Three Santas in a Tub

The fun did not stop even when it was time to clean up at the end of the day! Yes, Mimi found a way to make a photo op of scrub time!

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."--Psalm 51:10

Christmas Cousin Fest in Mississippi

The Hampton/Hays/Louys crew gathered in Mississippi for some play time last weekend and paused to let Mimi take pictures. Elliot, Gavin, Maddy, and Joshua spent time playing in the woods at "Camp Papa Bob," jumped on the neighbors' trampoline, chased dogs in the yard, played in the sandbox, swung on the swings, and cuddled on the couch in front of The Incredibles.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." --Psalm 136:1

The Brothers

Elliot made this shirt at school. If you look closely, you will see that Rudolph's body is Elliot's foot, and his antlers are his hands. Gavin is a proud brother!

"The earth is filled with your love, Lord!" --Psalm 119:64

Sunday with the Hamptons

The boys got to open their first Christmas gifts today with permission from Aunt Rita, the sender. You can see their giddy faces above. It was a gorgeous day here in sunny Nashville, so we wore everyone out in the cul-de-sac riding bikes and scooters and returned for some couch time with Daddy.

When I loaded pictures on the computer, I was surprised to find that "someone" had gotten a hold of the camera. It made me smile to see the sweet picture he took of the nativity set. They enjoy adding their Star Wars figures and other action heroes to the nativity scene because as they explained, "They all want to see Baby Jesus, Mama!"

"She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."
Luke 2:7

Christmas is Upon Us

For the last four years, our Christmas decorations have been in a storage unit in San Diego, California. For that reason we didn't find it necessary to get a full-size tree. We bought a 3-foot, pre-lit tree from Walmart, which was perfect for us. The boys would decorate it, undecorate it, redecorate it, move it from room to room. This year we couldn't resist the tree sale at church with good-smelling trees brought in from North Carolina. We had a festive evening at home as the boys decorated (yes, the bottom four feet of the tree) while George and I sipped our warm apple cider. We are enjoying the Christmas season. Happy birthday, Jesus!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

Breakfast with Santa at Church

Merry Christmas to all! We enjoyed special time with a special visitor at church this morning. THE Santa (even had a really cool beard!) made an appearance and was eager to hear what little people wanted under the tree on Christmas morning. Elliot explained that he wanted three things (after all, Jesus got three things on his birthday): a Star Wars man, Legos, and Trios. Gavin explained to Santa that he has been a good boy and wants a Star Wars man. They all enjoyed the meeting...until it was over...Gavin was rather upset that he told Santa he wanted a Star Wars man yet left empty-handed! Such frustration! George explained that it was a time to place requests, not have orders filled! Only 21 days to go, Gavin! Happy birthday, Baby Jesus!

"For God loved the world so much, that He gave His one and only son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16