Happy New Year!

Some people have a whole list of resolutions, or "refreshments" as my friend Rose calls them. I don't...my wishes and goals for the year are the same as always. Simple to say, but hard to obtain. I want to grow closer to God, be a better wife and mother, and reach out more to people.

Of course, I pray for a job for Chris this year, health to our parents and grandparents, many of whom are struggling with serious health issues, and continued growth and health for Joshua, who will turn 2 in 2010. I pray for those I love whose lives, hearts, or minds are broken down - that they will find faith and the answers in the loving arms of God.

I want to honor Him with my time, talents, resources, and abilities. I want to nurture relationships above things. I want to invest in the people and activities that have eternal significance.

Merry Christmas!

Joshua is tucked in bed, the stockings are full, the presents are wrapped and under the tree, and "It's a Wonderful Life" is playing on the TV. We decided this year to start our own new family traditions, and stay home for Christmas. We were with family last weekend, and will be again this weekend, but it's nice to have the time at home to enjoy each other.

As I was rocking with Joshua before he went to sleep, I was thinking about what Jesus must have been like as a 16 month old. Surely a bundle of energy, climbing everything in sight, learning new things every day...surely falling down, getting up again, and doing everything 100%. No halfway for little boys. Mary likely had her hands full. The events of the preceding "Christmas" might have seemed very far away, when she was knee deep in teething, diapers, and very likely a younger child or two as well. It may have been easy to forget what the angel had told her.

GOD with US. That is the true miracle of Christmas...He was willing to give up His throne and kingly splendor in heaven, and come to earth as a baby, who would grow into a little boy and then a man. What an awesome gift.

So - Merry Christmas from our home to yours. Happy Birthday to our Lord and King, Jesus, the Christ.

16 months

Joshua went to his first wedding last weekend. His Uncle Michael married Aunt Kimberly. It was so much fun. He looked very adorable in his suit. Here's a picture, plus his official "16 months old" picture.

Family Photo shoot

Thanks to Theresa for taking some great family photos at the MacKenzie Center...

15 months old

This little man is 25 pounds, and almost 31 inches tall.  He's amazing!

Fall Fun in Fotos!!

So Joshua has had a busy fall...a trip to the pumpkin patch with grandma...a trip to the nursing home with daycare...even though we don't really celebrate Halloween, I couldn't resist seeing his adorable cuteness in a pumpkin costume.  Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure...

14 months old

Hi everyone - it's Josh. Mama decided that she was too tired from chasing me all over the place to write, so I get to have a turn.

Here's me - everyone thinks I'm really cute.


I'm walking all over the place now - it's pretty cool how fast I can move. I also love to climb, especially all over my dad. Dad, by the way, has a great face...his nose is very pullable! I have another tooth, in the back this time. It kind of hurt coming in, but I can eat almost anything I want to now. Mama gives me lots of good things to eat. I have friends who I like to play with at daycare, and I finally decided it was ok to walk when they were around. I was a little intimidated at first. I'm working on growing up, so I still take a nice long nap in the afternoon, and I'm so worn out from playing that I sleep for almost 12 hours at night. Mama showed me some new clothes I have - something called a snowsuit - and they also keep putting a pumpkin suit on me.... I guess there will be some more cute pictures coming later on.

See you in another month.