O Come All Ye Faithful

One thing that really struck me this Christmas was the manger. Every time Hunter looked at our creche, he just shrieked with excitement and joy. I was often reminded that this is the exact reaction I should have every time I think of our Savior's birth. As the cards have been sent out and received, gifts opened, decorations out (soon to be put up) and Christmas songs over, I pray that we will be a faithful family. Faithful to our purpose on Earth, faithful to glorify God, faithful to love and serve Him and others. I want to be faithful to Jesus Christ, to shriek with excitement when I think about his humble birth. To think what that birth means...life for us. I think I will keep the creche out a little longer this year.

And of course, pictures for you. More to come later-

Santa Train

Last night we went to the Museum of Life & Science where they have a Santa Train. Hunter talked to Santa and loved pulling on his beard. One of my favorite parts was seeing how excited Caleb and Levi were. I'm excited to see how Hunter's excitement will grow in the coming years. We had a great time (and dinner) Stines and Markles.

I saw mommy kissing ...

Santa Claus. Last night we had the youth Christmas party. Nathan and Hunter dressed up as Santa. Adorable.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

When girls are little, they always dream that they will marry the tall, dark and handsome man. The one that is prince charming, a knight in shining armor, their soul mate. Well, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, because my dreams have come true. God has blessed me with an amazing man. He is a wonderful husband, perfect father for Hunter and my best friend. Hunter and I are so thankful that we are a family. Happy 32nd birthday!

Happy Birthday Hunter!

This picture is perfect...Hunter standing, not sitting still.

Happy 1st birthday sweet boy! We are so excited that you have been apart of our family for one year. This past year has flown by. I have been reading many sad blogs lately, and it makes me every thankful for our healthy boy we have been blessed with. I treasure the time that I get to spend with him during the day and love to see the look on Hunter and Nathan's faces at night when his daddy gets home. We prayed for Hunter for many months before I was pregnant. Our prayer was from 2 Samuel: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."

Hunter, we pray that this next year, and every year of your life will be one that brings Glory to God! We love you more than you can fathom.

Hunter loves to wave bye, hello and night-night.

his paci's

to run laps with his walker

read peek-a-boo books

get into everything

play "I'm going to get you"

new toys

Starbucks (yes, our dog. He's not addicted yet)

Hunter clearly says hey, bye, Star, dada, mama. Yes, it melts my heart. He usually says it several times in a row in a loud voice when he wants something!

He received a great report from the dr today. He weighs 20 lbs and is 28 3/4 inches tall!

Birthday Pics

Crete, Simon and Josiah look like they are carrying on a conversation.

Finley in deep thought

Sweet brothers, Jack and Josiah.

Hunter and Hudson with their moms

Frogs

Not quite sure why everyone was singing to him.

THANK YOU Robyn for a perfect cake

Frogs were the theme of the day as we celebrated Hunter's first birthday this afternoon. Hunter enjoyed having several of his friends over, and they were all boys. We are wonderfully surrounded by boys. Hunter couldn't decide about the cake at first. He just tried to get the icing off of his hands. He did take several bites, but overall wasn't too interested in eating cake. He loved his balloons. I love the squeal that he makes whenever he sees a balloon. We had the best day and can't wait to celebrate again on Tuesday!