Christmas 2009 Moments

Here's a list of my favorite memories from this Christmas season, in no particular order.

• choosing the Christmas tree and listening to Wee Sing for Christmas in the car on the way to the farm and back
• Nathan saying, "I see something enormous in the living room" the morning after we set the tree up
• baking chocolate crackles
• teaching Nathan that lights at Christmas time remind us that Jesus is the light of the world
• Isaiah 9:6, which reads: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
• Thunder Road half-marathon and Handel's Messiah
• Mel's choir performance with Nathan sitting beside me in the worship center
• playing with the nativity felt hanging and telling the boys the Christmas story
• blowing on the little elves above the kitchen table, and Mark "blowing," too
  
• Mark playing with the Christmas tree ornaments
• playing outside on the afternoon of Christmas Eve

• Christmas Eve service at Christ Covenant
• hearing two sermons from John 1 about Jesus being the Light of the World
• singing "O Come, All Ye Faithful," which has become the song Nathan sings while we brush teeth at night
• seeing the wonder in the boys' eyes on Christmas morning as they discovered their gifts

• enjoying Hershey's kisses and candy canes with Nathan
• baking gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve, although next year I will finish all baking by noon instead of dragging it out into the evening hours. Santa's helpers need a break on the night before Christmas.
• having extended time to visit with Kate and J.W. while they were in Cheraw
• Nanny & PopPop's house for Christmas Day dinner
• lunch at Aunt Jane's house, and having Grandma look at me like she really knew me - she said "How did everybody get here? This is so special. I love you."
• Greg and Nathan taking a surprise trip to Natchitoches to visit Gram, Gramp, Great Grandma, Aunt Amy & Uncle Cole
• finally feeling like a normal person the week after Christmas, after dealing with bronchitis and a cold/sinus infection. It's good to be healthy again!
  

Funny

Sometimes when we're being silly, I bundle the boys up in the Carolina blanket. Nathan actually stayed in there for a few minutes this time - usually it lasts for like 3 seconds!


Here's Mark exploring the Christmas tree. I shouldn't have taken the picture of him doing the thing I've told him not to do, but I couldn't resist.

Running reflections

A year ago, Mark was a newborn baby about to celebrate his first Christmas. I was feeling the fatigue of taking care of an infant and toddler. In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to start running again, once Mark was sleeping through the night - for the satisfaction of achieving a goal, as well as preserving my sanity!

So, with Greg's blessing, sometime in February I put on my old running shoes and hit the road in the dark, cold hours of the early morning. I had to be back before Mark's first nursing session, so I was motivated to keep a steady pace. It was a slow, somewhat painful start, but I built up to running a couple of miles fairly comfortably.

Then Dad and Melanie suggested I run a 5K race in Florence, SC, with them in March. I think I had only run that distance once before the race. Mom pushed the boys in the stroller while we ran it, and I remember the thrill of crossing the finish line.

After that race, we started thinking about a half-marathon. We set my birthday as the goal for being able to run 6 miles. We decided on the Thunder Road half-marathon in Charlotte for several reasons: it would give us plenty of time to train, it would be local, and the temps would be nice and cool for distance running.

The summer and fall of building up a mileage base was full of challenges and thrills. I had to miss a few weeks of training due to ITBS and a virus. I couldn't believe it the first time I ran 10 miles without stopping. I loved taking in the scenery and sunrises each morning. Throughout the process of building a running base, Melanie and I were able to build an even stronger and deeper sisterhood as we ran together at least twice a week. Greg sacrificed countless weekend mornings to care for the boys while I was training, and he always greeted me with a smile and often a hot breakfast when I returned.

During my long runs, I enjoyed extended time to mediate and pray. Sometimes I found myself rehearsing Psalms or other scriptures. Other times, a hymn or praise song would come to mind. And other runs I spent repenting or bringing a problem before the Lord. On the morning of the race, I read Daily Strength for Daily Needs. One of the scriptures in that day's devotion was Psalm 119:32, which says, "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." I thought that was an appropriate scripture for race day.

Melanie and Rick drove us to the Charlotte Convention Center, where we connected with Bailey, registered and checked our bags. Things went very smoothly except for a brief moment when Dad became separated from our group during the singing of the national anthem. After being reunited (a small miracle and answer to prayer) we were off!

The course was fairly hilly, although I was distracted by the company and conversation. It was cold, but not cold enough for the gloves I was wearing, so I ended up stuffing them in my running tights. Running down Randolph and Queens Roads was beautiful. People all along the course were friendly and encouraging. The very last hill was the hardest. Crossing the finish line holding hands with Dad, Melanie and Bailey was the best. Hugs from Greg, Nathan and Mark when we got home were my real reward. I love seeing Nathan wearing my medal around the house.

Recovery was a little tougher than I expected with some abdominal cramps I haven't had before. I was glad that Nanny and Greg were around to help take care of Nathan and Mark that day. I am so grateful for their help the entire time I have been in training - I could not have done this without their support, and that is no exaggeration.

Sore feet and all, I would definitely do this again - and sooner rather than later! Maybe even a full marathon at some (yet to be determined) point in my life. I look at myself in the mirror and think, "Did I really do that?" Yes, by God's grace, I did. While I am not the most impressive runner around - many people are much faster and more athletic and more disciplined than I will ever be - I feel that running is a gift from God. Not so much a talent as an opportunity that He has allowed me during this season of my life. I am thankful for it, and as I move into the new year, I pray that God will set me free to run in steady obedience to him.

Race/Messiah/Baptism Weekend...

Dad, Melanie, my friend Bailey and I ran the Thunder Road half-marathon on Saturday morning. When I have a little more time, I will post my reflections on the race, but for now I will just say WE DID IT! And I loved it!


We enjoyed our church's production of Handel's Messiah last night, and then celebrated my brother-in-law Rick's baptism this morning. This photo was taken before we ventured out into the cold drizzle.


What a blessing to enjoy all of these special moments with my family.

Chocolate Crackles

It was really chilly outside this morning and both boys have colds. I think Mark is probably cutting teeth, too.

Anyway, we didn't make it out of the house before lunchtime, but I wanted to make some cookies to cheer all three of us up a little bit. We came across a very easy recipe for Chocolate Crackles that Aunt Linda had given to me several years ago. It calls for a devil's food cake mix, oil, water, eggs and powdered sugar. Nothing fancy, but that's really ideal for me when I'm letting Nathan participate.

He helped by licking a beater, and he did roll a few cookie balls in the powdered sugar.


He helped himself to this poor cookie before it went in the oven.


Mark helped by playing with the pretend food while Nathan and I did the prep work.

He got to taste one after lunch. I think he was watching Nathan eat his when I took this picture.


These were so quick and easy, and quite tasty! If you want this recipe, let me know and I'll send it your way.

Baking in the morning

Once again I fear I have killed my sourdough bread starter, but we are going to bake the bread anyway and see how it turns out. Nathan helped me make a mini-loaf this morning.


Then we moved into the den for playtime. Mark made a bee line for the bookshelf.

Nathan opted for my apron-covered lap.


Well, let me go and read to them while they are quiet and interested...

Quiet time

He's still my sleeping baby even if he's three years old. This is how I found him after his hour of quiet time this afternoon.

Filled with joy

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3

Thanksgiving week was so wonderful for us as a family. Greg worked from home on Wednesday and just went back to work today. The boys took great delight in spending all of these days with their Daddy! Nathan made a collage and tried using scissors for the first time.


We ate Thanksgiving dinner with Great Grandma Depew, Nanny, PopPop and Aunt Linda at Sharon Towers. The food was delicious. Mark's favorite activities were racing around the dining room, eating, and screaming. He was teething last week and has two new teeth up top.


Nathan loved seeing everyone and sampling the whole meal, especially the sweet potatoes. Ice cream for dessert was his favorite part.


On the day after Thanksgiving we ventured out to the Penland Tree Farm. It was so beautiful that day...sunny, blue skies, breezy. While Greg put the tree on top of the car, the boys and I swung in the swing for the longest time.



I was able to complete my longest run yet on Saturday morning - 13 miles! I felt great while I was running but definitely needed to crash afterward. I am as ready as I'm going to be for the half-marathon on Dec. 12.

Greg grilled a turkey and we made some side dishes for dinner Saturday. The turkey was so tender and flavorful! He really is a chef at heart. We shared a meal of leftovers with the Poston's last night, which made it all worthwhile.

Today is back to normal for us. We made a trip to the grocery store and now are just playing with blocks, kitchen toys, etc. Nathan has dropped his afternoon nap so he's learning how to have "quiet time." I've also begun potty training with him, so we have a whole new routine around here. So far, so good. Mark's newest thing is learning to walk in real shoes, not just those little slippers I've had him in for the past few months.

Walking & Talking

He's on the move, and he's got something to say about almost everything!

Mark Sparkle

These just make me laugh!

Swinging

We had a beautiful weekend full of sunny and mild days. Greg grilled pork barbecue for us on Saturday, and hung a swing (one of Mark's birthday presents) in the backyard. Both of the boys thoroughly enjoyed having their daddy push them.

Of course, pushing the yellow truck is still a favorite outdoor activity.


On another note, I have been trying to make some healthy changes in our lunchtime meals. We had been on a pbj, fruit and pretzel routine for quite a while, and at Nathan's 3 year old check-up the doctor recommended we add some variety. So far, a big hit has been this pasta salad recipe that I found on wholesometoddlerfood.com:

1 bag of tri-color pasta (shaped in wheels or another "fun" shape if possible)
1 C chopped fresh broccoli
1/4 C sliced black olives
1/2 C baby Carrots, julienne
1/2 C zucchini, sliced thin
1/2 onion, sliced very thin
2 T olive oil
black pepper and lemon juice (or low-fat salad dressing if you choose)

Boil pasta al dente. Sauté broccoli, carrots, zucchini in olive oil until crisp yet tender. Drain & rinse pasta. Combine pasta and vegetables in large bowl and add Parmesan cheese to lightly coat. Add black pepper and lemon juice if you wish. Serve warm or cold.

Today we added tomatoes to the salad. Last time we made it, we used feta cheese. It is a pretty versatile, mild-flavored recipe and it does get the boys to eat their vegetables.

The fun part has been letting Nathan help me with preparing the food. He is good at scraping veggies into the bowl, stirring the salad, etc. I have to say that adding another element into my daily routine has been a little challenging with two little boys roaming around. I should probably do some of my prep work in the evenings or during naps to save myself the stress, while still planning to let Nathan assist. It's definitely worth it to know that we are all eating a more nutritious diet.

And here's the sweet "happy pumpkin" playing on the front porch.

Rainy days

The rain started on Tuesday right around noon, when Bible study let out. We were soaked by the time we crawled into the car to head home.

Greg was off on Wednesday (Veteran's Day) so we did some things around the house. I took Nathan to the library for a change of scenery as the rain kept coming down. Mark played with the ball toy and the bristle blocks.


Thursday was another rainy one, so we made our way to the mall to window-shop and run around in the kids play area. Nathan and I explored the Wedgits that afternoon while Mark took a long nap.


By the time the clouds broke up yesterday, we were all more than ready to spend the afternoon outside. We took a nature walk and Nathan "helped" push Mark in the stroller. The sunset was just beautiful after all those days of clouds and rain.

Take a peek at my friend's etsy shop!

My friend Andrea, mother of one very cute little boy, recently opened an etsy.com shop. She sells all kinds of beautiful handmade items for babies, toddlers and mommies. She's running a great sale right now, so if you are doing some early Christmas shopping or need a gift for a mom, mom-to-be or new baby, you should check out her website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/touchofgraydesigns. Here are some of my favorite things she currently has available.

Happy Birthday, Boys!

Thank you, God, for trusting me with Nathan and Mark. Thank you for protecting them each and every day. Thank you for the blessing of being at home with them for these early years of their lives. Thank you for their unique personalities and gifts. Thank you for the joy of gathering them up in my arms each day, for their laughter and smiles, for the looks on their faces when they discover something new. Thank you for the way they want me to play with them. Thank you for their sharp minds, healthy bodies, and loving hearts. Thank you for the rough and tumble times, the snuggling, the hungry tummies that are so easily satisfied. Thank you even for the quiet after the storm of a temper tantrum or crying fit. Thank you for the special pleasure of watching them while they sleep at night. Thank you, Lord. Help me to treasure the coming year with Nathan Joseph and Mark Reynolds as they grow and change, ever dependent on You to gently lead and provide for me.

Nathan at birth



Nathan at one year


Nathan at two years


Nathan at three years


Mark at birth



Mark at one year