Thursday, December 31, 2009

Christmas Eve


We had a memorable Christmas Eve this year. It started with a delicious pajama party breakfast and ended with a delicious pajama party supper!

We spent the morning with our neighbors, The Hoods and The Greggs, enjoying fellowship, singing and Russell and Charles' brass instrument concert.

Then, we went to the 5pm "Bedlam in Bethlehem" worship, where Turner and her preschool friends sang beautiful renditions of "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy" and "Feliz Navidad." She did so well! After church, the kids hopped back into their Christmas pjs and we enjoyed a delicious fiesta of Christmas fajitas with The McFaddins! The kids were so good and really excited about Santa coming.

It was a wonderful day with special friends.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Who Is the Bigger Mess? One-Year Old A...or B?

One-Year Old A: Parker 2009
One-Year Old B: Turner 2007

Fairy Gingerbread House



Last year, we introduced a new tradition to our Christmas festivities: the homemade gingerbread house! We picked a theme this year -- "Fairies" -- and worked on it all day Saturday (literally!). It turned out cute, though, and provided lots of fun and entertainment!


Sarcasm

For better or worse, we've been instructing Turner on the nuances of sarcasm. (We figure she won't last too long in our family without some knowledge of this important subject!).

Anyway, we had told her what "sarcasm" was the other day and given her a few examples. Then, last night, I caught Parker sucking on a crayon that had fallen on the floor. I said, "Great! Parker is eating a crayon. Nice!" Turner --very quickly -- looked at Daddy and said, "Dad, I think Mommy is being sarcastic!" She's a quick study! :)

Friday, December 18, 2009

Birthday Boy!



To my sweet baby boy,

A year ago today, we met you for the first time! And you were exquisite. Tiny. A precious little miracle of a baby.

Even before your debut, you reminded your Daddy and me of one of life's most important lessons: Always rely on God. Thank you for showing us God's mighty power and ability to provide a peace that surpasses all understanding in the midst of difficulty. He used your life to witness to so many people, and best of all, he healed your body, so you could be a healthy boy! Wow!

I remember the first time you smiled, Parker. Your two dimples lit up your face. And mine! Your smile is heart-melting and will take you far when you get into mischief! :) (Already has!).

I love that you are so engaged in life. You love exploring everything! And you go, go, go. You can make anything into a stick (the vacuum extension, a straw, a wooden spoon), and you drag it around with you everywhere. You can also push anything around (a shoe, a box, a chair...) and do! You are all boy! Which is a good thing, since Sissy is constantly giving you dress-up shoes and princess clothes to play with.

You really enjoy school and the nursery. You rarely cry when I leave and your teachers say you are very content and easy. Busy. But easy. :)

You also seem to find a way to take off any shoes or socks I put on your feet. I've almost given up. Almost. I do love those fat feet and toes, though! And still love to kiss them, so I guess you are just good at showing off your assets! :)

You have mastered the stairs. You waited until you had them completely under control before you really started climbing them. I think that's your way. You study things, ensure you will be successful at doing them, and then go for it. I'm pretty sure that's why you aren't walking yet. You have been testing and figuring...and one day, I think you'll just do it and never look back!

You love to eat. Something for which I am very grateful. You and your sister enjoy food of all varieties. Just last night, you chowed down on some pomegranate. And enjoyed it. You are not a huge fan of fruits, but you love all your veggies. And true to your Chick-fil-A heritage, you love "Kick-in."

You think your sister is hilarious. She can make you laugh, even when you are fussy for everyone else. She loves you and you worship her. What a blessing to have each other!

We are so filled with joy over you, sweet boy. You are the perfect addition to our family, and we treasure watching you grow and change. You are beautiful and "wonderfully made." We cannot wait to see what year #2 has in store for you! Happy Birthday, Baby!

Love,

Mommy

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Caroling...

Turner had her school Christmas "show" yesterday and enjoyed being front and center. It was a fun day -- the kids sang a BUNCH of songs. She looks forward to an encore at church on Christmas Eve. Her favorite song was, "HO HO HO-SANNA. HA HA HA-LLELUIAH. HE HE HE-HE SAVED ME. I'VE GOT THE JOY OF THE LORD."

Friday, December 11, 2009

Ta-Da!




The tree is up, the shopping is done, the presents are wrapped and the childproofing is complete! :) Christmas, here we come!!!

(Someone -- who shall remain nameless -- is not so impressed with "Operation Christmas Tree Preservation!") :)

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Here Comes Santa Claus...

We had our neighborhood breakfast with Santa this morning! It was a lot of fun and such a joy to see Turner -- and Parker's -- faces light up when he walked in. Turner overcame her beard "issues" and sat in his lap long enough for a picture. She did ask to get down when it came time to share her wish list!

She did tell him to be safe on Christmas night (she's been praying for a safe landing for he and his reindeer lately!).

Gator Girl...

Turner showed her true "colors" at school on Friday! She was so proud to wear "Go Gators!"

(Thankfully, her Bulldog-loving faculty did not kick her out of school! :) )

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

I Love You...

The best "I love you" I have ever received:
"Mom, I love you all the way to God, through Jesus, in my heart and to the rainbow."
WOW!!! (I will cling to this when she's 13)!

Gobble, Gobble...

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the family! We are truly, truly grateful for the bountiful blessings God has poured out on us. Our cup overflows!

To name a few of those things for which I am very thankful this year...

1. Family! Thomas and I are both so fortunate to come from such loving, supportive and faithful families. On Thanksgiving day, we had great time with the Guerard family and great fellowship with the extended Norris clan! After all the festivities, we headed to the mountains and enjoyed some more family time with Gammy, Pops and Aunt Niki. 2. A Daddy who loves his babies! And an awesome husband!

3. Siblings who love us for who we are and understand the beats of our drummer!
4. The face of a true miracle! Every time I look at Parker, I see God and his amazing provision.

5. All creatures great and small! SOOO big!

6. My little angel girl!

7. Grandparents! Turner and Parker are so blessed to be loved by some amazing grandparents.

8. Good friends, old and new!

9. Good health.
10. A safe and happy home.

Thank you, God, for all you have given us...in addition to the greatest gift of all, your son.