Merry Christmas!

Brynne had a blast this Christmas, several times! We met her grandparents in Virginia to visit her great aunt and cousins, and then had Christmas with the Schmidt family here in Dallas. This girl made out like a bandit..I've never seen so many presents! It was so fun to have a baby around for Christmas! Every present she opened we heard "oooooo."
We have to get better at using the camera..we really didn't take many pics!

I will say it was our neatest Christmas yet. Brynne decided it was nap time around the time we were supposed to leave for Christmas Eve service. So she could last for the Christmas festivities later that night, we decided to stay home and have our own church at home while our family went. It couldn't have been more special. Beau and I read Luke 2, prayed together, and praised together. We couldn't be more thankful "for The great news that will bring joy to all people..." and just as the shepherds returned, our hearts "glorifed and praised God for all the things we have heard and seen..." Daily we looked at our child we love SO much, at my mom who has come through so many trials, and how strong Christ has made our marriage, and we were reminded of God's strong love for us. Merry Christmas..it was very merry indeed!

Brace yourself. You're family if you get to see this pic. Bedhead early in the morning. We were in Virginia, so an hour earlier hurt.


We got to meet Missy and Mark for brunch!


Mimi showing Brynne the ropes with this present opening business! Brynne is obsessed with Elmo!!


The day we got back home...we're all a little delirious! Brynne should get an award for the biggest blue eyes around. Here she is crawling on mommy, asking for "juice."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

Always Happy?

Brynne is almost always happy, except when the milk runs out of her cup, or a big harry man tries to hold her...

Brynne's First Birthday!!

Brynne turned 1 today! To celebrate, we had a blast with both sets of grandparents and Brynne's aunt and uncle. She got about a billion presents...she's not spoiled at all! Brynne loved the attention, and getting to go at the cake with her fingers!
It is SO hard to believe a year has gone by. It really seems like we can replay every minute of the day she entered this world just like it was yesterday! We do not want to take one day for granted.
Brynne - you have blessed us in so many ways and God has daily shown us a deeper grasp of His love for us through our deep love for you. You are so fun right now and talking up a storm! You can say "Daddy, Mommy, Dog, Moo, Papa, Juice, Baby, Duck, Ruff (dog), Hi, Bella, That", and for everything else, it's "This." Let's not forget our favorite..the Brynne version of "E-I-E-I-O." You do not know a stranger and you say "hi" to everyone who passes us in the store. You brighten everyone's day around you. You give Daddy and I big hugs and kisses all the time, and they make our day! You took your first steps 2 days before your birthday..and you take about 5 right now before you sit. You got a shiner on your right eye a few days before your b-day after pulling the stocking holder down onto you! This doesn't surprise us though because you are such a wiggly worm on the move!
Our prayer for you is that you come to know the Lord when you're older, that you'll discover the gifts He has given you, and that you will use those gifts to glorify Him. We pray that you will find contentment, purpose, and strength in your relationship with Christ, knowing that from that, all else will fall into place. We love you more than our hearts can describe baby girl!
James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."





Brynne taking a few steps


The cake pre-destruction


"I'm One!"


First Taste


Wow - this sure beats baby food!


Yes! More, more, more!


The End Result

Been Tagged

I can't believe I'm doing this...my sweet friend Jess "tagged" me on her blog. I never do these...but I love a chance to brag on the world's greatest hubby!

I've been tagged. The Game of Tag about your MAN:

1. Who is your man? Beau Thompson
2. How long have you been together? 3 ½ years married, 6 years total
3. How long dated? 2 ½ years
4. How old is your man? About to be 28
5. Who eats more? Him (usually double)
6. Who said “I love you” first? He did at a park in Temple, TX
7. Who is taller? Can you guess? I know I have such a tall stature and all..hehehe.. Beau is taller than me by 1 foot, 1 1/2 inches. You can laugh now.
8. Who sings better? Me, but beau makes sure to let me know when the words are wrong :o)
9. Who is smarter? Generally Beau. Depends on the topic. I got him with anatomy..and that's about it. Computers, history, biology, physics, Bible, randomness, you name it...he knows. Can't tell you how many times we're driving and he explains to me how some random bird had a random habit...many years of the Discovery channel people.
10. Whose temper is worse? Beau
11. Who does the laundry? 80/20 Usually me
12. Who takes out the garbage? 80/20 Usually Beau
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me; always on his right....habit
14. Who pays the bills? Beau
15. Who is better with the computer? Beau by the trillions
16. Who mows the lawn? 50/50; depends on if it's football season
17. Who cooks dinner? Me, if you want to call it that; not my gift
18. Who drives when you are together? Beau
19. Who pays when you go out? Beau
20. Who is most stubborn? Beau
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? We are both pretty good about this
22. Whose parents do you see the most? His
23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first
24. Who asked who out? Technically he asked me out to dinner after 3 months of "being friends"...the previous dinners didn't count
25. Who proposed? Beau! Where do they get these questions?
26. Who is more sensitive? Me by far
27. Who has more friends? Me, but we now have a lot of couple friends
28. Who has more siblings? Him; not hard to beat zero
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Beau...sometimes I try to take the lead..but God gently reminds me that's not my strength nor calling

What a great opportunity to praise my sweet husband! He is such a kind, godly man who lives the Word out in his life. He:
1. Loves me as much as he can as Christ loved the Church (Eph. 5)
2. He cares for and loves Brynne in unimaginable ways (Eph. 6)
3. He understands and lives out God's calling to provide for, encourage, and protect our family, and is the rock of faith at all times. He has wisdom, strength, and gentleness that daily remind me of Christ's love. (Titus 1:7-9,3:14, 1 Timothy 5:8)
As football season ends (and basketball begins), Brynne and I are rejoicing to have Daddy/Hubby home!! He has persevered and loved us at times when he is absolutely exhausted. He pours his heart into his kids and into us. We love you babe!

Chillin

I'm chillin here with my cousin dog...do you mind?

Prayers for Nemo

We'd love you to join us in offering up our prayers in faith for healing for my mom ("Nemo" to Brynne). She began chemo last friday for the cancer that has returned. We're offering up our prayers for you Nemo and we love you very much! May God's hands surround you with comfort, strength, and healing.