Christmas 2010

This Christmas was possibly the best Christmas I've ever had. Everything didn't go right; I got way too stressed out trying to "get it all done" before the festivities began; I missed my family Christmas party because it was on a Sunday, and we couldn't make it after church; there are still broken family relationships that we mourn, especially around the holidays. But despite all of that, this Christmas was the best.
We decided this year that we would complete all of our Christmas festivities before Christmas day, so that Christmas day would be just ours. We would have no plans, nowhere to be, nothing to do. And that is just what we did!
Christmas Eve we had a small gathering with our family (yes, Chrissy, that includes you!). We had yummy food, presents, and afterward some of us went to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was great, a very special time for me. Afterwards, we had dinner with some great friends, and that time was very special to me as well.
On to Christmas day! We had stayed out late Christmas Eve, so we all slept in Christmas Day. When we finally got up, Brian made breakfast and we all ate. Then we went and read our bible as a family for a little bit, then we opened presents. We stayed in our pajamas ALL day, ate leftovers and easy stuff, and just did nothing. If we celebrated a Sabbath day, I imagine it would be much like our Christmas day.
As we grow in Christ, I believe the way we celebrate his birth will grow as well. This year was better than last, and I pray that our lives would glorify God more and more, and that he would use us for His purpose. Praying that 2011 brings much growth in our lives, and all glory to God, for only He is worthy!

Beautiful gift

A few weeks ago, I received a very special gift. After I had the miscarriage, a lady I used to work with found out about it, and shared it with the ladies she goes to church with. At Eagle Heights Fellowship, they have a prayer quilt ministry, and they kindly made me a quilt to remember the baby. There were so many emotions attached to receiving this gift, I regret not documenting it all sooner. For one, I am just in awe of how God works through his children, using them to bring peace, love and kindness to ones who are in need. These ladies, who don't even know me, took time to pray for me, and sew a quilt for me. In the quilt there are pieces of yarn tied in knots. Each knot represents a special prayer said just for me. When I first got the blanket, it just reminded me of how we are united by Christ. Believers all over the world, although we may not know one another, are all brothers and sisters. This is a picture of that, believers serving a sister in need. The blanket is beautiful, and you can see all the love put into every stitch. I am very grateful for the ladies, and pray that God continues to bless their ministry. I will forever treasure this gift they have given me. To God be the glory!

2 years old already?!

My baby boy just turned 2! The time seems to have flown by, it seems like just yesterday he was my teeny tiny baby. I'm a little late on documenting this, along with other things, but I'm trying to catch up!
Here are some things he enjoys, and things he has learned:
He is a very smart little boy, and he likes to learn. When I do school work with sister, he always wants to sit and color or do flash cards. He knows most of his colors, and is getting better at pronouncing them.
Naked, Thank you, and napkin all sound like the same exact word.
He is VERY into trucks and trains, and he likes to lay on the floor and play with them.
He loves for me to sing "Rock a bye baby" to him, and rock him back and forth on my lap. He will come up to me and say "Rock a baby, Mama" It is the cutest thing.
His favorite song to sing is "Jesus loves me". He calls it "Jesus lala bable", or something that sounds about like that. ;)
Nearly everyday, he will go get my phone, bring it to me and say "Dada", wanting to call and talk to his Dad at work.
He calls Kaylee "Lelee", and Mia "Meme"
He has a shoe fetish. He will get stuck on one pair of shoes, and want to wear it all day...even to bed.
He has gotten very used to going to eat lunch with Dad, so when we leave during the day he says "Dada's work, lunch?". If we don't leave, he will sometimes ask to go eat lunch with him.
He loves the camera, and is very photogenic.
There are so many more, but in an effort to get everything done, I'm gonna stop there.

On Saturday, the 11th, we celebrated his birthday with a party that included family and close friends. There were lots of kids, and I think they really enjoyed playing. Caden, a little boy we go to church with, asked Bubba, "Can I come back to your house and play sometime?". I'm not sure if Bubba really knew what he was asking, but he said "yes" and Caden was SO excited. I thought it was very cute. He got to pick his own cake, and he picked Thomas the Train. We ate, opened presents, and talked as the kids played. He got a few outfits, a buzz lightyear costume, 2 pair of shoes, some pajamas, a tricycle, and a lot of toys.
I'm very thankful for everyone who came to celebrate with us. We are very blessed with such an awesome circle of close friends.
*Lord, thank you for blessing me with a wonderful son 2 years ago. He has brightened my days, and watching him grow has been such an honor and joy. I pray that he grows into a man who fears and loves the Lord above all else, and that we are diligent to teach him your ways. Save him, Lord, that he may walk in your ways and bring glory to your name all the days of his life. Amen*