We Wish You a Merry Christmas

As always, we had a very blessed Christmas season this year. Joel and Nora really got into the whole "Santa" thing this year, which was super fun, and we enjoyed a December filled with parties, Christmas programs, baking, gifts and lots and lots of love! We were especially excited to get to see Aunt Elaine who came to visit all the way from Germany for two whole weeks. We sure do miss her now that she is gone! And of course, we are grateful to our Savior Jesus Christ and always remember that it is because of Him we celebrate this blessed season.

 Santa was a complete bust this year. Nora was once again, not a fan, and Joel was very shy. 

 A family picture at Joel's Puppy Pound Preschool graduation. We were so proud of him!

 Joel and Nora on the way to Joel's preschool Christmas party. 

She was so excited to go to school with him!

 The kids enjoyed building gingerbread houses with their cousins at Grandma Rita's. They both talked about it for a week afterwards, and Nora just could not get enough of staring at her house. She loved it!

 Joel rocking out with his new drum set from Grandma Traci. Oh, my ears!!!

 Christmas Eve picture of the kids.

 Santa came!!!

 Nora and her new Bitty Baby. She loves her! 

 Nora and Cousin Megan. The kids loved spending time with their cousins from Denver and Springfield. 

We sure do wish we got to see them all more often!

Nora Turns 2!

Nora turned two this past Saturday, December 10. She had a fun-filled day including a Candy Land-themed party. I simply cannot believe it was two years ago that this little (and I do mean little) girl came into our lives and hearts. She is so spunky, so funny and so determined (read, stubborn), and I just can't imagine life without her! Oh, and by the way, now that she is two, she insists on telling people that she is five!

So here's a funny story (or, I am told I will think it is funny someday). We were at our friends the Guernseys' house on Nora's birthday eating lunch and all the kids were upstairs playing very quietly. I decided that it had been quiet for a bit too long and went upstairs to check on them. To my surprise, I found two two-year-olds (one Micah and one Nora) and one three-year-old (Joel) covered in glue and sparkly puff paint from head to toe (and yes, that includes hair). As soon as I laid eyes on them, they knew they were in trouble, which was obvious when Joel turned and said very simply...."Mommy, we're really sorry." Oh my! What a mess!!! *Sigh...memories made, I suppose. And such is life with a toddler and a preschooler....never a dull moment!

Halloween Fun

This year, the kids really enjoyed Halloween festivities. Joel dressed up as a "scary astronaut", and Nora was her version of Strawberry Shortcake (or, as she calls it "a Strawberry Girl"). We kicked things off by attending Lone Star church's Harvest Festival, where the kids were able to play games and have fun with friends. Then, we went trick-or-treating with our friends the Raineys and the Deerings. The kids had so much fun walking around the neighborhoods, collecting candy and just being silly!

No-Nap Nora

Okay, this entry is as much an update as it is a cry for help. As of late, Miss Sassypants has decided that she is too big for naps. Now, I LOVE my little girl, but 14 hours straight with her each day with no break is a little much...especially come evening when she is a total grouch! I am hoping that this is a phase, but as I have come to learn with Nora, if she has her mind set on something, it usually doesn't change. She's such a strong-willed little girl, which I know is a great quality if it is directed in the right way. Lord, help me pray for her correctly and direct her in the way you want her to go.

It's the Great Pumpkin!

On one beautiful fall day, we enjoyed some time at The Red Barn Farm in Weston with our friends, the Raineys. Joel, Nora, Lucy and Beau had a great time looking at the animals and the pumpkins, and us adults had fun enjoying each other's company and the fabulous fall weather! I just love fall!

Puppy Pound

Side Note: After looking through my pictures from this past month, I feel like I should change the name of this blog to "The Adventures of Joel and Lucy"! These two (and of course our darling Nora)  are just so fun to photograph that I cannot help myself! 
At the beginning of September, Joel started at his little two-day-a-week preschool called Puppy Pound. The class is held at the high school and is taught by Mrs. Rose and a team of students. They do the most adorable crafts and activities with the kids, and Joel just loves going! In fact, he cries pretty much every day that is not a "school day." Here's our little man on his first day of school.

 Kissing his sissy goodbye before heading off to school.

The little sweetie even brought Lucy some nice (artificial) flowers before her first day of school! 

Bulldog Pride

In September we spent a lot of time at SHHS football games, including all the homecoming festivities. Joel really enjoys going to the games and running around with his friends, and Nora is up for anything that is social! Here's some shots of our little Bulldogs. I would like to think it is a long way off, but I know all to well that it won't feel like very long before they are playing football and cheerleading. Time just goes so fast!

 Joel and Lucy at the football game. 

 Joel, Nora, Lucy and Micah at the homecoming parade.