Becca Mae

We were so blessed this Christmas. We had all the kids and it was so much fun. We only get the boys Christmas morning every other year and I am so glad for Madeleine's first Christmas we were all together. On Christmas Eve we had my dad and his fiancee Denise over for dinner and to exchange presents. Scott and I both got a Visa gift card. I was very happy to spend the money on myself. Luke got a set of Lego's, Caleb got a Leap Pad read and write book, Parker got a Doodle Pro and Madeleine got a Leappad Baby. The kids loved their gifts and enjoyed spending time with Bop and Denise. They also get to open 3 gifts from mommy and daddy. They get some pj's and toys. Luke got a nerf gun and a Transformers Bumblebee, Caleb got a nerf gun and an electric guitar, Parker got a nerf gun and another ninja turtle. There are green nerf balls all over the house. Madeleine was already in bed because she decided to cut 4 teeth that night. Santa brought Madeleine a kitchen set, a cabbage patch doll, a learning cube and clothes. Santa brought Luke some Transformers, Power Rangers, and Clue. Santa brought Caleb some Transformers, Power Rangers and Moon Sand. Santa brought Parker some Ninja Turtles, Big Lego's, Lightning McQueen and a Transformer. We then went to my mom's house to exchange gifts and eat dinner. I am too tired to list all the gifts but they were good. Christmas was so much fun.

All the decorations are gone and the house is cleaned. The toys have all found a home and the new clothes replaced the outgrown ones. As I sit here sighing a sigh of relief, I completely welcome a fresh start. The busy hectic days of 2007 are quickly going by and the new year is just around the corner. I hope this new year brings with it a calmer Hinkle house. I love that we now get to celebrate the new year with Madeleine's birthday. Before we had Maddie our family was just put together. There was his and hers and not ours. Now we have the glue that makes us truly one house and truly one family. I am so glad God decided to give us Maddie as quick as He did. We probably would not have gotten pregnant as quick if given the choice. He is amazing and His timing is perfect. I could not imagine my life without her. Sorry, just rambling on, trying to put the thoughts down on paper so I can go to sleep. I guess I survived another Christmas. 2008 here we come.

Tonight we went on a drive looking at all the Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols. The boys love to sing and we love to listen. We went and ate at Bodeen's Barbeque, in the old Dairy Queen on 31, and it was so good. If any of you have eaten at Broadway Barbeque in Homewood these are the same owners and their barbeque bakers are completely scrumptious. After we ate we went looking around some more and went to the Alabaster fire station, by the library, and did their little kids village thing. While we were out Caleb started complaining about his chest hurting. I think it is just heartburn. We asked him to describe his pain and he said it felt like God was trying to come out of his heart. Caleb has had a hard time listening lately and he thought since he was not obeying God would come out of his heart. This was such a great way for me to help him understaned that God will not ever leave him once He is there. I love the way God reminds us of His simple truths and shows even His little ones His promises. I guess we need to remember everyone has a God shaped hole and it is our job as Christians to spread His word. Let's remember this holiday season what it is all about. Our savior, our king, our baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, our redeemer.

Okay, we've had all the kids since wednesday. Since Luke is on Christmas break and didn't have to be at school I kept them home yesterday and today. Oh, my gosh! It is so hard sometimes. I think at least one of the kids has been in time out during the last two days. I am so not used to boys. They are loud and destructive and I feel like they have come from another planet. Who likes to hear about boogers, poots and burps? Do I really have to come look at your poopie every time because it is the biggest one ever? Seriously, is diaperhead really that funny? Sorry, had to let it out somewhere. Why can't they play nice and quiet with their superheroes and not blow stuff up. Is it in the "boy manual" they have to blow everything up? Alright, I feel much better now and think I can make it another 30 minutes before my wonderful husband gets home and adds that much more testosterone to the Hinkle household. While those of my friends who have all girls are sitting nicely having tea parties think of me and maybe drink a round for me. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season and can't wait to see you again. Love from a mom surrounded by the most wonderful boys.

Caleb learned to ride his bike with no training wheels. He did so good with minimal crashing. He is such a big boy now. He loves the freedom and loves riding his bike even more. He has learned to start and stop himself as well. He is very proud of himself and can't wait to show his brothers. I am so proud of you Caleb. You tried and tried and all your hard work paid off. Mommy loves you!

Madeleine eating and enjoying her favorite snack Rice Krispies


Madeleine eating and not enjoying her dinner green beans

One of Madeleine's favorite snacks is Rice Krispies. I can put her in her high chair and pull the box out of the pantry and she starts clapping and laughing. She really loves those Krispies. I can get alot done around the house or fix dinner if she has her beloved snack. It is so funny because I can't stand Rice Krispies, but my little sister Robyn loves them about to the extent Maddie does. Every time I see her enthusiasm for this snack I have to call her Aunt Robyn.

One of her not so favorite things to eat is steamed green beans. She tried for about 5 minutes to eat this one bean and couldn't because she would shiver so hard. It was pretty funny. Probably kind of mean since we let her shutter like that for so long. Oh well, I guess that is one of the things parents can do and get away with because they won't remember to hold it against us when deciding whether to take care of us or put us in the nursing home. I thought the pics were too cute to keep to myself. Happy Eatings everyone!

Today my Scott turned 33. He took the day off work and worked on is workshop. Caleb had a Christmas choir program then off to our favorite restaraunt Habanero's. The kids love chips and salsa and Scott and I love the fajitas. We had them sing Happy Birthday and he wore the sombrero. Great embarassing moment. We went home and he opened his gifts. He got a holder for his rods and reels, of course in Auburn colors. It was a great day.

I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. I love you more than anyone else. You came into my life when nothing made sense and made me feel secure. I love how I know I am first in your life. You treat me like a princess. You are a great husband, an awesome daddy, a hard worker and a devoted christian. You are mine and I love you. I hope this year is better than the last.

I am awed and amazed at the love of our God. You would think by now I would get it but I don't. I learn so much from being a mother. The other night I was putting caleb to bed and we were going through our bed time routine. Change into PJ's, go potty, brush teeth, read book, sing Jesus Loves Me and Seek Ye First, say prayers, kiss goodnight then lights out. While we were singing Jesus Loves Me Caleb kept saying I love this part. He said it about 3 different times. I finally asked him what part he likes. He said,"Littlest ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong." I asked him why and he told me since he was the littlest he belongs to God. You see Caleb is the middle son, but he is the littlest one and he gets really upset about it. He is very insecure about his size. He doesn't like being smaller than all his friends. Parker is the same height but weighs more and is 15 months younger than Caleb. It is amazing to know that God would love my son enough to help him with his insecurities. He would let a little song mean so much to help a little boy. How awesome is our God? He even wants His littlest of children to feel secure. I guess all I can say is Jesus loves me this I know.