Christmas Blunders

Last Thursday was a comedy of errors: Got our Christmas cards in the mail, and all 100 of them say "MARRY Christmas," had to interrupt Turner's haircut half way through to get Parker at school (it was SLOW going, and yes, she had to sport half short and half long hair for a few hours !) AND I accidentally had her ONE BIG Santa gift shipped to Mt. Pleasant, where it was MIA for half the pm.

YIKES! Do over, please!

What Happens When You Have A Big Sissy!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Parker!

Peachtree City Fire Station
Future Firefighter!
Parker's new BIG truck from Uncle Ted
Turner helping make Parker's RED cupcakes!

The PARTY table!

Dear Sweet Parker,

It is so hard to believe you are two! Where did the time go?

You have taught me so much about boys! And if you are any indication, they are sweet, sweet, sweet! And love their mamas. I pray you will always love your mama!

There is so much I love about you, baby boy…

I love the way you use plural nouns, by adding an –ses to everything. “Mommy, TRUCK-ses!” or “Mommy, COW-ses!” or “Mommy, Pap-ses!”

I love the way you look at your Sissy. With total adoration and trust. (Ok, and a little wary resignation!)

I love the way you have been taking off all your clothes and waking up naked, saying, “Mommy…SOOOO cold,” with a big grin on your face.

I love the way you have grown and become more independent. You are happy to go to school each day now and pray nightly for your “class.”

I have loved having some special one-on-one time with you on Mondays and Wednesdays. Our music class has been a joy. You fake like you hate it, but I know how much you love it…

I love the way you pray! It is so amazing to hear your little thoughts and realize you “get” it and want to talk to your creator. Just tonight you prayed for “Daddy. Home. Safe.” Our God HEARS your prayers and has been faithful to answer them. You and He have always had a special connection, I believe…even in my tummy.

I love the way you provide the comic relief in the family when we are taking ourselves too seriously. You are a clown! And a teaser. Today on the phone, you teased me saying one of our favorite inside jokes that always makes me laugh, “Mommy. Cow-ses. Get you.”

I love the way you ask me to “rock, rock” at night and your accompanying open mouth slobber kisses. Mmmmmm…

I love the way you can manage to wear pink beaded necklaces and heart bracelets but still hold a Tonka truck and look TOUGH.

I love the way you LOVE your family and friends. Every one of them. You are not too fond of strangers, but you sure know who you belong to!

I love the way you say, “Hold you, Mommy.” Melts my heart.

I love your caution. You check things out, make sure you have the lay of the land, and THEN go for it. You like to figure things out, and it doesn’t take you long to master them.

I love that Christmas is “Halloween,” that pumpkins are “apples,” that birds are “ducks,” that Santa is “Baby Jesus,” all cars are “trucks” and that you have your own little words for everything. (And you even know it!).

I love that you always ask me to bring your “stuff.” You like to take a ton of “stuff” everywhere we go. Trucks, paps, blankie, etc. I sometimes think you are my very own Linus!

I love that you have the sweetest manners. Even if they are used to try and get out of things, like baths or going to bed. “No THANKS, Mommy! No THANKS!”

Parker, there is so much to love about you! I am deeply grateful God gave me the opportunity to watch your personality unfold, discover who you are and help you see all your special gifts that make you a PERFECT you!

Love Always,
Mommy

Angel Tunes

Turner had her school Christmas program and party last week, and I am happy to report, she did not have "bleacher fright!" (Her words, because she was "not standing on a stage!")

Here are two of my favorites! Just click the arrow!

Brunch with Santa!

We were invited to join some friends at their county club today to brunch with Santa! It was wonderful, and Santa was REALLY credible! :) (Sadly, Parker has been sick for several days and was unable to join us. Daddy hung out with him!)

The Christmas Shop

This weekend was the Christmas Shop at our church! It was a wonderful day, and nearly 70 families (representing almost 175 children) shopped for gifts for their children. There were many neat stories from the day!

For those who don't know, the Christmas Shop is a place where families in our community who need assistance, can shop for their children, pay for the gifts (at greatly reduced rates), have the gifts wrapped, enjoy a little snack and entertainment from our children's' choirs...and do this all with great dignity. Afterwards, all the money we raise goes directly into our "Local Children's Missions" budget to serve these same families throughout the year.

I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this amazing outreach. Although it has made for a busy December, it really centered our family on what was important. Turner and several of her friends helped price items in the shop, and that was a joy, too.

Below is a video showing some of the "stuff" (and amazing generosity of our congregation) in the Christmas Shop!

God is so good and His love endures forever!

The Angel Choir

Here is some of Turner's Christmas pageant at church! Hang in there with the video -- it is shaky at first, but it gets better! :)