Christmas eve and Christmas day pictures!

Milestones...

I wasn't planning on posting today; however, this girl:

decided today is the day that she would roll over for the first time! And that is definitely worth a post!

She was pretty surprised when she ended up on her tummy--there were a few nervous tears on her part the first time, but these two:

quickly helped her realize her accomplishment (with cheers and hugs and big, big smiles)!

Way to go, Bridget!

Favorite Christmas pictures....

Henry's first Christmas, 2003

Jonah's first Christmas, 2005

Henry and Jonah, 2006

Bridget's first Christmas, 2007

And finally....the whole family in one picture (a rare occurance!), 2007

Five more days 'till Christmas!!!!! :)

This cracked me up . . . .

Buddy, Blanket and Rufus

I know this picture might be a little hard to decipher, but this is Bridget with Rufus. Rufus is a super-soft, floppy-eared, white and green puppy dog. Also known as Bridget's FAVORITE toy in the world! It has become her lovey, and I'm happy with her choice. (By the way, a speical thanks to Beth, my sister-in-law, for giving Bridget this wonderful gift!)

Bridget doesn't prefer to sleep anywhere besides her crib. Unfortunately, sometimes it is a necessity--we're on the go during some of her naptimes or out past her bedtime. What I've found helps her to fall asleep is having this little dog with her....it doesn't seem to matter where I put her as long as Rufus is along! She pulls the ears down over her eyes and rubs them along her cheeks, and she is instantly comforted.

So all three of my kids have a lovey, or comfort item. For Henry it was (still is!) Buddy, a formerly yellow giraffe. Buddy is always nearby, but sometimes he is out of sight. In this picture Henry has put him down for a nap:

And Jonah is still a blanket boy. I think he would have a mental breakdown if he lost his blanket. Sometimes we wonder if it isn't attatched to the end of his fingers!

Anyone else out there have kids with special comfort items?

A (weekend) day in the life of Sam . . . .

I think it's time to dedicate a post to my wonderful husband. This guy amazes me. He has such an incredible work ethic, and he has a need to stay busy even when he has some down time. Sam is the first person I've ever met who relaxes by working! If I find some free time you'll most likely find me curled up in a comfortable chair with a good book. Sam, on the other hand is more likely to be building a new piece of furniture or coming up with a new way to improve our house or lives. It is inspiring!

Anyway, here is how Sam started out Saturday morning. First he changed the oil in my van, then he fixed an oil leak in his little beater car, then he pulled his dad's truck into the garage and replaced all four struts. Henry helped out a little on the truck--he wants to be just like his daddy! :)

In the afternoon Sam found time to head to the local library's Grinch Party, where he was enticed into helping Jonah at one of the many craft tables. (Even though this wouldn't be Sam's favorite thing to do with the kids, he knows that Jonah's eyes light up when there is glue around!) Sam was not the only daddy at the party, but he was the only one helping out with crafts!
When we got home from the Grinch party, Sam noticed that there were a LOT of wasps flying around in our backyard. So he took the time to hunt (yes, hunt!) them until he found where they were living (they apparently built their nest in the soffit on the back of our shop!) and then he attacked! As you can see in the picture, Sam has a can of wasp-spray in each hand. He had to take a break mid-way through to run to the store for more cans of spray. It was pretty funny to watch--the boys and I cheered him on from the safety of the house!

And by the time evening rolls around, do you think he was too tired to read stories to the kids? Absolutely not! Sam cuddled up on the couch with the boys and read books to them and then he even put them to bed!

Yep, he's one of a kind. I appreciate my husband so much. I am so very grateful that God brought us together, and I just love every moment of being his wife.

Thank you Sam for being you! I love you more than words can say. You inspire me and make me want to be a better person. You are the best friend I could ask for and an amazing daddy to our kids. Oh yeah, and you make me laugh too! :)