What a BIG Christmas!

I think this was my most favorite Christmas yet. Each celebration/get-together was so nice, so laid back, and so enjoyable. The kids were so excited this year and everything couldn't have gone any better. It was such a treat. We brought home bunches of presents some of which I have already put up so the kids don't play with everything at one time. I know those "hidden" presents will come in handy when those cold, long winter days are upon us.
It really was a treat spending Christmas day with so many of my family members that I don't ever get to see. Everyone couldn't believe how much Will had grown and Abby was so cute and friendly. I appreciate every one's sacrifice and willingness to make that happen.
We are home now....fatter and happier than we left. I am a little sad Christmas is over but the show must go on. Brian goes back to work tomorrow and I've got 38 NEW batman to talk this week. Yes, you read it right. 38 batman that Brian ordered off of e-bay as one of Will's Christmas presents. If I thought talking to 10 batman each day was tiresome, now I've got 10 + 38 more....so...I better go rest up.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Words can't describe how special December 25th is to me, my family, my friends, our nation, and to our salvation. One of the most significant days in our history. A king, like no other, was born in a barn amidst animals, hay, and filth.....such humble beginnings for such royalty. I am so grateful to be His daughter and I hope and pray that Will and Abby will CHOSE to one day be a part of his royal family as well.
Tomorrow we are headed to Brian's hometown for our first celebration of Jesus' birthday and then off to my family's home on Christmas day. I can't wait for the festivities to begin. The kids (espically Will) are so excited about all the fun that comes along with Christmas. The presents and suspense make it so much fun.
Tonight, we made Jesus his birthday cake...part of our family ritual..and Will would have nothing else but to make Jesus a Dr. Doom cake. What a contradiction huh?!!! However, Will wanted it and Daddy delivered. I am so impressed with Brian's cake decorating skills. Looks like no more bakery cakes for this family. Brian has found a new calling.
Merry Christmas to all of you and may He, the reason for the season, be at the center of your heart and home this holiday.

Snowy December

Well, it looks like we are snowed in today. No complaints here though....there is something so fun and cozy about being snowed in with your kids. However, I am sure there are many other people in the world that don't share the same opinion. I can't imagine not having a warm home to take shelter in. "Bad" weather always makes me so thankful for all of my earthly comforts.

So, it looks like we will spend the day playing lots of ironman, batman and hopefully building a snowman. The kids both have snowsuits and boots so might as well put them to good use.

Not much else to report. We attended the annual Christmas party down the street on Saturday and had a fun time. It was so nice to get out. A big thank you to Big Jule for staying the night and watching the kiddos. All in all, it was a great weekend. We are all looking forward to the upcoming holiday. Brian is taking a little time off and we will be going home to ***** on Christmas Day for the first time in 7 years. I can't wait for so many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins to meet Abby and see Will again. However, it is never an easy decision deciding which family gets which holiday but hopefully a rotation will make that decision a little easier in the future...because you at least know what's coming.

Well, the kids are already in full costume so time to go play a little bad ironman (Sissy) and good ironman (Will).

My little girl is 2!

It is so hard to believe that my little girl is now 2 years old. I can still remember nearly every single detail of her birth. From the first contraction at 11:00 to holding her in my arms 2 hours later. A two hour whirl wind.
We are so blessed to have our "pretty gurl". She has changed so much over the past few months and it is so nice seeing everyone falling in love with her. She has become so friendly and can just light up a room with that smile. She is talking more and more and says the cutest things.
Her birthday party was on Saturday but unfortunately a big snow storm and hazardous road conditions kept Ney, Lee, Hugh, Ethan, and Eli from coming. Needless to say, we had lots of food and still managed to have lots of fun. Abby had a big time and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Will is already ready for his birthday and asked me the other day to take the Christmas tree down so it can be his birthday. However, he did walk away with a couple presents at Sissy's party (thank you Maw-Maw and D-D) so he didn't have it too bad.

Happy Birthday Abby!

God make the world with it's towering trees

Majestic mountains and restless seas,

Then paused and said, "It needs one more thing--

Someone to laugh and dance and sing

To walk in the woods and gather flowers,

To commune with nature in quiet hours."

So God created little girls

With laughing eyes and bouncing curls

With joyful hearts and feminine wiles.

And when he'd completed the task he'd begun

He was pleased and proud of the job he'd done.

For the world, when seen through a little girl's eyes

Greatly resembles Paradise.

I love you so much little girl! Happy Birthday