Happy Birthday Jesus!

The God who opens the womb, giving the gift of children, became a child growing in the womb of a woman.

The One we depend on for everything became dependent on human parents.

The One who holds the universe in His hands was held in the arms of Mary.

The One who created the first woman was born of a woman.

The Ancient of Days became a newborn.

The Helper became a helpless baby.

The Creator became a creature.

(I read this from a friend's blog and had to share. Just love it!)

Merry Christmas! Let's celebrate the birth of our Saviour! Happy Birthday Jesus! We thank you for all our many blessings - and praise you for your miraculous life, love, and sacrifice.

Thanksgiving 2009

I am sooo behind on my blogging, but I couldn't forget to include our Thanksgiving festivities. We spent Thanksgiving with Matt's dad and step-mom in northern IN. We always have so much fun visiting them and of course Brooks loves to see Grandpa, Nonna, more cousins, aunts & uncles! On our way, we stopped at Arnold's Drive-In as usual. On our way into town, we stopped to see Granny Miller. She was so surprised and happy to see us! She is always so gracious and thankful. That evening, we were blessed by a visit from Uncle Tim & Aunt Sondra. So happy to see them and thankful they took the time to come see us!

For Thanksgiving dinner, Bobbie made her delicious steaks along with the sides we all love - sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, etc. I've never been a big red meat girl, and really didn't like it until I was pregnant - which is when I craved red meat. I blame my newfound liking to steak on Brooks. Dinner was wonderful! Bobbie is the hostess with the mostess!

The next morning we had our usual breakfast at Essenhaus - but just the 3 of us this time. Sooo good! We also had to visit the mall - I really enjoy the Christmas hussle and bussle at the mall. Some people hate it, but I love it! Didn't do any buying, but enjoyed ourselves anyway.

We visited one of Matt's childhood friends, Justin, and his family. Justin and Erin were in town from CO and we don't get to see them often since Matt & Justin both moved away after college. We had a short visit, but good to see them, as always.

Unfortunately, our trip up north was cut short by Brooks' sleeping escapades, or lack thereof. For some reason, he would wake up every 2-3 hours. Thought maybe his teeth were bothering him , but Tylenol didn't even do the trick. So, in order for mama to get some sleep, we decided to come home early - after only 2 nights. The fact that we were leaving for FL the following week contributed to our decision to leave. The sooner we could get home and get Brooks' sleep back to "normal" the better. (Funny thing is, he has slept great since, EVEN in FL! Who knows!) That little stinker! :)

Enjoy some photos from our lovely Thanksgiving 2009...

Our delicious dinner

Brooks & Granny

Brooks with Uncle Tim & Aunt Sondra

Jaden teaching Brooks how to play piano

Justin & Matt with Logan & Brooks

Brooks opening his very First Christmas presents from Grandpa & Nonna