You knew I couldn't stay away

Today Elizabeth said, "Daaddddeeee!"

My mom is here

My parents are here with me in Texas! Since they are the reason I blog. I will wish you a fond farewell and Merry Christmas until the New Year!

An open letter...

An open letter to the college girls at Target.
Dear College Girls,
First off wow, you get younger and younger every year. While I think it's great that a store has enough neat things that can appeal to me a 30 something, and you a young young young young 20, I must admit that I noticed a few new things while shopping with my daughter tonight.
First, please do not curse in front of my daughter. She does look up to you- she notices everything you do. Especially the pink bling. Keep it clean in public places, please.
Secondly, do not wear hoochie momma clothes in public. Whether my daughter is with me or not- No one wants to see it. PERIOD.
You may occasionally walk in the center of the aisle, everyone does. But keep in mind- OCCASIONALLY. Try not to roll your eyes at me when my shopping car full of two infants, a almost 3 year old and all my stuff is not able to get out of YOUR way.
Additionally, please understand when said shopping cart is full and a bit difficult to navigate out of your way.
Please refrain from pushing my daughter out of your way. She likes to walk beside me sometimes- it makes her feel big and important like you. I know we are all stars of our own reality show, but try not to be so engrossed in yourself that you become rude. It's just not nice.
I know I must look like a old fuddy duddy to you, but in my mind I still am a bit hip. So give me a little slack when I shop in the shoe section and actually might want the same shoes as you do.
Thank you college girls for living in the same town as me. I might not have a Target if not for you. Thanks for showing my fashions that I can decide never to wear without trying them on (tee-shirt aTm dresses). But thanks to you for those moments when you do take the time to smile at my kids, pause to open the door, or just try to be nice. Keep that stuff up and I'll try not to yell at you about texting while driving....today.

7 Months...a little late!

Sweet babies- you are a joy. Special moments often become shared ones with a sister. Your smiles are many and your joy is catching. You both are working on sitting up. Anything you can grab goes directly in your mouths. Strangers are not your favorite people now, but you delight in your sister and when your daddy comes home.
Cosette you now like the exersaucer. And are a good stander. You are willing to smile and laugh easily.
Elizabeth you LOVE the exersaucer, you study things before you smile and you enjoy eating.

How is mommy doing?
T-I-R-E-D. But still loving all the joys, all the trials and all the PINK!

Season

Traditions. Memories. And reasons to look back and smile.
That's what John and I want to do. Create those traditions that mean something.
We were encouraged by our Sunday school mentors. They shared with us how they read the Bible with their kids every morning. Their kids are teens and preteens. What struck us about this was that they didn't just start one day to read together- they kept trying different things until they found what worked for them. And the fact that the KEPT TRYING.
So this year we are trying to bring meaning to the season of Advent.
We started this year doing a Jesse Tree. What's neat about this is that you tell the stories of God's faithfulness throughout the old testament in anticipation of the coming of Jesus. We've been summarizing each story and making it relevant for a almost 3 year old. And each story comes with an ornament to visually help Gianna link to the story we talked about that day.
We draw some pictures, use what we have for others, and plan to get more ornaments each year, but you can also print these.
So that's our ideas. What do you do to make Christmas relevant for you and your kids?

So easy a child can do it

Gianna has quite the photogenic eye. She plays with my phone and is able to figure out how to take pictures with it. I came across her shots and thought I would share her artistic ability with you all:

December

December we welcome thee. Thank you for being December and being cold. Thank you for being my birthday month. Thank you for twinkle lights, cookie exchanges, and the joy on children's faces.

Thank you Charissa for more pictures uploaded to our pictures link.