Christmas 2011

Christmas was such a fun time shared with both sets of grandparents and siblings! It always goes much too quickly. I couldn't let the season totally slip by without including some of my favorite pictures. The first two are tradition at our house. The kids pose at the top of the stairs before coming downstairs to look for the baby Jesus figure. The second picture shows the kids after they've found him. It's been a fun way to remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate. After he is found, we place him in the manger scene and read Luke 2.

Picture three is the extended Spore family. We had a wonderful time in their cozy home in the woods while the snow fell outside like a snowglobe.

Picture four is almost all the cousins on the Bradfield side eating at the kid table. Kayley is sporting a whipped cream mustache.

Happy Birthday, C Girl! (a month ago)

Am I the only mom to make promises I know I can't keep? Seven years and one month ago, I held our beautiful new baby girl in my arms. I promised her and myself she would always have special birthdays, even though it was less than two weeks before Christmas.....that her birthday would be no less of an event than her siblings' summer birthdays. Most years I have failed miserably to keep this promise. Despite that, this sweet girl always shows sincere gratitude for whatever store bought cake and fast food lunch we can muster on the day we celebrate (usually the same day as the Sunday School Christmas Program). This year was no exception.

C, you are such a special gift from God. Daddy and I love the way you have taken Cooper under your wing, playing with him, reading to him, and cuddling with him. We love your tender heart, your hilarious sense of humor, and your ability to make us all laugh. Happy seventh birthday, our dear sweet girl.....very late, but no less sincerely.