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!

Coach Camp 2011: Christmas Edition

Joshua is participating in Coach Camp this week. It began yesterday when Nana picked him up in Starkville and hit the road back to Jackson before the sun came up. Pre-camp festivities included a trip to see Santa, lunch at McDonalds and play time with Abigail and Luke.

Camp started with a crowd pleasing supper of hotdogs and smores. Crafts were next on the schedule where Joshua made candy cane and Christmas tree ornaments

A Christmas movie with delicious popcorn was next on the agenda.

At camp you always have to make sure your bunk is ready before lights out.

One last snuggle with the camp director before bed.
Thanks Coach and Nana for hosting Coach Camp and allowing Joshua and Abigail to make some great memories and their parents to have a few quiet nights.

(Photos provided by Coach Camp, Inc.)

Here We Come A Caroling...

Joshua: "Mama, what do you want for Christmas?"

Amelia: "I don't know. What do you think I should want?"

Joshua: " Maybe a lion."

Amelia: "Oh, that's a good idea! What do you think Dad wants for Christmas?"

Joshua: "A fish."

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

We found a beautiful tree for our house last Saturday evening. We were all excited about getting it set up and decorated. 24 hours after the tree arrived home, Joshua began to have a barking cough. He is obviously allergic to real Christmas trees. The beautiful tree is now displayed outside on our front porch after spending a couple days in our garage. Joshua's cough has started to lessen.

But the excitement does not end there. Joshua has a Christmas tree in his room. He could not be more excited about this tree. It is decorated and "so so pretty and beautiful" as Joshua likes to describe it.

You can see how excited he is...

This is the first Christmas Joshua has been able to semi-comprehend what all it going on. And this new awareness has brought some funny quotes with it.

After we got our his toy nativity set Joshua told me, "Mama, this baby Jesus is broken. It's eyes don't close and he won't go to sleep. He 'posed to be asleep on the hay not awake."

While looking at Christmas lights, "Mama look a baseball sock on that tree!" referring to a large wooden stocking.

Today he came home from school talking about "Ruddog the Red Nosed Reindeer."

And then Dave's favorite quote of the week, which is not the least bit Christmas related but good none the less. While getting a bath, Joshua asked Dave, "Dad, what does Luke Skywalker do?" Dave responded, "How did you hear about Luke Skywalker?" In a very matter of fact tone and with all confidence Joshua replied, "At my work, I saw him. He was my friend."

ps...don't worry...we are already looking for an artificial tree