No pictures. Rick Warren, author of "A Purpose Driven Life," came out with a great book this holiday, "The Purpose of Christmas." It is a wonderful book about where our thoughts should be focused during this special time of year. Check it out if you haven't already!
A couple of people have really been in my thoughts and prayers lately . . . while I try to avoid sharing "personal thoughts and feelings" as much as possible on our blog and keep it to fairly day to day stuff, I thought I would share what's on my mind.
My oldest and dearest friend Suzanne is one amazing person. She knows I think extremely highly of her, so this comes as no surprise. :) She is about to become a mother, although I think a part of her has always been mother-like. She and Kevin already are two incredible parents. But, let me just say how impressed and how much I respect her (even more so than I already did) . . . without going into detail, she has had to do some things throughout her pregnancy health wise that most people do not have to do. Through the entire process, she has always had a positive attitude. I can not remember hearing her complain, not once, about any of it. She is due Dec. 29
th and is still teaching a class of 24 kindergartners to this day, with her normal vigor and passion. There are many more things she has done that have
thoroughly evoked a "wow" response from me in planning and preparing and soon to be nurturing her sweet baby. She deserves way more than anything I could ever write or say to her to let her know how special and wonderful she truly is.
My good friend Melinda is another amazing person. She knows that I think this, too. :) She endured a large portion of her pregnancy with her husband away in the military service. She had Will in August, two weeks later they packed up and moved to Virginia. Not long after that her husband was sent away to Oklahoma for training for several weeks and she and Will stayed in VA by themselves. Brian has since returned to VA, but he will be stationed in Washington in the spring and they will be moving again. With this and other circumstances, Melinda has endured more than most people are ever faced with in a lifetime and she is just my age! And like Sue, I have never heard her complain, not ONE time, about any situation she has been in or challenge she has faced. She always has a smile and makes whomever she is around laugh. She and Brian are also wonderful parents and are entirely devoted to each other and their family and protecting our Nation. Those of us whose spouses are able to be home and work locally don't know how fortunate we are. Please keep all of those serving our county in your prayers . . . they surely provide us with freedoms and privileges that are often taken for granted.
I hope that those of you reading this blog that have not had the pleasure of meeting either Suzanne or Melinda will be able to do so one day. They will make you smile and change your life!
warming up after bath time
This is the "bull" at Farmlinks, where my Mom works. There is a history to this big guy, but my Mom will have to expand on that one day. We thought we would introduce him to Henry.
at eleven and a half months, we found out that Henry is not a big fan of bull riding.
he did enjoy looking at him and petting him.
close up of henry's teeth-although you still can't see all of them. he has six so far and more to come I'm sure!
momma g's for lunch
from Christmas Day
" good morning . . . is today different than any other day?"
"I like this soccer ball, popper, and these blocks!"
"check out all of my giant teeth."
" the wrapping paper makes some great noise!"
henry likes to hang out in the exersaucer while I am cooking in the kitchen.
and he likes to eat puffs . . . attractive eh?
we had Christmas with my parents this past weekend. henry enjoyed taking all the books off my sister's coffee table and putting them on the floor.
we had special visitors last week - Melinda and baby Will came! Will is 4 months and just adorable. He is so snuggly and sweet! It was great to see them.
henry, will and cole
bricks loves to snuggle with anyone he can . . . outside it is Sterling. Inside it is Savannah, (Shelby only snuggles with her parents, not so much other dogs). I mean really, can he get any closer to Savannah in this picture?!?
mr. H turned 11, yes 11, months old this past weekend. 
round 'em up
a good many (but not all) of our group of girl friends from college got together for dinner this past friday night. it was a nice evening and great to see everyone.
our babysitter this past semester, jenny, went home for the holidays last week. she is fabulous! we will miss her, but are glad she will be back next semester.
crazy hair after his afternoon nap! whoa! poor guy is getting not one, not two, not three, but four teeth on the top all at once. he has good days and bad days with the teething. I feel so bad for him-they are BIG teeth.
gazing at the tree-probably wondering what in the heck is in our house?
aubie claus!
finished tree
stockings (all 7 of them - gary, me, henry, and four dogs) were hung by the chimney with care
each year gary's mom gets us a nutcracker to add to our collection. they are all different and unique - I really look forward to putting them out each year. one of my favorite traditions!
candy cane hinkle
this past sunday at church, gary, henry and I were honored to light the candles on the advent wreath at the 11am service. the gift of the advent season we celebrated this past sunday was love. henry did a great job with the scripture reading . . . :) 
henry enjoyed looking around
here is a glimpse of one of the pines . . .
fun times!