It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

This weekend was filled with Christmas cheer and I loved it!

Thursday night we were blessed with an amazing Christmas concert at Northwood with Shane and Shane, Phil Wickham and Bethany Dillion. I didn't know many of Bethany's songs before the concert but she did an amazing job, and she was super funny. Hands down favorite part of the show was Phil. I have seen him once before at my favorite place Common Grounds but it was before I had heard any of his songs. I was thinking it was going to be all Christmas songs, but I was mistaking and so happy that I was. I have been listening to Phil's new cd like non stop for 2 weeks and absolutely love it. I love the song Eden and especially Cielo which he sang. Here are some lyrics:
"'I'm reaching for the One who brought me out of death and into life
But I can't lift my hands high enough
Life my hands high enough
When I'm reaching for You my God
I can't lift my hands high enough
Life my hands high enough
When I'm reaching for You my God"

Friday after studying all day at an awesome coffeehouse called Roots, Kyle had come up with an awesome date for us so we made cookies. And lots of them! We made sugar cookie cut outs of angels, trees, stars, lights, snowmen, etc. We also made gingerbread men and angels, and the pretzel turtles (with rolos and pecans) And we also made Yum Bars (as named Aarika) they are absolutely delicious. Saltine crackers, carmel (homemade! that's right) and chocolate, sprinkled with pecans. We had an audience of Nick's friends for this one, and they were absolutely amazed at the process. I love baking and how it can bring people together. We have lots of these cookies to give out, we still have to package them up though. I'm so lucky that I have an awesome boyfriend who encourages my baking and bakes with me, he's amazing for so many reasons I'm so blessed.

Saturday after studying all day again at Roots (this time Kyle came along and helped and just hung out while I studied which helped), and going on a trip to the crazy mall looking for a gift that we still haven't found, we went to Kyle's staff Christmas party. This was a first for me, I was supposed to go with him last year but we had a slight scheduling problem haha. We had an awesome time, got to hang out with friends, eat some delicious food, and be entertained by the cutest little boy ever. I love how Christmas brings people together and gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation for others.

As for the next few days, I will be studying my life away pretty much. I have two finals tomorrow and one on Tuesday. I am so ready to be done!