Christmas Time :)

Justin came home early yesterday so we could go get our tree.

Samuel was dressed for the occasion with his tree in a truck sweater.

He LOVED the tree lot. I was nervous the whole time because he was running through all of the trees and was trying to hide from us.

Samuel and Justin beside our "perfect" Christmas tree.

He had so much fun... this is what happened when we had to leave. :(

We made him feel better by going to Pizza Hut. This little boy ate a TON of pizza!

Our finished product :). I am trying to encourage Samuel to just touch the ornaments. This works sometimes but occasionally he cannot resist the temptation to hit them as hard as possible. :) Hopefully our tree will be able to handle our excited little boy!

Justin and I went to a Christmas boat parade last Saturday night in North Myrtle Beach. The parade was super cute but as we were walking to the car I thought about how not one boat had anything about the birth of Jesus Christ. We saw a lot of Santa and lights etc. but there was NOTHING about the true meaning of Christmas. Justin said he thought about the same thing. I left feeling a little sad and as soon as we were home I found our two manger scenes. One is in Samuel's room and the other is in our living room. I talked to Samuel about baby Jesus and today when he saw a manger scene he went straight for the baby. :) I want to start some traditions that keep the focus on the birth of our precious Savior. When our family of three celebrates together this year I am going to make a birthday cake and sing to Jesus. I have heard of several families that only give their children three gifts because Jesus received three. Do you have any ideas? Justin and I want to make sure that we instill in Samuel's heart the true meaning of Christmas.

Perfect Weekend/ Long Post

My best friend, Rebecca, is engaged and we are thrilled! I actually set her up with her with her future husband, Justin, when we were in college. (They are my 1st success story :)) We have been friends since I was four months old! Her parents lived two houses down from mine and I have always loved her so much. She has been a wonderful friend to me and recently I have found myself hoping that Samuel finds a friend like Rebecca.

We have been through so much together. She has always accepted me for who I am and has loved me through the good and bad. :)

We had an engagement party for her at my parent's house on Saturday. Robin did all of the decorating and everything was beautiful. This is the desert table.

This picture is out of order but these two are a MESS! Finley and Samuel are only 6 months apart and do not understand the concept of sharing :) Finley is so sweet to him and gives Samuel plenty of hugs and kisses.

The banner said, "Owl always love you."

Our two handsome little boys.

Miss Finley

This is Rebecca's sister, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and me with our Justins! They all three share the same name. CRAZY! Sometimes on the phone we have to clarify which one we are talking about :)

Justin and Stan with the cousins.

The future bride and groom opening gifts.

THE ZOO

On Thursday Justin and I took Samuel to the zoo. We had beautiful weather and so much fun! I have never seen so many strollers/ children in one place and I kept thanking God for blessing us with Samuel. During the years of infertility going to the zoo would have made me cry. I felt so much joy all day. This scripture always comes to my mind

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; Isaiah 61:3

We started off the day with Samuel in the stroller...not for long!

My beautiful, happy baby and me.

Justin ended up carrying him on his shoulders all day.

Samuel was thrilled!

Sleepy boy heading to Laurinburg. My parents welcomed us with one of my favorite meals. We made some sweet memories. My precious little boy is a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

29

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. We spent a relaxing day playing with Samuel. Last night Frances came over to babysit so Justin and I could go out to eat. We have not been out by ourselves in a long time so I was excited :). Blame the messy mirror in the picture below on Samuel :)

Justin told Samuel that they needed to go check the mail and when they came back in Samuel handed me his card.

"Would you say that being a mom is a joy and a challenge?"

"With me being the joy and "you-know-who" being the challenge." I laughed :)

We took him to the park and he LOVES slides.

A wonderful day!

Random Pictures

Last Saturday we took Samuel to feed the ducks.

He was a little overwhelmed by all the quacking.

Safe in Mommy's arms :).

Samuel is holding his little pumpkin. He says, "pump pump." We love to hear him talk!

Justin decided to use his toes to hammer the nails on this toy. Samuel started doing the same.

He makes us smile everyday!

This song came to my mind today....

"So Much To Thank Him For"

WHEN I LOOK AROUND AND SEE

THE GOOD THINGS HE DOES FOR ME

I KNOW I'M UNWORTHY OF THEM ALL

BUT HIS BLESSINGS HE FREELY GIVES

I OWE MY LIFE TO HIM

I'VE GOT SO MUCH TO THINK HIM FOR.

CHORUS :

AND I'VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR

SO MUCH TO PRAISE HIM FOR

WELL YOU SEE NOW HE'S BEEN SO GOOD TO ME

AND WHEN I THINK OF WHAT HE'S DONE

AND WHERE HE BROUGHT ME FROM

I'VE GOT SO MUCH TO THANK HIM FOR

Have a great weekend!