Merry Christmas

We are having so much fun just relaxing in our pj's, playing with the kiddos, sipping cocoa (with lots of marshmallows) listening to Christmas music (our current favorite is Behold the Lamb of God - the true tall tale of the coming of Christ by Andrew Peterson), and spending some much loved time with our families. Have a Merry Christmas!

bittersweet milestones

Gracie moved out of her old room and into her new room in the basement today. I'll have to post pictures when I get some time. The room is so big and spacious. I think we need another girl to fill it up better! We set up a beanbag chair in her closet with a bin of books as her little "reading nook" - she was tickled! She is so excited over her new space. I was the one who had a hard time when I tucked her in for the night - realizing she's two floors away now. I think I forget how much she has grown up - she is nearly four!

I wasn't anticipating moving Jackson out of our room just yet (as much as I'm ready in so many other ways I'm not!), but somehow we decided to do it all in the same day! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed now! Since Jackson is our last baby, it seems as though every milestone is a door that is closing in my life as a momma. Knowing my last little baby is no longer right next to me during the night is so bittersweet. Perhaps if we adopt as we hope to some day, we'll find ourselves back in some of these "baby days". As hard as some of these baby days (and nights) are - they are some of the sweetest!

Just Thinking...

Wow, it's way too late for me to be up and especially posting on this lil' blog of mine...The house is so nice and quiet which is quite a change from the last few nights of Jackson being up crying (all of us, except Jordan, are sick). Figured I'd post some new pictures of the kiddos before I headed up to bed. Then I had had these thoughts and couldn't go to bed without getting them out. I'm pretty tired here, but I think I can work this out from head to "paper".

We hung up our nativity calendar yesterday and on it hangs our first days symbol: the star which pointed the way to Jesus. I was just gazing at it, somewhat lost in thought, when it struck me how much it's my first responsibility as a parent to show the way, as the star once did, to Christ for my children. As I was sitting there lost in thought I was really evaulating my parenting as of late. To be honost, I've been caught up in details and schedules and "behavior charts" and less the reflection of Christ and unconditional love that I want to be. It's somewhat ironic, because where the nativity calendar now hangs, was Grace's behavior and responsiblility chart which I had taken down to make room for the nativity calendar. It really made me think what else I should be "taking down" so to speak in order to let the light of Christ shine through out this home and in my life. I don't think that schedules and charts are bad, because Grace really thrives on them, but I think that they have been too much of our focus here lately. I don't want my kiddos to think those things are most imporant to me, because SO much more than that I want my children to know, love and and in turn serve Christ. My focus has been off and I can see that now - I'm so glad God continues to break through to me to help me be a (hopefully) better parent.

Now that my head is (somewhat) clear, I think I'll head to bed!

Florida Trip Top Ten

1. Spending a whole week with the family. So nice to spend some time with everyone and to be able to relax and focus on the kids more than we are usually able to. So many wonderful memories to cherish!

2. Jackson's first visit to the ocean. He loved the beach and having the waves wash up on his toesies. You would have never known he had screamed the whole drive over (never wake a sleeping baby - and then make them sit in a car seat for 45 minutes - lesson learned)!

3. Flying...well not my personal favorite as I'm not a big fan of the whole being five miles off the ground, but definately a favorite for Grace. She thought the whole thing was completely awesome! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Jackson's first time flying! He did a great job on the plane, but the little stinker had a dirty diaper both times! Changing diapers on a plane takes a certain skill - Jordan and I are now certified!

4. Seeing the sharks at Sea World. Although she was a bit apprehensive at first, one of Grace's favorite parts of our trip was seeing the sharks. She used her allowence to get this shark stuffed animal. She has been sleeping with it every night...This is the same girl that is often Princess Frostine or Princess Aurora!

5. Playing in the pool at the condo. Despite how cold the pool was, the kiddos looked forward to their afternoon swim everyday - even Jackson! Grace really surprised me with how well she is getting at swimming!

6. A papa to snuggle with! Such a sweet sweet sight! Jackson fell asleep on Grandpa twice - at Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

7. Hanging out with the boys. Jackson loved hanging out with Caleb and Luke at the condo and was so excited to see them every morning. Oh the fun he is yet to have with them!




8. Animal Kingdom. We went to the Animal Kingdom last - you could say it was Grace's "saving park". She was most looking forward to this part of Disney. It did not let us down. The highlight was definately the safari ride, specifically seeing the elephants.

9. The fireworks and laser show at Epcot. This picture is of the kiddos snuggling before the show started. Soon after Jackson fell asleep and stayed sleeping through the whole show! Grace was very brave and loved the fireworks (although I did cover her ears for the really loud ones)! She said she liked the music the best.

10. Rides at Magic Kingdom. Grace's favorites were the Dumbo ride, Alladin's Magic Carpet Ride and the Tea Cup Ride. The parade at the end of the day was also a highlight for all of us.

Back Home

....from our Disney Trip. It was so nice to get away and spend a week focused on our kiddos and creating memories with them. All of us had so much fun - Disney has changed SO much since I was there fifteen years ago (as has my perspective of seeing it). The kids were such troopers, but inevitably had a couple of "shining moments". Grace's favorite was the Animal Kingdom - she was quite happy to see an elephant (her current favorite animal) on the safari ride. Jackson was in his glory being outside for the majority of the week - taking everything in from his stroller or mamma's lap! I need to get pictures off my camera and then I'm sure I'll be posting them really soon. I'm just glad I'm caught up with all that laundry - phew! It sure does feel good to be back home though. I always love seeing new places and going on vacation, but it always feels so good to return home.