The Season of Christmas

Last year, we didn't have the ability to send out Christmas cards, due to our finances and such, but there were so many that I loved and wanted to put your cute little face on!

This year, I've been looking at cards on my favorite site, shutterfly.com. It's where I've printing our family photo book (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books), ordered your birthday invitations (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-invitations), and the mugs for nana and grandpa (http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs Shutterfly is so great, that they are offering christmas cards to bloggers- if you blog, sign up here!

I love everything on shutterfly, and I love that anytime I want to make a project with a theme in mind, there is always a kit to match! Like the thomas the train birthday, they had choo choo train invites! Or the photo book, they had beautiful scrapbook kits for baby boys.

This year, being that we have had an emotionally tough year, I have found our little family has so much to be thankful for, and I would like to share what joy we have found in family with our friends and family alike.

What I like about a Christmas card, and these cards in particular, is that they are classy, yet simple and personal. The joy you see on our faces is mimicked in the cards and writing itself. I love the sophisticated, yet simple designs and colors that you can choose from.

Some of my favorites:







This year, I am looking forward to sending out our christmas cards, because we have a lot to smile about.

Holidays

Dear Bubba,
My sweet boy is a wriggly, giggly, 14 tooth toddler! You are "talking" but we still can't always make out what you say. You love to talk to your toys, and babble at mommy and daddy when we play with you in your room. Sometimes, I'll catch a "mama", but you mostly ask for "dada", and get so excited when you see his face come around the corner, your face just lights up into a gorgeous grin!

We found out yesterday that you are definitely having a baby sister! Daddy and I just picked out a name, too. Your little sister will be Sophie Brianne, and we're naming her after your grandpa. I know you don't remember him, and sadly, mama never took a picture of the two of you together, but Grandpa Brian loved you SO much. He was so happy to be a grandpa, and talked about you non-stop when he was back home in Tillamook.

Tomorrow is your first REAL Thanksgiving! Nana and Grandpa Kirkpatrick are coming for the weekend, and you'll be able to eat all the yummy food at the table.

Thanksgiving, for me, is a time to reflect on all the people and things that I am grateful for in the past year. There is so much, so many faces that I just hold near in my heart, that have been so special to our little family. Most of all, I am just so thankful that my father got to meet you, and see you grow for 6 short months. I am so thankful that I knew him for four short years. I am thankful for the many blessings God has given us this year in the form of earthbound angels. All of our Living Streams family, your daddy's family, and a few key friends and family of mine. We wouldn't have been able to make it through all the disasters and pain this year without them. We wouldn't be as strong as we are without them.

I am happy to say, little one, that I am SO thankful you are a part of such an amazing, loving family. They cherish you in such a way that is so special and so unique. You will always be loved by us, dearest Ian.

Happy Thanksgiving, sweet boy.