American Idol, Here We Come!

To say that Cole loves music is an understatement. He's been fascinated with songs, dance, rhythm, and melodies since he was just a few months old. After singing countless songs TO him over the past two years, I couldn't wait for the day when his little voice would join WITH me as I sang. Well, that time has come. The other night Cole joined me in singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for the first time. I then began to name other songs that were favorites of ours (not really thinking much about it) and he began singing them ALL! He's also begun "reading" most of his books with me.

This was one of our absolute favorites...it's Cole singing Amazing Grace. There is something so humbling and beautiful when a child sings about the love, grace, and mercy of our Almighty God.
**Amazing Grace is what Michael and I sung to him many a night when he was teeny-tiny. It was the one song that would calm him down if he was upset. He wouldn't sit still and sing for this video, so you have to listen closely...maybe I'll get a better one soon.

Feel the Love

Now that Valentine's Day has come and gone (see the four previous posts for our fun love-day activities), I've realized that this year ranks at the top of my list. This is the first year that all three of us have been together and celebrated as a family. Michael and I always went out before Cole was born (dinner, movie, special overnight date, etc.), and have even gone out for dinner the past two years while the grandparents watched Cole. Those have always created fun memories, but we decided to keep this year low key and just enjoy being together. We visited the Train Expo during the day and had lunch at Dalt's Diner, came home to rest, and then enjoyed a quiet evening with a special dinner I made for my precious boys. Although it was nothing spectacular, there was a sweetness about all of us celebrating together around a candlelit dinner (we actually ate on the china too!), and sharing what we love about each other.

My culinary undertaking...Cesear salad, French onion beef with brown rice, Bacon-onion potatoes in a balsamic vinaigrette, Herbed green beans, and Chive butter rolls.

Michael and I especially enjoyed sharing the evening with Cole. Don't get me wrong...we enjoy a date night here and there, but being with Cole created a joy within both of us that can't be described. What a blessing it was to celebrate the day of love with our son...the tangible gift created from the love that Michael and I share.

Yummy dinner mom!

After dinner, Cole opened his cards and gifts...

Kid's Shout Praise CDs from Papa, Gigi, and Mom G.

A basket full of goodies from Daddy and Mommy
CANDY!!Of course nothing compares to playing with the container itself...

After putting Cole down for bed, Michael and I enjoyed dessert...homemade chocolate cupcakes with almond cream cheese icing and raspberries. What a wonderful evening!

My Lil' Picasso

When shopping for Valentine cards (or any holiday cards) for the family, I can never find ones that say "Papa", "Gigi", "Nana", "Pawpaw", etc. So, this year I decided to let Cole make his Valentine cards to all the grandparents. Now, I'm not super crafty, but knew that they would all love a handmade card from their sweet grandson...no matter the outcome :-). I dug through all of my teaching craft supplies and found paint, paintbrushes, colored construction paper, glue, glitter, markers, and Valentine stickers...all the tools for perfect card making.
Cole enjoyed painting hearts, coloring, and signing his name as he made sweet notes to those he loves (with a little help from mom of course). We tucked his first school picture inside as a special treat and sent them on their way. They were a big hit!

Cole also enjoyed giving Valentine treats to all of his friends at Treasure Creek (the LHBC preschool he attends on Tuesdays).

Cookies Anyone?

Since we had to miss our cookie decorating playdate with friends on Wednesday (due to Cole's first ear infection...ugh!), we decided to do a little baking and decorating of our own. Cole was a pro as he helped me roll out the dough, cut out heart shapes, patiently wait for them to bake and cool, and then decorate them with yummy toppings.
Moments like this make me treasure the joy and blessing of being a mother.

Step One...cutting and baking

Step Two...decorating

Step Three...eating!

Choo-choo! Visiting the Train Expo

When Michael told me this past week that the annual Train Expo was coming to Nashville, we both knew we HAD to take Cole. He loves playing with his train set at home and it's the first thing he hunts to find in any toy store. So, after a Valentine breakfast this morning, we got ready and headed to the Nashville Convention Center. I figured that there would be alot of train enthusiasts and collectors amidst the crowd, but I was in no way prepared for the number of CHILDREN that were in attendance. The arrival of Thomas the train on public television years ago ignited a love for trains in little ones that is definitely still in full force today. Michael and I enjoyed watching all of their expressions as they watched the hundreds of trains chug around the tracks. It was so much fun and made you feel like a kid again.
After two hours of train fun, we toured downtown and then headed to lunch at Dalt's Diner in Belle Meade...a favorite of ours. What a wonderful way to spend Valentine's Day with my two favorite boys!

Exploring the train sets...

Riding Thomas...

Playing in the Thomas Kids Exhibit...

Waiting for Daddy to pick us up...

Is It Spring Yet?

There's no doubt that this weather is definitely getting me (and most people I know) in the mood for spring. My longing for a deep snow has faded...I can't wait for the warmth and new life that spring will bring.

Last Sunday, we ventured out to the park to enjoy the beautiful afternoon. I think that the whole city of Hendersonville had the same idea :-) Although the park was packed, we had fun feeding the ducks, playing on the playground, and throwing rocks into the lake.

We also enjoyed playing outside this past week along with a few backyard picnic lunches...it's amazing how the fresh air can lift your spirits. Come on spring!

Volunteer Suggestions

Okay friends...I need your help. With all the emphasis on missions this past month, our small groups are moving to a new "schedule". Groups usually meet once a week on campus or in a home and we go through a curriculum together. Beginning this month, we will move to a 2-1-1 module. Two weeks we will study our curriculum as usual, one week we devote to a service/mission project, and one week we plan a fellowship outing. Our group is pumped about getting involved in missions both locally and globally...now we just need some ideas! We've got quite a few floating around, but would like some more suggestions as well. Our group consists of families with teenagers and families with small children. We'd like to find something where we could ALL serve.
Some recent suggestions were Cottage Cove Urban Ministries in Nashville (an after-school program for at-risk children), Soles4Souls, etc. We're also looking at serving at our local nursing homes/hospitals and letting the little ones visit the elderly/sick. The women in my group are looking to enter local nursing homes with make-up, fingernail polish, etc. and "dress-up" many of the elderly ladies that no longer feel beautiful. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

**Side note, as I was searching out charities this afternoon, I ran across a new search engine...GoodSearch.com. It has all the access of Yahoo, but pays a royalty to a charity of your choice for every search you post. I haven't used it yet, but I'm anxious to see how it works!