December 2016

December was once again a busy, but blessed time of year for the Hurts.

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For the second year in a row, we hosted a cookie baking day and invited our friends and neighbors. I think this is a tradition that needs to continue.

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This year we made a castle instead of a house.

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The kids participated in a couple of Christmas plays. Lucy had her first speaking part as the angel who announces the birth of Christ and Jack was a narrator. In the children’s choir program, Jack was the fiddle player and did a great job overcoming his fears and actually enjoying it.

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Jack also participated in a piano recital. He played “Rudolph” and “Oh Christmas Tree.” This kid played so well and only missed one single note. I love watching him get better and better.

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This was our new Christmas music this year.

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Lucy made me a birthday card with a jewel encrusted 33 for my birthday.

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And Doug insisted on hibachi and brownies for his 34th.

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Christmas eve brought the long awaited culmination of months of rehearsals for Doug and the worship team. I am biased of course, but everyone did such a good job. Christmas day was just the four of us at home. It was relaxing, exciting, and honestly a little sad because we were missing our loved ones.

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Lucy decided the presents needed to be stacked in towers.

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This summed up the day: new pajamas, Christmas movies, and new treasures. Doug was really happy I bought the kids recorders.

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Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy!

Christmas in TX-2015

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Our Christmas began at home before we headed for Texas.

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The kids had a drive-in movie party at church. We helped them decorate their “cars.”

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Our homeschool group also had a party and the kids recreated the nativity story. I love the hockey stick shepherd staffs.

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Doug, Allison, and I spent a whole day baking cookies and visiting with friends. At the end of the day, she was still smiling at my kids. She’s a keeper.

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Doug and the entire worship/tech crews presented three wonderful Christmas Eve services.

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1st Christmas

Immediately following the last Christmas Eve service, we left from the church and drove straight through to San Antonio.

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We stopped in Moore, OK on Christmas day for a 5AM breakfast at the Waffle House. It was magical. The kids got to open their stockings in the car because as the kids were sleeping through the night on the road, Santa flew over the mini-van and dropped their gifts through the sun roof.

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We finally made it to the motherland.

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And I had to pick this up at the gas station.

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Lucy shares my thoughts and opinions on Blue Bell.

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Cousin Time!

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Lucy and Maya slept under the kitchen table.

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No words.

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Doug playing with his son’s new toys.

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A trip the Hurts always ends in game nights.

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Roses blooming in the winter.

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More cousin time!

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My nephew is my reward for setting up his parents.

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My parents with 3/4 of their grandkids.

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George stole the show, of course.

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???

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Snow boots for Christmas. This is my life now. Also, Doug’s shirt.

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And even more cousin time!

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Doug and I took an early anniversary date and went touristy with a stroll around the River Walk and a visit to the Alamo.

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Jackpot!

Doug traveled back to SD without us to return to work. My parents drove us back a week later. The kids were spoiled with many activities in that week.

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At the DoSeum. I highly recommend this place for families in SA.

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Super Lucy

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I want this reading nook

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floating foam boats

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Jack reenacting my job as a drive-thru bank teller.

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really cool treehouse

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Fun at the trampoline park.

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Swimming in January? Why not?

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And a trip to the creek house in Tarpley, TX.

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Texas sure is pretty in January.

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We ended our trip celebrating my mom’s birthday.

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I really miss my family so much. Thank you to both families for hosting us and spoiling us!

A Yuletide Apology

Dear Lucy,

I can tell you have an eye for detail and a penchant for frilly that was not passed down from me. I am sorry I am not the best example when it comes to decking the halls. Do you remember last year? I hope not. But since I have decided to accurately document your childhood, here is your stocking from 2012.

Second Christmas

I did a little bit better this year and bought four new stockings. But it wasn’t because I packed candles with my decor from last year and couldn’t chisel the old stockings out of the wax blob. I know better than that.

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And just for fun, I created a meme. You’re too young to be embarrassed by me, right?

Lori Christmas Meme

Love,

Mom