Isabela’s Second Birthday!

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I can’t believe you have been a part of this family for two years! What a blessing to our nest!

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You were so excited to see the animals on your cake (theme from the story, “The Big Red Barn”) and Jackson and Abigail were as well. All three loved to see the flame of the candle, all three wanted to blow it out.

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Presents, presents, presents…what better thing is there to have in front of you. My challenge, as always, is keeping the other two sets of hands of your brother and sister away from helping rip the package apart.

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Smiles are always so sweet…up until the moment she sees a camera, then we get this look. I like to capture her touching those tiny toes!

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Peace for the number two birthday!

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Happy cousins!

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She loved all of her new toys!

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Blurry photo but captured my smile of celebration!

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Happy for a sucker.

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Most satisfied in her daddy’s arms.

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Jumping for joy!

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We add a new handprint to the birthday cloth at each special celebration.

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Once the streamers were down, these girls had a blast playing with them!

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We enjoyed celebrating your special day!

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For the memory that tries my patience, I HAD to include this photo. This is an example of how the ONLY child of my three REGULARLY use this in hopes of getting their way. Isabela threw herself to the floor in protest that Jackson wouldn’t let her hold his side of the banner. After this moment was captured, we walked away…she quickly picked herself off the floor, hushed her screams, and followed us…calm, peaceful, and happy. (I’ve had to teach Jackson and Abigail the art of ignoring that less than desirable behavior.)

More Birthdays and End of Kindergarten

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We celebrated Nana’s Birthday in early June

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We all met for a lunch date in Pigeon Forge. We also celebrated Amy and Stephanie’s Birthdays as well.

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We were happy to eat pizza and help celebrate the people we love!

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For Jackson’s end of Kindergarten year celebration, he chose to eat and play at Chuck E Cheese. I have to make a note that this was the first time Jackson agreed to stand beside of this big mouse and have his picture taken!

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We are proud of his accomplishments this year! On most days he proved to be an eager student working hard to learn and complete everything I expected and demanded from him. I am most happy that he not only became a really good reader, he developed a true love for books…a skill that will entertain as well as educate him a for a lifetime.

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After our mini celebration, we were blessed with another special rainbow. One of Jackson’s favorite things to see on the side of the interstate are these big construction trucks! The rainbow arching over them was amazing. It lasted forever on our drive as we were leaving Knoxville.

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A double rainbow that we literally drove under. WOW!

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Finally to Jackson, even though you may feel our constant push to excellence, we are hoping you discover the feel of your own successes, so you may reach for any path that leads you to happiness.

Junior Ranger and More Birthday Fun

One of Jackson’s goals for his Kindergarten year was to complete the Junior Ranger Program in the Great Smoky Mountains. We completed eleven activities in a workbook, picked up litter, watched a video, went on a guided trail walk, and visited the museum to write three facts he had learned.

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For the final portion he had to interview a real Park Ranger, answer questions about the process, raise his hand and recite the Junior Ranger Pledge for the Park Ranger. I was a proud mother watching her shy little man speak so confident and clear in spite of the noise and commotion being made by the many onlookers.

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Happy to be showing off his new official badge and certificate outside the National Park Sugarlands Visitor Center.

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One sister was very patient for this long process, one not so much…I won’t point fingers.

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A quick outdoor lunch, Daddy and Abigail

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A little extra bravery for the swinging bridge

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Shopping isn’t any fun without a little play

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Love this quiet photo, actually ready for a nap.

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We snapped this photo from the safety of our vehicle!

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Fun, fun, fun splashing in the pool!

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Isabela was really excited to be in water larger than the tub.

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Courage dear boy, have courage!

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Good morning birthday boy!

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Happy to have a fun day!

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Love those tiny fingers and toes!

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Check out his expression in the mirror. He actually picked up that dinosaur!

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Happy to have his daddy off from work spending the day with him.

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A few more of his birthday winnings

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Another chance to blow out a candle. Five spoons waiting to dig in.

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Happy sixth birthday to my first born! YOU ARE AMAZING!

Our Spring Family Fun

To all of those amazing females that created and guided me, nurtured and inspired me…Happy Mother’s Day!
To my two sweet girls, if you choose the path to motherhood someday, may you always share the kind of love and tenderness that your Nana has daily offered us…always putting your family first, walking in life with a gentle heart, and being a blessing to all of those around you…a treasure worth celebrating every moment of everyday! Be AMAZING

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Together we had some fun playing with the camera on a warm and sunny evening.

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Sweet girl, excited to be dressed up, and of course carrying a puppy.

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Handsome boy that really wanted to go jump in the mud with his slick looking clothes.

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Isabela loved that her dress matched her big sisters.

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In spite of the sometimes turmoil, these two are so close!

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“I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” Hebrews 6:13-14

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WOW…I am truly blessed!
“Behold, children are a gift of The Lord.” Psalm 127:3

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“She looks well to the ways of her household, her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:27-28

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My awesome sweet girls.

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Finally the smile I love dear Isabela!

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A fun change to be in the field without the “work” clothes

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Love

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Sisters, always playing, always happy.

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Jumping Abigail

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Isabela’s checking out the form

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Her turn. Jumping Isabela, always learning!

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Glad they can jump for joy

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“Hand daddy!”

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“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.” Proverbs 15:13

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The first love of a girl’s life, their daddy!

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Photographer Jackson

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Photographer Abigail

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“Their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love.” Colossians 2:2

Quotes/Verses on LOVE

“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones-the ones at home.” Mother Teresa

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Always close to one another, always close to their mommy’s heart!

“You have filled my heart with greater joy.” Psalm 4:7

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My “Valentines”

“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Matthew 6:21

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My little man! I enjoyed his excitement for completing his Valentines. For the first time, I was amazed at how quick, neat, and efficient he was. We made a list together and in no time he had finished the task. I remembered this task years passed. His first Valentines consisted of him scribbling, the next year he wrote his letter J, and now he almost can fly solo! An important reminder that all baby steps along the way transform into beautiful things with a little time and patience.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

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Abigail loved her puppy cards. It took us days to complete this project! We only did a few each day. It was a real challenge for her to fit her big letters on the tiny card, but she finally satisfied herself in the completion. She enjoyed stuffing the envelopes, adding a sucker, and sealing it up. She was super excited thinking about who she wanted to give a card to. I thought it was sweet that she wanted to add the name of Debbie’s little dog Gracie to her card…”they could share it!”

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

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Isabela’s first Valentine’s that she had a part in completing her cards. “Pencil, name”. She insisted on sitting in her highchair scribbling across the envelopes and then adding a “ticker” on the front. Following the lead of Jackson and Abigail she happily stuffed her cards in a gift bag for delivery!

“A happy heart makes a face cheerful.” Proverbs 15:13

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Examples of their love notes. They were happy to get cards from one another and even happier the cards had suckers. Jackson was excited that Abigail had made a good lower case a in his name! Isabela was happy to tear the envelopes like her brother and sister.

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Jackson received a new Peterbilt for his collection complete with a loader and cargo to carry on the back. He and Elijah also were super excited to get the Monster Truck Triple Blast Arena from Papaw and Nana.

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Abigail with her new “Foxy” fox and stroller. From Papaw and Nana she got a new FurReal Pet black and white puppy that lights up, barks, whines, and snores.

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Isabela quickly captured pushing her new stroller and raccoon. Nana and Papaw gave her a small walking pony that is already covered in red cupcake icing from our fun on Sunday!
All three are love in a basket!

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Just for fun, I found a bookmark given to me from a Valentine’s long long ago! 1986, we were married nine years later!

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement.” Philemon 7

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This photo was taken at a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas on our tenth wedding anniversary. We went to this spot also on our eleventh anniversary as well…Jackson was born the next year in 2007, Abigail the end of the next year 2008, and Isabela two and a half years later in 2011.
So happy to report the course our life has “unexpectedly” taken. More happy that my one original Valentine in 1986 remains my Valentine in 2013. He is the reason Jackson, Abigail, Isabela, and myself are able to enjoy this daily journey we are creating! Thanks dear love!

“I do love nothing in the world so well as you.” William Shakespeare

SNOW! 1/18/13

In spite of the fact that we immediately lost power due to the heavy wet stuff, happy to announce…finally…SNOW! Wintertime has visited us and we couldn’t be more excited!

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Just like the burst of snow, they had a sudden burst of energy chasing each other in the quickly falling snow. The peaceful sound of unleashed energy!!!

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Not a sled, but a wave rider, compliments of Aunt Amy, left over from the lake days!

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You’re supposed to hang on little buddy!

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Abigail was a graceful glider

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Isabela wasn’t too sure about the snow while it was falling, but she enjoyed the sound her boots made walking over it!

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Happy Sisters!

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Super fun moments

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After much snow angel practicing in the beds and floor, finally a real snow angel!

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The snow melted quickly the next morning, but we still found fun in what was left

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Our snowman’s head became a great big snowball!

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Isabela enjoyed sliding on the green grass rather than the grass covered with snow.

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Happy Birthday Daddy! We are glad you had snow for your birthday weekend!

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Finally, to comment on a posting made on December 31, 2011, “First Snow Days,” Isabela, this was your first big snow! We look forward to your sledding days with Jackson and Abigail in the years ahead. We love snow! We love the enthusiasm each of you bring to our life!

Your Awesome Nana! 1/18/2013

I think you know this fact without a reminder from me. However, for future references, these photos reflect how much fun Nana always has with each of you. It also is a testament as to why she always appears youthful, healthy, and joyful…she plays…she laughs…and she lives!

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Making perfectly round snowballs with Jayden(photo by Brooke)

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One of the three snowman Nana had a hand in creating, and one of the three times she played outside in the frigid temperatures

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Nana and Abigail

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Disc in hand, climbing the slope with Gracie, Jayden, and Elijah for a quick ride(photo by Brooke)

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Check out the thrill on her face and Gracie, of course, close by(photo by Brooke)

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LOVE the changing expressions! Check out Nana

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Loyal to each of her FIVE grandbabies, always caring for you, always playing, always showing joy in all she does! We are thankful for her love and fun!
During each season I have taken tons of pictures of Nana joyfully living her life with us all. Hide and seek, ball kicking, hitting, or shooting, car and baby doll playing…she just enjoys being with you. The sledding photos for me show her bravery, and show how she doesn’t want to miss one ounce of fun with you all! Love that she is healthy and love that she takes care of each us!
WE LOVE YOU NANA! You will always be our guiding inspiration!

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Freezing the Moments…and Expressions! 1/2013

There are many moments in a day when my mind wishes time would freeze the ages of my three. The sweet fun, love, friendship, and innocence makes my heart smile and causes me to feel forever grateful for our adventure.

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The stories I could tell! This series of photos took place over several minutes but their changing emotions were so real. As I looked back I remembered the goal of trying to get the perfect shot, captured the perfect story in my heart.

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This cracks me up! Tears from the baby, Abigail scolding her brother, and Jackson’s reaction!

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Oh, so sweet!

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Tickle tickle big brother

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Opposite expressions on Jackson and Abigail!

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Tickle tickle big sissy

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Tender true love!

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Nose to nose, what a moment

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On to the silly blowing

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Then she freezes to their reaction

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A moment of not so sure

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Abigail’s turn

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The excitement in Abigail’s laughter

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This was so fun for me to watch! Their enthusiasm for one another and for the moments they self create make me a very humble mother. In spite of the sometimes not so great moments, times like these with my three little birds, cause me to push my eyes toward the sun and thank God for all that has filled my life and soul.

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My wish is that these precious eyes will always find happiness, will look to each other for their forever true friends, and that they will someday reflect on tiny moments like these and forever live with joy!

Weekend Warmth

Almost seventy degrees in January is not supposed to happen, at least to a little boy trying to understand the seasonal differences! However, when it does, the only option is to get out in the fresh air and soak up some much needed Vitamin D!

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We took advantage of the warm air to start pruning our vines.

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Sweet big sister was happy to tag along with her “vineyard baby and puppy”

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Baby sissy is completely mobile this season for the fun of keeping up with her brother and sister.

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We quickly discovered our need for two baby strollers to push in the vineyard, one for each doll, one for each sister…notice the look on Isabela.

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We also spent much of our time this weekend loading and hauling wood from the property line of our vineyard and our dear neighbors, Ras and Janice.

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Complete with his gloves and wheel barrow (a birthday gift from Aunt Amy that he loves and uses for everything) he worked the whole time, never tiring or complaining. I complained some that he was trying to move the too big pieces of wood!

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Morning break for the girls, compliments of Ras…suckers, Isabela’s first!

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Love to be in the empty lake bottoms

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All three enjoyed climbing on the split wood

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Jackson and Ras. Ras always brings a sucker and Jackson likes his John Deere.

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Finally after all these years, a photo of my three with a very special person. Janice has prayed for my children and our family since the beginning. We see the power!!

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Even in a dark photo, I love her smile and her enthusiasm for everything around her.

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This girl’s sweetness rubs off on everyone. My good partner in the field!

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Always in control, always going, always determined. Yes that’s me with a look of disapproval of carrying a piece of wood to heavy for these hands!

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Joy in a fun weekend

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Christmas Projects

Sharing some things we’ve been doing for the past few days getting ready for the Big Guy in Red to make his visit.

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Feet and hands making a reindeer. We couldn’t find our googlie eyes so we made do with stickers.

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Three Santa handprints from a five, a four, and a one year old hand!

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We’ve added a few new titles to our Christmas book collections. “Charlie and the Christmas Kitty” by Ree Drummond is the book each of them received from Santa at the Bush’s Christmas party. Charlie is a sweet basset hound living on a ranch, feeling like he is “King of the Ranch!” In the story Charlie gets a gift he did not have on his list or expect…a kitty! He quickly learns to accept, appreciate, and even enjoy his new friend! The illustrations are beautiful and bright of this ranch family and there is even a cookie recipe at the end of the story.

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We also added these two titles. I loved the title “J is for Jesus,” by Crystal Bowman. This is a great story about the candy cane tradition and it’s meaning and reminds us all that the candy cane represents Jesus’ birth. The kids and I also enjoyed pointing out that each of us have a letter J in our names… Jackson, James Steven, Abigail Julienne, Isabela Jolie, and Julie.
The last title we added was “Who Is Coming To Our House,” by Joseph Slate. This story was my favorite! The children loved the animals on each page getting their house(barn) cleaned and ready for a visitor. I asked them to predict throughout the story who the visitor could be. At the end, they learn this is a nativity story and that the visitors are Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus!

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The true meaning of Christmas!

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Love and candy canes.

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Early stages of our tree. A couple feet shorter than years past, but at least we haven’t had the issue of a falling tree and broken ornaments!

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We also cut down several little pines from behind our house for our flower beds and boxes. This little tree we decided to bring indoors to our sunroom for our handmade crafts. Probably our favorite Charlie Brown tree, and it was free! Our tiny silver star, on loan from Abigail, made from one of her fairy wands.

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This is an example of our nutter butter snowmen we created. We also made peanut butter blossoms, mint pretzel hugs, cut out sugar cookies, and other bars and brownies. The hit was our reindeer munch with M&M’s!

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Yummy, we have not gone hungry!

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We have been filled with fun!

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Decorating our gingerbread Christmas village.

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We have loved all the sweets, present wrapping, and Santa prepping.

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Another cozy fire and “the stockings hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there!”

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This was the start of what Jackson and Abigail put together for Santa’s snack.

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One last photo and off for another bedtime story. Baby sissy is already tucked in bed! They are so excited. It has been my goal to not make it about one day or one event. I have wanted them to happily experience all of the moments for a long Christmas season. For weeks we have tried to be full of joy in all we have done. My wish is a special holiday filled with many fond memories and traditions we can build on each year. Keep the spirit of Christmas little babies!

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