hertel household. There were so many cool gifts that we received. Laine and Lilli got gift cards for The Children's Place so we went there today and redeemed them. Here is a picture of them in their new jeans and shirts. Thank you Uncle Christopher! and Amanda, Jason and Aidan got each of the kids their very own duffle bag so that when they travel they will have their very own bag to put clothes into. All the kids, sans Lindy, got new winter coats from Grandpa Dan and they look adorable. Grandmas Heidi, Barb and Miss Dianna ensured that the girls will be well dressed into the next year. Dana bought the girls beautiful sweaters. I am so blessed with people who have excellent taste in clothing.

Which brings me to one of my favorite gifts from my sister...my new black velour jogging/lounging outfit. It is not only way comfortable but surprisingly flattering. It has the letters BCBG on the hoodie, and several people asked me what it stood for. Well, I have the answer and it is not Big Clothes for Big Girls as guessed by Laine. BCBG - Bon Chic Bon Genre - which is french for Good Style Good Attitude.
Then there is my new sewing machine - yay!!!!!!!! from my mom and dad. Matt got lots of t-shirts which means that we can throw all the old gross ones away - yay!!!!!!!


I also have to mention the matchbox semi-trucks and the train set that Matheson got. He is 200% male - anything to do with cars, trucks, motors, big objects that make loud noises and he is all over it.

So, now comes the cleaning and putting away and rearranging of toy closets and bins so that everything will fit. And, I'll get done just in time for birthdays - aughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Which makes me think that maybe we'll postpone the kids birthday party until the summer. But, I don't want to take away from Lindy's first birthday events. Hmmmm...What do you think? You can leave a post with your thoughts or suggestions.

The last thing I would like to say tonight is Thanks and Praise be to Jesus, who is after all the reason for all the gifts, the food, the time with family and the memories. I hate it that He is so often lost and all but forgotten as we come together to celebrate HIS birthday. Santa brings us presents every year, but none of them compare to the gift that God has given us through His Son. Truly, nothing on our wish list can compare to the promise that we have when we follow Christ. I am especially greatful for the lessons that I learned this year in patience, faith and joy in all things. And as always I am thankful for my beautiful family. My wish is that all of you will be filled with the same peace. Merry Christmas.