Samuel's first "snow"

I guess using the word 'snow' is a bit of an exaggeration (even though schools did get closed down early - before it even started!). Yesterday we had Raleigh's version of a blizzard (temp at about 33/32, a few flurries, and some sleet). We didn't take Samuel out in this frigid weather; however it was a perfect opportunity to put on his winter hat. Little did we know, the hat that used to cover his whole face when we put it on, now wouldn't fit on his head...my how he is growing!

a few of my favorite things...

getting baptized...finally!

jeff and seth (aka: hanz and franz) wearing the exact same shirt to bible study!
Samuel throwing up in my face
Samuel turning 4 months old...and getting some hard earned leg rolls
Jeff practicing his worship while sam plays and hangs out with his daddy

Christmas cards are not about me...

...and Christmas isn't either (thus the "Christ" part of Christmas). So, ever since last Christmas I (Brooke) have been looking forward sending out this perfect Christmas card of our sweet baby. Well, up until today, things were going just as I had planned: I bought a cute "first Christmas" outfit, found a baby-sized santa hat, the camera batter was charged, Samuel is a pro at flashing smiles to anyone who will give him attention...as far as I was concerned, we were one short photo shoot away from a Christmas card that would make everyone fall in love with Sam. Well, here is how it really went down:

first, we could never get him to smile

then, he did smile, but not at the camera

then....wait for it...he had chunky spit up all over his outfit

then...he LOVES chewing on his hands and we couldn't get them out of his mouth for a picture

then...he gave us this look:

and on, and on, and on I could go (we took 287 pictures in total: of which, I kinda liked maybe 3)

But there is a lesson in all of this. The Lord pulled me out of the deepest, darkest pit of sin when I didn't even know I needed rescuing - He has given me his son, Jesus, to die for my sins - the sins that I commit ALL THE TIME...He loves me enough to change me into the woman he has called me to be (while showering me with grace, and mercy, and forgiveness all along the way). The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing husband who loves me even when I get disappointed about a silly Christmas card. He has further blessed me with the most amazing (and perfectly healthy) son...both of whom I would give my life for in a heartbeat. Salvation, family, health, friends - the Lord has blessed me beyond belief.

And so, CHRISTmas is not about cards, Santa, presents...and certainly not about me! It is about Jesus, our Saviour, Redeemer, the Messiah. So, it looks like I need to adjust my attitude and my focus - and focus on the only One who really matters - CHRIST.

So, I close with a few of the pictures that I do 'like' - knowing that pictures or no pictures, the Lord is my Rock and my Shelter. Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King!