2010 Blessings

As this year comes to a close and 2011 makes its debut, I'm reminded of all the blessings the Lord has showered on our family.  Many may seem small and insignificant, but we know by His unfailing Word that every good gift comes from above. . . and He delights in our praise and thanksgiving.  Here is a small, far from complete, list of special memories/blessings from the past 12 months.

* Watching Cole grow in his knowledge of Jesus and begin to ask questions about sin, salvation, and heaven.  Michael and I pray daily that the Lord will give us wisdom when sharing with both of our boys and that they will walk in His ways at an early age.

* Reading through the Word with precious women while gleaning from one another.  In depth, verse-by-verse studies of Ecclesiastes and Hebrews were my favorites (thanks to my sweet friend, Regina, for leading us!).

* God's sustaining hand in Michael's business.  In times where the real-estate market continues to sway and no month-to-month salary is guaranteed, he has stayed busy and his cliental has grown.  The Lord's provision amazes us!

* Relationships built through Michael's business.  Alan and Dawn, we are so thankful for your hospitality and sharing your home/time with us.  We truly felt as if we were residing in a 5 star hotel.  Our NYC getaway was greatly refreshing and appreciated!  

* Cuddling together at night on Cole's 'big' bed while reading about Jesus, singing, and praying.  It's sweet family time that I'll always cherish.

* Enjoying lots of time together this summer through mini-vacations and fun day trips.  Chattanooga was a definite favorite with highlights being the aquarium, zoo, and Rock City as well as a fall getaway to Gatlinburg.

* Cultivating new friendships with lunch dates, play dates, shopping outings, and dinners together.  Michael and I are so thankful for this answer to prayer!

* Seeing precious friends come to know the Lord. . . many which have been prayed over for years.  I also had the joy of leading three HHS cheerleaders to Christ during our church's Fall Student Crusade - to Him be the Glory!

* Our Long Hollow church family.  We feel so blessed to be a part of a congregation that truly believes and LIVES serving others and reaching our community/world for Christ.  This past year, our work in Haiti has touched my heart the most.  Watching children be brought into the orphan village that we've built, listening to their stories of redemption and grace through Jesus, seeing their hands lifted high in praise. . . it's humbling.

* Learning of the arrival of our sweet new blessing in April 2011.  The sugar on top was finding out with our fun gender reveal party that it was to be another BOY :)  We can't wait to welcome Cade Elias to our home!

* Celebrating 9 years of marriage to my best friend.  Michael, I'm so thankful for you and the way you lead our family.  You are a wonderful husband and dad that strives to follow God's will - in your life and ours.  Not to mention you are one handsome hunk!  We love you very much!

* I finally got a sister! :)  My brother, Kyle, married his best friend, Laura, in June.  We were thrilled to be a part of their special day and were excited to 'officially' welcome Laura to the family.  We can't wait to share many memories together in the future.

* Cole turned four and is truly the joy of our home.  His love and laughter make life so much more meaningful and exciting.  This year we celebrated his birthday with an outer space theme - it was definitely an outta this world party!  We also marvel at the way he is growing and changing.  He is reading fluently (he reads bedtime stories to us) and becomes more of a little man everyday.  How we treasure these years for we know they will quickly pass us by.

As you pause to ring in the New Year, I pray that you will look back and recognize God's hand over the course of your life in 2010.  Even amidst trials and pain (which we all experienced), He was there - showering us with his Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love (a quote I love from Cole's Jesus Storybook Bible. . . my favorite!).

I also pass to you this challenge. . . see if you can name 2011 blessings in 2011.  Divided, it ends up being 5-6 each day.  They can be mighty answers to prayer or the simple things such as finding a GREAT parking spot on a cold, rainy day.  As I begin my Chronological Bible study this year, this simple list will be a part of my quiet time with Him.  Reflecting on His goodness, mercy, and love through the everyday circumstances.  

These daily reminders of thanksgiving and praise are mighty things bringing us closer to the Father's heart.  I'd love for you to join me!

Rejoicing in a new beginning, 

Adrian  

White Christmas

There was no dreaming of a white Christmas this year - God provided the real thing!

The snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was beautiful. . . we were thankful it lasted an extra day as well so that we could enjoy a little snow fun.

Gotta love the out-of-bed-no-shower look :)

Tank and Maple enjoying the snow - they both ran laps forever!

Christmas Day

or should I say, Winter Wonderland?  

It was GLORIOUS waking up to a scene straight out of a Christmas card. . . what a beautiful day the Lord blessed us with!

Cole awoke early (well, 7:45. . . early for him these days) and Michael kept him occupied in his room while I got the video camera ready.  We couldn't miss his sweet expressions as he ran into the living room to see all of Santa's goodies.

Heading straight for the big one

His new wooden easel (which he's enjoyed non-stop these past few days. . .)

We hear that Santa loves IKEA and got it for a STEAL!

So cozy in his new outer space sleeping bag

A CD full of songs using his name - it's so cute!

Clothes and M&M headphones

Stocking time!

Mom and Dad's turn. . .

After opening presents, I had planned to cook us a yummy breakfast of biscuits, sausage, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and pancakes; BUT, since I was up the entire night before with an upset stomach (evidently, Cade isn't a fan of chili these days), Michael fixed a simplified version. . . which was delicious none the less.

Upon entering the kitchen for breakfast, Cole noticed a letter that Santa had left for him.

He was shocked and so excited!

After breakfast it was a morning of reading the Word, lounging in pjs, playing with new toys, and cherishing moments as a family of three.  I have a feeling that next year may be a little different with a five year old and an eight month old :)  Can't wait!

Around noon, we headed to my grandmother's home for a semi-traditional meal.  I say semi, because in years past, we've always done breakfast/brunch.  Since Kyle and Laura now spend Christmas morning with her family, we've decided to make lunch our special meal together.  Potato soup, sandwiches, shrimp, dips, and other goodies with another batch of presents rounded out our afternoon.

The past few years, we've also begun the Christmas Cracker tradition.  Little musical instruments, jokes, yo-yos, and colorful crowns were our special prizes hidden inside.

Laura, Gigi, myself, and Mom G sporting our crowns. . . 

It was nearing nap time (for all of us), so we made the long trek next door to my parent's home where we would spend the evening.  Pizza and wings were on the menu and we later enjoyed opening up our gifts to one another.

Daddy's surprise gift from Mommy

Laura's laptop surprise

Cole's favorite. . . his long-awaited V-Reader  

Because of the impending weather, we all decided to spend the night. . . seven of us plus three dogs made for a fun evening :)  Games and a movie were the agenda - what a wonderful Christmas!  

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas this year celebrating our Savior's birth with family.  And yes. . . you heard me right. . . relaxing.  I refuse to let stress or the 'hustle and bustle' of the season take center stage - especially when the precious holiday moments seem to pass so quickly.  It seems that we plan for months with present buying, gift wrapping, decorating, baking, parties, etc., and then, in a blink of an eye, it's over and routine activities ensue.

I must say, part of this relaxation comes from the blessing of having all our family close by. Our furthest trek is to Chattanooga and that usually takes place after the 'formal' holiday has ended.  We've never had to rush here, rush there, leave this family gathering early to head to the next one. . .it's so nice to just sit and savor the meaning and joy of the season.

Christmas Eve began with a yummy breakfast (not to mention that Cole slept until 9:00!), cookie making for Santa, and Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes.

We then followed suit with our "What God Wants For Christmas" tradition with Cole.  It's a great way to share the meaning of Christmas with little ones - ending with what God wants most this Christmas. . . YOU!

While Cole napped, Michael and I watched White Christmas and began to get ready for Christmas festivities with my family that evening.

Around 5:00, we headed to my aunt's home for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner - soup bar (this year was vegetable beef stew and chili w/ fixins), veggie tray, bread/cheese/grape tray, and country ham w/biscuits.  Add the SLEW of desserts w/ boiled custard and we were stuffed!

Now that he is reading, Cole enjoyed passing out all the presents this year.  He opened first (can't keep the little one waiting), and then we followed per our tradition - one family member at a time.  I love this!  We really get to see what every one receives and it makes the fun last just a little bit longer :)

While looking at Christmas lights on our way home, the snow began to fall with some of the largest flakes I can remember.  It was beautiful!  Cole was in awe as were we - a great reminder that, because of Jesus, we too can be washed whiter than snow.

Once home, it was time to prepare for Santa's arrival.  Fruit punch (Cole's request) and cookies were laid out along with a letter that Cole dictated and I wrote.

Reindeer dust and food were sprinkled on the front lawn so Rudolph and the others could have a sparkly path to land and receive a much needed energy boost.  

I bought this little 'kit' at a craft fair last year.  It reads. . .

This little pack is special

It holds all the things you need

To make sure Santa visits and

Leaves our gifts on Christmas Eve.

The reindeer dust you sprinkle

On the path outside at night

Then Rudolph will know just where to land

Guided by its sparkling light.

After you're bathed and read to,

Lay down your sleepy head

Then blow this Santa whistle

Before you go to bed.

The noise will then alert him 

To let him know it's time to call

He'll make his way to your home

And leave presents for one and all.

(Cole LOVED it!)

  

Buddy, our funny elf, was bid farewell - we can't wait for his arrival again next year! 

After opening our traditional Christmas Eve jammies, Cole fell asleep the minute his head hit the pillow with Michael and I close behind.  It was a perfect day!