Happy Birthday Vera!

 Today marks Vera's baptism birthday. I always try to celebrate this special day and remind her of how important it is. She was brought into God's family two years ago, and I thank God for His grace and love in her life. Thank you God for your indescribable gift given at baptism!

Vera, may you always remember and live your baptism verse.

 

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Two years ago today.

"Never has there been and never again, will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand and perfectly planned to be just who you are.
And what He's been creating since the first beat of your heart
Is a living, breathing, PRICELESS work of art.

And I can see the fingerprints of God, when I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God, and I know it's true
You're a masterpiece that all creation quietly applauds.
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God...

Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
And God's not through
In fact, He's just getting started!"
 

Christmas Morning

Vera woke up right at 7AM, so we all headed downstairs to begin the festivities. It was just the three of us this year, and I have to admit, it was strangely quiet for a Christmas morning. We had a great time watching Ve open her presents and the pure joy on her face at each one. Santa has special wrapping paper for his presents, but this year he left one unwrapped for Ve to see when she came down the stairs. She is obsessed with trains, and after talking to Santa, this train was the  perfect starter train.

Vera just kept repeating "choo" and stood there for five minutes pointing in utter disbelief. It was one of those magical moments where you realize you have made your child's entire Christmas with one present.



As she watched the train go around she yelled "hooray"

And then she realized there was a controller. She just couldn't stop smiling.

This is AMAZING! It can go forwards and backwards, as well as sing Christmas songs.

Choo-choo fun with mom

Playing with her doctor set from Guga. Mr Jellybeans ended up with two band aides, a shot, and his blood pressure taken.

Her fancy new Minnie Mouse purse. Please note she still has a death grip on the train control 

Tearing into a present

Wow! It's Belle and a dress for me! However, she refused to put the dress on and insisted that the doll wear it instead.
Whatever, it's Christmas.

Checking out her latest score from Santa

Minnie Mouse rocks!

Vera running to show Daddy her new Lil' Woodzee house and animals from Aunt Heidi and Uncle Dan. She just loved the owl family and "whoo"s whenever she plays with it. The Beaver family has to stay on the roof for some reason, she insists.

Rockin' out on her new guitar from the Elseroad kiddos. Thanks for the new books too; she really liked The Ugly Duckling!



It was a fabulous Christmas just the three of us! Watching Vera get so excited was the best gift that Matthew and I could receive. Although, he did get pretty excited about his new basketball, and my new watch and necklace were pretty darn awesome. Merry second Christmas Vera! 

Twas the Night Before Chirstmas

The night before Christmas Vera and I snuggled up on the couch to watch the cartoon versions of Frosty and the Grinch that Stole Christmas. Our bellies were full from our Christmas sushi, and our  hearts were filled from the wonderful Christmas Eve service at church. Even Norm decided to get into the Christmas spirit and snuggled with us.

While visions of sugar plums danced in her head.

Look at all those presents under the tree! We sure were good this year.

Ve's New Prayer Book

Checking out all the pictures

So I caved and started letting Vera open a few presents here and there so she is not overwhelmed on Christmas day. Here she is with her beautiful prayer book that arrived in the mail all the way from Georgia. The Newell family surprised Ve with a sweet little package and book. She reads a book every night before bed and this is the perfect one to help teach her how to pray like a big girl.

Pointing to all the different members of the family on the page. I can't wait to see her grow and use these prayers every night. Thank you Newells; we love it!

Angels We have Heard on High

When Guga asked what she could get Ve for Christmas I responded with dress up clothes. What follows is the result of said request...a Christmas angel costume. And although Vera refused to wear the halo, she looked sweet and innocent nonetheless. Thank you Guga; Vera LOVES it!

The ornery little angel. And yes, the wings were on upside down at first.

I love it! Little wand and all. She kept running up to people and saying "tap" as she belted them with it. Matthew says angels don't have wands, but I say maybe they do.

This about sums her up. Sweet, with a tiny bit of stinker. Just the way we like it.

I want you to celebrate Christmas!

Opening her present from the neighbor's with one hand because she refused to put down the wand

A view from the back

All smiles as she played with Mrs Pam and her Minnie Mouse game

I've heard people say that their guardian angel travels with them. Apparently this angel likes to drive.

Attempting to "light" the Christmas tree

One of my favorites. She is just the happiest little girl.

What a blessing this little angle is to us. I love celebrating Jesus' birth and the whole season with her. She makes me proud everyday

Osbourne Family Lights

I've seen a bunch of Christmas lights in my day, but never anything like this. The lights at Hollywood Studios were beyond amazing. It was like four city blocks of Clark Griswold like houses. Vera just loved it!

 

Laughing at the Christmas music and snow falling

Looking at the giant Santa

She was to engrossed by the lights to smile for the camera

Since it was so crowded that night, we decided to come back during the week for a less packed in feeling. I put Vera in her Christmas finest in the hope that she might see Santa.

By the giant Mickey hat

Checking out the manger

waiting in line to see Santa

She was happy as a clam while we were in line, but when it was our turn to see Santa Goofy she wanted no part of it. "Goof" was not her friend until after we took some pictures and he was back at a safe distance.

She did calm down just enough for one good family shot. Man, do I love Disney

"These ropes are just guidelines, right mom?"

It wasn't Vegas, but it was still pretty awesome

Enjoying her popcorn snack after a night of lights

Matthew attempting to get a few kernels from Ve

The all gone look

What a great way to celebrate the season

One Little Teacup

I've said it before, but our neighbors here are amazing. They love Vera like she was their own granddaughter. It makes being away from friends and family easier. Mrs. Pam and Mr. Wonderful surprised Vera the other day with a beautiful ornament of Mickey Mouse spinning in the teacups. The teacups are Vera's absolute favorite ride, and this is such a beautiful way to remember our time here in Disney. Thank you for her sweet treasure.