Christmas Visits...

Uncle Matt and Shannon came to visit us. We exchanged little gifts with Shannon and Bryson enjoyed seeing them. I had to snap a picture! Matt was laughing, saying that they could use this for their Christmas card. :) We always enjoy their visits!

Mary

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Luke 1:30-33

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1:46-55

Okay. Lots to think about when reading the story of the birth of Jesus. Can you imagine being Mary and having an angel appear to you, saying that you will give birth to the "Son of the Most High?" Talk about overwhelming news! I just wonder what her pregnancy was like. And the ride to Bethelehem on a donkey?? Really? I guess my pregnancy really wasn't that bad! I wonder if she was spared any of the pains of labor. I would love to sit down and talk to Mary. Mom to Mom. I wish we had more information about Jesus as an infant, toddler, or even pre-teen. How did she know how to be the parent of Jesus? I wonder if Mary was confident, or felt like she was fumbling in the dark as I often do with Bryson.

Just a few thoughts I wanted to share as I sit and think about the birth of Jesus this Christmas season. I guess I have a whole new perspective, being a new mom myself. I pray that I would handle each situation that is thrown at me with the grace that Mary did.

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
Luke 1:38

My Christmas Wish

Mr. Penguin....... Life Size!

Bryson absolutely loves one certain toy that we have somehow managed to name "Mr. Penguin." He will CRACK UP at it, even if he is in the middle of screaming. We depend on this penguin to help us with things like taking pictures and to help Bryson feel better when he has an ear infection. I was at the store this morning, and call me a sucker, but I couldn't pass this penguin up! It rocks back and forth, laughs, and even plays music. Bryson loves it! I guess Christmas came a little bit early at our house...

The new and improved Mr. Penguin and Bryson with a red forehead after waking up from a nap!

Christmas with Friends

Wednesday night we were invited over to the MacDonald's home for dinner and a gift exchange for the kids. We were also supposed to decorate Christmas cookies, but the kids didn't quite last that long. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends, and are really remembering the reason for this season!

We took Bryson over to the MacDonald's all decked out in his Christmas PJs (thanks Grandma!)! Bryson enjoyed playing on the floor with Maddie and Sam!
Here is Miss Reagan ready to open presents...

Bryson got bathtub toys from the Kenleys!

We gave Sam and Maddie viewfinders (remember these??). They seemed to really enjoy them. :)

Bryson got a turtle that teaches numbers and shapes from the MacDonalds!

What a great night!

On the Mends and On a Move!

Today is day number five of this awful ear infection. Bryson seemed to start feeling better yesterday. He is still not totally well, and continues to run a low grade temperature. He is SO much better, though, and we are so thankful for that! I turned my back for just a second this afternoon and this is how I found him (are we in trouble or what?):

This is how he spends most of his time these days:No more turning our backs, even for a second!

Cute Idea!!!

So, when my Mom and I went to have Bryson's pictures taken they had a really cute line to hang Christmas cards on. There was only one left, so my Mom bought it. I told her I would just make my own. I've had the stuff to make it for a few weeks now, and just got a chance to put it together. This is how it turned out:

I think it turned out really cute and was super easy to make! All I did was buy scrap booking paper and cut it into different shapes. Then I hot-glued the shapes to clothespins and hot-glued the clothespins to a ribbon. Voila! Now I have a cute way to display the Christmas cards we receive. Don't you just love this time of year? :)