Christmas Cheer

Here are some things we've been up to celebrating the Christmas Season!

First Annual "Lighting Le Bonheur!" LOVED this!!!

The kids especially loved the hot chocolate!

Our annual attendance of the Nutcracker Ballet! Maybe next year Susanna can come, too. It was during her nap time, so no one would have been able to watch or listen!

The last 15 minutes, Eli fell asleep! But, he saw his favorite part - when the children dance out from under the the "table dress!"

Madeline's violin group got to play for Le Bonheur patients.

Our first year to go to "Snowy Nights" at My Big Backyard at the Botanic Gardens.

It was so fun! Only $5 for members!

There was fake snow! They loved this!

Everything was just so much more fun in the dark!

They had fire pits and marshmallows and hot dogs for roasting!

This was a good trial run for a possible spring camping trip ...

Susanna LOVED the marshmallows ... not surprised, I think she has our sweet teeth!

There were a bunch of winter related activities. One was a "Snow Globe" - an enclosed area with all this fake snow! The kids loved slipping and sliding .. .

Eli really loved it!

This was too cute; kinda hard for us to coordinate looking at the same time!

Very fun - definitely worth doing again next year!

The children singing at church. Our church, Redeemer Presbyterian, is a new church plant. It's pretty young, about 5 years old. This is the first year for children to sing! The kids had so much fun, and the moms in charge did such an awesome job! We were so proud of our two big kids singing - really just so fun to watch them up there!

Scroll down for a video!

It Snowed!

What a treat! It doesn't snow much in Memphis at all, especially not in early December!

The kids were so excited, they got dressed in record time and were out playing in the snow at about 6:45 am! A wonderful before school surprise!

Trying to catch a snowflake on her tongue!

Not too sure about walking on this stuff! These boots and raincoat were Madeline's. I remember thinking she looked so big in them. Can't believe Susanna is really old enough to wear them already....I really thought they wouldn't fit yet. This is going WAY TOO FAST!

Eli "ice skating!

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Susanna did not like when the snow got on her boots!

Check out these two cuties and the one grumpy face!!!

Have a great day! Stay warm and dry!

Happy Birthday, Brad

Happy Birthday, Uncle Bradley!!!!

My sweet brother is 40 today!

About Brad:

He is a wonderful, protective, thoughtful brother! I remember in 5th grade, our classes were together in the gym. I fell off the balance beam, and he came running to check on me. Of course this is just one small example of the hundreds of times he has protected me, supported me and been there for me over the years! I love having him to share our history together.

He's a fabulous dad who would do anything for his sweet little girl, Sabrina.

He's also a great husband to Tiffany. Always there for her and loves her completely.

Brad is a creative, deep thinking poet. He has a master's in creative writing and a master's in fine arts. He's an amazing college teacher; his students are so lucky to have such a laid back, understanding, creative and interesting teacher.

Brad has had a lot to overcome in his life with brittle diabetes and a car accident that set him up for many challenges. He has endured and continues to show me how perseverance, love, and family can pull you through the hardest of trials.

I've noticed I need a lot more pictures of the two of us together,

with Tim and Tiff and all the kids!

Love you, Brad! Have a great birthday!

Making an Advent Wreath

We've been using a ceramic Advent Wreath that my sister-in-law Vadessa gave us years ago. We love the tradition and how the kids understand a little more every year!

Last Sunday, we went to Madeline and Eli's friends Frances and Walt's church for a kids Christmas craft night and "Hanging of the Green!" It was really fun making the crafts, eating the gingerbread cookies they iced and being with good friends. We came home with all the "fixings" for a homemade advent wreath for us to complete at home. I didn't really think I could do it, but Eli woke up today and wanted to try so he and Madeline could have an Advent Wreath in their room - so out we went with our scissors! It started out as a pie tin with a styrofoam "oasis" and 5 candle wells. It was really pretty easy! And really fun!

Susanna helping "cut, cut, cut!"

Turned out pretty cute! (Don't mind the mess behind Eli!)

I was pretty excited parts of our holly bushes actually some berries!