Baby, It's Cold Outside

Nick's first snowfall.

I think he likes it!

Connecticut Yankees in Washington D.C.

The three oldest boys were thrilled to get to hang out in Washington D.C. with Aunt Annie, Uncle Adam, and Aunt Buddy for our last weekend in VA. They had a fabulous time--thanks, guys!!!


They visited monuments...
...the Museum of Natural History...

...and "rocked the red" at a Capitals game!
They even attempted ice skating!
(With varying degrees of success!)
These yankees got schooled at a traditional New England winter sport. And, to add insult to injury, the temperature was in the sixties for much of their trip down South!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Virginia with all the cousins.
Christmas Socks for Aunt Kiki, Aunt Betsy, and Rebecca.
Christmas Eve Service at Papa's Church
Watching A Christmas Story movie
A Christmas Craft--Cousins Christmas Frames
Ready for Santa!

Gabe's Letter from Santa

We have had a lot of drama this year with Gabe and his questions about Santa, but this morning his faith was restored when a letter from the big guy himself (straight from the North Pole) found Gabe (all the way in Crewe, VA)!

Nicholas's Baptism

My many mini men!


Aunt Annie and Uncle Adam, Nick's godparents
Nick hammed it up throughout the ceremony, laying his head on Papa's shoulder for the blessing and squealing with delight after being introduced as "the newest member of Christ's holy church."
Papa was so proud!


Our celebration at Crab Louie's in Midlothian, VA following the ceremony.

Hangin' Out

SOMEONE'S getting big!

Papa Christmas?

Papa playing Santa Claus at UMFS in Richmond.

This one looks like Santa was arrested! ;)

Christmas Magic Love: Cuddles, Giggles, and a Kiss

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'!

Hating tummy time may soon be a problem of the past for Master Nicholas. He rolled from tummy to back last night! Let's see if he can do it again on purpose...

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus (Author Unknown)

Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and enters your heart.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His Arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is
"Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name,
He knows our history and future, and
He even knows our hearts & how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love, grace, mercy & forgiveness.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS says "Cast your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes a new life, mends wounded hearts,
repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree,
For you & for me.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put CHRIST back in Christmas,
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, JESUS is better,
He is even better than Santa Claus.

Dust Off Your Sleds; Dig Out Your Snowpants, and Match Up Your Mittens!

We woke up this morning to this...
Granted, it's just a dusting, but we can't help but look forward to waking to the sound of snow plows, seeing our school district's closing announcement scroll across the television screen, lingering in our pajamas over hot chocolate, and eating grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, with nothing to do but roll around in the white stuff. As Gabe commented, "I wish it was enough to crunch my feet into!" Bring those snow days!!!

Wide-Eyed Christmas Wonderment Bewilderment CONFUSION!

We have a tree INSIDE the house, now? And, hey! Was that big, bristly guy in the soft, red clothes I had my picture taken with today ANOTHER brother???

Poor Jackie!

Jack has had quite an eventful week since Thanksgiving, with no signs of it letting up any time soon! The tooth we worked so hard to save with a root canal 2 years ago, finally lost its fight with another abcess. He had it extracted this morning under anesthesia. The poor kid was in so much pain that after coming to, he could only cry with relief at how much better he felt! The day after tomorrow Jack sees a new optometrist to try to correct his having to read off the computer at 150% magnification. Then next Friday--the orthodontist. I feel like a completely sadistic parent!
Not only is this the first smile from my chipmunk-cheeked boy (largely due to the smoothie/ice cream diet, no doubt) in 5 days, BUT... THIS is how Baby Nicholas coped with three straight days in his car seat at three separate dentist visits!

P.S. 12/5 Jack's glasses should be in next Friday, just in time for the orthodontist to determine his plan of action for a mouth of metal. Man, Jack sure will have a lot of cranial accessories! (We love Mitch Hedberg!)