The Growing Caldwell Family

This boy is so, so sweet!

Christmas Eve was spent going to the children's service at church followed by a delicious dinner of boeuf bourguignon made by Aaron.  We let Sarah Graves open a few of her gifts and we made sure to set out a cupcake for Santa before we told Rainbow Bobbie goodbye until next year.

Each year Christmas morning gets more and more exciting!  Sarah Graves came to wake us up and we alerted Aunt Nay that we were up and heading downstairs!  She was wide-eyed and ready to see what Santa brought! The key thing that Santa brought SG was a stroller that can go outside!  I think her favorite surprise was the Cinderella Princess dress up set!  Charlie has some new books, stuffed animals, and his own Scout dog.   She was sure to check that Santa ate the cupcake she left for him and pleased that he ate almost all of it! A Caillou doctor kit was a pleasant surprise for her.  She loves to give you a shot and is sure to tell you that it is going to hurt a little, just a little. She was so excited to see that stroller!  She saw one in the store with Pops and stopped in the middle of the aisle and pointed to it saying, "that's what I want Santa to bring me!"  Good thing Santa had already known that request and had it under control.  ...

This is our third cold since Thanksgiving. Apparently, Aaron and I have little immunity because we keep getting them right along with SG and Char Char. I just finished a round of antibiotics and Charlie was finally breathing through his nose before it was back again. At least we were well for Christmas! Charlie has the cutest puppy dog slippers.

During this season I feel so blessed to have these two children.  Watching Sarah Graves learn about Jesus and begin to understand the joy of giving to others is just so special.  I feel very grateful to know my purpose in life and just hope that I do it well for both of them.

Sarah Graves had the sweetest conversations with me over this past week and I wanted to remember some of them. She refers to me as her partner and her buddy, which I think is so precious.  I have often felt like she and I work together as a team; although, sometimes ones of the team members is a little grumpy about our teamwork! While driving on our way to school: SG: Momma, you bring Kate to babysitter while I at school? Me: Sure, I'll drop Kate off. SG: Momma, Kate got no diapers.  You run by the house and get she she diapers before you go to babysitter, okay? Me: Uh, I'm not sure I'll have time to go back home before I bring her to the babysitter.  Maybe her babysitter has some diapers? SG: Okay, you tell she babysitter she no want to such she bottle. Me: I'll make sure to tell her. After putting on some of her new "lipstick" that Santa brought her: SG: Momma, you think me look pretty? Me: The important thing is for you to feel pretty.  Do you ...

Christmas with little kids is so amazing.  Santa made a stop at our house and we are celebrating joyfully today.  We are thankful to be with my parents and sister today and wish we could be with the rest of our extended family.  

I have seen this pose in Christmas pictures on Facebook and Pinterest and really wanted to do it with my kiddos.  The kids are holding some twinkle lights in a dark room in front of the Christmas tree.  As usual, it's harder to do it and get everyone happy to do it than I expect!  We did pretty well though! I love them looking at each other! Lovie made these cute pajamas for them!  We can't wait to wear them on Christmas morning to see what Santa brings!

Sarah Graves has wanted to leave cupcakes for Santa since we started talking about the tradition of leaving something out for Santa.  She has been ready to make them for quite sometime now and yesterday it was finally time!   She helped make the batter, I iced them, and she was in charge of the sprinkles.  She took her job seriously and we have amply sprinkled cupcakes.  She was delighted and in spite of all the mess (sprinkles are everywhere), I was too.

I wanted Sarah Graves to see Christmas lights, so Sunday evening we headed out to Life University where they do a big display.  The line of cars to get in was incredibly long, but both of them were pretty patient through the wait.   SG did fall asleep! The Christmas trees seemed to excite her the most! I'm glad we had the chance to sit toasty in our car listening to Christmas music together, but I'm not sure we will wait so long just to see Christmas lights next year!  Maybe just a drive around the neighborhood will do!

My office did a really fun event for the kids this year and had Santa come and read to the kids.  The office was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a fireplace!  Santa read the story, The Polar Express  and then we sang a few Christmas songs.   SG was pretty captivated. We talked to Santa again and reminded him of the gifts we would most like.  SG got a little shy with so much going on! Ms. Algia loves these babies and Sarah Graves warms up to her pretty quick! Dee in my office organized this lovely event for all of us.  She coordinated treats and made special goodie bags for all the kids.  She also went above and beyond to make an office look like a special Christmas scene with twinkling lights, snow, a Christmas tree and even a sign for the North Pole.   I may not always love going to work, but I feel grateful to work at a place that really does value families and enjoying our time together.  T...