January 2010

Reese makes this face all the time. I was glad to finally capture it on camera. Our little monkey climbs on everything!!Reagan - always posing!
Minnie Mouse getting some love!

Two cheesy grins and a snack

Helping Mommy clean

"How!"

"It's coooooooold!"

"Taxi! Get me outta here!"More posing. This is total Reagan!

"Oooh, shoes!"

Uh-oh. Another princess . . .

Stranded: A Blessing?

Jason's pick-up has been in the body shop since December 21st. Yes, we have been a one vehicle family for almost a month. But, friends have really helped us out tremendously! A few of Jason's co-workers have picked him up or dropped him off on days that I've needed the car. Our sweet next door neighbor, Poppy, even dropped him off at 5:45am one morning. And, wonderful Wendy has been such a blessing too. She watched the girls one afternoon while I used her car to take the puppies to the vet, then she let me use her car again the next day to make it to my Bible Study. Thank you, friends!

On most days, Jason has taken the car to work and the girls and I have hung out at home. But, it has really been nice. After the craziness of November and December, I've enjoyed the slower pace of January. We've played lots of Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Memory, Hide-n-Seek, Tag, etc. We've done lots of drawing, coloring, singing and dancing too. I've been able to relax and simply enjoy the girls. They are so much fun!

Without a car during the day, I've had to wait till Jason gets home to go to the grocery store or run other little errands. I've been leaving one girl with him while I take the other with me. It has given me some great one-on-one time with Reagan and Reese. I realized that I hardly ever get that. I think they have both enjoyed having Mommy or Daddy all to themselves too.

All in all, when we had lemons, we made lemonade. Although we are ready to get the pick-up back, God used this time to remind us of the many blessings he has already given us - great friends, precious daughters, and time to rest. Thank you, Lord.

Shang Surprise

Last week Reagan received the following letter from Santa:

Dear Reagan,

I am so sorry, but when I was cleaning out my sleigh after Christmas, I found a gift for you. It had fallen under the seat. It is on its way now to your house. Now, you be a good girl. Mind your Mom and Dad and be nice to Reese. I will be checking on you.

Love,

Santa Claus

For several days, we all pondered what it was that Santa had for her - dress up clothes, pots and pans for her kitchen, etc. A few days later, Shang arrived in the mail. Reagan was ecstatic! She was jumping up and down. She loves her new Shang doll. She was even giving him kisses. Needless to say, she is no longer "frustrated" with Santa. Thank you, Nana, uh . . . I mean, Santa.

The Meaning of Christmas

On New Year's Eve-
Skyping with DeeDee.
DeeDee: What did Santa bring you for Christmas?
Reagan: He brought me a kitchen, but I was kind of frustrated because I wanted a Shang doll.

Last Week-
Reagan: (cradling her blanket,"This", in her arms) Look, Mommy, I have a baby!
Me: You do? What's your baby's name?
Reagan: Jesus. And, I'm Mary and you're Joseph. I'm laying him down in the manger so he can sleep.
Me: Are people going to come see him?
Reagan: (nodding) The shepherds and the angels are coming.
Me: Is anyone bringing him gifts?
Reagan: The wisemen are.
After this exchange, I got to thinking. . . She knows all the details, but does she really understand the meaning of Christmas?

Later, we were watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Grinch claimed Christmas was all about presents. So, I asked Reagan her thoughts.
Me: Is Christmas all about presents?
Reagan: No, it's all about God's son!
Wow! I really do think she's starting to understand a lot of it. I pray that we show her everyday, not just at Christmastime, that it is always "all about God's son".