the night(s) before christmas.

It was a sweet, yet busy, Advent season as we prepared our hearts for the birth of our Savior. Between pictures, preparing for our move, play dates, school, shopping, and holiday must-dos and sees, I needed a heart check. And received a heart shift. In the week leading up to Christmas, I was able to pause, look back, and look forward, making room for Him. TIme spent with my family in Georgia was just what this tired mama needed. The kids and I left on Monday and spent the next few days with my parents. We took the kids to the Ritz to see the gingerbread house and train, baked cookies, Brooks and I went on a special mommy-son date to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, and we played and laughed, laughed and played. John joined us Wednesday night, and the rest of the Semanson clan arrived on Christmas Eve. We attempted a church service (had to leave), exchanged gifts with our cousins, then went to the country club for dinner. The highlight of Brooks' trip, was the John Deere Gator Nanie and Pop Pop gifted him. He is big stuff, now!

Goodbyes are always hard, but we wanted the babies to experience Christmas morning in true Christmas morning fashion, so we left early the next morning and made the trek back to Birmingham. More on Christmas day to come!

elves.

Nudist elves, that is. 

ho ho.

During the days leading up to visiting Santa at the North Pole (er, Bass Pro Shops), Brooks was giddy and excited. But, when the time came to sit on the jolly man in the red suit's lap, Brooks' excitement turned into fear. The kid freaked out. Like, A Christmas Story freaked out. Sissy didn't want anything to do with him either. Long story short, I ended up having to hold a distraught Brooks and John had to hold Ann Bennett. The Bryant Four and Ho Ho...

…in a picture that Brooks ended up wadding up later in the day. I think he's scarred.

teefies.

On Friday, Brooks conquered dentist. I kind of dropped the ball and waited too long, but it seemed to work in my favor--he had no fear and did great! We saw Dr. Lovell at Lovell Pediatric Dentistry in Homewood. The office is bright and inviting and the entire staff did such a good job easing Brooks into his first visit.

I think B's favorite part was the play nook. He also loved getting a new toothbrush (that he opened and used to brush off the sticky fluoride) and pencil. The star of Ann Bennett's show was Gracie, the therapy dog.

I am so thankful for a good check-up and a drama and cavity-free visit. He really can't wait to go back in six months!

lift, load, pour, and haul.

Today, our baby boy turns THREE. Yesterday, on an unseasonably warm day in December, we celebrated his precious life with sweet friends, digging, and sugar. Lots of sugar!

It is safe to say that trackhoes, dump trucks, and bulldozers are a few of Brooks' favorite things. Therefore, the theme for his party was a no-brainer. We kept it simple—the "rock" box and mini excavator being the entertainment and light snacks and sweets to fill our guests' small tummies.

I think it's safe to say that little man had an absolute blast and we are so very thankful for every one who came and spent their Saturday afternoon loving on our Brooks.

Happy Birthday, John Brooks. You're the gift, baby. You have my entire heart forever and always.