HE is the reason for the season!

It is so easy to let the true meaning of Christmas be lost in all the commercial parts. True, we all enjoy the tree, shopping for our loved ones, Santa, lights, etc. But, I am aware more this year, than any other since becoming a mom, that it's SO important to make sure our boys know, what Christmas is really all about. At five-years-old and two-years-old, getting new toys is most important in their minds at Christmas. They are such deprived children with such few toys, the poor little things.......I guess that's why they look forward to it! :) lol! But, I remember as a child getting so excited every year, awaiting Santa's arrival too, so I can't blame them. I just never want them to overlook the main reason we celebrate Christmas. JESUS!!!! Jacob knows as soon as you ask him, why we celebrate it--- 'It's Jesus and Owen's birthday', he'll say. I think it's so sweet that he always remembers Owen shares Jesus' birthday. Now, during our nightly prayers, I always include thankfulness for Jesus birth, so that they are aware.

Speaking of prayers, our little Ethan is already sparked an interest. Almost every night at bedtime, he'll ask for a turn praying. I have no idea what he says, but he whispers so quietly, you can't even hear him, for 30 seconds to a minute, then ends with a loud 'amen!' I love it, and always make sure Jacob stays quiet for Ethan to have his prayers. I'm so proud of them both, and their love for Jesus and interest in prayer at such a young age. Thank God for christian parents who molded Ronnie and I into parents who teach our children how to love and follow Jesus!

Christmas is quickly sneaking up on us-- can't believe it's less than two weeks away now. Still not quite finished shopping, but only a few more gifts to take care of. We're reminded this year, more than any other, how truly blessed we are to have so much. We're patiently awaiting, with increased faith daily, a new job for Ronnie. We are so thankful for his FedEx job, and the benefits it provides us with. God is good, and is still providing for us, and for that we are so thankful. We know He has a plan for us, and we just thank Him in advance for it, and try to stay patient. Please keep praying for our family as Ronnie seeks a new job. It means so much to us.

Our little man, Nathan, turned 3 months old yesterday. SO hard to believe. He's such a happy baby, and is growing up SO fast. He is a stubborn little guy, though, deciding this week that he WILL NOT take a bottle right now, on the few occasions we need him to, for me to be away from him. He was suppose to be with Mom and Dad last night with the other 6 grands, to spend-the-night, but that couldn't happen, without me staying with him. Guess we're getting a sneak peak of his little personality. I'd say he has some of his Daddy's determination! :) Nathan is almost laughing now-- soooooo cute! I'm soaking up every second of this time-- it goes by so fast.

Ethan is Mr. Chatty, talking SO much all the time. He's our persistent one, to say the least. And, those eyes......oh those eyes.....he's gonna have all the girls lined up with those gorgeous eyes. He can give you some looks, cutting his eyes at you with a puckered out bottom lip, if he's mad. Or, cut em' over at you with a little grin, showing how adorable he is, when he wants to be Mr. Cutie-Pie. He looks more like Ronnie every day! He's still loving preschool, and was so funny at his Christmas program Thursday night. He stood completely still not singing one word of the two songs his class sang, on the front row. It was hilarious!

Jacob is doing great in Kindergarten, very impatiently awaiting Christmas morning. It can't get here fast enough. He wrapped up his football season with an end of the season party with the team last week. Each boy received a HUGE trophy, about 3 feet tall, including a 5x7 action shot of themselves, and a mini-football helmet on top. I've never seen a trophy like this one. He's SO proud of it. Now.....where to put it???? I'll have to post a picture of it. His latest fascination is with drawing. I keep scribble paper and crayons on my kitchen table 24/7 now, since it's pointless to put it up daily, only to be dragged back out. His penmanship has improved so much, so fast over the school year. We're so proud of him. My favorite drawing by him, was made a few weeks ago, of me, with the word 'Mom' written below it. He wrote 'Mom' for the first time without asking how to spell it. He's learning so many words, and even reading a little already! It amazes me how quick he learns!

I guess that's about all for now. A long overdue post-- I've been bad about posting. I'll try to be better.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!