Playing and Early Christmas Presents

Jacen got some cool toys from Grayson and Grant as they cleaned out their rooms. He is really enjoying them!!!!

Grandpa and MiMi got him a marble race track. He loves it!!!

Sherri, our wonderful cleaning lady, got Jacen two puppy dogs. He pulled them out of the bag and kissed them. Then the rest of the evening he said "Sherri gave me puppies". He won't sleep without them now!!!!

Laura got him a cool train book. For the first time, he is actually interested in tearing the wrapping paper!!! He enjoys pushing the buttons!!

Hailey watched Jacen Friday morning for me. She got him a cool batman and batmobile.


 

 Grandpa and MiMi sent him a Stormtrooper helmet in the mail :)

On the First Day of Christmas Vacation......We went to Science Spectrum with Briley, Avery, and Elizabeth!!!!

We went to Science Spectrum on Wednesday with the Davis family. The boys had a great time in the newly remodeled Children's Area. I took over 60 pics, but I narrowed it down for this blog post.

Jacen had to make a trip to the sand table of course.

Kids Area

The water table is back!!! The boys spent the majority of their time there!!!

A pic of all 3 boys. Avery is behind the tall water thing. Briley and Jacen are right next to each other. (And some random kid on the left :)

They all enjoyed shopping in the grocery area!!!

The newly remodeled news anchor desk. He is pointing at the TV in front of him because he could see himself on TV. They could even pick whether they wanted to report on sports, news, or weather. It was cool!!!!

Avery reporting the news!!!!

Veterinarian Office

The boys loved this area too!!!

All very busy working on their dogs!!!!

I couldn't get any group shots to work :(

We found the Vet white coats after all the above pics.

Air Station

The boys were fascinated!!!

Briley and Jacen working together!

Music Area

Jacen and Avery

Our last stop was upstairs to the airplane cockpit!!!

Jacen's Preschool Christmas Parties and More Tree Decorating

Since Jacen is at two preschools he had two class parties!!!  

His teacher at The Sandbox decorated their shirts with reindeer for their Christmas Musical.  I tried and tried to get a good picture of his shirt before he left that morning :(

Daddy was able to take off work and attend.  Jacen was so excited to see Daddy.  Here is his goofy grin that he gives now :)

Jacen didn't really like performing as you will notice by the pictures below.  Yes Jacen (who never puts things in his mouth) was trying to eat his glow stick and jingle bells.

In this pic, he is the one bent over on the front row. 

Jacen at the Sugar n Spice party.  Again he has the goofy smile going on. 

We got some more decorations for the Christmas tree.  We get the boys a new ornament every year, but this year was a little bit different.  We couldn't get Nathan the same ornament as Jacen.  So we found a person on Etsy who makes ornaments.  We ordered the one below.

The sweet Day family got us a "N" ornament in memory of Nathan.  They have been a precious and supportive family during this time.  Thank you!

Jacen and Daddy hanging the new ornaments. 

Nathan's ornaments (plus some extras)

Jacen's ornaments (plus some extras)

Christmas in Heaven

This is our first Christmas without Nathan, so I have good days and bad days.  A dear friend sent me this poem in an email and it touched me, so I decided to post it on the blog.  So if you don't want to cry, you might want to stop reading now.  But before you do, please consider also following the link
http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2011-12-07/light-life-hospice-event-honors-loved-ones-patient-care
to an article in the Lubbock newspaper where they interviewed Kyle about Hospice and consider making a donation to a wonderful group of people and organization.

by Wanda Bencke

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below,
with tiny lights like heaven's stars
reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear,
but the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you
the joy their voices bring,
for it is beyond description
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart,
for I am spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.
I can't tell you of the splendor
or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas
with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask Him to lift your spirit
as I tell Him of your love,
so then pray for one another
as you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirit sing,
for I am spending Christmas in heaven
and I'm walking with the King.

Trampoline, Class Christmas Party, and the Mall

Last Sunday we went to a birthday party for Caleb.  Jacen loved the trampolines!!!!!  I took over thirty pictures (but I narrowed it down for the blog :) ) because in the past any parties like this he refused to play.  He loved it!!!  He didn't want to eat the cupcakes or leave!!

Our Sunday School class had a Christmas Party on Thursday at the Roll Arena.  Some of the brave parents including my crazy husband roller skated.  Most of the kids played on riding toys.  We took Jacen's tricycle but he preferred everyone else's riding toys.  I couldn't ever get a very good picture because he was all over the place.  I think he needs one (hint hint grandparents :) ), but it will have to be bigger than this one.  He is too big for it.  It would hardly go with him on it :)

We went to the mall recently to look for some Christmas presents.  Jacen played in the play area and rode the blue car.  He is such a happy kid!!!