Celebrating

Our goal this year was to celebrate Christmas with as much magic as possible. We have tried to do as many things to celebrate this season as possible, especially since Naomi's arrival is pending at any moment. We really wanted Levi to know that Christmas is a special time of joy, celebration, and love in remembering the birth of our Savior and the sacrifice made with His life. We've watched the Christmas TV movies, sang songs, played with our VeggieTale manger scene, put up the tree and decorated it. Levi has really enjoyed the whole season and I've enjoyed watching him light up with excitement at the lights and sounds of the holiday. I've included some pictures of some of our special things we've done starting with the Christmas parade in Covington. Enjoy and I hope you all have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! At the Winter Wonderland at my parent's church. Showing off his masterpieces. He made a wreath and candy cane ornament.

Painting his bell ornament at the birthday celebration for Jesus.

At the birthday party for Jesus with the cupcake he decorated for the party. I love this picture. You can see that Levi is definitely the spitting image of Aaron!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Shoog

As Naomi's arrival gets closer and closer I feel the need to put my little guy in the spotlight. Why? Because he is amazing. I know I'm his mother, but he really is. He is so intelligent that everyday he blows me away by the way his mind works. He is constantly developing new skills and learning new things, most of which he discovers on his own. He also has a huge sense of humor. He loves to joke around and be silly. He has the best smile of anyone I know, and everytime I see it I fall in love with him all over again. I never knew that motherhood would be so amazing and change my life so much. He has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I'm so honored to be his mother, and I can't wait to see him meet his sister and be the best big brother that I know he will be. Thanks for making life more adventurous and wonderful each day. Here are a few things about Levi. (Mostly for my benefit, but feel free to read on.)

• He is so obedient and polite. Seriously, and the closer to Naomi's arrival the better he gets and the less we have to remind him.
• He enjoys watching movies/tv. Of his favorites are Dinosaur Train, The Cat in the Hat, VeggieTales, Curious George, and Cars. The Narnia movies are a new fascination.
• He is really enjoying Christmas this year and loving all teh decorations -especially the lights!
• He is obsessed with all things automotive. Cars, trucks, trains, tractors, motorcycles, big macks (18 wheelers), bikes, airplanes, etc.
• He is all boy. He loves to run, jump, and play in the dirt.
• He loves our dog, Dodger, and unfortunately torments him day and night.
• He sleeps in a big boy bed.
• He is completely potty trained.
• He loves to eat. Among his favorites are chicken nuggets, cheese, fruit, dried mangos, raisins, fruit snacks, fruit bars, chicken, and pasta.
• He growls at everything (because he loves dinosaurs).
• He wears 3T clothes.
• He loves music and dancing, and playing (beating on) the paino.
• He enjoys going to Bible Study (BSF) every week.
• He loves his grandparents and ask for them on a daily basis.
• He enjoys reading.
• He loves football, and will watch it with us all afternoon. Go Dawgs!
• He loves animals.
• He can count to 10.
• He can sing the ABC's (with help from mommy).
• He adores his Poppy. Aaron is his hero.
• He knows my name and his poppy's name as well as his full name.
• Whenever he gets a boo boo he wants his mommy to kiss it. I love it.

Thankful for...

...my Savior, Christ Jesus. The lessons I'm learning are only drawing me closer to you.

...my husband - the one who loves me unconditionally and completely.

...my son who brings joy and laughter into everyday.

...the expected arrival of my daughter. I can't wait to meet you.

...my parents - for teaching me the value of family and God. I find myself tapping into your lessons on a regular basis.

...my Moo - I love you!

...my in-laws - your acceptance and love have made me feel welcome and given me a second family.

...my church family and their friendships.

...my friends who are more precious than gold and I hope you know how much I love each of you.

...my family - close and extended - when times are tough we are always there for one another and I am truly grateful.

...my home - safe and warm.

...wisdom - though I have very little I am extremely thankful for bite size pieces God is giving me.

...love - without it I would be incomplete.

...my bank account. Although no one would be impressed with the size of it I am thankful that I'm able to pay my bills, take care of my family, and enjoy a meal out every once in a while.

...my hearing - I love to hear the laughter, music, and stories that are shared this time of year.

...my eyesight - to appreciate all the beauty God has created.

...electronics - cell phones, computers, etc. Sometimes they get in the way, but I like being able to stay connected.

...food. All the goodness of sweets, starches, and carbs. Oh, and the healthy stuff too.

...running water - I would hate to have to use an outhouse...especially being 9 months pregnant.

...my health and the health of my family. May I not take it for granted.

There are so many things to be thankful for, and the above list is just a few of the things I'm so thankful for this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with a big slice of pumpkin pie!

My New Best Friend

That's right! I have a new best friend and her name is baking soda. My pregnancy has been so great and easy with one exception...HEARTBURN! I'm sure you saw my post several months ago about how horrible my heartburn has been this pregnancy and how nothing would help it go away. Well a friend from church told me about a home remedy using baking soda and my life has changed! I simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of warm water and drink. Its not the best drink ever, but I'm a desperate woman so I don't care about the taste - just the relief, and relief I have found. If you are suffering with me I hope this helps, but beware of this disclaimer: you will burp - and burp loud. You may even wake the neighbors, but who cares if you get relief? Cheers!

Showers of Blessings

Yesterday my sister Amy threw an amazing baby shower for our little Naomi who is expected to arrive in about 7 weeks. I was completely blessed by the demonstration of generosity by all of my friends and family that came to love on me and Naomi in preparation for her arrival. I got tons of adorable clothes, bows, blankets, and of course those wonderful necessities like diapers, burp clothes, wipes, and towels. To everyone who came and loved on us THANK YOU! You truly are the most amazing friends in the world. Unfortunately I had my camera, but didn't pull it out once to take a picture. Boo me because my sister did an amazing job of decorating and serving us up a fun time.

W the Presdient

None of you are going to believe me when I say that I don't care for Oprah, because here I am writing another post about one of her shows. While watching TV yesterday I noticed that former President George W. Bush was going to be on her show to discuss his new book Decision Points. I've been really interested in politics lately - not crazy interested, just want to be in the know - so I decided to watch it. As a conservative and someone who voted for W I was impressed with the interview. He shared about his big decisions while in the White House - 9/11 and Katrina to name a few. I felt that he held his ground and answered all of Oprah's questions with dignity and truth. I'm not one for biographies, but I think I might actually really enjoy reading his book. Now on another - note they did an excerpt with former first lady Barbara Bush and Bush Sr. I totally fell in love with Barbara Bush. She had sarcasm and sass, and well I felt like she was a kindred spirit.

Touchdown!

This is Levi's idea of a touchdown even though he is really kicking a field goal. I love how he feels the need to fall down each time. He is just so stinkin' cute!!