Rainy Day

Today we have had the most rain since we've been living here in Houston. As of right now we have received 1.89" & it continues to rain. So, knowing it was to rain today, outside activities were out of the question, so we planned to go to the Houston Children's Museum. Obviously us & 1/2 of Houston had the same idea. We arrived at the museum shortly after 10 & they opened at 10. We knew we were in trouble when there was a line to get into park. As we entered the museum it was pure madness!!! People everywhere. KIDS everywhere. We enjoyed it for a while, then decided that we would come back another day when it isn't so busy. Having a pass allows us to do that. Thank you Nanny & Poppy for that! We did have a little fun today & Eli always enjoys it, but we look forward to going back when it's not so busy.

Eli in the Vet clinic getting ready to take care of a puppy.

Eli shopping at HEB. He wanted to have some crab.

When we decided to leave, Julie & I thought we would stop & eat some lunch at Chick-fil-A so that the boys could play in the indoor play area. The highlight of the stop for Eli was the cow. He was OBSESSED with the cow. Had to say hi about 50 times & before we left he said goodbye to her about 6 times. When he thought he wasn't going to see her one last time before we left he threw a fit. Oh the joys of a screaming child in a restaurant. If you ever want everyone to look at you somewhere, just have a toddler with you. Guaranteed at some point they will all be looking. We survived, but I was happy to get home. :-)

Eli with "his best friend"

Today being Wednesday we found out where Dan will be next week. Thankfully we will have him home for this weekend. He will be home tomorrow night. However, he will be leaving Saturday/Sunday night at midnight. He has to report to Lampassas at 4am. Originally we thought he was going to be in Gonzales, but then they changed it. Oh well. He will be working next week Sunday-Saturday, so most likely will not be home next weekend. We will enjoy the moments this weekend as we welcome in the new year with our family all together.

New Years...do you have any "resolutions?" How about goals for 2011? I think of them as goals. I do have some. I am so thankful for the fresh year to start aiming towards those goals. I will share along the way of what is going on in my life. Just know that I value your friendships & cherish your encouragement & prayers as this year is bound to bring many new adventures for me.

I'll end with one final note. My son has been speaking "his" language a lot lately. When I asked him today what he was saying...he told me, "I'm talking to Ms. Susi in her language. I miss her." (For those who may not know, Ms. Susi was his teacher in Newburg & she is from Germany & would sometimes speak German to the kids.) All I know is...my child has an active imagination!

Christmas Pics

As promised I am attaching some Christmas pictures. For those of you who have Facebook I will be posting more Christmas pics there.

Eli & I got Daddy his favorite hunting game for the Wii. Here Daddy is teaching Eli how to shoot the gun to play the game. Eli had a lot of fun playing with the gun. He kept telling Daddy before Christmas that we got him a shooting game. It's a good thing Daddy's ears aren't always attentive to the little man. LOL.

Eli playing with one of his dragons that he got Christmas morning. He LOVES his dragon stuff!

The first gift he opened Christmas morning. The camera from Aunt Allie, Uncle Brian, Dee-Dee & Be. He loves his camera. Here he is telling me "this is the camera I always wanted!" We opened it right away & he has been taking pictures daily. Most of the pics you can't tell what they are, but he is having a blast with it!

He opened his dragon castle on Christmas Eve while Skyping Nanny & Poppy since it was from them. He adores this castle. He has already had hours of fun with it!

The "Santa" gift. His big truck to ride in. Eli calls this his monster truck. So, on Christmas day we went outside to ride it a little. It was very cold out so we didn't last long, but since then he & I have taken it on some pretty nice rides, although I end up steering it still. He can't keep it straight. :-) With time I guess (I hope).

Overall a wonderful Christmas for 2010!!!

All Done

Christmas is over. Now what?! It seemed that the countdown to Christmas was helpful to me in so many ways. Now, I am counting down until my parents come to visit in February. I am really looking forward to having them here for the time.

Christmas day was a joy. Elijah was so excited when he came out & saw the presents. He was so cute with each item. I will post some pictures soon. I would say his favorite items are...the dragon castle from Nanny & Poppy, the camera from Aunt Allie & Uncle Brian, his jeep from Santa & his dump truck from mom & dad (and the other dragon pieces). He has been playing with his dragon stuff almost constantly. He especially likes his dragon from Scoot & he bought another dragon with money that Mam-ma & Pap-pa Great Davis sent him. He carries them around with him non stop.

The last two mornings Eli has been asking about & looking for Scoot. He is convinced that he is still here. Today he told me that Santa is going to come. I just laughed. I told him next year. So now, I am on a mission to get the tree down. He associates that with Santa. It has to go.

It was wonderful having Dan home for the long weekend & we are looking forward to another one this weekend.

1 SLEEP!!!

On the 11th day of Christmas...
Poinsettia...The Poinsettia's association with Christmas comes from Mexican legend. The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift, gathered humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. When the boy delivered his gift, the congregation witnesses a Christmas miracle as the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers. While the focus of many at Christmas is on giving the perfect gift, the Poinsettia reminds us that it is not the grandeur of the gift that matters.

And on the 12th day of Christmas...

The Nativity. Amidst all the festivities, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. Here is a favorite quote: "Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

So, who would have thought that one day in October, when I went out of my comfort zone & actually spoke to someone at the park, that I would meet a fantastic friend?! That day, October 8th, the Lord brought into my life a precious family. The Meads family just made our first Christmas here in Texas very memorable. These 12 days have been amazing. I have been so blessed by the generosity, creativity & love that has been shown to me & my family. I can only pray that our friendship will continue to grow & blossom. God truly knew what He was doing that day at the park. Thank you again for everything!

For those of you who were enjoying this journey with me, know that it was wonderful on all accounts. To receive the gifts each night & to know that people were also being blessed by reading. I intend to someday pay it forward & I hope that each of you will consider that too.

Well, Christmas Eve has been wonderful. We visited friends today & had family & friends visit us today. Lunch was amazing with our Ham, potatoes, homemade noodles, green beans & of course, cookies. We had a great time. Nothing too over-rated, just right! Eli opened his gifts from Nanny & Poppy tonight & what a great time he has had! Then, church service this evening was fabulous! Pastor Phillip brought an incredible message on the story of Want. We want so much, but God already gave us our need, Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus! We are so glad we can celebrate you!!!

Merry Christmas to all. I pray that you enjoy everything you are blessed with, but most importantly, I trust you will enjoy the moments you share with those you love & who love you!

3 More Sleeps!

On the 9th day of Christmas I was blessed with...
The Gift! God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. (inside the gift bag) What can I give Him poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part. What can I give Him...give my heart!

On the 10th day of Christmas...
Gingersnaps! Now that all the Christmas symbols are complete, here is a delicious old-fashioned Christmas treat!

This gift tonight was actually delivered by a person! Don't get too excited, but no, it wasn't from the giver, but rather a friend who was asked to bring it by. Hmmmm. Eli was awake as we were eating dinner as the cookies were brought & he was so excited! He wanted a cookie, so after dinner he had one. Of course, I did too & oh my goodness...those seriously are the BEST gingersnap cookies I have EVER tasted. Honestly, I have not tasted gingersnap cookies that yummy. I know Dan wants some tomorrow when he gets home...but...hmmm...I'll try honey :-).

I still am so overwhelmed & blessed by the days of Christmas. They really have been so meaningful to me.

Well, Dan comes home tomorrow night! YAY!!! Although he has to go back to San Angelo on Sunday. Eli & I are thinking about making the trip with him next week. Not sure we are going to yet, but we are thinking about it. I am just so glad to get him home for a few days! I can't even tell you.

Something for thought today...

We can learn a LOT from children. Today I was reminded about how children don't hold grudges. When a child gets mad at you for something they quickly forget about it. They move on. Laughter isn't far away & soon they are hugging you & loving you like nothing ever happened. When do we allow that to change in us? When do we become people who hold grudges? Children give people 2nd & 3rd & 4th...etc...chances & we as adults, well, what do we do? God gives us chance, after chance, after... Somehow I think the children have it right.
Why do I put this in tonight? Well, it's almost Christmas. Is there someone you are holding something against? Are you not giving them another chance? The only person you are hurting is yourself!

5 more sleeps!!!

Today was a good day. Yesterday Dan informed me that I would have a delivery today & I couldn't leave the house until I received it. Hmmm...that's odd. I was figuring it was flowers, but didn't want to ruin the surprise by asking him about it. I did ask if I would have to sign for my delivery, to which he just said, I don't think so. Well...today I hung around the house for the day. About 2:30 my delivery came...beautiful flowers. (see the pic below). However, the card just said "Merry Christmas." What?! Hahaha. I figured they were from Dan, but I emailed him, told him I received my delivery. He told me they were an early gift from he & Eli for taking such good care of them. How sweet. I needed that smile after my weekend. Thank you Honey. Love you!

Today was more baking. Yesterday when I ATTEMPTED to melt butterscotch, well, I couldn't. I was so frustrated. I called my niece in tears because I had just wasted butterscotch. I know, something so silly, but to add my missing home with that, it was just the straw. Today however, my butterscotch melted & I was able to make my chow mien noodle cookies. They are so good. As you can see below, I also made wedding cookies & pecan tassies! Now I have to decorate sugar cookies & who knows what else I'll get into. It was nice to bake. I can't wait to share some of the cookies with those around here.

My wonderful niece, Sarah, brought me lunch today. A delicious burrito. Oh my goodness it was amazing. From a place called Mission Burrito. Similar to Chipotle, but oh so yummy. It actually ended up being my lunch & dinner. Thank you Sarah for the lunch & for visiting with me today!

The gifts have continued. Yesterday, day #7 I was blessed with...

An Angel. It was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men. May we all do the same this Christmas Season.

And, on the 8th day...

The Bell. Just as the lost sheep are found by the bell, it should ring all mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Every single day I receive another gift I am amazed. I am reminded every minute of the reason for this season. What a gift it is that God gave us, and now we celebrate it. How fantastic.

I was talking to Eli tonight about Christmas. He was jumping up & down because he was so excited about it being almost time. I was explaining to him that Christmas is Jesus' birthday. He said, "Jesus was born in Heavenland!" We talked a little about Jesus being born in a manger & about how we celebrate his birthday. Eli asked, can it be my birthday? I told him it isn't your birthday, but we celebrate his birthday. I think we may have a birthday cake now for our Christmas tradition.

Lonely. I've been feeling very lonely lately. One thing it has encouraged me to think of is what I should do. Had I known last year what I know now (about where I am), I would've taken time to enjoy the moments with people more. I would've taken time to love more. I wouldn't have worried about the silly things, but the moments with those I love, I would've made the most of every single minute. So, that has made me think I need to do that now. We never know what journey we will be on next, so...making the most of the one we are in/on now is a MUST. So, on the positive of being lonely...I get the TV all to myself...I'm learning more about me...I am keeping my tear ducts clean...I am learning how to cook...I am practicing being positive in all things. Sometimes I succeed, other times I don't. LOL.

Until next time...enjoy your moments. Hope your done shopping! :-)

6 Sleeps

I can't believe that Christmas is so close! The time has gone so quick. I just realized this weekend how much I really need to do to prepare for the weekend. Oh what fun!!!

So...my days of Christmas continue. I really can't express how much this has blessed me. I really am struggling with missing home & this has helped me a lot! I feel so unworthy of the generosity shown to me. So...On the 5th day...

The Santa Ornament...Santa Claus symbolizes the generosity and good we feel during the month of December.
I thought that was wonderful! The tin, (By the way, is filled with M&M's) also has Santa on it.

Then on the 6th day...

The Candy Cane...The Candy Cane represents a shepherd's staff. The crook on the staff helps the shepherd bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The Candy Cane, therefore, is a symbol that reminds each of us that we are our brother's keeper.

Eli was still awake when this day came last night. He was SOOOO excited when we went to the door & this was on our rug. He went running outside saying, "Mommy, who is it?!" It was really cute. That was the first time he was awake. He continues to want some of the chocolate inside the candy cane, but I have told him we can have it on Christmas eve. (I need Daddy around when he has chocolate. ;-) ). He kept asking me who left it there. His idea is Santa. He told me that Santa was loving me. It is a Santa Bubba...just maybe not the Santa you think.

I'm excited to see these days through to the end. I know I keep saying it, but I'm still in shock.

Today, Advent week #4...Love. "Worship Fully, Love All" Pastor Doug read the love chapter. He talked about how Christmas is Love, but Love is more than a feeling. Love is more than loving the lovable. He reminded us that People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. WOW. Love is the key ingredient in the true Christmas. God loved us enough to send his son. Pastor Doug continued to challenge us to show love this Christmas. Not necessarily to ones who it's easy to love & not necessarily for them to know it was you. We can show love anonymously. (Kind of like someone is doing to me right now). He also asked us...if you could on Christmas day give away the one gift that you got that you really wanted. Could you give that to someone who truly needed it? Hmmm.... Love. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I Corinthians 13:4, 7 (NIV)

What a blessing it has been for me to go through the advent weeks this year. So many challenges to me. Thank you Lord for the things you taught me.

Other than that stuff the weekend was a bit normal. Eli continues to be afraid during the night & has ended up in my bed with me almost every night this past week. He talks about it through the day & states that he won't be scared, but...ends up "hearing a noise." What can I say? He's my son.

Eli informed me today that he changed what he asked Santa for. He said he now wants a big dragon thing. I asked if he still wanted the big riding truck...his reply..."Of course, but I also need a big dragon thing." LOL. Good thing Nanny & Poppy got the dragon castle for him.

Scoot continues to be looked for with excitement every morning. Today he asked me if I put him where he was. I just asked him what he thought...he told me, no, you can't touch him. He flew there. Phew. Got out of that one. LOL. That little boy is so full of energy. :-) Gotta love him.