A Nicely Family Christmas

The snow started at noon and never stopped at the Nicely's. But between family time, gifts, GG"s peanut butter balls, lasagna...we were all worn out but back home by 8p.m. It was a wonderful relaxing time together!

Merry Christmas Will Always Be Said in Our Home

6:45 a.m she was up bright and early...so Mommy was too!!!! No doubt Daddy wanted us to sleep longer. Most of my great shots are on the video camera, however I hope you can see her smile this Christmas morning at 2 years old. She was so excited as she turned the corner and saw her Toyaota Crusier and Pink Camo Camping tent...she wanted nothing else. But we stopped and opened a special gift...the baby Jesus. Our new Christmas morning tradition is that we unwrap the baby Jesus first so we all are reminded that Jesus is the greatest gift to us this day and always. Then we read Isaiah 9:6 to help appreciate Him more. We had so much fun this morning watching HVN, loving on each other, sharing breakfast and making memories. God is so good to bless us with things that are fun, yet we don't really need materialistically.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

We've certainly had an incredible Christmas Season preparing HVN and our hearts for Jesus' birthday celebration. When we decorated we put out several manger scenes, one in particular that HVN could play with. Several times a day she would want to hear the story, so we'd read it from Luke 2 and from her book. She began wanting to sing "Happy Birthday Jesus", Jesus Loves Me Too (as she calls it) and others. All month when we spoke of Santa, she would say "Santa No COme to my House", "I no like Santa", Why dont' you like Santa and she would say, "I no like his White bird (aka beard) She often had us in stitches. So when we ask her what she wanted for Christmas she would say "Pint Watch" (aka Pink Watch). Well, on Christmas Eve afternoon I ask her one more time...HVN, what should Santa bring you for Christmas? and she replied..."Ummm (eyes rolled to side then looks back at me)...Baby Jesus" I did tear up. So when others ask her at chruch that night what Santa was bringing her she would say, "Baby Jesus". How sweet! The night before Christmas after our reading HVN opened one gift, her Elmo slippers and she slept in them all night! I think it was harder for Rick and I to sleep through this night as we were anticipating all the excitement on Christmas Morning with HVN. She's talking but still not fully understandable except to me as Im with her all day. Rick and I reminded each other of how long we had waited for this special gift that keeps giving...HVN. And it was on Christmas Eve of 2007 that God had promised her to us! Grateful!

Thank You Dear Soldier"

We had the opportunity to fullfill a Mother's Wish that lives on the West coast. While morning the death of her 25 year old son, whom was a twin, husband, Purple Heart receiver all she wanted for Christmas was for her son's tombstone to be decorated. So we set out on a day to Arlington National Cemetary to decorate the stone of 1st Lt. Forrest P. Ewens. One who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom here one earth. It helped to put our perspective back in place and thank the Lord for all of our blessings. When visiting ANC, close to Christmas, we were surrounded by hurting people, loved ones, widows, parents, etc. who were burrying their beloved. We are so very thankful for our freedom and those that serve us in this way. I pray blessings upon the Ewens family as they learn to live without one who meant so much. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/fpewens.htm

Staff Christmas Party

The little ones were invited to our Staff Christmas party this year. HVN loves being with AGS, they enjoyed eating together and chowing down on Miss Judy's gingerbread house. The best part of the night had to be watching the Pastors do Wii Dance....all I can say is woo wii!!!!!!!!! The "A" family even brought AJ for all of us to meet. HVN is all about the babies and very sweet on them when she has the chance.

Love'n On her Cousins

HVN, Cam and LG had so much fun playing together during the holidays. Cam and HVN couldn't chase each other enough (notice the gripper socks I had to put on HVN). HVN So enjoys time with her friends and family. She's at the age where she ask for them by name and looks forward to their visits. She was all giggles this day!

Enjoying Her Mickey Mouse Christmas Book

"YUM" "YUM"

I say this so much but HVN loves to help in the kitchen and I love having her in there. This season we made sugar cookies, butterscotch scotties, apple cake and a few others. Mostly we shared them all with friends and made trays to give away. Between this, parties, gingerbread houses and the season...we are exhausted from the kitchen! Although its alot of fun! Im so thankful to have little hands helping and making her designs no matter how messy it is!

Where Has the Time Gone?

The snow is falling, offices and schools are closed and we are HOME! Baby girl jumped up on the guest room bed and gave me de-ja-vu! So I snapped a few pictures. The lower picture is HVN at 6 months during her first snow fall and the other is from today at 2 years and 5 months exactly. She still loves the snow. When she awoke this morning and saw it she said. "me help snow fall". Not sure how she could do it but whatever is happening is what she wants to be a part of....even if it's helping the snow to fall!

Gingerbread Fun

This was right up my girls alley! She loves to put on the apron, be in the kitchen, make goodies and laugh! She made sure she pushed her stool to every side of the island so she could get into whatever she wanted...especially the candy. To us she's the sweetest thing, she just blesses us all day long with her love of life, laughter and TALKATIVENESS...and that's the truth! She loves to talk and sing!

"Wanta Pay Mommy?"

On Monday, HVN and I were waiting in CVS for a perscription. She was being busy finding letters, buckling my purse, seeing cool things on the shelf etc. Then she sits down by me, folds her hands and begins to talk, much of which I couldn't understand. Then she looks at me and says, "wanta pay mommy? since her hands were folded I said..."do i want to pray?" and she says "yes" so I said, "sure I wanta pray". So we held hands, bowed our heads and thanked God for whatever we could think of. How sweet was that? I can't ask the Lord for anything more. It was a sweet moment for me with tears being held back. We pray when daddy leaves in the morning, at each meal and at night during our bedtime routine...so when she ask "wanta pay mommy" I was honored and thankful although I know she's not fully understanding the concept...its nice to know shes knows its a practice in our home....and I'm thankful for that.

"U know, I No like Santa Clause"

My sweet helper loved decorating and was in full swing as we brought out tubs, wrapping paper, the manger scene, books and more. However, after I put up the Santa ornament she quickly added "momma, u know I no like Santa Clause" cant you see those eyes look'n up and imagine her shaking her head at me? That's what she did. She does not like him and when I ask her why...she rubbed her face and said..."his bird momma, I no like his bird" meaning his beard. So funny. She keeps us laughing and guessing as she's putting it all together.

Thanksgiving Day 5 K Turkey Trott

Eight weeks before the 5K Turkey Trott I decided to take back my body and train for my first ever 5K. As I did, I learned that balancing health, family, work, etc. can be very hard. At times discouraging but also realized we make time for the things that we want. Thanks to the encouragement of my husband, HVN and a few great friends I did it. I came in under my goal and plan to run again in December. I had a great conviction at the beginning that this would make me a better person for all those that I serve and it has. I know the Lord gives us endurance for all things and this chronic asthamatic did not have to fear with Christ on my side.

Thanksgiving

We were reminded of all that we have to be thankful for...Salvation, one another, health, our home and the blessing of being an American!