What a wonderful first Christmas! We spent Christmas Eve with Tanner's family opening presents and eating way too many lil' smokies. Went to church with my parents this morning. What a blessing to see old friends! Cooper got more toys than any 10 month old needs and we haven't even opened gifts with my family yet. I think we are going to have to sort some things in the playroom.
Cooper surprised Mommy and Daddy with an early present. He stood all by himself on Friday night (Dec. 23rd). Granted, it was only for about a second and a half, but it was AWESOME! He has also learned how to open the cabinet doors. Before now, we've been able to distract when he tries to open them. Now he knows that where we hide all our best stuff - haha! Life is about to get very interesting!
We took a few minutes this evening to read the story of Jesus' birth from Cooper's new bible. Hoping that will become a family tradition. We read about how Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room anywhere else. I pray that I make room for Jesus and don't force him into the dirty, stinky places of my heart. I pray that I give him the place he deserves.
To my sweet little man:
Merry Christmas! I hope to teach you that Christmas is about giving, not about Santa, or presents. It's about the incredible gift God gave when He sent His son as a tiny baby. He sent that baby to take all our bad and make it good; make it beautiful. Although you got lots of fun presents from people who love you very much, I can't wait for the day that you accept the gift of Jesus. Praying that God will give you a heart that loves and chases after him! I love you so much!
- mommy
Christmas Music
Tanner and I love Christmas music. We have to try very hard to let halloween pass before we bust out our collection of cds. They range from Shane & Shane to James Taylor to Dean Martin and I love them all. Music has a away of extracting emotion that nothing else can. There are songs that remind me a very specific time in my life. Every time I hear one of those songs, I am instantly transported back to that time.
I wanted to share a couple of amazing songs with you. The first is exactly how I felt this time last year. We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sweet little man. Dreaming of what he would look like. Longing to hold him in our arms. We were trying our very best to be patient and prayerful. That's tough when you've already waited 8 years!
Take a quick listen to The Last Christmas Without You - trust me. Ya gonna love it!
The next song is one that I've heard before, but it never struck a chord with me until a few weeks ago at church. An expectant mommy (with an amazing voice) sang this song. It was such a poignant moment; watching her sing and tenderly touching her belly. It took all I had not to cry. Not the sweet, solitary tear, but a raging flood of ugly cry (you know the kind when you can't control your face?).
Never could we have imagined what a blessing we would received when God put Cooper in our lives. I've always heard parents talking about how life is never the same after you have children - well, duh! But until your a parent, it's impossible to comprehend. Life is different; you are different. Everything is different, in the most amazing way imaginable.
A Baby Changes Everything - ain't that the truth!
Hope you enjoyed some of my new favorite Christmas songs. Remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. If you don't know where that comes from, you've missed out on one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Buy (don't just rent) Elf. It's hilarious.
One last thing - Cooper was diagnosed with RSV yesterday. He's struggled with allergies for several months, but this is the first time he's really been sick. I think he'll make a quick recovery. I know he won't want to miss out on all the fun on his very first Christmas.
I wanted to share a couple of amazing songs with you. The first is exactly how I felt this time last year. We were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sweet little man. Dreaming of what he would look like. Longing to hold him in our arms. We were trying our very best to be patient and prayerful. That's tough when you've already waited 8 years!
Take a quick listen to The Last Christmas Without You - trust me. Ya gonna love it!
The next song is one that I've heard before, but it never struck a chord with me until a few weeks ago at church. An expectant mommy (with an amazing voice) sang this song. It was such a poignant moment; watching her sing and tenderly touching her belly. It took all I had not to cry. Not the sweet, solitary tear, but a raging flood of ugly cry (you know the kind when you can't control your face?).
Never could we have imagined what a blessing we would received when God put Cooper in our lives. I've always heard parents talking about how life is never the same after you have children - well, duh! But until your a parent, it's impossible to comprehend. Life is different; you are different. Everything is different, in the most amazing way imaginable.
A Baby Changes Everything - ain't that the truth!
Hope you enjoyed some of my new favorite Christmas songs. Remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. If you don't know where that comes from, you've missed out on one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Buy (don't just rent) Elf. It's hilarious.
One last thing - Cooper was diagnosed with RSV yesterday. He's struggled with allergies for several months, but this is the first time he's really been sick. I think he'll make a quick recovery. I know he won't want to miss out on all the fun on his very first Christmas.
So Thankful!
Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close. What a wonderful start to the holiday season! Ate lots of pie and cranberries, spent time with the Corbin Clan and started some serious Christmas crafting. I'm not one to do the Facebook 30 Days of Thanks, although I could probably think of a million and one things to be thankful for. I thought I would take a few minutes and give you my top 11 for 2011.
11. My Job - I'm so thankful for a job. There are so many right now who are looking for work or struggling to make ends meet. God has provided me with a job where I get to work with really fun people. The hours are sometimes long, but the people are so supportive. They have been so amazing this year with helping me transition into life as a working mother. Even with all of his doctor appointments and hearing tests and blah, blah, blah...... They have been wonderful!
10. My Home - Home truly is where the heart is. And for right now at least, my heart is here. We've already made so many wonderful memories here with Cooper. It would be really hard to leave this home behind (however, we are aware of the fact that at any moment, God could call us to sell everything we have and move to Africa. He hasn't done that, but you never know). Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." So this house is all his anyway. Still......Thankful for my home.
9. My In-laws - I have such amazing in-laws. They have always treated me with love and respect. I know many people struggle with in-law relationships, especially when children are involved. They have been so understanding of the way Tanner and I are choosing to raise Cooper. I am so grateful for how well we all get along. Steve, Ree, and Lindsay - you truly are family.
8. My Church - I am so blessed to get to be involved with such a wonderful group of people through my church. Trinity Yukon is founded in scripture, focused on God and full of fellowship. Our church has helped us get to know some really good friends. I cannot imagine living in Yukon without our Small Group. We are all young parents sharing in the joys and struggles of trying to raise godly children. Our group right now is comprised of all families with boys. It's so fun to see these boys growing into young men. I also couldn't mention my church without giving a shout-out to my pastor. Dan is so incredibly diligent about leading us. He takes God at His word and refuses to be swayed. So thankful for him!
7. Tiffany - She has gotten me into trouble recently - we ran a 5k together. Lots of fun and sore muscles. Tiffany has always been a wonderful sister. She is a great example of balance. She has three kids, works, makes amazing birthday cakes, and looks super-cute while doing all of these. I am so grateful for someone I can call when trying to balance work and home gets overwhelming. Love you, Tiff.
6. Terra - The oldest of the the three Langdon sisters, she is wise beyond her years. She also makes amazing birthday cakes (I'm trying to kiss up to my sisters so they will help me with Coop's cake in a few months.), is such a supportive wife and is a bit of a coupon queen. Her willingness to give of her time and talents to support the growth of her husband's ministry is inspiring. Terra, you rock!
5. My Dad - this year has brought new appreciation for my dad. Since his stroke a few months ago, I've spent a lot of time thinking back on how much fun we had together when I was growing up. I still remember one summer night when my parents let us stay up late to watch the stars come out. We hung out in the front chasing lightning bugs and frogs, listening to my dad play his guitar. This is still one of my fondest childhood memories. I attribute my deep love of music to my dad. I also remember when I was in eighth grade and we were wrestling. Somehow his elbow hit me in the mouth (not hard) just hard enough to knock out a baby tooth I'd been hanging onto to for far too long. It was the second from the front! I looked like a toothless goober for a few weeks until the new tooth grew in. Not one of my fondest, but definitely memorable! Thank you, Dad, for all the memories!
4. My Mom - I literally would not have survived my first six weeks of motherhood without my mom. With no sleep and a person constanly needing me, I developed a new respect for all that my mom still does for me. When I was losing my mind, she came to my rescue. When I was uncertain about taking Cooper to daycare, she helped build my confidence. My mom has always been willing to do anything for me. I know everyone says this, but I really mean it. She has always made sure we had everything we needed while helping us keep out "wants" in check. I remeber the notes she would right on the first day of school, her bible that was held together with duct tape, and the movie nights she shared with my girls and me. She is an amazing woman and the best mom a girl could ask for. Thank you, Mom for how you still take such good care of me.
3. Cooper - How my life has changed since he came along! I've learned that all the sappy things parents say really are true: time flies, they grow too fast, and it is unbelievable how much you can love such a tiny little person. Although his start in the world was not what I imagined, I am thankful for that season. It brought to a place a reliance on God that I had never experienced before. Cooper has such a sweet spirit. He is such a fun, happy boy. His smile has the power to end me. His lips are super-kissable, though drool covered 99% of the time. His eyes are the most precious things I have ever seen - wait maybe his hands are the most precious. It's my blog, so I don't have to pick. There is no feeling in the word like holding his sweet sleepiness in my arms. I could go on forever! Love my little munchkin!
2. Tanner - What an incredible journey we get to share! Since we got married so young, it really feels like we have grown up together. I guess in many ways, we have. He is the best person in this world to spend my life with. I can't imagine there being another person every created more perfect for me. It's absolutely incredible to watch him with our son. He loves that little boy so much! He always talks about all the fun things he wants to do with Cooper and all the things he wants to teach him. What an amazing dad my son has. Cooper has a wonderful example of what a godly husband looks like. Oh, and did I mention, he's an amazing cook! Tanner, I love you more than any person in this world.
1. My Heavenly Father - What a gracious, holy, righteous, loving, kind, just, merciful, patient God! I will never comprehend how it must have felt for Him to give His son to die for me. Having a son.......I just can't imagine giving him up for anyone. There are not enough words in the English language to describe how grateful I am for the saving grace of my Heavenly Father. I know that His plans for my life are way beyond what I could dream for myself. I only hope I have the faith to follow where ever He leads. Thank you, God, for loving me when I am unloveable, for holding me when I am broken and for all of the above.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow!
11. My Job - I'm so thankful for a job. There are so many right now who are looking for work or struggling to make ends meet. God has provided me with a job where I get to work with really fun people. The hours are sometimes long, but the people are so supportive. They have been so amazing this year with helping me transition into life as a working mother. Even with all of his doctor appointments and hearing tests and blah, blah, blah...... They have been wonderful!
10. My Home - Home truly is where the heart is. And for right now at least, my heart is here. We've already made so many wonderful memories here with Cooper. It would be really hard to leave this home behind (however, we are aware of the fact that at any moment, God could call us to sell everything we have and move to Africa. He hasn't done that, but you never know). Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." So this house is all his anyway. Still......Thankful for my home.
9. My In-laws - I have such amazing in-laws. They have always treated me with love and respect. I know many people struggle with in-law relationships, especially when children are involved. They have been so understanding of the way Tanner and I are choosing to raise Cooper. I am so grateful for how well we all get along. Steve, Ree, and Lindsay - you truly are family.
8. My Church - I am so blessed to get to be involved with such a wonderful group of people through my church. Trinity Yukon is founded in scripture, focused on God and full of fellowship. Our church has helped us get to know some really good friends. I cannot imagine living in Yukon without our Small Group. We are all young parents sharing in the joys and struggles of trying to raise godly children. Our group right now is comprised of all families with boys. It's so fun to see these boys growing into young men. I also couldn't mention my church without giving a shout-out to my pastor. Dan is so incredibly diligent about leading us. He takes God at His word and refuses to be swayed. So thankful for him!
7. Tiffany - She has gotten me into trouble recently - we ran a 5k together. Lots of fun and sore muscles. Tiffany has always been a wonderful sister. She is a great example of balance. She has three kids, works, makes amazing birthday cakes, and looks super-cute while doing all of these. I am so grateful for someone I can call when trying to balance work and home gets overwhelming. Love you, Tiff.
6. Terra - The oldest of the the three Langdon sisters, she is wise beyond her years. She also makes amazing birthday cakes (I'm trying to kiss up to my sisters so they will help me with Coop's cake in a few months.), is such a supportive wife and is a bit of a coupon queen. Her willingness to give of her time and talents to support the growth of her husband's ministry is inspiring. Terra, you rock!
5. My Dad - this year has brought new appreciation for my dad. Since his stroke a few months ago, I've spent a lot of time thinking back on how much fun we had together when I was growing up. I still remember one summer night when my parents let us stay up late to watch the stars come out. We hung out in the front chasing lightning bugs and frogs, listening to my dad play his guitar. This is still one of my fondest childhood memories. I attribute my deep love of music to my dad. I also remember when I was in eighth grade and we were wrestling. Somehow his elbow hit me in the mouth (not hard) just hard enough to knock out a baby tooth I'd been hanging onto to for far too long. It was the second from the front! I looked like a toothless goober for a few weeks until the new tooth grew in. Not one of my fondest, but definitely memorable! Thank you, Dad, for all the memories!
4. My Mom - I literally would not have survived my first six weeks of motherhood without my mom. With no sleep and a person constanly needing me, I developed a new respect for all that my mom still does for me. When I was losing my mind, she came to my rescue. When I was uncertain about taking Cooper to daycare, she helped build my confidence. My mom has always been willing to do anything for me. I know everyone says this, but I really mean it. She has always made sure we had everything we needed while helping us keep out "wants" in check. I remeber the notes she would right on the first day of school, her bible that was held together with duct tape, and the movie nights she shared with my girls and me. She is an amazing woman and the best mom a girl could ask for. Thank you, Mom for how you still take such good care of me.
3. Cooper - How my life has changed since he came along! I've learned that all the sappy things parents say really are true: time flies, they grow too fast, and it is unbelievable how much you can love such a tiny little person. Although his start in the world was not what I imagined, I am thankful for that season. It brought to a place a reliance on God that I had never experienced before. Cooper has such a sweet spirit. He is such a fun, happy boy. His smile has the power to end me. His lips are super-kissable, though drool covered 99% of the time. His eyes are the most precious things I have ever seen - wait maybe his hands are the most precious. It's my blog, so I don't have to pick. There is no feeling in the word like holding his sweet sleepiness in my arms. I could go on forever! Love my little munchkin!
2. Tanner - What an incredible journey we get to share! Since we got married so young, it really feels like we have grown up together. I guess in many ways, we have. He is the best person in this world to spend my life with. I can't imagine there being another person every created more perfect for me. It's absolutely incredible to watch him with our son. He loves that little boy so much! He always talks about all the fun things he wants to do with Cooper and all the things he wants to teach him. What an amazing dad my son has. Cooper has a wonderful example of what a godly husband looks like. Oh, and did I mention, he's an amazing cook! Tanner, I love you more than any person in this world.
1. My Heavenly Father - What a gracious, holy, righteous, loving, kind, just, merciful, patient God! I will never comprehend how it must have felt for Him to give His son to die for me. Having a son.......I just can't imagine giving him up for anyone. There are not enough words in the English language to describe how grateful I am for the saving grace of my Heavenly Father. I know that His plans for my life are way beyond what I could dream for myself. I only hope I have the faith to follow where ever He leads. Thank you, God, for loving me when I am unloveable, for holding me when I am broken and for all of the above.
Praise God from whom all blessing flow!
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