My boys and I LOVE to get to work in the kitchen. At just 5 and 6 years old, they have become very helpful, especially when it comes to baking. Sometimes having their "help" adds an extra half-hour to the process and most certainly extra mess. However, the memories we are making will forever be imprinted in their minds and hearts for years to come.

I used a very simple roll-out sugar cookie recipe that I found on Pinterest. Truly, they are all so very similar that it doesn't matter which one you choose. You are going to have a similar end result of a firm dough that is easy to roll out, cut out and decorate. 

This is my artistic guy who gets the most enjoyment out of decorating, while my youngest gets the most enjoyment out of eating! They are very different, but both are needed in the process!

In true little boy fashion, our cookies ended up with Batman themed sprinkles and candy toppers. When they chose these, I have to admit I hesitated for a second. I had an image of how I wanted the cookies to look and it did not involve Batman sprinkles. When I thought about it, and saw how excited they were, I knew we had to go with Batman. 

Following our cookie making evening, my husband made a bonfire with our kids and they roasted marshmallows and made smores. That is one of our favorite winter activities, no doubt about it! We wanted to make this weekend, "all Christmas, all the time" and I think we have achieved just that. 

Today, I sang in our church Christmas cantata and it was a wonderful experience. We were asked to wear Christmas colors and I knew I would need to go shopping (oh, darn...) because my wardrobe does not house red or green dressy tops or dresses. 

I decided to visit Belk, where I've had plenty of success in the past finding nice outfits. 

This entire outfit was just a bit over $50! Everything was on sale, and quite surprising to me, fit pretty well too! 

As we wrap up our Christmas-themed weekend and venture into our last couple of days of school before Christmas break, I'm trying to make an effort to create a meaningful holiday for my kids. There are moments in the day where all I want to do is take a nice long nap and have total solitude and quiet. There are moments that I have to force the smile and excitement surrounding whatever it is we are doing. This is not because it isn't enjoyable to me, but simply because I am human! I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I'm a friend. I'm a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a cousin! I get tired and sore just like the rest of the world, but it's during those times I have to take myself out of the equation and remember my "why".  I gave up all selfish things when I chose to become a mother and in return, the joy that I get to experience every single day surpasses every tired and worn down moment. 

"Thank you so much for making these cookies with us, mama. They are SO really good. I love you sooooo much!" - one of those moments from my 6 year old that changes the entire game.

As we step closely toward Christmas day, it's so important to think about what Christmas means to you. It is a celebration of Jesus Christ's birth and the gift of salvation He has given to all. Make an effort to share the greatest gift of all to everyone you come in contact with this Christmas season: your love.

God Bless You