Merry Christmas, 2011

Ben-Tenny got Grandma Shari a prayer calendar for Christmas and I would like to share the writings of today's page:

As the year draws to a close, Christmas offers its wonderful message: Emmanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people."

How thoughtful and perfect He always is, Happy Birthday dear Savior... I love You. You care for us all so much that you walked with us, experienced us and what we go through, and taught us along the way. This day is to celebrate You and all that thoughtfulness of Yours, and let us all remember that.

Faces

I just had to post an update to our day and our Nutcracker experiences...I think the Sergeant already knew what was under that sheet (easy wrapping btw). Benny blurted out, "It's a bike!" I got Stink an extra long sappy card and it lengthened the exciting anticipation of what was truly under there. Made him read every word before the great reveal.

He totally loves it... has the sore thumbs to prove it. Breaking in new handlebars hurts. I even let him ride it in the house a bit.

Here we are at Nutcracker #2 after cinnamon and sugar pancakes this morning... Benny asked and made sure they talked at this version. It was a fabulous show at the Children's Dinner Theatre. This was more their style and where we continued to celebrate Stink's Birthday. We just love going to this place! As you can see the kids liked it a whole lot more than Nutcracker #1, which brings me to that. This one was Mom's favorite. I'm the only enthused one in the group here, as you can see. This was Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. It was so soothing... beautiful in every way. Wonderful talent.

This is what mom does to sleeping boys during the ballet at Nutcracker #1... stuffed them with popcorn during intermission.

I have to finish with the best: the candle-blowing scene from today... so fulfilling to know you had a wonderful birthday son. And thanks to both you boys for enduring 2 Nutcracker Shows in 4 days, with a happy heart... troopers!

Little Boys Grow Up

...too fast. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SERGEANT STINK.

I remember the day that I met you. I woke up at wee hours out of my sleep and I was sick. I didn't know how it was going to feel and they say you just know, and I did. It was a feeling like no other and I was without a doubt, certain you were on your way. I took my time getting ready for you as I made your Dad pace around. You came fast... at 12:23pm on 12/23 this world just got better and my little peanut at 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 19 inches long was finally here. You were the most perfect little thing that I had ever seen: color, head, features and all... but feisty. Very different from brother bear. You struggled a tad to nurse, but when we both got it you were like velcro on mom for that entire year. You let me sleep only winks for that entire year too. As long as you had what you needed (and you always and to this day know exactly what you want) you were just the happiest baby. Pretty much always giggling and wearing a grin representing either your bliss or that you were up to no good.

You still give your mom those same eyes as you gaze up at me. You did it last night as we were both singing silent night with our candles at church. You never give those looks to anyone else, thank you. I hope one day you will tell me what your thinking when you give me those precious eyes. I will tell you that I am so in love with you my dear boy. You make me proud. You make me work hard. You make me love harder. You make me laugh. You make me cry. You help make me.

We are celebrating your 9th birthday today and I already love the little man your becoming. You still have your expected kid moments because that's what you are; but your respectful, honest, loyal, considerate, and full of fun. You are the man of this house right now, and take that as serious as you can.

I hope this is more than a great birthday for you, I always try my best to make it that way. We are going to see the Nutcracker again this afternoon, kids style play with lunch and a surprise birthday cake. I'm going to make you your pancakes this morning. I picked out the most perfect red bike for you and it's waiting for you in the living room to uncover when you get up. We were up late last night decorating gingerbread houses. I should have slept in but woke up early this morning just as I did 9 years ago, this time tightly snuggling my growing boy. I was even sick to my stomach but it was from the fresh hummus I had eaten at "The Deli" last night. So I am up, ready for your day, I know you will sleep in... but I can't wait to see your face when you awake. You amaze me and I hope that this amazes you, and your day is full of everything you want it to be.

So In Love,
Your Mom... xoxoxoxoxoxxxxx

They've Made Their Lists...

Here is Benny's... who ate a candy cane the other night and seriously thought that it took the place of brushing his teeth. Here is my Sergeant Stink's list... who last week gave me this long and very creative theory of why he is so fast. He pulled up his pant leg and began, "Look mom... there's a ball in here (as he is wiggling his knee cap). I think it's like a golf ball or something that got stuck in there and it just makes me take off."