A picture perfect Christmas - December 28, 2004 -
I present Christmas week in all of its glory. A week in photos, from the first Christmas party, through the amazing baptism, enjoying the first snow my kids have ever seen, a visit by my wonderful brother, more miraculous snow in Texas on Christmas Eve, then a night full of fun with cookies for Santa and holding each other tight:
I have been acutely aware this week how fortunate I am. I Praise God this week for my life, and for the lives of my children, husband and extended family. Hold tight to that which is dear.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours. May the love of God and His son Jesus lift you up and surround you during this blessed season.
Has anyone seen my left lung? - December 14, 2004 -
Life is flying by right now. Christmas and the end of school always bring so much stuff to do. Lots of running around, plays to watch, presents to buy and wrap.
This week is especially busy, as we are baptizing all of the kids this Sunday. Yes, all 4 of them. We were of the belief that we wanted to wait until the kids understood the reason for baptism, but after some serious bible reading, and many deep discussions with our pastor and each other, we knew that baptism was the right thing to do. We are excited to be baptizing them into the family of Christ during this joyous season.
On another note, the house is almost done! I am anticipating it to be finished by Friday! I should have some great before and after pics soon! It looks so great. I can hardly believe that this phase of the renovation is almost complete!
Mia and I are both coughing up our lungs. Mostly this happens at night, when sleep is the goal. I like my lungs, and resent this viral monster with all my heart. How funny that a micro-organism can cause this much distress in such a big host. Zombie mom lives. Creepy, rotten viral beast.
In spite of feeling terrible, Mia still has enough spunk to land a kiss on the pretty baby in the mirror: 
This was taken last week, prior to coughing up her left lung. :*(
Actually, she is recovering nicely, while mom is in the early stage of sliding down the slipery slope into bronchitis and pneumonia again. I want new lungs. Anyone have a spare pair?
Up on the rooftop, reindeer paws.. - December 3, 2004 -
Santa arrived via fire engine to our city park last night. He got off the truck, went and knelt in front of the baby Jesus to pray, then was escorted by awestruck children to the gazebo to begin the process of knee sitting and wish granting. As they walked with him, I heard the children saying things like "Santa, I love you" and "Santa, it’s me, Julie. Hello!" Too cute. It reminded me of the scene at the end of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where all the little alien creatures escorted Richard Dreyfus to the space craft.
The boys loved him. Even Quinn talked to him and was not afraid. Mia thinks Santa is the scariest human being on the planet. Think Blair Witch Project, and you have a handle on her terror.
View Exhibit A, as Mia turns and sees her worst nightmare:
I have also been able to prove the theory that, no matter how many times you try, it is physically impossible to get 4 kids to all smile at once.To prove this, here is Exhibit B, which also shows the progression of Mia’s nervous break-down:
She finally gave it one last pout, and looked at the camera:
What follows is cuteness that only sword-swallowing babies can rival:
Mia’s first candy cane.
It was after this last photo that I gobbled her up, chubby cheeks and all. Mmmm, peppermint!
