Blessed Christmas 2010

Dearest Joshua and Luke,

Christmas has been a lot of fun this year. We enjoyed the old traditions and maybe even started a few new ones. This year we visited the Middle School in town to visit with Santa Claus. It turned out to be a perfect day complete with visits from many of the familiar characters that we know and love.

We also enjoyed driving through the Way Of Lights to see Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. It was a beautiful evening, filled with many sights. Luke has his Christmas performance in Miss Pam's class. We were so proud of him for singing his heart out and doing all of the hand motions. My personal favorite was "Oh my Lord."

We were very blessed to have Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray's family here with us for Christmas. They traveled through some snow and ice to make the journey to see us. And we are so glad that they did. You both really enjoyed playing with Isaac and Levi when they were here. It is always so hard for you to see the cousins go to Grammy and Papa's house to spend time with them. Some day you will better understand how important it is for all of the cousins to have their special time with the grandparents. Even though we live closer to Grammy and Papa, I know that you do not get to see them near as much as you would like. They used to stop in and see you more often when we lived about ten minutes closer, but the visits are far and few between now for many reasons. We will reflect on this another day.

It was an awesome experience watching both of you get to know Uncle Ray, Aunt Amy, and your cousins better and better. We do not get to see them as much - mostly due to how far away they live. They are a wonderful family. They bring a lot of joy to us. Isaac is a bright boy with a kind heart. He plays so well with both of the boys. Sometimes he still calls Luke - "Baby Luke." And Luke likes it, but only when Isaac says it. Levi is so sweet and a snuggler, too. He will give you hugs and kisses. So darling. Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray played with you both a lot, too and were so interested in what you were playing and doing.

This was a sad year without Papa Ed. He has been such an important part of our lives for so long. Even though we know that he is in heaven, we miss him here a lot. Please continue to pray for Nana. Please pray for strength to get through these most difficult times and peace for her heart. She is struggling so much this year with missing Papa Ed.

Here are some highlights of the Christmas season:

The cousins - (from bottom up) Isaac, Luke, Joshua, and Levi at Grammy and Papa's house

Isaac and Joshua with a snowman built on Christmas Day. The snowman has on a Grizzlies baseball cap and a pink scarf. He also has a carrot nose and Oreo cookies for eyes.

Grammy reading Joshua's new Star War's book to Joshua and Isaac.

Aunt Tina, Grandma Nichols, and Mom

Aunt Amy and Uncle Ray's family on Christmas Eve

Luke singing at his performance - "Oh My Lord" (He sings it "Oh My Word." He knows what he is supposed to say, but he is still working on saying his "l's" correctly - so cute!)

I love you both more today than I did yesterday.

Love,
Mama