What brought me joy today...

Dinosaur Invasion
As I walked in to the home office tonight I almost tripped over this guy -- although he looks quite scary in this picture, he's actually much smaller. The joy of this little guy being in the middle of the office floor is what it symbolizes... it means that little Rodney was playing with it and the toys surrounding it. Little guy took a nap on Grampy's "piddow" this afternoon and then spent some time at Grammy & Grampy's house playing with the toys. Everyone knows that knows that the toys that you don't get to play with every day are better than the boring ones you can play with whenever you want. ALSO -- if I know my dad, I can pretty much guarantee that this involved Grampy down on the floor playing with little Rodney bringing endless delight to both of them. Grammy was probably close by either spoiling him with treats or hugs.

Arrival of Books

I can't think of many things that bring me more joy than new books... but new books for my babies bring with it the anticipation of the look on their faces when they realize that Nonni got them new books. Recently a friend needed some help reaching a goal of selling Children's books, so I decided to see what she had available. (See her great site here). The Shapes Jigsaw Puzzle book is for little Rodney - all the other kids LOVED any puzzle books I brought home so I am sure that Rodney will feel the same way. Sammy, on the other hand, is fascinated with "diggers" -- can you believe that I found a book called "Diggers". He's going to love the endless entertainment this brings him.

Lest you stop and think "only books for the boys, what about the girls, you cad" - have no fear, they are spoiled rotten in their own right, this time just happens to be for my beloved boys. Can't wait to give these to them on Sunday along with some stickers. Oh and I have some jewelry and stickers for the girls too. :-) Sure do love my babies!!!

Thanks for sharing in my joy today!!

A Christmas First...

I my be a bit biased, but I am of the opinion that the Christmas tree pictured here could quite possibly be the best one this world has ever seen. Of course, it's also the first one I have ever had. I've always been willing to partake of other people's trees -- even participate in the decorating of them --- but this one is all mine. I picked it, paid for it, carried it inside (yes, all 7ft of it), strung it with lights, and decorated it!

I know that anybody reading this knows how wonderful I think my family is -- but this year they have chosen to come celebrate Christmas in Nashville with me and I am forever honored. *(Unfortunately my brother's family won't be able to make the trek and they shall be missed)*. I am looking forward to having them here and have thoroughly enjoyed decorating them. I figured that with them all coming I should have a tree and as soon as my sister holds up her end of the bargain, the kiddie poos stockings will be hung by the fire with care!

We may have to eat in shifts since I can only seat/serve 4 at a time, but I'm sure that it will be glorious.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas with your family as I drink in a full week with mine giving thanks for them and for having a great God who is BIG enough to send His Son to be born for us but for also caring about the details of having us enjoy our time together.

Hero to my Nieces & Nephews

Guess who I met? The Berenstein Bears -- I know that to some of you that may not seem like a big deal .... but to my nieces and nephews... I'm going to be SO cool. Anybody that knows me knows that I live to be cool in their eyes.

Sammy's First Kiss

OH -- this picture is way too cute for words. He was even gentlemanly enough to take his hat off first.

This was after a day of tie-dying of shirts by Ellie's mom with a group of kids. Thanks for sharing this picture with me.