We wish you all a safe, blessed, and unbelievably wonderful 2010!

We would like to wish my Dad a...

Happy 53rd Birthday!

Hope your day was extra special. We love you!!!

Sweaters, Turtlenecks, and Stirrup Pants - OH MY!

We hosted a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party this year, and I must say it was one of the best ideas we've ever had. We had way too much fun dressing up in the tackiest Christmas outfits you could imagine. We ate good food, played some games, and had a good time in fellowship with everyone. I believe not many of us will be forgetting the charades any time soon! Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate the season in a tacky way, and if you couldn't make it this year then get ready for next year!

And the winners are....

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, and hope you and your family did as well. We have actually the season even more this year because of Levi's excitement for all the small things - the lights on houses, the trees, the decorations, and all the fun. He really opened our eyes and helped us enjoy every minute of Christmas. We celebrated Christmas Eve with the extended family on my mom's side. We had some delicious food and Levi got more than his share of presents (thanks you everyone who was so generous to him).

Christmas morning was spent at home. We continued our tradition of eating Christmas breakfast together, singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus (candles and all), reading the Christmas story (Levi pretended to read along), and then opening presents. It was so nice. We then spent the afternoon with my dad, mom, and sisters playing cards and sharing Christmas dinner which was wonderful thanks to mom. We exchanged gifts and I believe everyone had a grand time playing with Levi's new Hot Wheels tracks. It was definitely the highlight of the evening. We hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did, and here's to a Happy New Year.

Celebrating the Season

We have been doing a lot of celebrating the last few weeks getting ready for the Christmas season. Here are a few of our Christmas decorations that we are enjoying this season. Last week we went to the Square in Covington with our small group friends. We enjoyed walking around all the stores, watching the carriage rides, and looking at all the lights and the big tree. It was a nice time of fellowship with our friends as well.

On Sunday we went to the Candlelight Service at Rockland. It was very special to be able to take a few moments during this busy time to reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas. This year Aaron's family is spending Christmas in Texas with his grandparents, so it also gave us time to celebrate with them before they left.

Yesterday I took Levi to a birthday party for Jesus. We heard the Christmas story, decorated hearts to give to Jesus, made a manger scene, played musical chairs, and ate cake all to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It was a wonderful party. A big thanks to Hollie, Ashley, Katie, & Ivey for putting it on for us all.

We hope you all enjoy the magic this season brings and take time to share all the love and laughter with family that you can over the next few days. May the love of our Savior fill your home this Christmas and all through the new year.

Merry Christmas!

What a BIG Boy!

I took Levi to the doctor for his 18 month check-up yesterday. Even though he had an ear infection, the doctor said he was doing great and on track with everything. Here are his stats: He weighted in at 28 lbs. (75%) and he is 35 1/2 inches tall (95+%)! That's almost 3 feet people! I cannot believe how BIG my little boy is getting.

Winter Wonderland

Last night we went to the Winter Wonderland that Prospect puts on every year. We enjoyed listening to the choir special and then had a blast and the wonderland festivities. Levi absolutely LOVED everything. Levi has been all about the "lights" of Christmas this year and gets so excited when we pass houses decked out to the nines, so we knew he was going to LOVE the wonderland. As soon as we walked in he went crazy with excitement because of all the lights. We ate cookies, drank hot cocoa, made an ornament (which I love), made a bell necklace, and went on the hayride. However, Levi's favorite part by far were the see-saws. All he wanted to do was ride them, and would break in line to ride again, and then cry when he had to get off. Needless to say we are still working on sharing and taking turns. Everything was wonderful, and we had such a great time celebrating the Christmas season with everyone.

For Beth

Before Beth left for Thailand she gave me strict orders to "Update your blog while I'm gone," so here it goes...

Levi watching VeggieTales. He is so adorable.

Levi has always had a fascination with the dishwasher. He usually takes out all the dishes as I'm trying to load them up, but this time he decided to get in the dishwasher. The trouble is he did it so fast I didn't even know he had climb in and I was in the same room with him!

Levi has decided that he must stand to eat his food. I have been insisting that he "sit down" while at the table, but my insisting has gotten me too far. I feel like we've made some progress since he hasn't climbed onto the table this week.

Beth this is especially for you. We went to McDonald's for Wednesday lunch. We missed you so much, but said a prayer for you. These are pictures from lunch. I was playing peek-a-boo under the table with Levi. We had a good time, but missed you.

Bay - We hope you are having an amazing time in Thailand and ministering to the girls each day. I know they are probably ministering to you as well. I can't wait to hear all about everything!

Recent...

So much has been going on with us lately. This week was drama week at Prospect, and Aaron played the role of Jesus again. He did a wonderful job, and I'm always so proud of him and the job he does in this role each year. This is one of my favorite pictures of Aaron from the drama. If you'd like to see some pictures of the drama you can check here. Today Beth headed to THAILAND! I am so proud of her and the sacrifice she is making to serve others in this world who need to see Jesus in others. I know she is super excited about what all God is going to do during her stay. While she is there she will be celebrating Christmas with all the girls and delivering their Christmas boxes from their sponsor families. Please be in prayer for her as she ministers at the House of Grace over the next 12 days.

P.S. Isn't she AMAZING?

And I almost forgot, but Levi is now 18 months old! I can't believe it! He is growing up SO fast. He has his 18 month appointment next week, so I'll post his stats and such then, but for now here is what he is up to...

• He is talking so much these days. He says: papa, mama, ball, basketball, dodger, baby, Jesus, uh oh, juice, set, go, two, three, and a few more. Some he says more than others. He also understands tons more words like waffle, help, milk, and simple commands, but hasn't said them yet.
• He knows his ears, nose, fingers, bellybutton, toes, mouth, and eyes (sometimes).
• He's pooped in the potty once. He's just starting the training, but we are so proud of him anyway.
• He smiles really big when you say "Cheese."
• He loves balloons, cars, VeggieTales, Christmas lights (thanks Ky for your yard), his doggie, and sticks.
• He eats most anything - and sometimes eats me out of house and home.
• He still signs 'please' and 'all done,' but hasn't used any other signs on a continuous basis.
• He is very friendly and always waves hi and bye to everyone we meet.
• He is a ham! He loves being the center of attention and laughing.
• He loves playing. He will play by himself, but loves when other play with him especially if they chase him.
• He has his first ear infection last week, but is doing much better.
• He has 16 teeth!! His i-teeth are finishing coming in, and that gives him 16 total. He is a champ at teething and hardly ever complains.
• He loves to throw things - sometimes good and bad - and he has a real strong arm.
• He loves outside and would spend all day out there if I would let him.
• He hates the car and would rather play than ride.
• He loves to read - anything. His favorite books right now are Here Come the Firefighters, Jane's Flying Expedition (both are pop-up books), and anything Dr. Seuss.

We Wish You A...

Hope your birthday is spectacular! We love you!