Christmas Day 2008

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful, magical day! Christmas with an almost-4-year-old and 15-month-old is a special, sweet time. We were blessed with a happy, peaceful day at home. Scott, Nancy, and David stopped by for brunch and more presents! We’re all feeling rather spoiled! Thanks for all of the great gifts, everyone!

Opening presents with Daddy (note the matching jammies from Aunt Amy -- too cute!)

Our kids must have been very good, because Santa sure did right by them. He brought Brooke the four things on her list: a bike, a tennis racket, and Jack and Alfie (two Thomas the Tank Engine characters). Bridger got a 4-wheeler riding toy, a T-ball set, and the classic Fisher Price garage from when we were kids. He knew just what to do with them all, too!

Santa came!

So who remembers this classic toy? An oldie but goodie!


Bridger tries on Brad's new hat.

Here's a video of "the Best Present of All!!!" (so-called by Brooke... score for Uncle David)!


The only time we left the house was for a swinging and bike-riding break!
Our tough little guy (Note the warm weather! No white Christmas in Atlanta!)


Livestrong, Brooke Armstrong!

One of the sweetest times of the day for me was our Christmas dinner tonight, just the 4 of us. We even used the fancy crystal. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and enjoyed the cake we had decorated for Him. I had asked Brooke what kind of cake she thought was Jesus’ favorite. I was going for chocolate or vanilla or strawberry or something like that… but I’d forgotten that a child doesn’t think in flavors (e.g., her favorite ice cream is “pink” ice cream – not “strawberry”). Her sweet 3-year-old mind went to the best cake ever for Jesus – a Thomas cake! So, a Thomas cake it was!

We had lots of fun decorating it yesterday and it was a good way to teach her that even in all the hustle and bustle of the season, Jesus is worth taking the time to make a birthday cake. (Okay, so we didn't get all of our wreaths hung this year, but Jesus had a cake!) I think I see another tradition forming... I wonder what Jesus’ favorite cake will be next year?
"Peep, peep, Jesus!"

Yesterday she asked me, “How will we get the cake to Jesus?” I explained that Jesus lives inside of us in our hearts, and when we eat the cake, he gets some, too. It worked for her! She told us tonight that Jesus was getting the cake inside of her. As we ate the cake, Brooke was in a very sweet, contemplative mood and was asking us lots of questions about God and Jesus. It was a precious time. I am honored to be married to a man with such wise, gentle answers to her sweet questions.

I feel so very blessed; the material goods are only the smallest beginning of all we've been given. God has done a great work in me and our family.

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Fabulous Fall

Even though we're all in the swing of the Christmas season, technically it is still fall until December 21, so I'm right on schedule for a much-needed Fall post! Our trip to Boyd's orchard in Kentucky was very fun! After all, what's better than wagon riding with cousin Elizabeth and playing in hundreds of pumpkins?



Thanks to our neighbor's oak tree, we were blessed with lots of very pretty leaves! Brooke was a good raker and pine cone gatherer, but her true talents shown in leaf compaction and wagon riding! Bridger enjoyed toddling around and sporting his Kentucky pride. I try to get the kids outside as much as I can when the weather cooperates. The most-requested activity is swinging "super high in the sky" and "super high for a baby!" All swing-pushers are extra-welcome to come visit! Thanksgiving was lots of fun. Brooke and Grandmother had made hats together for the occasion and everyone was a good sport. The food was very yummy and we were very thankful! And finally, check out Bridger's new favorite game! He'll go into the bathroom and turn the sink on himself.

Yes, he was fine from the little tumble at the end. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the part where he leans over the edge of the counter -- feet dangling -- and sticks his face in the water, then looks up at himself in the mirror and laughs and laughs... and then repeats it all over again! I have to remember to close the door unless I'm up for changing a wriggly, soaking toddler who didn't want to stop his fun!