Kim 365

Deacon is six months old today! I can't believe it has already been six months since this amazing little boy came into the world. His arrival was an absolute joy, and every moment after has been as well. I definitely think he's a contender for the Happiest Baby in the World title. People ask, "Does he ever cry?" to which I respond, "Not really." He is simply a delight, a joy, and a blessing to everyone around him. He is a perfect addition to our family and I can't remember life without him. Isn't it funny how that works?

The makings of an after dinner drink. I love being able to play barista in my kitchen, and today I was busy making caramel macchiatos, a plain latte (for myself), and spiked egg nog lattes. Clay will have to weigh in with a review!

Clearly, Deacon brings delight to everyone he meets!
We had a wonderful morning with our church today, celebrating the birth of our amazing Savior.
Afterwards we headed to Mom and Dad's for the rest of the day, and had a great time with siblings, nieces and nephews. I love that crew!
Merry Christmas to you all!

This little girl is so blessed to call this man 'Daddy'.
This morning it was time for a Christmas Daddy Date. I helped Bailey get dressed for the special event. (That does not mean I helped pick out the clothes - she had that covered and she let me know it!) She was blessed with a gift from her brothers - the Hello Kitty clip in her hair - and off they went on their special date. The idea behind this being that dads ought to be the first ones to date their girls, to teach them how they should be treated - with love, honour, and respect. That way, when guys come knocking on the door in 12 years, she will know how a real man treats a lady, and send the boys home crying because Bailey won't date them ;)
While this was all going on, I was out with my boys. I thought I was taking them to Starbucks for a treat, but I was in for a surprise because they were treating ME! When it was time to pay, Wyatt pulled money out of his pocket and they informed me that they were paying! Not only is Clay teaching Bailey how she should be honoured, he's also teaching our boys how to honour a lady. I am so blessed to be married to this man!

Bailey and her big cousin Jillian. These girls sure love each other!
This evening we had a family gathering for my extended family on my mom's side. It was the usual loud affair with kids running around full of merriment, and the adults hanging around chit-chatting. A good time!

We went to the Enchanted Forest today, and my favourite part is always the evergreen trees that are jam packed with lights. I don't think this photo is all that great a capture of it, but it's the best I could do on a drive-by. The kids had a great time checking out the "fake fireworks" and I loved hearing Bailey telling the running bunny to come back :)

There are only a few days left in our countdown to Christmas, and today's surprise was to build a gingerbread house. Markus was SO excited - by far the most excitement I've seen from him throughout this process. Being a very by-the-book kind of guy, it was determined that we had to make our creation look like the one on the box. They did end up using a little creative license (after I finally convinced them it was allowed), and I think the end result looks fantastic!

Today the kids were given a budget to buy gifts for less fortunate people around the world. We sponsor two kids through Compassion, so the kids went shopping in the Gifts of Compassion catalogue. They decided on greenhouse farming education and supplies, books, and vaccinations for babies.

We want our kids to grow up knowing that there are many people in this world who do not have so much of what we take for granted on a daily basis. Christmas is about remembering that God left heaven to come to earth. He gave of himself sacrificially, and those who love him are called to live and love as he did.

Every year, the kids get a new pair of pajamas. This morning it was their surprise in their advent stockings to open the gifts that were waiting under the tree. They shed the jammies they had slept in, dove into these, and proceeded to wear them all day. I kept getting comments from Wyatt throughout the day, about how fun new jammies are :)

I'm so happy with this photo: I love how crisp the focus is on his precious face. He's got such great eyes! I also love how comfy he is on Grandpa's lap, and Grandpa's shirt is the perfect backdrop.

We had a great time hanging out at Mom and Dad's house this afternoon. Lazy Sunday afternoons - love 'em!