I'm really big on family traditions. I grew up with many and want Cole to have that same experience as well. When he was born, Michael and I made a 'list' of some specific Christmas traditions that we wanted to incorporate as we celebrated the holiday each year. Baking a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake, letting Cole buy for a child in need, counting down the days with a homemade Advent Calendar, and making Christmas treats to deliver to the neighbors were just a few of the things we wanted to do (I must say this year was so much fun being able to finally do some of these treasured things with Cole now that he's older). I had also been wanting to do something with a special gift each year, but was stumped on what to do. After looking through the book "Treasuring God in our Traditions" by Noel Piper (GREAT book) and visiting a friend's blog, I had my idea.
A tradition that I found and loved was one of getting a special ornament each year for your child. Then when he/she gets married, you box up all of 'their' ornaments and give them as a gift for their first Christmas tree with their spouse (we all know how bare those first trees can be!). Many people do a theme (snowmen, Santas, angels, etc.) which I love, but I wanted to add something personal for Cole. His first name, Nathanael, means 'Gift of God' so I wanted to incorporate that somehow. Michael and I decided that since Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, we would get Cole an ornament each year that depicted a name of Christ. We began this year with a beautiful Nativity ornament we found with the inscription - King of Kings. It also has a verse on the back from Isaiah about the birth of Christ. While shopping during the after Christmas sales, we found a beautiful crystal ornament at Pottery Barn that is a cluster of grapes. We both loved it and will use it one year to depict "I am the vine, ye are the branches".
I am also starting a notebook to give with the ornaments when he gets married. It will list the year, the ornament given, the name of Christ it represents, and a supporting Scripture verse.
Just a little insight on a tradition we're starting...what are some of your favorites?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Before Christmas Fun
Whew...what a busy week! We had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you did as well. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I'm just now getting all of my pictures uploaded and organized. Give me a few days, and they'll all be ready to view (I'm sure you're on pins and needles with anticipation, lol).
I will begin our picture journey a few days before Christmas. Cole had so much fun helping me complete the gingerbread house I created at MOPS (see previous post), visiting Santa, and riding the Christmas train. I must say that visiting Santa was a hoot. We went to The Streets because the Santa there was free, AMEN...and you could bring your own camera for pictures. Well, Santa had to move indoors to Barnes and Noble because of the weather. Not good for us. We visit Barnes and Noble often for storytime and Cole knows as soon as we enter the doors that he can go play with the train set. Of course, that was where he headed when we walked in. He wanted nothing to do with Santa. We had to convince him to 'show Santa' one of his trains to get him away from the set. He showed it to Santa, but would NOT let Santa have it...we're working on sharing :-) We didn't get a great picture, but walked away with a funny memory and story to tell as he gets older.
The real fun began when we left Barnes and Noble and headed to Rivergate with Papa and Gigi to let Cole ride the train. What fun he had! We weren't sure if he would ride by himself...he surprised us all and rode like a pro. No crying for Mommy or Daddy to ride...one more sign that he's growing up. I had tears in my eyes watching him go around the track. People were probably looking at me thinking "What is wrong with that woman!?". He looked so big and smiled the whole time. He had so much fun that we just HAD to let him ride a second time. This go around, another little girl rode in same car with him. She was probably around 4-5 years old and just took Cole's hand as they rode...so sweet!
More pics and posts to come soon!
I will begin our picture journey a few days before Christmas. Cole had so much fun helping me complete the gingerbread house I created at MOPS (see previous post), visiting Santa, and riding the Christmas train. I must say that visiting Santa was a hoot. We went to The Streets because the Santa there was free, AMEN...and you could bring your own camera for pictures. Well, Santa had to move indoors to Barnes and Noble because of the weather. Not good for us. We visit Barnes and Noble often for storytime and Cole knows as soon as we enter the doors that he can go play with the train set. Of course, that was where he headed when we walked in. He wanted nothing to do with Santa. We had to convince him to 'show Santa' one of his trains to get him away from the set. He showed it to Santa, but would NOT let Santa have it...we're working on sharing :-) We didn't get a great picture, but walked away with a funny memory and story to tell as he gets older.
The real fun began when we left Barnes and Noble and headed to Rivergate with Papa and Gigi to let Cole ride the train. What fun he had! We weren't sure if he would ride by himself...he surprised us all and rode like a pro. No crying for Mommy or Daddy to ride...one more sign that he's growing up. I had tears in my eyes watching him go around the track. People were probably looking at me thinking "What is wrong with that woman!?". He looked so big and smiled the whole time. He had so much fun that we just HAD to let him ride a second time. This go around, another little girl rode in same car with him. She was probably around 4-5 years old and just took Cole's hand as they rode...so sweet!
More pics and posts to come soon!
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
Jesus is the Gift...MOPS Christmas meeting
Yesterday, we held our MOPS Christmas meeting. We usually keep our regular decor./theme for this meeting, but this year, we decided to do something different. We deviated from the MOPS 'theme' and went with a Christmas theme of our own...Jesus is the Gift.
Our Coordinator, Brandee, found this JITG website last year, and ordered some beautiful ribbon, paper, mugs, etc. with the phrase on them. We thought it would be perfect to center our meeting around this saying. Being moms of preschoolers, it can sometimes be hard with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays to keep our focus that JESUS is the ultimate gift and reason for our celebration. Lots of prayer went into our preparations for the meeting and the Lord blessed in a BIG way!
The meeting began with our yummy breakfast (as usual!) and announcements. The decor. was festive with each Steering Team member decorating their own table with 'holiday' items. Christmas music was in the air and the mood was light with everyone bringing in Christmas gifts for friends and sweet treats making the rounds. After announcements, we headed upstairs to the chapel to listen to a Christmas message given by our guest speaker, Betsy Collins. Betsy is a beautiful lady both inside and out that has raised three amazing girls...one of which just signed up for the IMB with her husband. She is a wonderful mentor to all of us young moms and there was no better person to share the gospel message of the greatest gift ever given. When she gave an invitation, we had several moms raise their hands to accept Christ and three confirmed that they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior...I cannot describe to you the joy that filled our hearts and the room! Such rejoicing!!
After the message, we headed back downstairs to play some games and decorate our gingerbread houses. So much fun watching grown women pry apart Christmas gifts with oven mitts and so intense about decorating a candy house :-)
Our MOPPETS (children) also enjoyed a fun day of celebrating with a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' party. What a fun morning!
**Thanks to Brandee for letting me copy her pics...can you believe I forgot my camera!?
My table...I decorated with a gingerbread man theme. 
Dana's table...she chose to decorate with our meeting theme 'Jesus is the Gift'
All of our precious kiddos...ornaments made by MOPPETS
Playing our game...go Holly!
Dana Won!
Decorating our gingerbread houses 
The "W" in Christmas
My mom forwarded this email to me. Being a school teacher, it touched my heart about the true meaning of Christmas.
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his class mates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
The "W" in Christmas
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his class mates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence... .humbled by His love.
HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
One...two...three
One of Cole's new favorite pastimes is emptying the bathroom cabinets, lining up all the lotions, perfumes, etc., and counting them over and over. I was drying my hair the other day and when I looked down, this is what I saw... 
One...two...three...
A Proud Sister
I have been such proud sister this past week. My younger brother, Kyle, will graduate from Nossi College of Art this month with a degree in photography and had his portfolio review last Thursday. All the seniors set up booths for the family to view as well as graphic art/photography businesses and professionals. I must say that Kyle's was one of the best there. I was so proud to see him using the talents God gave him while he talked and shared with people as they browsed through his work. He was even approached by a CMT photographer about the possibility of some clients...wow!
To check out Kyle's photos, go to http://www.kgcapture.com/. He has done numerous weddings, family sessions, infant/baby photos, etc. I am so proud!!
Lights on 109
With Cole's fascination with all the lights this year, we wanted to take him to the decorated house on Hwy. 109 and drive through. We stopped by Mom G's house for dinner last Friday night and brought her along for the ride. In all her years of driving past, she had never stopped and driven through, so it was a treat for her as well.
Cole LOVED all the lights...that's probably an understatement. He was fascinated. We rolled down the windows, despite the cold air, to hear the holiday music. Cole also loved looking through the sunroof at all the arched lights overhead. A special treat was getting a candycane from Santa in his workshop and a kiss from Frosty.
When asked what Santa says, Cole usually responds "HO, HO, HO!"...so cute! We thought we would show out with this Santa, so when he gave Cole a candycane I promptly asked, "Cole, what does Santa say?". His answer..."Hello Cole!".
Cole LOVED all the lights...that's probably an understatement. He was fascinated. We rolled down the windows, despite the cold air, to hear the holiday music. Cole also loved looking through the sunroof at all the arched lights overhead. A special treat was getting a candycane from Santa in his workshop and a kiss from Frosty.
When asked what Santa says, Cole usually responds "HO, HO, HO!"...so cute! We thought we would show out with this Santa, so when he gave Cole a candycane I promptly asked, "Cole, what does Santa say?". His answer..."Hello Cole!".
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Opryland Christmas
I love Opryland Hotel. I guess it holds a special place in my heart because that is where Michael proposed to me 8 years ago. We love going back every now and then, walking and enjoying the sights. Last year, we decided to make it a Christmas tradition to go every year with Cole and look at all the lights (one day we'll show him the bench where his daddy proposed :)).
Last year was fun strolling Cole and watching his little eyes dance. This year was even more fun!
Not only did Papa and Gigi join us, but Cole LOVED all the lights, sights, and sounds. He was mesmerized by everything he saw and wanted to touch them all. Our night began with dinner at the Water's Edge International buffet in the Delta. It was delicious and we had great seats...right by the huge water show. After dinner, we began our sightseeing. We loved looking at all the trees, lights, and other decorations. Although it hardly changes from year to year, it's always breathtaking. After wandering through the Delta and Magnolia lobby, we headed to the Cascades and Garden Conservatory. The lights were beautiful and they even had a spot set up where you could send an email to Santa...no more postage stamps :-) We also happened upon the Rockabilly Christmas concert. This is a free show Wednesday-Sunday nights at 6, 7, and 8. They sing some of the classic Christmas carols with an 'Elvis-rock' twist. It was so much fun and the whole crowd was movin' and groovin'. Cole really enjoyed the show as well. We had a wonderful night together and can't wait to go back again next year.
Just one little tip...park at Opry Mills and walk over unless you want to pay $18 for parking! You can also get your parking validated if you eat inside the hotel.
Last year was fun strolling Cole and watching his little eyes dance. This year was even more fun!
Not only did Papa and Gigi join us, but Cole LOVED all the lights, sights, and sounds. He was mesmerized by everything he saw and wanted to touch them all. Our night began with dinner at the Water's Edge International buffet in the Delta. It was delicious and we had great seats...right by the huge water show. After dinner, we began our sightseeing. We loved looking at all the trees, lights, and other decorations. Although it hardly changes from year to year, it's always breathtaking. After wandering through the Delta and Magnolia lobby, we headed to the Cascades and Garden Conservatory. The lights were beautiful and they even had a spot set up where you could send an email to Santa...no more postage stamps :-) We also happened upon the Rockabilly Christmas concert. This is a free show Wednesday-Sunday nights at 6, 7, and 8. They sing some of the classic Christmas carols with an 'Elvis-rock' twist. It was so much fun and the whole crowd was movin' and groovin'. Cole really enjoyed the show as well. We had a wonderful night together and can't wait to go back again next year.
Just one little tip...park at Opry Mills and walk over unless you want to pay $18 for parking! You can also get your parking validated if you eat inside the hotel.
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Sunday, December 7, 2008
A Heavenly Christmas
A beautiful poem posted by Laura on her blog that I thought fitting for my family as well. May it bless those of you that have seen loved ones go to be with the Lord this year...
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars, reflected in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away your tears,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But their sound can't compare with the Christmas choir up here!
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring,
It is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see your broken heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
Thank you for your kindness, you know I hold you dear,
Be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ, this year.
I send to you a special gift from Heaven, my home above.
I send to you the memory of my undying love.
The gift of love is precious, more precious than pure gold,
And always most important, in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep those others, as my Father said to do.
I just can't count the blessings He has in store for you!
So have a merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year!
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars, reflected in the snow.
The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away your tears,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But their sound can't compare with the Christmas choir up here!
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring,
It is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see your broken heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
Thank you for your kindness, you know I hold you dear,
Be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ, this year.
I send to you a special gift from Heaven, my home above.
I send to you the memory of my undying love.
The gift of love is precious, more precious than pure gold,
And always most important, in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep those others, as my Father said to do.
I just can't count the blessings He has in store for you!
So have a merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Reflections on Thanksgiving
We've been so busy that I'm just now posting about Thanksgiving! With Dad G's going home, this year was different for our family. Instead of traveling to Gatlinburg, we stayed here to enjoy the holiday together. Although we were home, we tried to keep to some of our traditions just the same. 
Michael, Cole, and I headed over to my parent's home on Wednesday night. We stayed through Saturday! Even though they are only 20 minutes away, it felt so good and "normal" for all of us to stay together through the holiday. We woke up early Thursday morning to the tunes of the Macy's parade and yummy scents floating through the house. Mom G came over and we all enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving lunch together. The mood was a little somber, but we laughed, joked, and enjoyed being together...it was beautiful to see Mom G laughing again. Thursday afternoon was spent planning our shopping route for Friday, watching Christmas shows, and addressing Christmas cards (which I still haven't sent!). That night, we headed upstairs for an informal pool tournament. I must say that I shocked myself...I wasn't half bad!
Friday was a shopping day for the women. Now, we're not the wake up at 4:00 a.m. type. We enjoyed a breakfast spread of waffles, bacon, and biscuits and finally hit the stores around 10:30. We stayed out until 4:00...we found good deals and had lots of fun. Friday evening my parents went to a friend's home for dinner, so Michael and I had the house to ourselves. After laying Cole down for the evening, we went up to the new theater room and watched Kung Fu Panda that Michael had rented earlier that day. It felt like a date!
Saturday was spent playing outside in the leaves, putting up mom's Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate/cider and relaxing. That evening, our extended family came over to watch The Polar Express. My grandparents hadn't seen it and LOVED it!
All in all, it was a wonderful holiday spent focusing on how much the Lord has blessed us. We hope yours was wonderful as well!
Fun in the leaves
Making handprint turkeys with Papa
Decorating the tree with Gigi
The family getting ready to watch The Polar Express
It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas...
This year has been so much fun decorating the house/tree with Cole. Michael and I have always enjoyed doing these things together since we got married, and it's so wonderful to be able to share this joy with Cole. Last year, Cole had just turned one...he "helped" some but basically just admired the tree. What a difference a year makes! This year, he is helping to decorate EVERYTHING! Watching his eyes light up at all the new decorations as I continued to pull them out of the attic was so cute. "Whoa!" was the favorite term for the day :-) He really loved the Nativity set and it was beautiful to be able to share the true meaning of Christmas with him. He loves talking and singing to Baby Jesus...childlike faith and innocence is so humbling to watch. It reminds me to keep the wonder of the season and not get caught up in the "busy"ness of the holiday.
Decorating the tree(s) was fun as well. We don't have a color theme...all of our ornaments are from our travels (with the exception of a few...Baby's first Christmas, etc.) Reflecting on all the memories as we hang each ornament is always a favorite of ours. Cole's favorite ornament is a bell from the Grand Canyon...it plays "Jingle Bells". I may have to hang that one a little higher :-) I have a feeling I'll be tired of the carol before Christmas is over! He also enjoyed decorating the tree in his room with 'sporty' Santas, tin soldiers, etc., compliments of Mom G.
We've had so much fun and the season is just beginning!
Decorating the tree(s) was fun as well. We don't have a color theme...all of our ornaments are from our travels (with the exception of a few...Baby's first Christmas, etc.) Reflecting on all the memories as we hang each ornament is always a favorite of ours. Cole's favorite ornament is a bell from the Grand Canyon...it plays "Jingle Bells". I may have to hang that one a little higher :-) I have a feeling I'll be tired of the carol before Christmas is over! He also enjoyed decorating the tree in his room with 'sporty' Santas, tin soldiers, etc., compliments of Mom G.
We've had so much fun and the season is just beginning!
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