A Christmas Restored! Part One: Family Celebration)

After having a not so fun night, Beniah perked up and began eating and playing like the active four year old boy he is. 

Tim and I decided to continue with our Christmas plans (just postponed 12 hours).

First came advent and the reading of the Christmas story.

Then came the much anticipated Christmas presents.

Beniah received a watch from his brother.

The boys received some paint from their Great Grandparents.

Elijah had a hard time waiting for his turn to open his presents.

Magna Doodle from Daddy and Mama!

Beniah received a camera from us and loved taking pictures of the festivities. Unfortunately, the flash wouldn't stay on and all of the pictures were black.

 

Soon the boys were played out and went to bed anticipating our next day's trip to the Roseburg Grandparents house.

Happy 1st Birthday Elijah!

A year ago today, I was holding you, my precious newborn son, in my arms.

You were so tiny, yet such a chunk!

 

 I love your beautiful blue eyes.

 I love your precocious smile.

 I love your charming personality.

I love that you are learning new things and are proud of your accomplishments.

 You have brought so much joy and laughter to our home.

Happy birthday, my dear sweet Elijah boy.

Joy!

But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. ~Psalm 5:11

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the word joy. Maybe it's because I grew up hearing my parents say to me, "We named you Heather Joy because Heather means Joyful Spirit and we wanted you to have a double blessing of Joy." Maybe it's because the word conjures up images, sounds, smells, memories that I delight in. Whatever the reason, I love the word Joy. Christmas time always seems a bit brighter when I see Joy decorations and hear people sing Joy to the World. In spite of my love for this word, I do find it hard to be joyful when the trials of life, the dirty dishes, the diapers, the boys squabbling over toys (Yes, 10 month-olds do squabble!), the lay offs. I just need to remember to have joy, to take delight in what I have been given. My boys are so helpful in their little ways to be joyful.

Last Christmas, I received framed letters that spelled out Joy. This was the first Christmas decoration that Beniah wanted to be hung out. As I was working on hanging the frames, Beniah was working on coloring his own joy drawing. It might take some imagination, but you can kind of see his attempt at copying the swirls and curly-cues of the letters.


Every time I go for flour, I am always finding some toy put in the drawer by Elijah. I love opening the flour drawer. This was today's toy.


What brings you joy?
Family Wii night.