A Whole lot of Happy

Before the busyness of Christmas is in full affect, I wanted to share Anna's "happy"s.   It so magical this time of year, and to add a child's birthday to it makes it even more magical and joyful!!   

She started her day with a birthday kiss from her brother.  

Then she went to school and shared donut holes with her friends.   I tried to go early to take pictures but she put on a grumpy face and stuffed all the donuts in her mouth when I pulled out the camera : )

We then had Anna's favorite dinner...(she's a cheap date!)   

We opened presents, with the major gift being the Loving Family Doll House (shhhhhhhhh don't tell her I bought it at a garage sale, unless of course she ends up being a freak like me and appreciates garage sale gifts). 

We ended the night with a trip to Ben and Jerrys!   Yummy!!!   

On Saturday we went with our Aunt Lynn and Uncle John to the Gaylord Texan to see all of the Christmas decorations.   This. was. a. hit.  (and we captured great photos to boot!)  

Looking at trains

Eli teaching her how to make a wish

Playing their favorite game...chase!

We wish you this same kind of happy-ness for the rest of the year!!!  

2 Cute.

Do you remember this little girl?   I do.   That's Anna Davis, born on December 8th 2009.   Her name means "full of grace" and two years into it I believe it.  The Lord was so gracious to bless me with her.  I don't deserve to be her mommy, and yet I am.   She loves to dance, sing, accessorize, kiss, hug, sit, cuddle, play chase, go down slides and be held by her daddy.   She loves grapes, ice cream, sour cream (I think she thinks it's ice cream) and salsa.  She hates the cold, and loves the water.   She loves carrying around any/all her stuffed animals and God help anyone that tries to take it away from her (I'm talking to you Eli).  

Anna, 1.

  

 We are celebrating you tonight with your favorite dinner (grapes) followed up by Ben and Jerrys.   This weekend we will take you to see Christmas decorations at the Gaylord.   While I know this isn't as big of a party as last year (that may have been the biggest party of your life apart from your wedding), trust that I will help you accessorize your little heart out.   

I love you, Anna D.  

November Photo Album

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Holding on to Gratitude

We had a simply wonderful Thanksgiving.  My mom and dad came into town which is always a treat! (to read more about it click here, here, and here ...my mom is clearly a better blogger).  It was a great time to sit back and look at my life and realize how thankful I am for so many riches in my life.

The kids enjoying Aunt Jane's train display

Anna and Uncle Rich feeding the ducks

Inhaling pumpkin pie

Crafts with Aunt Jane

Riding in the "Candy Cane Express" pulled by they're favorite elf (a.k.a. Grandma) 

 

 

 

 

While we are so thankful for our life, friends and family here in Texas the reality of being so far away from our life, friends and family in Missouri really hit us during the holidays.   Thank you to all that keep in touch with us; it helps us not feel so far away : (  That being said I'm trying to go back to the meaning of season and be thankful for what I DO have instead of missing what I DID have.

So today my focus is being thankful for the advent season, and a family to enjoy it with.  Seeing the excitement of Christmas through my kids eyes is one of the many blessings of being a parent.   Todd and I this year (with the encouragement of our church) are really trying to focus on Advent.   Each night we are lighting the representative candle (this week it's HOPE) and going through the Big Picture Story Bible (which I highly recommend to parents of toddlers/preschoolers or the Jesus Story Book Bible for older kids)  We are having a blast together reading stories about hope and talking about why we celebrate Jesus' birthday.   To be honest I love how it's keeping me focused as the shopping/planning for the holidays sometimes distracts me from the big picture.  We hope you enjoy getting excited for Christmas as much as we are and are holding on tight to what you are most thankful for. 

Drinking Egg nog : )  (not me...yuck!)

Our make-shift Advent wreath and candles

Anna reading to us out of the Bible : )