Confucius Says...

While out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant Marshall got the following fortune in his fortune cookie:

"You are the center of every groups' attention"

My son could not have gotten a more fitting fortune. He most definitely makes himself the center of attention, and not always for good reasons. But there's never a dull moment when he's around.

Christmas Fun

Highlights from our Christmas season:

POLAR EXPRESS

My parents, Savannah and Valerie joined us for our ride to the North Pole. Marshall was so excited when he got on the train. We sang songs, drank hot chocolate, ate cookies and got to see Santa who gave all the kids a Christmas bell. My only regret was not getting a picture of Marshall's face when he thought he lost his ticket and was going to have to ride on top of the train. Sheer panic!

ZOO LIGHTS

The three of us went to Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. We got Marshall cozy in the wagon with a big blanket wrapped around him because it was cold. He had a blast. While waiting in the line for the carousel with Daddy he decided he wanted to ride on the dolphin. I've never seen Jesse so determined to get something in his life. I loved the way he was hurrying so fast to get the dolphin before anyone else did. He's a good daddy.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Jesse read us the Christmas story out of his Bible and Marshall was able to open one gift; Spiderman jammies. He asked if he could wear them for the rest of the night. What a good idea, son. I never thought of that. Of course you can. (If I hadn't let him think it was his idea he would have never wanted to wear them.)

I wanted to do something to help Marshall understand what Christmas is about so we baked a birthday cake for Jesus. He helped me frost and decorate it with sprinkles. At my Grandparent's house that night, all the kids got to put one candle on the cake and we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas day Marshall woke up early because he wasn't feeling too well. Thankfully he went back to bed for a few more hours even after seeing that Santa had come. His stocking had been hanging on the fireplace but Santa had taken it down during the course of the night and set it by the presents. Marshall told me Santa was naughty for taking his stocking off the fireplace. Marshall got lots of fun stuff like movies, Darth Vader, Anikan Skywalker and Spiderman to name a few.

We had breakfast at my Grandparent's house and opened more gifts. When it was time to go, I gave my little niece a hug and then had to get out of the house fast before I started crying in front of everyone. I don't think I've mentioned this on here before but my brother joined the Army and will be leaving this month for basic training. Eventually, his family will join up with him in Monterey, California. I started wondering when I would be able to see my brother and his wife and hug my nieces again on Christmas. I cried hysterically the whole way to Jesse's parents' house. I'm blaming it on being pregnant and emotional.

Mike and Anita's house offered more presents and more food. We were able to spend time with all of Jesse's siblings and their kids.

We left and went back to my grandparent's house to play cards for a few hours. Marshall had a sleepover that night with Grandpa Dick and Grandma Lisa.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!