Things I love about having a baby

Her cute little fingers and toes. . .

Watching her discover new things. . .

When she smiles with her whole face. . .

And yes, even when she wants to yell at me in the middle of the night. . .

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning seems to come earlier and earlier every year, but the good news is that we don't let the kids go downstairs until 6:30 am. So even though they wake up between 4 and 5 am they usually go into one of their bedrooms and patiently wait until the clock strikes 6:30 before waking Chad and I up.

This year we had the added enjoyment of a small kitten and so after the kitten attacked all of the ornaments and started climbing the tree, we took the tree down. Our 2 year old cat Zaria didn't go anywhere near the tree so maybe there is hope for the tree in the future. We will just have to give Milo another year or two.

Most Sundays the 3:30pm church schedule is not my favorite, but I have to admit that it was rather nice on Christmas morning. We had time to open Santa gifts, have breakfast, open the other gifts (you know the ones under the imaginary tree), get dressed, take a nap, and still be on time for church.

After church we had dinner with the Hubers (Karen's family) and the Powells. As kids we used to always go to our friends the Johnston's house for Christmas dinner. This is the second year that we've done this with the Hubers and the Powells so maybe we are starting our own Christmas dinner tradition. All in all it was a great day. Merry Christmas everyone!

The Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel (another angel) . . . praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. . . and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankencense, and myrrh.

Holiday Craft Party

On Thursday we had our second annual Holiday Craft Party. The kids have really enjoyed this new tradition. We invited 25 families, but due to a sick bug that hit our home, we had to change the date and ended up with 15 families that were able to attend.

This party is a break away from your traditional Christmas party. Each family comes to our home between 6 and 8 pm and gets a set of instructions. The instructions explain what needs to be done in order to complete each craft. We made Candy bar reindeer, foam ornaments, jingle bell necklaces, candy wreaths, and ice cream cone Christmas trees. Our house isn't that big and so we set up tables in the kitchen and garage areas. We planned to use the backyard, but the wind wasn't cooperating and so the garage became the better option.

I used to think that one day I would have a formal Christmas party with family and close friends, but this informal, crazy, craft night is really more our style. I love that we can do something fun with the kids. Spending time together as a family is really what makes Christmas enjoyable. Merry Christmas Everyone.

Baby Whitney

Congratulations Bob & Stacey

On Monday morning my brother Bob and his cute wife Stacey celebrated their second wedding anniversary with the arrival of their daughter Whitney. Her middle name means "pure beauty." Isn't that sweet. Here are the rest of Whitney's stats.

Whitney Kiyomi Brown
born: 12/19/11
7 lbs 10 oz
20 inches long

Grandma is already in Washington loving her new little grand baby. Congrats you two. We can't wait to meet her.

Carlee Faces

My sister said that she wanted to see more pictures of Carlee. Carlee is super expressive and tonight she was making faces at Rebecca so I snapped some photos.

Carlee's Shower

Last night some good friends of mine had a baby shower for Carlee and I.
We were definitely spoiled.

Carlee managed to stay awake the entire time just looking and smiling at all of the guests who wanted to hold her. She was an angel. After her long night of socializing she has been a little sleepy this morning. Eventually when she wakes up we will have to try on some of these cute new clothes. I am lucky to have such amazing friends.

Rudolph the Red nosed dancing Reindeer

Sara's ballroom dance team had their first performance of the year at a Black Tie Christmas Social in Quail Creek. They performed a cute compilation piece to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

The dance included both the older and younger kids, so it was fun to see how it all came together. I love that Sara is still doing ballroom. Her technique is really improving and it's fun to watch her perform on stage. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't all that great, but I have a few pictures I thought I would add just for fun.