Merry Christmas from the Shaffers!

I sat in church Sunday morning, listening to Ryan practice with the worship team and wondered...when did this become my life? (I know when...but you know what I mean.) I remember last Christmas. I remember wondering if "my turn would ever come." And I am blown away beyond all measure that this Christmas I write to you as a wife. That my Christmas greetings come to you from our home.

As you celebrate today - in whatever manner you do - please know that Ryan and I wish you a day of joy and a special awareness of Jesus' presence!

And I thought you might like an additional peek into a Shaffer kind of Christmas:

We received several ornaments this year to start our journey through life as told through Christmas ornaments. Love this one...looking forward to filling it with a picture from this day:

 And many other fun ones as well....like this one with our names on it.

 We never pass up the opportunity to use this guy...and can I just tell you how excited I am to have this in my home??

 Love seeing this name on a stocking over the fireplace. Even more...love the stash of gifts waiting to fill it. I've waited so many years to do this!

 And of course, we can't forget one of the original residents of this establishment. (Who, by the way, was recently renamed "The Hairy One" by Ryan. And who, by the way, has been keeping us up at night for hours at a time just crying. We think she's entered a jealous phase and it is wearing. us. out.)

 What a delight to wrap this stash of gifts for my sweetheart!

 And place them under our little tree decked out in our wedding colors...

 And Chuck. Dear, dear Chuck....our first live tree. We love him.

 All the gifts for our family - waiting to be shared.

 And little hints of Christmas here, there, and everywhere!

Merry Christmas to you...from Ryan and Bekah!