Bringing Home Bryant: 2 Years Home

Two years have past since one of the happiest days of my life. Bringing Bryant home December 10, 2011 was a moment in time that will be forever etched in my memory. Walking off the plane in to the arms of my girls and our loved ones can be summed up in one word - completeness. Nothing in life could have been better. No amount of money, no material thing could ever replace that feeling of completeness. I know now that feeling if a gift from God. I believe it is his spirit within us. The times in my life I have felt that closeness and completeness I have fully surrendered to his will. I have put my full trust in him and I am one with HIM. This is true completeness.

Fast forward two years the scared tiny shaking baby afraid to ride in the stroller and terrified of the car seat is now a rambunctious mighty (but still tiny) 3 year old. Yes a full blown strong willed 3 year old boy. He is testing the limits with his words and his actions. I sometimes think the 3's are harder than the terrible 2's because they now are armed with lots of new words. Bryant's new found place is the time out spot "aka laundry basket" which he has frequented on a regular basis this week. He is the absolute sweetest child but he is also independent and strong willed. I have to say he is by no means out of control but having four kids means keeping them all walking a straight line the majority of the time. If not there will be a mutiny in the house, four kids versus two adults. If they don't know we mean business they will surely win. We are outnumbered and fully aware of it. Since the Thanksgiving break behavior has been rough for all the kids so this week we have modified a few things and added a "chore jar" to our house. If they have trouble following directions, talk back or any other major offense they have to draw a chore from the jar that now sits on my kitchen counter top.There have been three chores drawn this week. Jeff and I have had a few laughs watching the kids begrudgingly complete the chore. The plan seems to be working. All I had to do was point to the jar today and low and behold the behavior stopped. Score for the parent team.

The kids can't wait for Santa to come. The letter to Santa was obviously received. On Macies's birthday we woke up to four little elves from the North Pole - Caroline, Isabella, Anastasia and who could forget Boris. The kids love waking up every morning to see what magic happened during the night. These elves are a little crazy when they eat too many jellybeans.

Sara Kathryn is asking for an Ipod, Macie a Nabi, Amelia a Barbie ATV ride-on, and Bryant a Spiderman bike. We will see if they make the Naughty or Nice list. Right now it is a toss up.

We are all so excited for Christmas. It is such a fun and magical time of year. The kids are singing jingle bells and ready to be out of school for Christmas break. This year we have an even bigger gift coming a few weeks after Christmas. My sister is having a baby girl late January. Her name is Caroline. I can't wait to be an Aunt again. Going to spoil her rotten and then give her back when she cries. Being an Aunt is so much fun. We have lots to look forward to in the next two months. God is good and he is faithful. Merry Christmas to you all