Christmas

Christmas with a 14 month old is quite interesting. We tried to make him understand as much as possible. I think we accomplished 2 things this year:
1. Santa says "Ho Ho Ho." Every time he saw Santa/lights/red/black/etc. he would push out his lips and say "Ho, Ho, Ho."
2. If you "push the button" we will sing Christmas music. My mom has a singing toy that is the chipmunks. When you push the button they sing Christmas music. Gamma taught him to push the button in her cheek and she would sing. Needless to say, he pushed everyone's button & everyone would sing.

He loved Santa, Christmas lights, & the tree. He especially loved re-decorating the tree.

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandpa & Granny Beasley's & Christmas Day at Gandaddy & Gamma Thaxton's.

This year he got:
From us: Woody, CAT block table, Noah's ark, a train set, a car track that loops and does all kinds of stuff, a guitar, music instruments that float in tub, a sheriff truck, Mr potato head, & a car.

From my parents: Mickey Mouse chair, farm house with animals, airplane with people, magnet alphabets, fake glasses, stocking filled with goodies, Spongebob toy chest.

From Uncle David & aunt meg: shirt and car game.

From Uncle Dustin: Dancing Mickey Mouse

From Aunt Amanda & Uncle Jareb: Gap jean jacket and jeans.

From Cheyanne: Spongebob PJs, Spongebob bath set & toothbrush set.

From Daddy's parents: TONKA truck, TONKA tractor, Legos, remote control go kart, gift card to children's place, gift card to stride rite, koala bear hat.

From Kaleigh (she drew his name): John Deer truck with blocks, Cars Pjs, Spongebob Pjs, bass pro cup with name on it, picture frame.

Brodie was blessed with gifts.

Next year, I want to start Christmas traditions, tell him about the birth of Jesus, and give to another family.

Santa was good to me too! Phillip bought me a Michael Kors purse and matching wallet.

More than anything, I'm thankful that my Savior was born and that he lived a sinless life and then died and rose again. I'm thankful that I'm saved and promised an eternity. I'm thankful for grace, mercy, & forgiveness.

I'm going into 2013 with a positive outlook for us. We are doing things different in 2013 and I'm ready to leave 2012 in the dust. It's been quite a year. It was filled with blessings & trials.



Nothing but Randomness...

Random Thoughts:

• The flu+Brodie=an exhausted mommy who is desperate for some sleep and a healthy baby.
• I haven't Christmas shopped. I know-What is my problem?? We've bought Brodie 2 gifts and I've bought my sisters. My only excuse is that my mom & I shop the weekend before Christmas EVERY year-its become our tradition.  
• My house is overwhelming me. Will I ever get it cleaned?? I start on one end & finish and by the time I make it halfway through-the first half is a mess again. I really, really miss having it cleaned. Anyone want to come clean?? ;)
• My mother-in-law made me beautiful lighted, Christmas wreaths for my front porch. The wreaths are laying on my dining room table.  :( I blame it on Phillip and the flu.
• Brodie has not had a bottle since his birthday party & I sometimes miss it.
• I'm ready for baby #2 but being patient with God's timing. When it's right for our family, it will happen.
• I thank God multiple times a day for my husband. I can't begin to describe the kind of person he is. Even in his mistakes, he works himself ragged to make it right. He's had some of the worst luck this year with business, but I've watched him handle it with dignity. When most people would probably give up, he has pushed through and has stayed positive. He loves me & Brodie with his whole heart and makes that known in everything he does. He is my best friend. I couldn't imagine this life without him by my side. I know-very mushy but I'm just thankful. 
• I've realized these past few months that ALL I need is God & my family. God has humbled me so much. I just want to serve and give. My wants are becoming less and less important. It's humbling & its been a big change for me. God is molding me and it's sometimes hard. My pride sometimes gets in the way, but I'm working on that too.
• Brodie has figured out how to climb out of his crib.
• I miss Kimberly. Today, I thought about her all day. I wondered to myself how I go day by day without her-& its moments like those when I realize just how wonderful God is. He has given me peace that passes all understanding & joy that gives me strength.  I can't wait to see her again one day, but for now I'm holding on tight to my memories and God's promise of eternity. 
• I just finished watching the one & only show I watch right now: The challenge. I was so sad San Diego won. Ew. I wanted Las Vegas to win. 
• I'm so excited that Sean is going to be the next Bachelor & its starts in a few weeks.
• Speaking of the Bachelor, Ashley & JP's wedding was beautiful.  I LOVED her dress but hated that she couldn't move in it. JP truly has a way with words-I was very impressed by his vows. I loved seeing all the Bachelors/Bachelorette's in the audience.
• God keeps taking me to James 2:5 "Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" I'm soaking this verse up as we give like we've never given before. Its confirmation in my spirit each time I read it.
• Brodie just sat straight up and waved at me and then fell back down and is right back to sleep. He is a funny little guy.
• I'm looking forward to spending some time with David & Megan over the holidays. Its hard being miles & miles away from my baby brother. 
• I love looking at all the elf on the shelf & elves by catie pictures. I can't wait for Brodie to be old enough to understand.
• Every time Brodie sees Santa he pushes out his lips and says "ho, ho, ho." It is the cutest thing ever. Its not so cute when he does it to the fat old man wearing a red shirt standing behind us in the Walmart check out line :/
• Well, going to sleep. Goodnight Blogging World. :)

The flu has hit Brodie Beasley for the 1st time.  It's a helpless feeling.  We went to the Pediatrician on Saturday and they tested him for flu & kept saying over & over "this baby is really sick."  My heart would fall each time I would hear it. I started blaming myself by thinking I should of put socks on him the night before and I should of never took him to the engagement party....on and on and on. BUT I know its not my fault-these things are going to happen.  Please tell me it gets easier the older they get and the more children you have.  Thankfully, Sunday afternoon he was back to himself + a runny nose.

But, as aggravated as I was that Brodie was suffering through the flu, I was thankful to have him in my arms.

My prayers for healing almost felt guilty as I heard the news of the tragic murders of innocent school children & teachers.  The Connecticut shooting is a nightmare story and I can't even wrap my mind around what the parents/family/friends are going through at this very moment. Moments like these are when the most love is poured out all over the country and its also when God is either sought after or questioned. Of course, we all wonder WHY. Why?? Why would God allow this to happen??
I don't know why & neither does anyone else.  It's our faith that is bigger than the why that pushes us through. I do know that Jesus Christ himself, Gods only son suffered through the most horrific death/murder and God allowed it to happen. Why?? So he could save us.

First Birthday Pictures

 

Taken by: Amanda Paige Photography