It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

We have been busy lately, with the usual things that keep us busy this time of year...plus some colds.

Avery had her first dance recital at the mall. I would put the video here, but Blogger is being stupid again and doesn't like it, for some reason. Sum up: Avery freaked out because of all the people and shut down, spent most of the performance at the side of the stage, crying with me, and I got her to go back out, but her teacher pretty much carried her around and then she finally danced the last 10 seconds, maybe. It was still really cute, though!

This girl got her hair cut. Before: 

 After:

For the first few days after her hair cut, she was constantly running her hands through her hair and commenting on how much she loved it.

We had Thanksgiving at my parents' house. My Grandpa John and Grandma Nancy made the trip up to see us, so it was fun to be with them, too.

Avery turned 3! I can't believe I have a three year old, but it's true. I do. We asked her what she'd like to eat for her birthday dinner and she said, "A cheeseburger." So, we headed to Red Robin.

The day after her birthday, we had a small birthday gathering with all her grandparents that were in attendance: Bompa, Gramma, Grammie, PawPaw, and Great-Grandpa John and Great-Grandma Nancy. She was in heaven all night, as all the attention was focused on her!

 She LOOOOOOOVES to open presents.

 Evelyn made sure some attention was focused on her.

Then, this week, I've been slowly getting Christmas decorations put up, Christmas cookies made, and lots of Christmas music listening done. Today, we had a great quiet family day at home. During Evelyn's almost 3 hour nap (I KNOW!!!), we decorated a gingerbread house with Avery. That was a huge hit!

It's only going to get busier these next few weeks! I'm trying to take the time to remember what we are really celebrating, and just enjoy my time with my sweet ones.

A Year Ago Today...

 Evelyn was just 10 days old!

Wordless Wednesday...

Catch-Up Videos

I'm too lazy to blog regularly now.  No, scratch that.  I'm too busy to blog regularly now.  Chasing around a child who is learning to walk is tiring!  Here are a few videos from the past few weeks.

Mother's Day...

Our Mother's Day was busy and great!

First, we picked up some Mimi's and took it to Stephen's parents' house for lunch.  Yum!

Avery got some quality time with Grammie.

And by quality time, I mean licking time.

You like it when I lick your arm, don't you, Grammie?

Then, we headed over to my parents' house for dinner, but started with a Mother's Day Margarita!

My mama and me

And Avery got to sit on Great-Grandma's lap!

And Daddy got a nap...

Wait!  I thought it was Mother's Day!  Does this mean I get a nap on Father's Day?

Ha!  Doubtful.

Then, we did some swinging, which you've already seen the video of.  I couldn't wait to post it.

Clearly, swinging was a huge hit.  Most everything is with our cheerful little girl.

This Mother's Day was very different for me, obviously.  Now that I am a Mama, myself, I understand what it's all about.

Finally, I am beginning to understand the sacrifices my mom has made for me in her life.

And how selfless being a Mama is.

And how I wouldn't trade it for anything.

How was your Mother's Day?

Dear Mr. Tenor,
I need to express my deep concern about the last few weeks of church choir practice I've had to endure with you.
First of all, I'd like to remind you that singing in the church choir is a voluntary commitment.  No one is forcing you to be there.
Second of all, remember at the first practice -- the first of only four total practices, our worship director asked that we commit to this, making sure to come to each of the scheduled practices for Easter service?  Well, this point isn't actually directed at you because you have been at all four practices.  Not exactly happy to be there, but still, you were there, so I guess you committed yourself.  Thanks for that.  No, this point is more directed at the 8 other people who came to the first practice and haven't shown up since.  Until tonight, the final practice, and wanted to know what they had missed the past two weeks.
Third of all, it's a choir practice.  We all sing different parts, which is needed when the music calls for 3-part harmony.  Boys don't always sing melody.  It's not anyone's fault that you can't read music.
Next point:  When the worship director asks everyone to stand up at the beginning of practice, it's helpful for everyone if you don't mutter under your breath, "Yeah, that's not happening."  Your bad attitude and unnecessary comments are...well, unnecessary.
Finally, extending on the first point, not only are you not required to sing in the voluntary choir for Easter service, but also it's just not about you.  It's about praising God and celebrating that His son rose from the dead.  For me.  For you.  For us all.  Because we are all sinners.  He erased your sins.  He washed my sins away.  And if He didn't send His son to die for us, I would be so lost.  And I wouldn't have anything to sing about on Sunday morning.
So please, on Sunday morning, could you possibly show up at 7:30, ready to give Him the glory and praise for what He has done?  Just make it about that. 
Wear some comfy shoes so you don't feel like you'd rather sit on the bleachers while you sing, mmmm-k?
Thanks!
Love,
Beth

Avery's First Valentine's Day...

Happy Valentine's Day, Avery!

What?  It's Valentine's Day?  I had no idea!

Well, in that case, I love you, Mommy and Daddy!

And now, I'm going to go back to chewing on my hand.

My dear little Avery,

I've never been a big celebrator of Valentine's Day in my life.  And then, I married your daddy.

*photo courtesy of Brad Walters Photo

And when that happened, I realized that the love that your daddy and I have for each other is different than any love I have experienced before.

And then, you came along!

And once again, I found out that there was another kind of love that I had never experienced before.

You and your daddy have taken my heart.

I love you both so much and I am so blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with you!