Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby!

Can you imagine waitng all year long for your birthday? My hubby does. He was born on the last day of the year in 197- ....well, we don't have to go there. He told me a long time ago that it was kinda cool, since there was always a party going on on his birthday. But, tonight we'll spend a quiet evening at home with our kiddo. Maybe we'll pop open some sparkling cider and set off a few fireworks for kicks. We'll be diving into the tamales I have in the freezer and I am making a coconut cake for him, too.

It's the least I can do for all he does for me and our family:

He's an amazing father....

...and a wonderful husband.

Feliz Cumpleanos, amor!

An Anniversary

Do you ever look at the calendar, write the date, think about what day it is and still not realize that it means something to you? Then you are in the middle of an email to an old friend and you are thinking about how long it has been since you've see her and it hits you. TODAY. Today means something! We arrived in Tennessee two years ago today. It is incredible to think that two years has flown by so quickly, but what a two years it has been!

My baby went from this:

to this:

(Seriously! Does anyone know how to make him stop growing?!)

We went from knowing virtually no-one, to the point where I cannot go to the grocery store or Target or the gym without bumping into at least one person I know. I ran into two people while out today! God has blessed us with so many new friends and an amazing church family that fill our lives with love and laughter.

We went from life in the desert to more rain than I have seen in my entire life.

We went from stucco and spanish tile to colonial and wrap-around porches.

We went from a church of 4,000 members and anticipating the opening of the new children's building to being a part of a start-up campus of 400 and anticipating a building of our own someday.

And if I have learned anything at all it is that God is God. No matter where I find myself. Time yields perspective and I look back at our years in Vegas and think of how it prepared us for life now. How joining a Small Group which sounded a little out-there and really pushed Rudy's limits was training for us to lead one now.

I am still learning, still hoping and trying to keep my eyes on The One who holds our future. I wonder what I'll be able to report back after another two years.

Snowballs, GIRLed cheese and Breakfast with Santa

This time of year is busy anyway, but I feel like we got off of the plane after our recent trip to Texas and just hit the ground running. We have had the joyful pleasure of having our little friend Trinity with us a few days this week and she and Aron have been having more fun than two four year olds should be allowed to have. We got a nice snow on Thursday evening out of the blue. It was the first time Trin had seen snow, so she was all about it. Aron's a little more experienced with the white stuff, but just as enthusiastic.

We have been enjoying many of the usual warm winter treats around here, too. You know, hot tea, hot chocolate, warm soups.....girled cheese sandwiches. Yep, Aron says GIRLed cheese, and heaven help you if you try to correct him! He get's very defensive! Girled cheese, it is, baby.

Last weekend we participated in Breakfast With Santa, which is sponsored by a local church. The kids hear a Christmas story, have breakfast, see Santa, do a craft, and get a photo with Santa and a treat bag. All of it is free, too! We love free!

Well, Aron walked in to see Santa like he'd had an appointment for weeks. "Hi, Santa!" he said, waving as he walked up to him. I just stood back behind the photographer and listened to their little chat. Santa was very sweet and took his time with him. And the kicker that makes me all misty-eyed? My four year old-Star Wars lovin-Batman emulating-tough guy asked Santa for a teddy bear!

Snowball fight!

Lovin' the Snowman

Aron and Santa. Look at the way Aron is palying with his beard! So sweet!