Merriest Christmas!

We all received the surprise of our lives yesterday! You remember a few posts ago when I said it would be nice if the newest little Miles would arrive before we left? Well, he came on December 23 . . . but they didn't tell us then. They just brought him over when they came on Christmas Eve! We didn't think he was real, he was so precious and new! It was almost surreal . . . We were having a family get together, and DJ and Julie (the parents) were coming to stay until after Christmas, we just weren't expecting them to come straight from the hospital and bring little Connor Reese!! The baby is beautiful, absolutely perfect. . . and the Mommy - she is WonderWoman! I couldn't have done it!!

I believe he was 7 pounds 10 ounces and 18 inches:

Obviously. . . this is the big brother, Cort Walker Miles. I thought that was so neat to have the footprints on the shirt too!

Cousins having fun!

Caily loves her veggies :-) She's a really good eater actually. We had just met little Connor for the first time right before this picture was taken.

The 2 brothers -

Isn't he a cutie?!

Cort, Caily, and Colt - 3 of the 4 grandchildren - with Grandma and Grandpa!

Just to show you how warm it is down here on Christmas morning . . . Colt's outfit:

Frogmore Stew with the Lambs

Last night we went to the Lamb's home for a delicious southern dish - Frogmore Stew. It has become an annual Miles/Lamb Family tradition . . . which we absolutely love!! They are just such a beautiful family and so sweet! We really enjoyed the meal (it was shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn cooked to perfection) and visiting with friends.

When I read these verses during my quiet time yesterday they struck me in a new light. . . maybe because it's the Christmas season and so many get caught up in the presents and forget what it's really about? I hope they are encouraging to you as well, and do not let a day go by without thanking God!

Luke 12:15, 22, 31-34 "And Jesus said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy, provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where you treasure is, there will you heart be also.' "

Cookies!!

The girlies did some serious cookie baking and decorating today!! We are making goody baskets to give out when we go carolling tomorrow night :-) I think I will now appreciate homemade, especially "home-decorated," cookies even more!

Caily is sicky. . . pray she'll feel better soon! She hasn't slept well in several days. Her Daddy is really hating it too. She's definitely a Daddy's girl! Sweet boy and his Daddy ~

Memories with the Miles'

These first 4 pics don't really go with this post, but I finally caught Colt playing with his toes and watching/talking to his hands . . . it's so funny to watch them discover new parts of themselves that have always been there :-)

I can't count the number of times I find Colt doing this in his crib at naptime. He'll be talking to his hand before he goes to sleep and then I'll hear him again when he wakes up. Cracks me up!

Okay, now on to the big family dinner from Friday. It's a rare occasion to have all 4 boys and their families together at the same time. We had lots of fun, and of course a great meal!

The 2 beautiful expectant mothers - Julie is almost 39 weeks and Jody is almost 19 weeks! We are hoping the newest little Miles arrives while we are here! What a great Christmas gift!! The 4 brothers playing some Rook! The older boys whooped up on the younger brothers this time. . . I don't doubt there will be a rematch before too long!

Precious Caily and her beloved "horse." She loves animals and can actually recognize a lot of them! I was reading her a book about animals and she recognized a HIPPO!! I couldn't believe it! She's started talking, and most of her words are animals and the sounds they make. She is so pleasant and happy! Hardly ever without a smile. . . I'll try to catch some on camera though :-)

Caily found Mama T's shoes. . . but she needed some help to actually walk in them :-)

I love this pic! The 2 cousins were watching a Christmas movie and being so good! Cort is going to be a great big brother (very soon too)!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ~

Fun In the Sun!

Well, after spending the weekend with our "Beckley family" (the Hogans - thank you for the wonderful hospitality and fun cookie baking), we arrived here in South Carolina Sunday night around 11:30 pm.

It's been semi-quiet with just David's parents, our family, and Daniel . . . but that will all change after tonight, and we are looking forward to it! All 4 boys and their families will be here by tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and Colt's cousins (with 2 more on the way!).

We have really enjoyed being here though. Not only because I have great in-laws, or great meals (thanks Mama T), or a welcoming church family here, or because it's been in the 70's . . . but because of all those things :-)

One story from the week is from the Christmas banquet at church last night. For some reason Colt likes peace and quiet and not a lot of people around at once. The only reason I can think of is because that's how it usually is when he's home with me. The only noise would be us playing or some music in the background. But, he could just be that personality too. . . I suppose we'll see as he grows. Anyways, at church last night he started getting fussy with all of the noise and people at the banquet, so David and I took him out and asked the Lord to help him be a blessing because we knew so many of the church family has been following our blog and anxiously waiting to meet this little man. Should we be surprised that he stayed awake, calm, smiling and laughing for over 3 hours?! It was a great evening :-)

Anyways, that's a quick short post . . . but I'm sure there will be lots more to come once everyone else arrives!