God continues to be so good to us -- to our sweet and dear family. While the holidays were far from routine / traditional for us, new lessons were learned, which offered perspective to us as parents. A week before Christmas, Piper got sick. Once healed and recovered, it was Christmas week and Gray fell ill. At church, the reoccuring theme of that current message series was Spend Less, Give More, Worship Fully -- and that we did!! Interestingly enough, we thought we had it down - before the sickess came - as we had agreed to spend less (based on our budget) and give more (because of our budget and because we couldn't spend) and worship fully (naturally, I mean -- we were at church most of the Sundays of Advent, if not all ... ) and then, are you ready ??? Curve ball: You're not in control, as much as you'd like to believe. And just because you think you know what's best for your family, there might be another plan, another way.
So, we were confined to our home for Christmas (we did sneak out to Mass on Christmas Eve) and we did indeed worship fully (so much so, that upon returning to our house after church, Gray projectile vomitted all over the Living Room). Family came to us, instead of us going to them -- we changed it up and it was still Christmas, albeit different. It was a rich, blessed and warm weekend and yet, not at all like Christmases past.
Christmas came and went and while we were disappointed that we didn't celebrate with our entire family and we didn't get to partake in all of those special rituals / traditions, we learned that it was about something much, much more and I believe it echoed the Spend Less, Give More, Worship Fully mantra. After all, what started all of this, over 2000 years ago, in a manger was far from glamorous and busy.
We have big hopes and dreams for 2011 -- for a healthier lifestyle, more balance, less stress, greater success in business, less worry, more volunteer work, less tempter tantrums (from those big and small), more church, less couch time ... and the list goes on and on and on.
The kids are fantastic. Gosh, we are lucky parents and we know this.
Gray is incredible. He's funny and so, so sweet @ 4 years. We're seeing more of his physical nature come out, which is a nice change to the extremely gentle boy we've known. I love watching him grow and learn new things. His sense of wonder and enthusiasm for knowledge is dear. I cannot grasp the fact that next year is his last year in pre-school. Time flies. Gray is still very much into pirates, though dinosaurs are a close second. He no longer naps -- as he is is also no longer "little." But, just ask me who's fast asleep on the couch now?
Piper Lou, oh my! As my Mom pointed out to me recently, we've painted Piper with a "bad girl" brush. And it's unfair ... so, I'm working on that. While Piper is my challenge -- at the moment -- she's a beautiful, headstrong and kind, petite 2 YEAR OLD girl. And while she's not gentle like Gray and she's certainly not as cautious, Piper is extremely generous and thoughtful. Piper was the 'middle child' before there was a third in our family. She's following Gray's every move, mimicking him often. And when she's not doing that, she can be found dancing, reading or caring for her baby sister.
Happiest Baby on the Block? Drum roll, please ... Hadley Grace. She's a real-life doll baby, without the obnoxious crying feature. Hadley is 9 months old, sigh. She is just ounces shy of 20 pounds and is now eating table food (so much for keeping her a baby forever). Hadley warms my heart with her wide smile and bright eyes, she's a jolly soul, really. Hadley's easy going nature is award winning, which is why it's tempting at times to consider having another ... BUT, we won't.
Naptime's over. Here are some pictures to enjoy.
