Sawyer has been counting down the days until Christmas for a very long time. It's finally here! I can't say that he's always been patient. Waiting is hard. Waiting is really hard for a four-year-old. We've tried to take advantage of the opportunities to weave in some positive messages for him. I told him that we waited many years for him to be born into our family. I wish that he could understand that time is precious, don't rush it. We can find joy in the waiting....sometimes. Also, I really want both of my boys to always realize the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about receiving gifts though we know it's so much fun, for both them and us, alike. I also want us to be thankful and appreciative of the big things that seem like small things from day to day.....like our home, food on the table, and more than anything, our health. We lost Patrick to cancer this month and it certainly left us with broken hearts. It's also caused us to think about the fragile blessing of life and health. There are only a few guarantees in this life. The good news is that for Patrick, the one guarantee that he had was that he was going to Heaven and spend eternity with Jesus. This season, we give thanks for that guarantee while we also praise Him for so many blessings, most that can't be wrapped.
Sawyer has had his share of frustrations during the Christmas countdown however, yesterday he got it just right. He said, "I love Christmas! It's about love and giving."
Amen, sweetie!
Thanksgiving Day
I cooked our Thanksgiving turkey this year in honor of my Granny who always made the turkey each Thanksgiving. I especially miss her around the holidays. It was just the four of us but it was a perfect day.
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| Sawyer entertained himself this day but decorating his body with stickers. |
Pre Christmas toy because we couldn't get it to quit talking from the box. It was worth it because this little toy provided hours of entertainment, even at the coffee shop
Tour of the lights around town- Happy Birthday, Jesus!
An old ornament from my favorite Syan, who I used to teach.
So many ornaments have a story.
We have a new cousin!!!!
Anna Baker was born on 12/8/14 at 12:57 PM. Davis and
Reece are proud big brothers to this beauty.
Webb and I drove up one afternoon, after having heavy hearts and preparing for Patrick's funeral. This was just special to me. Do you see the Christian fish symbol? It also looks like an angel around it.
Finally:-)
Gingerbread House
Sawyer put the gingerbread boys on so we have a real gingerbread house.
Cookies with Cole
Karaoke has become a Christmas Eve tradition at Holly's
Waiting to open gifts. Christmas Eve is finally here!
Reliving those days when we sang the Bangles tunes together.
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| One of my love languages is time! Yep, I think it's changed as I've gotten older. I treasure the time I get to spend with my sisters. |
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Andrew in the background smiling, Bennett with his new costume.
Mom and dad with the gifts I gave them.
Granddaddy and Anderson looking at the new walking stick from Chris
Spiderman Bennett & Captain America Sawyer
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| One of my favorite gifts: Jackson made this for me. I do not tape my kid's mouths but I guess Jackson thought that it would be okay if I taped his. |
Christmas Day, 2014
Christmas breakfast at mom's
Grandma, Papa & Sawyer
Sawyer is still happy and going strong, Jackson is outside playing with Anderson, Webb is taking a nap and I am thinking I should go burn off some calories. We are heading to a movie tonight with the entire family. We tried to talk Grandma and Papa into staying longer but they probably were ready to head home to their much quieter house and relax:-) It's been the most wonderful day! My heart is full! Merry Christmas everyone!
