The Gift of Joy.

 Merry Christmas to you and yours. 

Good News, Great Joy and a Precious Gift 

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

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We have had a grand week leading up to Christmas with my Christmas break getting started there has been plenty of time to enjoy the goodness of this sweet boy. 

We’ve spent lots of time thinking about family and the important things in our life.  We are thankful for a health scare this week that brought us to our knees, and having prayers answered always makes you feel grateful for things big and small. 

 Henry had a tough time cutting teeth once again.  His front left tooth popped up proving he is ready to take on bigger and better foods.  Poor baby. 

 Much to my delight we saw snow on Friday.  A grin bigger than the moon spread across my face at the sight and the joy of getting to show Henry the magical white fluff.  It turns out he has a love for it too.  As we stood looking out our window he kicked his legs and squealed a bit, to see his world being covered in white.

He helped us finish up our Christmas shopping at the mall and was a delight and charmer every where he went.  

 

 Trader Joes had him mesmerized with the dangling ornaments everywhere. 

He enjoyed playing with friends for a little Christmas party.  And almost began crawling for the first time when Savannah came to see him.  He couldn’t stop smiling and reaching for her.  

  We still had time for acting like total goofballs, which seems to be our favorite past time. 

Ready for lights, camera, action.

Just some classic family pictures by a tree.

 Yes, baby's first Christmas.

 A sweet visit from my Mom and Dad. 

 Then that moment when you realize you set the timer on the camera to take multiple shots .........

 Some of us were ready.

 For a little picture taking fun.

Snowflakes = Smiles for Sandyhook!

This time of year people tend to get their craft on.  Especially when the kids are home for Christmas break!  Why not put that crafting to a good cause?

When classes resume for the students and staff of Sandyhook Elementary it will thankfully be in a different building.  The PTA is trying to spread the word to schools and children all over to help make the welcome back a little brighter.  By creating a wintery wonderland they hope to bring a bit of much needed cheer to these sweet little ones.   The hope is to have snowflakes filling the hallways and classrooms.  How fun!  So get out that glitter and glue and let's create a blizzard! 

Please help the students of Sandy Hook have a winter wonderland at their new school! Get Creative!! No two snowflakes are alike. 

Make and send snowflakes to Connecticut PTSA, 60 Connolly Parkway, Building 12, Suite 103, Hamden, CT 06514, by January 12, 2013.

More info here.

Prop Yourself up and Stay a while.

I've never ever been a morning person.  I need three cups of deep, dark, heavily caffeinated go juice before I can even put on my house shoes. This guy however can make anyone glad to be alive and kickin.  

 Yesterday morning while getting ready for work Barry brought the little man in so I could see him.  I was in the middle of looking down at my mascara tube when I felt a little arm on my shoulder.  I looked up to find this. 

After learning he had done this without any coaxing from his dad I couldn't stop laughing.  What a fun lovin' little guy. 

 This boy is the definition of deep seeded Joy.  The kind that warms your bones on a cold day. 

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Festive fun fills the air as we are in the full swing of the Christmas season.  We enjoyed a sweet visit to Granny and Pepaw's.  Henry enjoyed looking at the assortment of memories strewn amongst the twinkling lights of their tree. 

 Cousin love was all around at the annual Martin girl cookie party.  My pants have been unbuttoned all week as a delicious result. 

These big grey baubles accompanied us in some Christmas shopping fun. 

 My little gingerbread boy and gingerbread man were more scrumptious than ever.

 Night time is an apparent excuse for revving up your baby engine at 8 months.  He can be as tired as can be but stripping him down to change into PJ's produces a non stop giggle box that moves about a mile a minute.  

Pure

Joy

A surprise visit from my parents brought smiles to our  house.  I love seeing Henry being adored by them and get a big kick out of him showing off his flashy smile to them. 

 Other than that we've just been hanging around.  :)

I've loved a weekend with my boys and in this crazy world we live in I'm clinging tight to the precious moments we share together.