These Little Moments...

The theme for me during Christmas 2012 has been blessed . I feel overwhelmed and so very grateful for the many blessings in my life. Even though we've been fighting sickness in our household for the past 9 days, I simply cannot complain. It is a privilege to be able to wake with my children during the night, comfort them during the day, and pray that their tiny bodies will get well soon… What I face is the “normal” stuff. In the past, I've turned away from some of the harsher realities that surround us. I've recently made awareness a priority. In becoming aware of the struggles others must carry, I've discovered an even deeper sense of thankfulness and a fresh perspective on life. I find myself wanting to give more of myself and be more for others. These thoughts are the beginning of a New Year’s Resolution post to come… I’m digging deeper this year, stepping outside of my comfortable “bubble”, and looking forward to the opportunity to grow...

Baking Christmas Cookies... a tradition I hold close to my heart. I remember so well December afternoons spent with my mother and sister rolling dough, choosing cookie cutters to create Christmas shapes, and watching that first batch through the oven door, anxious for the timer to grant us permission to take them out. I always told myself it would be a tradition I'd carry on with my own children. Yesterday, Gracie and I made our own Christmas cookies, just as we've done every year since she was old enough to help me. But yesterday, the whole experience took on even more meaning as I stirred, rolled dough, placed cookie cutters, baked and decorated cookies with my daughter. I couldn't help but think of the mothers and fathers who will not be able to carry on their own traditions with their children this year. Perhaps they, like me, were planning for the perfect afternoon for baking, or maybe they had evening plans to visit their local lights show. As we continue to ...

How is it possible that my baby is now a year and a half old! He's such an amazing little boy and an adorable blessing in our lives. I've especially enjoyed listening to his precious voice as his vocabulary increases. While "Mama" is still the sweetest word in the world, I also LOVE hearing him say other words, including "Gaff" (giraffe) and "Ish" (fish). He seems to say something new every day. I also love how he tries to mimic things Gracie says. She's been a great teacher over the past 18 months! In addition to a developing vocabulary, my little man is also exhibiting a developing temper. He is extremely easy going and pleasant when he's happy and things are going his way. When things aren't going his way, he morphs into a tiny ball of anger and does not hold back! I typically let him have his moment, then the whole tantrum seems to end as quickly as it began. He's pretty hilarious, even when he has those fists balled up in ...

Last weekend, my family attended a special Saturday with Santa event. There were lots of fun, festive activities for the kids, including cookie decorating, making reindeer food, and Christmas crafts. The event was held to raise money for a local children's charity. I was asked to stand in as photographer to capture some adorable pictures of the children with Santa. It was truly an honor to be a part of this day. I was so happy to hear that over $500 was raised! Saturday with Santa was put together by one of my great friends and her family. I personally had a blast, and I'm pretty sure the little ones did, too! First, the children were put in groups and given their own personal elves to lead them throughout the party. They began by coloring bags to hold all their goodies. Austin and Ethan Chandler and Gracie Next, the kids decorated Christmas cookies using everything from sprinkles to gumdrops.  There was also a Christmas tree craft station and game...