Christmas

The Sunday before Christmas, Joshua joined the other children in our church in singing a couple carols for the worship service. He knew all the words to both songs (see previous post) but stood silently on the steps of the sanctuary sucking his thumb. He was given a jingle bell to ring during Joy to the World and as he accurately described, "I even put the jingle bell in my mouth for a little bit." Dave and I count the event a success as Joshua did not cry nor did he behave in a way that would warrant a possible entry in America's Funniest Home Videos. We are grateful! And if nothing else he looked cute in his toy soldier shirt.

The weekend of Christmas we visited Jackson for a few days. We were blessed to be able to eat with many members of our Mississippi family at lunch on Christmas Eve. It was delicious!

Joshua certainly is not lacking for attention in Jackson. Monica Lee and Tanner tried to teach him proper technique and form with his new bowling set but he still has a long way to go. Joshua was also pleased to receive a new scooter and a LeapPad while in Jackson!


We returned home Saturday afternoon so that we could attend the Christmas Eve service at our church and have Christmas at home. Knowing we had to be at church early on Christmas Day we decided to wait to open gifts until after church. Joshua got to enjoy what Santa brought before church.

Joshua showed equal excitement for the beloved Handy Manny doll as he did for the new toothbrush in his stocking. "Oh look, a new toothbrush! Let's see what's next, it is...SOAP!"

After having lunch with precious friends from church we returned home to take a nap. Joshua was extra patient and never complained that it was nearly 4pm before we opened the 1st gift. (Please forgive the pictures but he refused to wear pants while opening presents.)

A favorite gift was a guitar from Gran and Buddy.
Joshua had a blast opening presents. He opened all but 2 or 3 presents under the tree...mine and Dave's included. He would say, "Let's see what is in this box for you mama." It was sweet to see him grateful for every present from socks and clothes to dinosaurs and guitars. And let's not forget the new Yoda backpack!