Is Christmas REALLY over?

To say that Cole loved Christmas would be an understatement.  Not so much the presents, but it was the lights, trees, ornaments, and other decor. that captured his amazement.  He continues to come out of his room every morning with the anticipation of turning on the tree lights and then solemnly remembers, "oh yea. . . we put the tree away".  How heartbreaking!  

One thing that has kept the Christmas spirit alive for this little boy is wearing the pajamas he got on Christmas Eve.  He loves them and asks for them almost every night.  I'm thinking I can give 'em a wash and 'secretly' move them from the dryer to the attic bin, but not really banking on that.  I've got too smart a boy!

So, for now, I'll let his little heart be content to continue Christmas. . . even if only through pajamas. 

The New Favorite

Cole's favorite Christmas gift by far was his V-Reader from Papa and Gigi.  It's a book-like computer that let's him read stories, play reading/phonics games, and other fun features.

We didn't exchange gifts with my parents until late Christmas Day and it was quite disheartening to hear Cole say (after opening our gifts earlier), "oh man. . . I didn't get my V-Reader. . . (imagine the saddest little 4 year old voice - almost brought tears I tell ya!).

BUT oh the joy when he opened it at their home. . . he couldn't wait to play!

Since then, it's ridden with us in the car, eaten with us at restaurants, and even made it's way to Lowes once or twice.  Thank goodness for the M&M headphones or Mommy and Daddy would have surely memorized the books and games by now too :) 

 

He LOVES it (and we love, that he loves to read).  He's already mastered a few of the rhyming, beginning/ending sounds, and word hunt games.  Such a smart boy!  

Opryland's Comeback

It's always been a family tradition to stroll through Opryland Hotel at Christmas while ooohing and ahhing at the lights.  When the flood hit Nashville in May, and the hotel was under feet of water, we assumed we'd have to pass this year. 

 

Lucky for us (and TONS of other spectators) the hotel was up and running by Thanksgiving and our tradition could continue.

  We actually ventured that way after the holiday this year. . .even choosing the night of the Music City Bowl. . . thinking that the crowd would be minimal.  Wrong. . .

I'd say this year was the most crowded by far.  Mainly due to the fact that people from far and near were curious about the famous hotel and their comeback from the flood.  

A comeback indeed.  The hotel was breathtaking, as always, and even boasted a few new restaurants and scenery.  We enjoyed a dinner buffet at Waters Edge and took in the beauty around us. 

My mom, Cade, and I

Love the pose

My dad and Michael

Kyle and Laura

Cole insisted I take his picture with this statue. . . should I be worried??

Somewhere, Over The . . .

I love the phonetic spelling :)  His handwriting is also improving by leaps and bounds!

Cole loves to create using his new easel from Santa.  His favorite things to draw these days are pizzas (pezus) and rainbows (ranbows).  What a combination!  His pizzas often include interesting toppings such as mac-n-cheese, cucumbers, and spaghettios - who knows, maybe he's got a winning idea in there somewhere!  

He definitely gets his love for art from his mommy. . . give him paint, crayons, markers, stamps, chalk, and paper and you've got one happy camper!

New Year's Eve

Friday night, we enjoyed the company of Kyle, Laura, and long-time friends, William and Charis Brown, as we rang in the New Year.  We had no specific plans for the evening. . . just excited about a couple's night out (Cole rang in the New Year with Nana) and spending time with one another.

We headed to Green Hills and surprisingly found a short wait at the Cheesecake Factory.  While waiting, the boys enjoyed a Starbucks and we strolled the (closed - bummer!) shops.  

After a delicious dinner, we traveled back to Kyle and Laura's place for fondue and games.

Our lovely hostess

Fondue!  YUM!

Kyle breaking out the bubbly :)  We all actually stayed awake until midnight!

Kyle, Laura, and Maple

William and Charis

Michael and I

Here's to 2011 and all the joy it will bring!

My Boys

How I know 2011 will be a great year. . . .

Because these two boys are by my side.

Thank you Lord for Michael and Cole - may I never take them for granted. . .

my gratitude list continues. . .

8.  The warmth of the sun

9.  Cole dressed up for church - he's the most handsome 4 year old ever!

10. the stillness of nap time

11. warm, straight-out-of-the-oven brownies

12. a sleeping baby in my arms (how I long for you Cade!)

13. compliments on motherhood from a complete stranger

2011 Gratitude List

   Know that the LORD is God. 

   It is he who made us, and we are his; 

   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

    Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

   and his courts with praise; 

   give thanks to him and praise his name. 

    For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

   his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:3-5

In my previous post, I challenged you to join me this year in naming 2011 blessings during 2011.  I'm coupling my list along with my daily quiet time through the One Year Chronological Bible, and may post my blessings from time to time.  What better way to start out the New Year?!

1.  Long-time friendships that remain the same even though separated by miles.

2.  Seeing the joy of answered prayer on the faces of loved ones

3.  The laughter that ensues from a board/card game - the doubling over, tear streaming kind :)

4.  A lazy day lounging in pajamas with no schedule or agenda

5.  A looooong hot, shower

6.  A little boy sleeping in until 10:30 a.m. after a fun night of ringing in the New Year

7.  An organized, cleaned-out attic