Tinkertoy Fun

On this chilly afternoon, we had fun indoors using the classic Tinkertoys to create a guitar and microphone stand. Enjoy these two videos which capture a snippet of the fun we had.

The Polar Express and Puzzle-mania

Over the past week, we've enjoyed watching Thompson revel in two of his newest interests: "The Polar Express" and puzzles. He'd watch "The Polar Express" on automatic replay if we'd let him! So, when he hasn't gotten enough of the movie, he will reenact the movie on his imaginary trains (the kitchen barstools or bed in the playroom)...including using his socks as coal to shovel into the engine, a flashlight as the lantern and a bell as the train's bell and "the first gift of Christmas". And as for puzzles, we are continually amazed at his deductive reasoning skills! We certainly never thought he'd be able to complete a 60-piece puzzle all by himself.

Christmas Blessings

As we wind down from an exciting Christmas Day, we give thanks for today's many blessings, most especially the time spent with our families. It has been awesome to experience the wonder of this day through the eyes of a 3-year old. Thompson was stunned to see that Santa dropped off his much-anticipated garbage truck and told us throughout the day "I like my 'I Stink' truck." He spent all day in his Christmas pajamas and was a bit disappointed to learn that he'll have to take them off tomorrow. Among his many new "treasures", Thompson is enjoying several books, puzzles, The Polar Express DVD and a handful of great toys for imaginative play. Enjoy the video from tonight's blessing. Thompson's prayer says it all...

30 lbs 4 ozs and 36.25" tall

Thompson had his 3-year wellness appointment this morning. His stats keep him in the 25th percentile for both weight and height with the projections showing him growing to about 5'7" by age 18.

2008 Christmas Card

More from the Birthday

Here is a link to a slideshow our friend Jill Schwarzkopf, owner of Realities Photography and founder of Sleep Tight Kids, created from pictures she took last night. Enjoy!

www.realitiesbyjill.com/thompsonturnsthree

Thompson Turns 3!

We are winding down from one wild and crazy - yet FUN - evening as we celebrated Thompson's 3rd birthday. Our home was filled with the sounds of children and adults, family and friends. We enjoyed Luella's BBQ and a John Deere tractor birthday cake...of course. (Thank you Aunt G!)

Two years ago we started a birthday tradition of using this special day to enable Thompson and his birthday guests to help others who are less fortunate. In lieu of gifts, this year we collected donations for Sleep Tight Kids, a new outreach effort started by our friend Jill Schwarzkopf to help children in our community by providing bedtime items. It is Sleep Tight Kids dream for children to feel comfort when they go to sleep each night.

A picture of the "kids" with Bobby's brother Ash and cousin Emily

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Yesterday morning we ventured to the Grove Park Inn with friends from MOPS to look at the gingerbread houses that were on display!

Santa, are you checking your list twice?

Simply Avery

For years I've pondered the idea of starting my own organizational business...not to mention the encouragement I've continually received from friends to initiate such an effort. On numerous occasions I've heard "just do it," "you'd be perfect for that type of business," write a book and dedicate it to me," "come organize me," "what are you waiting for" and on and on. So, I'm finally taking that leap of faith. And a leap of faith it is. I am trusting God to guide this endeavor where He wants it to go and to use my skills to glorify Him while simulatenously helping others. Join me in this adventure and spread the word. Quite simply, I'm Simply Avery.

Cardboard Testimony

I received this YouTube video link from a friend this afternoon. It is well worth the 8 minutes and 4 seconds is takes to view...and I have no doubt you will be blessed. How would yours read? It has made me think hard about what my cardboard testimony would say. (and I promise to post a follow-up soon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ