A 4th Birthday

Something really magical starts to happen as children get close to the Christmas season- and it's been the best gift to experience.  Between talks of baby Jesus and Santa Claus, we've been helping my sister plan her oldest son's 4th birthday party.  And that's so magical in itself!  That boy was my parent's first grandchild, and we were so excited to meet him.  My sister's a planner, so we knew him as Quinton from 20 weeks in utero.  And after his stressful and emergency cesarean section birth, I think we all have a bond with that baby boy that just can't be shaken.  Even here, at 4 years later, I can feel the energy my brother-in-law had as he drove that baby cart from the OR.  And I can feel the pain my sister felt when he was admitted into the NICU just a few short hours later.  But God is so good.  And Quinton is so healthy.  And I'm full of tears just thinking that this was all four whole years ago.

How do they do it, those little ones?  They grow into amazing little people so, so quickly.  And they form their own unique selves without looking back.  They are confident, joyful, cautious, warm, loving little sponges who can change the month of December for adults into the best month ever- each year better than the last.  And for our little buddy, Quinton, there is no more truth- he is constantly filling our lives with more happiness and joy than I can explain.

Happy 4th birthday, Quinton :)

A Christmas Tree Hunt

We've been so excited to have the perfect day, perfect weather for a real Christmas tree hunt after our latest spur-of-the-moment tree find the other weekend.  Of course, when you're tagging along a two year old, plans can go a bit array in just mere seconds.

I had to work Saturday morning (it's just one Saturday a month, but believe me- it's tough after a long week to pull away from your family for even just one more morning), so I was encouraged to have some really good family time with the remaining few hours of daylight.  It was a brisk seventeen degrees, but the sun was out and there was a light, fresh snowfall, so we decided it was perfect tree-pursuing weather.  And after about four minutes outside, I realized we were in need of an accelerated hunt.

But, apparently, when it comes to Christmas trees, I'm picky.

Even though we were appropriately dressed for the weather, Molly's pink little nose and ice cold fingers were enough to free the true toddler.  And after a few minor meltdowns- we found a bridge!  In the middle of the tree farm!  And as luck would have it, that day, our two year old was fascinated with bridges!  So as Daddy and Molly walked up and down that little bridge, I found the perfect little tree.

Only to bring it home and realize that none of our lights worked, and the tree stand wouldn't fit into the galvanized bucket I found in our barn a few months ago.  But either way, we have a sweet little tree, and brought home a pleasant toddler in the process.  And that- considered a success!

As far as the rest of the weekend- I tortured my husband into shopping (aka chasing a two year old around a mall).   And btw, does anyone else's husband say "it hurts me" to walk into a mall?!  We had a twenty minute conversation about the physical pain he was about to endure while entering a mall.  Come on, it's not that bad.  Men, seriously.

Of course, we had to stop by Santa's house in the mall.  Even though Molly decided it wasn't quite the time to visit with Santa, he stopped between children to wave and jingle his bell toward Molly- forcing the sweetest grin I've seen in a while.  We've got two more Santa-ventures in the future, so here's hoping to a warmer approach next time :)

Happy Monday,
I hope it's a good week ahead!

Lisa

Thanksgiving Weekend

Because my husband and I both have close-knit, close-lived families, we've always got two separate but wonderful Thanksgiving's lined up- on the same day.  Does anyone else battle two Thanksgiving dinners in one day?!  Phew.  We love the time with our families and of course, the food, but seriously- a fast is almost indicated after the marathon eating.  But I don't think I would change it if I had the choice.  Two big families gathered over a table of delicious food to give thanks- all in one day.  It's a blessing I'm more than happy to share with our little Molly.  And I hope she remembers it.  The warm and inviting atmosphere, the smell of baking food, the heads bowed in thanks before the meal, the joy in voices of people we love so much, the whole thing- I pray she'll always remember it.

We spent a large part of our first Thanksgiving day decorating a gingerbread house- and it always surprises me how well a toddler can handle a "big kid activity".  Molly loved helping her cousins decorate (and taste) the little cookie house, and was so proud of the result.  I was grateful to have my camera handy to capture Jesse's sweet Grandma- Molly adores her, and her instruction was so gentle and illuminating.  I'm always thankful to catch quick, sweet moments like this one.

Molly has recently received 3 kittens, but too much like her Dad, she's an animal lover and has been asking about a puppy for months!  I seriously can't imagine having one right now- we're not home enough, and I'm working too much.  But she sure got her fill of "puppies" this Thanksgiving weekend! She asked me repeatedly to take their picture, so here you go- some beautiful dog photos for the animal lover in us all ;)

And in case you didn't catch my sister's impromptu maternity session, you can head over here to see some more :)  We may have had to practice indoors to get some un-awkward poses outside, but it was worth it!  They're a sweet couple expecting their first little boy in April, and I couldn't be more excited. Babies are my love language :)

It's been a stressful work week over here, and I'm just so thankful to see Thursday arrive.
I'm ready for a weekend of Christmas decorating!

Lisa