Christmastime with Thomas

Pop and Bette spent the weekend with us two weekends ago. 

 Everyone enjoyed catching up.  Playing with toys...

 Telling funny stories..

 Lots of hugging...

 Dad helped Santa put together a few toys...

 This is Thomas saying "cheese" for a picture.

 Thomas sneaked into a gift or two..

 He is loving his train from Aunt Carolyn.

 Thomas recruited some help opening the bigger gifts.

and then construction began.

 Thomas hosted his first dinner guest.

 We were all stunned by Thomas's coordination.  He recieved a bat/ball set from his cousins and "off the bat" (no pun intended) could hit the ball across the room.

Why are our visits always so short?! Come back Bette and Pop.

So Much To Say

I have bunches and bunches to share.  So much to share that I kinda don't know where  to start.

So know that I'm working on updating our digital "scrap book" and come back later on tonight for updates.  In the meantime.... It's been raining here.  I parked my boots by the front door last night and while I was unloading the dishwasher and inhaling some coffee I looked over to this.  He loves putting on our shoes these days.  Do y'all see the absence of a baby like I do?  Why oh Why must days fade into weeks and months and years... oh yes, we are on the verge of a birthday celebration.

Also, if you are reading this, you are more than likely on our list of people and relationships that we are thankful for.  Have I told you lately that I love you?  Ha.  I hope each of you have enjoyed the Jesus that is Christmastime in the past few days. 

Going To See Santa...one more time

Anna, Matt, Thomas and I went to see Santa again last week. 

It was a total bust.....

Poor Thomas.... his mama just keeps going back for more and he is terrified.  No more this year, I promise son.

Let's Talk Cookie Swappin'

Before I tell you about our time with my wonderful family.  I want to back up and tell you about a wonderful party.  Vicki hosted us and what a wonderful planner she was.  Here we go... her party, in pictures...

Helen, Lindsey (she's our "new to town" friend), Jodie, and Leslie

 Jenny, Donetia, Lisa, Camille, and Tamara

My great friends; Leslie who you should feel like you already know really well and then my neighbor and close, close friend, Katie.

Did you notice that we had on fun tights and aprons?

The invitation stated "Christmas attire encouraged"... In the words of Leslie "Christmas attire- check"

 CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT VICKI IS 5 MONTHS PREGNANT?! She looks fantastic and is feeling great!  She is not finding out what she is having.  WE ARE SO EXCITED!!

Many of these women I have gotten to know so well either through running or community bible study. 
One of the many things I am thankful for this year are these relationships.

Words From My Father; Your Grandfather

One of the things I've come to look forward to at Christmastime are these short notes from my dad.  Every year he buys us a book and writes in it.  It is a treasured thing for me..... Seeing my dad's handwriting really makes me happy; His penmanship to me has never changed and is very distinct.

The note to me:

 The note to Brian:

Thanks Dad for never treating Brian like an in-law......  always like a son.

I love you!

Be back afterwhile to tell you about our fun weekend!

Community Bible Study Brunch

Every Thursday morning since late summer, I have been meeting with the best group of women. 

I started Community Bible Study last year and just could not keep up.  But this year it has been an entirely different experience for me and for Thomas. I have loved every lesson.  Scripture has been way too close for comfort sometimes. Leslie has been very quick to say to me; I think this applies to your life here and this applies to my life here.  It has truely been nourishing to my soul.

It's been wonderful for Thomas as well.  He is still very attatched to me and some weeks he just sobs as I walk out the door... however, his teachers are so incredibly sweet and thoughtful. They teach him a little bible lesson every week.  In my opinion teaching my son scripture is like putting money in a bank.

 After our fellowship, I found Thomas hugged up with Mrs. Beverly. She's a doll!!

One of the things that has shaped my life in a huge way this year has been the women of my bible study group.  In addition to growing in my knowledge of God's Word, I have learned that relationships are not about quantity; but rather quality.

Can't wait to grow with each of these women (plus a few) next year. 

Lights of The Delta

We took Thomas and Ava to see the "Lights of The Delta" last week.

 It's the kind of thing you drive through.  65,000 lights are displayed.  Thomas did lots of pointing.

Ava told Santa exactly what she wanted.  Thomas was terrified to be in the same room with "Ho Ho" 

At 22 months old, it is nearly impossible to get Thomas to stand still.  Picture taking is challenging.

 

Talking In Sentences

"Mommy, want you to play choo choo with me."

We are having the time of our lives with this sweet and energetic little boy.

BUY NIKON

In my effort to further my photog skills, my sweet, wonderful, generous, hardworking, handsome, etc, etc. husband purchased a new family camera.  I was giddy to recieve this....

 I researched and researched.
She had 18 megapixels, HD Video, Canon reputation; I had HIGH expectations.

I even got a snazzy new lense to go with it.

She totally failed me y'all.

Here's my review that's worth about zero cents.....

Straight out of the box she felt bobo....

("bobo" is a high school term that I have deemed appropriate in this instance.  "Bobo" means cheap.  My mother does not like the word "cheap", she always asked me to use the word "less" instead.  Hey mom, is "bobo" alright?)

Eight out of ten pictures I have used with her has been blurry.  BLURRY?? Are you kidding me? I haven't really taken a blurry picture with my Nikon EVER.

I love my Sarah, but I really don't like THIS.BLURRY.PICTURE. 

So long T2i, I'm going back to Nikon.

Canon folks LOVE their Canon's 

as you can see here and here. 

I guess I'm a Nikon person who just loves Nikon.