Winter Snow

Christmas time. Though it feels less like the Christmas season that I've grown used to for 25 years of my life in Colorado Springs with the chill of the snow and the comforts of the familiar smells, it's still Christmas time.

The meaning is the same, even if the traditions and surroundings aren't.

{However, I get the amazing privilege of going home for 2 weeks, landing in co spgs on Christmas night!!! So grateful to my grandparents who generously offered me frequent flyer miles so I could come home to meet my niece! So thankful and excited!!!}

This year, I've been reflecting on the birth of Jesus. Trying to soak up all the symbolism of the Christmas story. Soaking up the

humble-ness of a baby in a manger.

On Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest" cd, Audrey Assad sings a song that I have had on repeat. The lyrics roll around and around in my head. So thankful for a God that sent my Savior who is humble and perfect and the definition of LOVE. The lyrics are below and at the bottom is a you tube video of the song.

“Winter Snow”

Could’ve come like a mighty storm

With all the strength of a hurricane

You could’ve come like a forest fire

With the power of Heaven in your flame

But you came like a winter snow

Quiet and soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

You could’ve swept in like a tidal wave

Or an ocean to ravish our hearts

You could have come through like a roaring flood

To wipe away the things we’ve scarred

But you came like a winter snow

You were quiet, You were soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

Oh no, Your voice wasn’t in a bush burning

No, Your voice wasn’t in a rushing wind

It was still, it was small, it was hidden

Oh, You came like a winter snow

Quiet and soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

Falling to the earth below

You came falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

May your Christmas Season be full of Him.

May you be reminded of the Love that is offered

through the humble birth of Jesus.

May you be surrounded by his Peace.

She's Here!!!!

She's here!!!
Welcome to the world

Kinsley Addison Gray!!!
Born December 10, 2010, 7:09am, 6lbs 9oz
She is SO SO SO adorable!
Zach and Jessica couldn't be happier - such a cute family!
Love this baby. Cannot wait to meet her!!!

{click on the collage to enlarge}

Dear Kinsley . . .

Dear my beautiful niece, Kinsley…

You are still hanging out in your mommy’s tummy right now, but I wanted to give you some important information right from the start.

Let me begin my introducing myself. I’m Brittany, your aunt. You can call me Auntie B (or whatever your cute little self comes up with). Just promise me you won’t listen to some of the silly suggestions your mom gives you – you can only call me Crazy Cat Lady if I truly end up living alone with more than 3 cats, okay?

I’m your aunt because your daddy is my brother. I know it’s confusing, but you’ll get the hang of it soon. Your mommy and I have been best friends since we were 13. That’s when your mommy and daddy met. But they started dating when they were both out of High School. You probably should just assume on waiting until you’re 25 to even start thinking about boys, okay?

Your mommy and daddy got married and had 2 monkeys! Well, actually, they adopted two puppies that your mommy calls monkeys. Again, I know it’s confusing. These doggies will be your brothers. Tater and Crosby. Just be happy your parents decided to name the dogs after Disney movies and hockey players and not you. ;) Have fun with them, I know they’ll have fun with you. If they try to play and bite you, you can bite them back.

Okay, so I think there are some important things I can tell you about your parents to give you the inside scoop.

Let’s start with your daddy. Your daddy is smart and handsome and funny (but don’t let him know I said that :0). He is kind and is calm. He is a peace maker, is thoughtful and has such a good heart. When you aren’t happy, he tries really hard to change the subject and make you smile and laugh and feel better. One of my favorite memories is that after we would fight when we were younger (you’ll understand what that’s all about if you have siblings later on), he would slip notes under my door to make up with me. (Of course, if you ask him, he won’t remember because he doesn’t remember anything from when we were younger, but your Auntie B remembers everything! Come to me for the stories, I’ve got some good ones on your daddy). He works hard and will be such a reliable daddy. He’s a really good athlete too. You should ask him to play hockey with you when you’re able to walk, he’ll love that. He already loves you to pieces. Oh, and he’s a total softie – don’t let him fool you.

And your mommy. Your mommy is smart and beautiful. She’s loving and passionate. She’s kind and thoughtful. She likes to make things really special. She’s creative and comes up with fun ideas. She is really fashionable too – so you’ll be one really well dressed baby. Your mommy is a really good friend. She and I have some of the best memories together. Classmates, sleepover buddies, concerts, road trips, coffee, shopping, talking, crying and laughing. Ask us for advice . . . we can tell you to make sure you thoroughly research how to drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. We can tell you to make sure if you agree to walk ½ way between your house and your best friend’s house, that you are clear on what route you are both taking. We can tell you that friendship is worth working on and fighting for and that friendship is one of the best gifts you can ever give and receive.

Oh, one more thing about your mommy. She’s clean. Take cleaning tips from her, not from your Auntie B. Also, don’t make fun of your mommy for being a Monica - - - just embrace it and be thankful for the organization she brings to your life.

Know that you are getting one of the best mommies and one of the best daddies a girl could ask for. You are so special to them already. Your mommy and daddy can’t wait to meet you.

There are a lot of people waiting to meet you. You are so blessed with not only a fantastic mommy and daddy, but awesome grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the like. Not only do you have all this family, but you have God who made you special. You are adored, little girl. Hold onto that.

I can’t wait to hold you and see your face and tell you in person how special you are. I promise I’ll do my best to get some cousins for you to play with (but at this rate, you may be 20 by the time I have kids, so don’t count on it ;).

I love you baby girl with all my heart.

Auntie B