Santa Visit 2010

Stan and I took the boys to see Santa this year- NOT at the mall. That Santa had really started to get on my nerves.

This Santa was very authentic. Santa received an email description of each of our boys so that upon entering the room, Santa called them by name. He had a wire feed from Mrs. Claus who was behind the curtain with information about each child. He even knew about our cat, Lilly, and Landon's teacher, Ms. Kim. Landon's eyes just lit up when Santa asked about the race track he gave him last year.

What a great gift the Gillam's give so many children at Christmas (for free might I add). They set up in a church off 86, had cookies and juice and a train set while we waited. I used to work with Deb (Mrs. Claus) when I was a pediatric nurse at UNC. It is so awesome to know the ways people reach out to others and give their time so sweetly to children.

The magic of Christmas and the joy spending it with my children just makes me so very thankful.

Christmas Cocoa and Conversation

While Connor was sleeping this morning, Landon and I shared a cup of warm cocoa by the fire and talked about Christmas. Landon asked me why Jesus had to die. Who knew a little time out from the busyness would enable me to actually share my faith with my son. What a gift.

Yummy hot chocolate for me and my sweet boy.

I wish someone would have been here to take a picture of the two of us, but you can see Santa is a great placeholder. :) I am sure you can also see that "Bullseye" is also in this shot. His cocoa was too hot at first, so Landon had to blow on it.

Landon loved his hot chocolate, esp. since he got to put a candy cane in it and a marshmallow.

My happy sweet 3 year old. I am so thankful amidst the craziness of the season, I was able to have some precious quiet time with him today. Makes me pause and give thanks, for times like these are what truly matter.

Here's to taking a little pause yourself. Merry Christmas!

Cole Family Christmas

On December 12th, we celebrated Christmas with the Cole side of the family. We gathered at "Uncle Alan's" house as our family came from east and west. What a wonderful tradition and what a wonderful family. I feel so very blessed to be a part of this family. Pictured above is Alan and Landon. Particularly touching to me this year was the bond that Alan and Landon seemed to create. I think LD is smiling down, even as I write, knowing his family is loving on us all.

Brandon made a special effort to be with us. He was in the midst of finals for graduate school and could really have used this time to study. But, the devoted husband he is to my sister-in-law, Anna- he made the trip work. Seeing how he has cared for Anna since we lost LD has been very touching and comforting to Stan and I. We knew early on that Brandon was a good match for Anna, but he has far exceeded even those early expectations. We love these two so much and are thankful each day that God brought them together.

This is our newest little addition, Miss Lillie Margaret. She is a delight, a pure joy and don't you just LOVE those cheeks? Landon, Connor and Lillie will have so much fun being the new generation in the Cole family!

Landon, hammin' it up, as usual. I actually really like this sweet picture. He was all energy at the gathering, but all things considered...he did really well and made us proud.

Here are Lillie and Connor getting to know one another. Look at Ryan Cole, what a wonderful uncle!!

Here is our little Connor-bug with Nanny. I love this picture! Kay has been coming to spend special time with Connor on Wednesdays for a while now. She is so intentional with each of our boys and it shows in the relationship they both have with her. Connor will not go to many people, esp. if I am holding him. His Nanny is one of those few exceptions. What a blessing Kay is. I could not have had a more wonderful mother-in-law - there are so many reasons why I love her. I am humbled by the blessing she is in my life.

Alan and Stan had some good time together too. What a wonderful uncle Alan is to Stan! They both shared some very similar times with LD- mostly involving cars, sports and "Pa Cole humor". :) I am so glad they have had each other to lean on since we lost LD. Alan is so caring and thoughtful to us all and has a way of really listening and always pointing us to God's goodness and grace. He is a special gift to our family. We love you Alan!

This is Michele, Ryan's girlfriend, and we LOVE her! Michele had a special way with Miss Lillie. Don't want to say too much, but...we LOVE her!

And, no family gathering is complete without the attempted family picture. Makes me very thankful for Portrait Innovations and their patience. :)

Merry Christmas- 1 week from today!

Advent Come Slowly

Today I feel like I finally got a chance to reflect on Advent. Above is the Advent Wreath that Landon made with his hands and some rolled construction paper (of course mommy helped out a little bit). I finally got a chance to teach Landon about the meaning of the Advent candles. Even though his attention span is that of a gnat, I think he actually heard that the candles represent Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. I did my best to get the message in and I think I am rounding the corner to him realizing that Christmas is about Jesus's birthday, not Santa.

Here is a picture of us trimming our tree. Connor was very interested in the lights...and sitting in his favorite spot...my hip. :)

Landon put the Angel on top. He was so proud to be able to help out. He is such a big boy now!

Jimmy the elf came out. Jimmy, our elf on the shelf, was a welcomed tradition we started last year. Landon has not been as interested in him this year, but Stan and I continue to hide him and encourage Landon to look for him. Jimmy "watches" Landon and reports back every night to Santa and lands somewhere different in our house. So fun!

I have reflected on this precious blessing. It is amazing to think about the miracle life is and how he lived inside me for 9 months. I think of Mary...the miracle she carried compared to my experience. WOW! I still find myself in awe that she was so accepting of God impregnating her with the Holy Spirit. She was like, "OK". Childlike faith I strive to have more of...

My little reindeer. What a cutie. He is really enjoying being a part of Christmas this year. He has especially enjoyed tissue paper and singing dogs and reindeer.

He has also loved his milk...

And still likes me to feed him. This picture is truly...my reality. I didn't know it was being taken. Hair up, leg up, focused on the privilege it is to be a mother. Not glamorous. I love my job.

Landon and I have been doing a lot of crafts together. I find the best way to talk to him and get at his innermost thoughts is to talk while doing crafts. He has shared things about losing Stan's dad, about how he feels in general, about the meaning of Christmas and about things he learns about in school. I treasure our time.

First time with Fondant...both his and mine! Who knew Sam's Club would have Fondant in their gingerbread house kit!

He was SO proud of this gingerbread house. While we were making it, he told me that candy "kept jumping in his mouth". Too cute. I just love this funny little boy.

Next craft...cookies on a stick.

Uncle Marc came and helped. It was so neat to see Marc working on little snowmen with Landon. Landon will always treasure this memory.

Finished products.

One proud baker! "Can I eat it now??????"

So, finally a chance to show you a little life at home. I am able to spend time with my boys and truly love it. It is a challenge in this life to stop and do the simple things, to allow yourself to be slow. In reflecting on Advent, I want the rest of this season to come slowly. I do not want to rush. I do not want to wish it away. Stan is a wonderful gage for me in keeping things slow. What a blessing he is. I cannot believe how very special he is and how God gave him to me. Let us all be thankful for time to be slow, time to reflect and time to wait...especially when the waiting is for our KING!!!!! Happy Advent.

Santa Train, Family Christmas and My New Role

The Christmas Season this year has already become a blur. How in the world did I let this happen AGAIN! Well, as I reflect, there are many things keeping me distracted. I am praying that by writing down my thoughts and really processing this time, I can get back to the simple manager with Christ at the center- the true meaning and hope of Christmas.

Janise and I decided to take Landon and Sophia on the Santa train this year at the museum of Life and Science. It was well worth it. We absolutely had a blast. We somehow managed to get this picture of the four of us, which I must say, is a miracle.

Landon and Sophia as they eagerly await to get past the entrance where the mommies had to take pictures to see the Santa Train and Santa!

They stopped to make reindeer food.

Snuggle on the bench...

Pose for a wonderful mommy and son picture...

And finally...Look at this priceless picture of Landon and Sophia listening to Santa. I must say, it was magical.

Cheers! We get to drink hot chocolate like big girls and boys!

Chocolate Mustache.

I just love the shot. I know I already posted it, but here is the color version. Landon and Sophia both got their faces painted for the first time. They both chose Rudolph. This picture very well may come in handy one day...

On to Phase One of the Jones Family Christmas Gatherings!!! This is my cousin Colin. He is loving North Carolina snow! They used to live in Florida and have loved the chance to enjoy snow here in NC. We were so delighted to have our family Christmas with snow this year!

Here Colin is helping Landon make Christmas Tree cookies, an old family tradition that started with my grandmother, Minkie. Small round sugar cookies are rolled in green sprinkles, topped with icing and stacked to make a miniature tree. Them sprinkles are added and if you are lucky, you will get to taste one of the delicious morsels. Colin was so good with Landon. It was a joy to watch.

Of course, photogenic Karen and photogenic Zaiya...

This is my uncle, Ramsey and my mom. They had such a nice time catching up (wearing their Hokie colors, no doubt, the championship game was that night and the Hokies won!! Yay for mom and dad).

Connor opening his Christmas gift. He loved the paper, but the talking truck was an even bigger hit!

Onto Lynchburg we drove. Here are my cousins Emma and Douglas. It was so great to see them and I continue to be amazed at how much they change each time I see them!

My Aunt Vivian with Karen and I. We had a really great time playing Happy Santa. I think Vivian likes the game the best!! She came out this year with a beautiful teapot and tea cups with some nice herbal tea.

Two little party animals.

And...finally, my new role...is that of a referee between these two precious children. Landon is hitting, kicking, screaming at, what have you...at his brother. Connor is into everything that Landon doesn't want him into. Instead of spending quality time together, I feel like I am breaking up fights and keeping the separated or having Landon in time out for acting out...Jimmy, our elf on the shelf, isn't helping as much this year as he did last year. Oh me. I guess I just have to pray for patience, put one foot in front of the other and breathe. This two shall pass...and probably too quickly.

Belated Thanksgiving Memories

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! Here is a quick trip down memory lane...

Connor loved eating - mostly his graham crackers, but was a true delight to watch as he navigated his own way in our big family!

We got to see Pa Cole. He shared with us some of his memories from holidays in the past. He is such a wealth of wisdom and never hesitates to show his love to us all.

Daddy got some good giggles from Connor...

And Landon...

As always, we really enjoyed seeing and spending time with Moo-moo and B. Seriously, could there be a cuter more wonderful couple?

And Ross brought back of old family memories by eating an entire pumpkin pie!!!

We also had some great time with my family and was able to even get a good picture of Karen and I!

And me and my adorable little nephew, Zaiya, who grows cuter by the day!

We celebrated my dad's 60th birthday and Landon was so pleased to be able to share in the pumpkin cheesecake!! Yum!

We shared some wonderful hugs and quality time.

Zaiya showed off his muscles and tried to push his two cousins around in a laundry basket...hilarious!

We got to visit with my brother, John, who is was on a brief leave from the Navy. We are all so proud of him. I really think my dad is the most proud, though.

We got a special treat to see some of my cousins. This is Haley and Greg. We had a great time catching up with them and sharing stories from growing up. It was so great to see them!

We also got to see my cousin, Rebecca, and her husband, Eamon. What a great family Thanksgiving! Catching up with Rebecca is always so heart warming. Love that girl!

And, a nice shot of Rebecca and I, my other sister. :)

Landon helped in the kitchen. As you can see, his cars also helped...

We went to see the lights at Tanglewood. The boys did great all snug in their pajamas!

Landon helped Pop make Papa's famous Old John Sauce. What a treat it was to watch as my dad made his dad's recipe with my little boy. These memories are things I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Happy Belated Thanksgiving!