Some Christmas Pictures & A Little Reflecting

It's hard to believe fall has come and gone.  We leave Friday for Louisville.  I'm feeling a little sad tonight.  This is our last week with my parents, tonight was our last first Wednesday supper and singing with my old church; Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas have all come and gone.  It has been a wonderful first fall with Benjamin.  I've absolutely loved living with my parents and sharing this time in Benjamin's life with them.  I'm feeling a little mean for taking him away from Ju Ju and Papa Ray!  Even Derek is feeling sad tonight, and I'm usually the emotional one!

Benjamin has changed so much since we moved to Texarkana in October.  He's sleeping through the night (sometimes), he's rolling over like crazy, he's putting everything in his mouth!  I think he's going to be a thumb-sucker.  He won't suck on a pacifier, but he'll certainly chew one up.  Sucking is reserved for fingers and bibs, which he must wear to avoid several drool-related outfit changes!  He loves his Johnny Jump Up, and smiles at everyone.  He's quite a little charmer.

Right now he's fighting sleep, but Derek is rocking him.  Derek's going to miss all the time he's had with him lately.  We're trying hard to have me stay at home.  So along with school, Derek will also be working to support us.  We're looking at it as this being a better time for seminary than when we have more than one!

I keep coming back to the fact the Christ is worth it.  That has to keep going through my mind, or I'll just go crazy!  I've been reading in John, and the words of Christ, "Let not your heart be troubled" have been so sweet to me this week.  He was speaking these words to the disciples regarding His nearing departure from them.  Christ goes with us on our departure, but these words still hold a lot of meaning and comfort for me.

Here are some pictures from Benjamin's first Christmas:

Me & D

Uncle Zach, Aunt Brooke, Papa Ray, Ju Ju, Uncle Will, Aunt Amanda, Mom & Dad

Aunt Amanda, the Baby Whisperer.  Seriously, I can't even get him to fall asleep on my shoulder!

Amanda & Will

Brooke & Zach showing off his new Toms

Cousin Shelley and Benjamin

Cousin Casey & Benjamin

Nielson, Aunt Brooke and Benjamin... he loves dogs!

Thanks for the great photos, Uncle Zach!!

For to us a child is born...

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon
his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace.

Of the increase of his government
and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his
kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with rightousness
from this time forth and
forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do
this.

Visions of sugar plums danced in our heads...

 My favorite Christmas candy is a homemade chocolate covered cherry. This is my Aunt Becky's recipe, and it is good! I've got a batch waiting in the freezer for the festivities to begin! Merry Christmas!!

bath time!

Here's a short video of Benjamin's bath time. Don't worry. It's G-rated. I was going to post another short video, but it took HOURS for this one to post. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Anyway, he is getting such a cute personality, and he seems to enjoy his baths. They are one of the highlights of our day!

What I would do with more time in the day...

1. work out everyday
2. blog everyday
3. call a friend everyday (more time + more cell phone minutes)
4. do more projects... scrapbook more, maybe paint some furniture...

I know I have friends who think I've fallen off the face of the earth since having a baby. For the record, I haven't. But, being a mom is hard!! Benjamin is a sweet baby, but not usually an easy one. (Is there such a thing?) There are days he only takes one nap, and then prefers to be held most of the rest of the day. It's hard to do much of anything while holding a baby other than hold the baby. I'm not really even good at talking on the phone and doing it. He's VERY wiggly.

I'm not super mom. Most days, I'm doing good just to take care of Benjamin. I think it will get easier. A day is coming when he will walk and not want to be held as much. So, while he loves being held I'm just going to enjoy it. My dear friends out there, know that I still love you. But right now being a wife and a mommy are my priority. If you don't hear much from me just know I'm still thinking of you and praying for you. One day, my sweet little boy will be all grown up (sniff, sniff)... for now he's my little bundle who loves being held and takes most of my attention. And that's simply lovely.