Holiday TIme

Our Christmas Village, courtesy of Nana
Making a Gingerbread house

Family Photo

Merry Christmas!

We have done quite a few fun holiday things. Picking out our tree at Home Depot, putting on decorations, hanging lights outside, and watching nana set up our Christmas Village were starters. Grandma came and we went to the RIchardson Christmas Village. This is our 3rd year, the boys look forward to it more every year. We drove to Allen to see Blitzen and Donner. Yes, two of Santa's reindeer are visiting. We attempted to see Santa, but the line was long, and outside where it was unexpectedly cold and windy. Our boys are yet to sit on a Santa's lap.....hope they won't need psychological counseling for this in the future (ha ha). The big boys have 2 "Advent" or countdown calendars that they LOVE to open each morning. One just has little candies. The other one has a small nativity and a few little mice ornaments that they hang on their small tree in their room. It is so fun to see the excitement for the holiday.

The big boys also had the chance to sing at a nearby nursing home with their preschool class. L and C and I got to see a dress rehearsal...priceless! We've even wrapped up a "doll" (okay it is a stuffed animal puppy-no dolls around here) and put it under our tree. As the big boys say, "this is to remind us that Christmas is about Jesus and he is the best gift of all" They are so excited about Christmas and presents they can't see straight! Merry Christmas to all!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

TWO!!!!

Big Brothers!
enjoying my cookie cake (doesn't really look like it but I am)

blow out the candle with mommy

I'm a litle behind...so Mr. C celebrated the big 2 last week. We had a small get together of a few neigborhood friends with an Elmo theme. He enjoyed all the attention, don't think he gets birthday's yet, but I'm sure he will by next year. I tried to keep my sanity so instead of making the whole cake I bought cookie "cakes" and decorated them. Much easier and really it is the decorating part I enjoy. So Elmo cookie cake and one with Happy Birthday, Carson with apple pie or peppermint ice cream, oh and pizza were the menu for the evening. We had 3 families with 10 kids including 2 infants, and truly the adults had a great time hanging out and catching up with very few interuptions! The kids played so well!

We didn't do gifts at the party, we suggested each family give to Watermark's Stuff the Truck (toy donation to Dallas families in need) instead (he still doesn't know the difference and has more toys than he needs at this point). We did celebrate on Nov 30, his actual birthday as a family and he got Elmo Live from all of us. He loves, as do his brothers!!! He also got this really cute Crayola thing, part of their toddler coloring system. You can color all over this bear looking thing and it washes off. it's plastic belly lights up like a night light and it plays soft soothing music. Lots of fun!

So we are officially 2, and as I posted earlier, showing his 2ness

on occasion! He went for his 2 year check up and shots. He is 30 lbs in the 75th percentile and 36 inches in the 98th percentile for height. As the Dr. said, he is dense, we would agree. He is cutie and redeems his 2ness with a sweet "i'm sorry", pats on the back and hugs for whomever he offends. His dimples and his floppy hair also add to his cuteness.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pilgrim?
A feast!!!

We have sooooo much to be thankful for. If you ask the big boys they say football, and baby. We are grateful for baby L and for college football. We are also thankful for grandma and Nana, for all of there help in the last 5 weeks. We give thanks for good health, for shelter, for provision of food and jobs, for friends, for family and most of all for Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross and in the resurrection.