the circus.

Last night, John and I went on a special date with Brooks. We hired a sitter, treated our little buddy to a cheeseburger and fries, then took him to the greatest show on earth: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey LEGENDS at the BJCC.

I think that I may have been more excited than Brooks! It was my first time to go to the circus, too. I know, so sad. 

We let him pick out a toy, took our seats, and waited on the show to begin. He was mesmerized the moment they came out from the behind the curtain.

His favorite act was the caged dirt bikes. I think that the lions and tigers came in a close second. 

B lost interest around intermission, but he wasn't ready to leave just yet. We got him some popcorn and watched a few more performances.  I wish that we could have stayed until the end, but it was getting late and he needed to get home and get into bed.

He was such a trooper and loved his one-on-one time with us. We loved that time just as much, if not more. Such sweet memories made with our Brooks!

blue jeans.

I swore to myself that Brooks wouldn't wear jeans until elementary school...

But, goodness. He sure does look cute.

impossible.

Moving with little ones is close to impossible. If they aren't unpacking already packed boxes, they are tiny tornadoes, ripping the house apart. When it gets quiet, I get nervous. Today, the day of our closing, Ann Bennett somehow managed to empty an entire bottle of shampoo in our shower within a two minute time frame.

SEND HELP!

mama jean.

Two days after Christmas, we got the phone call that Mama Jean, John's paternal grandmother, had passed away. While we were deeply saddened by the news, we rejoiced knowing that she was in the arms of her Lord and Savior and reunited with her true love, Grandaddy, who her heart ached for since July. We cried tears of happiness and hope at the thought of that sweet reunion. 

July 4, 1931 - December 27, 2015

"Jean Williams Bryant, age 84, of Birmingham, AL was called Home to glory on December 27, 2015. Jean was preceded in death by her adoring husband Francis A. Bryant. She is survived by her sister Tomera Williams Lenoir; her three sons and their families, Larry and Cindy Bryant, Steve and Pam Bryant, and Warren and Kim Bryant; six grandchildren, Ashley Lawrence (Jack), Stephanie Adams (David), Eric Bryant, John Bryant (Lauren), Lea Moore (Bradley) and Crawford Bryant; and six great grandchildren, Jackson Lawrence, Bennett Moore, William Moore, Sam Moore, Brooks Bryant, and Ann Bennett Bryant, all of Birmingham, AL. Jean was born July 4, 1931 in Chilton County, AL to William Bennett and Cloie DeLoach Williams. She met her husband Francis in school, and stayed by his side for 68 years, until his passing in July of this year. Jean loved her husband dearly, and was a steadfast helpmate throughout his life. Together, they started a business, raised three boys, and served their church body faithfully, both at Raleigh Avenue and Lakeside Baptist. Possessing a quiet and gentle spirit, she cared for others well by cooking and hosting many at their farm. She loved reading God's word. She read through many bibles, passing each one along to her children and all of her grandchildren. Jean will be greatly missed, but we know that in our loss, she has gained eternity with her Heavenly Father."

The visitation, funeral, and graveside services were held on December 30th. We celebrated her amazing life in the presence of family and friends who loved her dearly. It was a bittersweet day.

We love you so much, Mama Jean, and are thankful for the way that you loved us.

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.