A Stocking for Allie...

There's a new baby in our home this year and as previously stated HERE a stocking arrived just in time to hang next to her sister's. This was Allie's first Christmas present lovingly handmade by my sweet Great Aunt Jean (Allie's Great Great Aunt Jean).

Tea at the Biltmore Hotel

My mother-in-law, Missy, gave us Mehringer girls one of our Christmas presents early by taking us to tea at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. There really aren't grand enough words to describe the beauty, history and elaborate style of this place. It is 85 years old and has housed and entertained many actors, actresses, dignitaries and presidents. Some of the pictures of people we saw as we strolled through hallways were Shirley Temple, Walt Disney, Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and so many others. I felt so special to be in this hotel and experience it's beauty.

In front of the biggest living tree I think I've ever seen!

We were privileged to get a glimpse of the Crystal Ballroom
while they were cleaning the carpets.

The room the tea was held in.

I wish I had taken a picture of the menu. Everything listed was gourmet, exotic and just a little different from any other tea I've been too. We enjoyed every bite and even though the sandwiches, scones and desserts look small we found ourselves quite satisfied when we were finished. 

Something I enjoyed and am glad Missy planned were the Christmas questions we went around the table and answered individually. It was a special time to reminisce about Christmases past, to talk through family traditions we enjoy, or favorite parts of the Christmas season. 

Mostly though I was thankful for the time to be together as women, to talk, laugh and share with each other. Even though we are family, we are busy and we don't always get to just enjoy one another as girls. Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas gift, Missy! We loved our afternoon tea with you!

Her Hat

Just because she was too cute not too, I put her Christmas hat on and took some pictures. I LOVE having a girl! She is so much fun to dress up and sometimes I find that I live vicariously through her outfits... It's probably not a good thing but I've learned that Matt loves his girl and there are times where I can bend the rules just a bit because it's for HER and not me! This hat is one such time. I won't tell you the price but I will tell you I found it at Janie and Jack and they had just come in...ie... not on sale. That's not like me. I really love a good bargain and especially when it's marked down to the lowest of lows and a "final sale." When I'm shopping for me, I just can't bring myself to pay full price. I know it will go on the sale rack eventually and I'll be glad I waited. I'm finding though that when it comes to my baby and it's just too cute to pass up, I don't want to wait for that sale like I should. Hence the hat! So...Merry Christmas, Reesie Roo! Too bad your head won't stay this little forever but hopefully there will be little sisters to follow you who can wear it too.

Through the eyes

I am really enjoying Christmas this year as I experience it through Reese's eyes. The littlest things bring so much excitement and joy. Matt or I will point to the tree and say "Christmas Tree" or "Pretty" and she will laugh out loud. :) It's so fun to watch her touch the branches, pull her hand back and then really think about what she's feeling. She is timid and shy but curious at the same time. 

This year unlike any other I've really enjoyed thinking about Christmas through the eyes of Mary, Jesus' mother and wondered what it must have been like to be the mommy to our Savior. Life is precious. Each child is an amazing miracle formed and created by God. And yet, Mary carried and nurtured Christ the King! Not just any baby and not just a normal human being but God incarnate and at the same time fully human. I'm praying this Christmas that my heart will truly worship and exalt Jesus as the reason we celebrate this time of year. More then gifts or material things, I find my heart latching on to things such as experiences, family time, health, my check list crossed off or finding that one amazing deal at the store. I don't want my Christmas to be focused on those things. In the end...that is the dross and stubble that will be consumed by fire because that's not what matters most. God's Word and the souls of men will last forever and I'm praying that my heart will be fixed on those things. I have so far to go to make that my mindset but this Christmas it is my prayer that my eyes will be fixed on Christ and Him as the reason for this season.