Preperations

Are well under way

in our home.

With all the hype on the

tree, backhoe and Santa~

I really feel that the importance of

reminding and teaching

our family

what Christmas truly means

has to be a priority.

I found the most adorable Nativity Scene

that Big Guy absolutely loves.

He has been playing with

it daily,

rearranging,

making sure Baby Jesus is ok

and the "Aminals eat their hay".

I was so proud today while out shopping

he spotted

"Baby Jesus!"

The lady at the register looked shocked

and

only replied very quietly

"Yes, it is."

Yes, my 2 year old knows

and loves Jesus.

Baby has a great role model

and has been doing lots of

"monkey-see, monkey-do".

I try to keep him contained

when I need to accomplish something

like, say....

cook supper

or go to the bathroom....

but

he now screams

when I put him in his jumper

or walker....

so, not going to work much longer!

I am glad I have

this 2 year old

that is always reminding me

of Jesus.

Early this morning I quickly

lost my patience with him.

After he calmed

he put his hands together and bowed

his fat cheeks into them

saying

"Jesus loves me,

thank you for my coat

and my Mommy

Amen".

Oh man...

I immediately thought of

last year

when I saw this pic.

Can you believe how much

he has changed?

I can't!

Baby is loving

his first Christmas.

But was at first scared

of the tree.

He would look at it,

and look back at us

with an expression like

"Ummm, why is there a big tree IN the house?"

Remember "monkey-see"...?

It works both ways!

After a day or so,

Baby finally got up the nerve

to touch the tree

but still isn't fond of it.

(I am OK with that!)

Our favorite activity

is our Advent Tree.

We have to watch him though,

he is always wanting to skip to that

big "25" star!

We wrote our letters to Santa

and got them in the mail!

We are having lots of fun in the kitchen too!

50% done with our baking!

We are also done shopping!

I took Big Guy out today to get a present for Baby.

He told me Sean "wants a backhoe".

So we had a long talk about giving to others

and how we get them something they

want, not what we like.

After about 20 minutes in the truck section

I finally coerced him into the

toy section for his brother.

He ended up getting a great gift

I know Baby will love!

This month is flying by

and there is always tons to accomplish

but we are trying to do it slowly,

have fun,

and remember the true reason

for all that we are doing.

When out shopping today

I took Big Guy to a Thrift Store.

As we walked through the front door

his eyes got big,

he scanned the room

and said

"OH WOW!!!"

He loved that place!

He saw the good, the beauty

in what others have thrown out.

It has been my goal

this Holiday Season

to not get overwhelmed

with all that "Has" to be done.

And to open my eyes

and see and feel it all

through my children.

Hope you are doing the same!

love, the rockinryans