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!!!

Christmas Decorating and Snow!!!!!

We decorated the Christmas tree last Saturday.  We let Jacen put on his and Nathan's ornaments.  He is finally interested in the tree and all the fun stuff this year!!!

Our first snow of Winter.  Jacen still loves to simply run in the snow :)

Polar Express

We had a great time riding the Polar Express last weekend.  Jacen loved it especially when we were moving!!!  He and another other boy on the train played peek a boo, his Mater and McQueen, snacks and looking out the window while we waited for the train to start moving.  He really enjoyed seeing Santa.  He still talks about it every time we drive by where we got on the train. 

Jacen with the conductor!!!

The conductor punching his gold ticket!!

Hot chocolate and cookies :)

Looking at the book while it was read on the train.

The North Pole!!!

The Elves!!  I don't have a clue what the facial expressions are about.  He didn't really seem interested in the elves for some reason this year.

Jacen and and Santa :)

Thanksgiving and More!!!!!

We traveled to Oklahoma to visit Kyle's family for Thanksgiving.  Jacen had a great time playing with Dylan and Debbie!!!

Jacen and Great Grandma

Jacen playing in the Jeep at Grandma and Mimi's House :)

Jacen and Grandpa playing trains!!!!

Scott feeding Jacen chocolate cake without any supper first!!!!

Mimi with Jessa and Jacen in the jeep :)

Grandpa and Mimi, Uncle Trey and Tiffany, Uncle EJ and Aunt Laci gave him early Christmas presents.  He loved seeing everyone and having lots of attention.  (Excuse the wet clothes - he enjoyed sitting on the wet lawnmower outside that he calls the tractor)

Everyone playing with Jacen's toys :)

Aunt Laci and Jacen eating chips and salsa!!!

More toy pics :)

Uncle Trey and Tiffany with Jacen and the dogs :)

Grandpa and Kyle

Kyle and Jacen

Jacen found a hat that Mimi got him and put it on himself.  He was so proud!!!

Jacen playing his drums at home :)