Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all the other stuff in between!

The wait is finally over!! ....if there are any of you who actually still check our blog, then I'm sure you're all passed out on the floor by seeing that today there is an update, as it's been far too long since I last posted. Anyways, since this blog is more a way to scrapbook for the twins, than it is anything else, here is a brief rundown of our last 6 weeks or so...

Breakfast with Santa at Church~
This is the first year (other than when they sat on Santa's lap at a whopping 2 months old) that Ben has NOT freaked out when seeing the Big Guy. This year, I guess he got it. Drew and Ben both jumped right up there and told him very politely that they'd like a choo-choo train and a fast jeep. By the time the whole Christmas season was over they sat in a total of 3 different Santa's laps, and each time had the same answers about what they were wishing for. As it turned out, Mommy and Daddy provided the choo-choo tracks and Thomas trains...Santa only had room in his sleigh for one really big gift.

Spring Hill Christmas Parade~

Then later that night, BeBe came out to our house to bundle up and go with us for the very first Spring Hill Christmas Parade. Now, I'll just confess up front that I had really low expectations of what this Parade would be....we were really only doing this so the boys could experience their very first Christmas parade. But I cannot say enough about how well done it was. And it was HUGE! I think our whole city came out to support every business, church, civic group and organization that worked so hard on the floats. They all did a really good job with it all. And even though it was pretty cold, we had a great time.

Otter Creek Preschool Christmas Program~

This being the boys' first year in preschool, they've never had the opportunity to be in front of such a big audience and perform. So we really had no idea what to expect on this Thursday morning. Would there be tears? shouting? running through the paparazzi of parents to find us? None of the above, in fact. Drew, our little performer hammed it up and shouted "Mommy?!?!" in between every song to make sure we were watching his every move, and to ensure that we were applauding loudly enough. Ben, our little introvert, hates the spotlight, but did really well. He sang every song, and sort of did the motions, but sat back in his chair for almost the entire time just chewing his gum (that some Mommy who will remain nameless forgot to take out of his mouth, while running around the school that morning in prep for the class party).

Here they are after the program in the classroom listening to Miss Betsy read a story. Notice the stockings they hung [by the chimney, with care] that they are sitting underneath. Here they are with Miss Jeannie, who is the aide in Miss Betsy's class.And here with Miss Betsy. They are both such great teachers, and we are so thankful to have the boys in their class. They love and pray over each child, and our boys love them both dearly. They have been such a blessing to Ben and Drew's development, both educationally and spiritually. And here they both are with Miss Pat, who is a dear friend of mine. She is in her 26th year as Director at OC, and she is such a gift. Nelson Family Christmas~
So, next my parents came up to celebrate with us the weekend before Christmas. Here is the "before" picture of our den. Its a little out of control, don't you think?For some reason, we didn't get many good "during" and "after" pictures on our camera. But my Dad did, and then proceeded to post some really embarrassing ones of me and Britt on his facebook page. Thanks, Dad! ;)

My parents had never seen the Christmas lights out at Opryland. Every time we've tried to take them it's been pouring down rain and way to awful to even attempt it. And this year was no different. But we decided to brave the elements and go anyways. I'm so glad we did because my mom, who LOVES Christmas, was like a kid in a candy shop.Blankinship Family Christmas~

Then it was off to Missouri. We were able to do some really fun things that I've wanted to do with Ben and Drew for Christmas, but up until this year, they had really been to little to get it or enjoy it. So this year was so much for Michael and I to be able to experience the joy of Christmas through their eyes.

Here they are playing in a big box with their cousin Dresden.
We made sugar cookie dough and let the kids roll it out, cut it into shapes, and then decorate the cookies to leave for Santa and Rudolph. Dresi's face says it all...let's just say Shari's kitchen was covered in flour, icing and sprinkles! ;)

The finished products (that Ben hadn't eaten one or more bites off of). Not too bad, I think!And then Christmas morning, here is a picture of the boys driving [read: wrecking into all the walls, furniture, and people] the new jeep that Santa left. We will be working on our steering skills as soon as weather permits, needless to say.One of the neatest things about Centralia is that every Christmas morning the firefighters and Santa turn on the sirens and take goodie bags to every child in the city. They go street to street, and I love this tradition since it's something Michael and Michelle loved as children too. How special that they get to pass this down to these three sweet pumpkins.

There are so many things that made this year special for me: being able to really talk to Ben and Drew about the birth of Jesus and watching them absorb such an important part of our faith, watching them get excited about giving presents to people they love, letting them help me decorate our tree, then listening to Drew say "Mommy, Santa's going to LOVE it", making our own traditions that will be important to them, and so many others. It was a wonderful season. But as good as it was, I think its safe to say that I am glad we only do it once a year because at the end, we were all exhausted!

So now we have hit the ground running in 2009. Hard to believe its here. That about covers all our high points of the season. Thanks for checking on us. I'm now going to sit back, relax, and watch my inbox fill up with comments of friends who can't believe I've actually updated...you're welcome!

Our Trip to Paris!

So, for all of those still keeping track: yes, I am still playing catchup with the blog posts. At this rate, I estimate that the blog and the events of our lives will be in sync about the time the twins leave for college. ;) Until then, you all who keep up with us through this will always be about a week (or two or three...) behind. Oh well...as we always say in the Nelson family, better late than never, right?!


So, anyways, last Tuesday night, Michael and I flew back home from a wonderful few days in Paris for our anniversary! What a dream come true for me to be there with Michael! There are really no words to describe how perfect, how fun, how romantic, and even how blessed (we were absolutely covered in prayer) our time was. Michael was traveling all over Europe for work for the five days before I got there. And when he finished up with his boss, I flew over to meet up with him.

On my first day there, we headed straight for the Eiffel Tower, and a river boat ride along the Seine River. The skies were overcast, the wind was definitely strong and there seemed to always be the threat of rain. But that didn't deter us at all from adventuring all over the city almost entirely by foot.

On the boat ride, you can choose to stop at any one of ten major Parisian landmarks. We chose to hop off at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Now, I don't know if it was the fact that we did this on the first day, or if it was because I had had so many discussions with God about getting me back home safely to take care of my boys, or if it was because it was the most beautiful church I'd ever been in. But this was, for me, such a moving experience. I couldn't get over that so many people had worked with their own hands so long ago to build a place of prayer and worship. People who - granted - don't believe the exact same things that I do, but nonetheless are my brothers and sisters through our Lord Jesus. It was so moving to be in prayer, and at the same time think that all these other hundreds and hundreds of people might be praying too. And He's not stressed out, He knows each language, He knows each heart, and is just as active as He always has been. In many ways, it's not just a church...it's a tourist attraction. But we asked ourselves as we were leaving (and passing by all the trinkets you could buy that said "Notre Dame") "would Jesus come in and overturn the tables, or would He be glad so many were in His house of worship?" I don't know. But He met me there in a powerful way.

This statue of Jesus letting the little children come to him made us think of and miss our boys because they look to be twins. Had to snap a picture.

In front of the Louvre...we could have spent the whole day here. We loved it! We took over 100 pictures here alone.

Though I didn't put any boring museum pictures from it, we also hit Musee D'Orsay and got to see a special Picasso exhibit that was pretty cool. Michael made sure to point out at every piece that "he could've done that too..." ;

After Musee D'Orsay we walked (and walked and walked) till we found the Luxembourg Gardens. They were even more stunning than I anticipated. Here is the Fountain of the Medic.

I don't speak enough French to translate what the plaque said about this statue. But I love this picture that Michael took (he's a waaay better photographer than I am). And I love that you can see the top of the Palais Royale behind it. On our last day there we were just strolling around, and realized that we could see the Arc way behind us. So we asked a lady to take our picture. I think it turned out pretty well.

We really did have such a great time. I cannot believe that I am lucky enough to be married to this wonderful man. And that he places importance on us spending time away together by ourselves is just icing on the cake.

So, now we're back home, all settled back in, and just enjoying being back with our buddies. Stay tuned....more on them to come soon (hopefully!).

Thanks for checkin in on us!

Halloween

I know, I know...I'm so far behind in updating this blog. I mean, my goodness, we're already halfway through November, and I'm just now putting Halloween pictures on here. But, for the sake of this being our scapbook for the boys, here goes a quick game of catch up.

My parent's were in town for one of my 2nd cousin's wedding. So, what do you do to kill time on a beautiful fall day before the evening wedding? You head on over to our favorite pumpkin patch in Nolensville. Here they are pumping water from the well. Ben had zero desire to get such a cute picture. But - to no one's surprise - Drew did! Pretty cute little punkin, if I do say so myself!

Digging dilligently through the troughs of corn.

Our favorite girlfriends Daily and Maisey invited us over for a costume/birthday party since Maisey turns three the week of Halloween. Once again, I couldn't persuade Ben to get in front of the camera (regardless of how much candy was in the negotiations). But Drew loves to have his picture taken...especially when it involves two of his girlfriends.
Here with a few friends from church at Trunk or Treat.
Our favorite superheroes

We also went trick or treating for the first time in our neighborhood. The Belvilles came along with us, and though we didn't get many great pictures, we all had a great time. ....except for trying to get the boys to come down off that sugar high so they could get some sleep that night. Oh well...it's only once a year, right!

Our Big Birthday Party!

This past weekend we celebrated Ben and Drew's 3rd birthday with a party at Pump It Up. Everyone had so much fun....even all the grownups! While some of our favorite buddies weren't able to be there (we sure did miss you Chelle, Dressie and Uncle Dan!), we had a blast with our friends that came. Here are a few pictures of the boys enjoying their special day:

Ben going down the slideDrew and PaisleyWyattA big pile of munchkins as they all went down the slide together
Ben and Daily Josh, Brax and BrodyBen and Drew on the Birthday Throne
And the beautiful cake, made by one of my friends, Brooke O'Dell. I just have to put a little plug in for her business Ice This Cakes and Creations. She was just featured in the Scene for the Editor's Picks Best Of, and she's wonderful! I couldn't have dreamt up a better cake, and it was so yummy!

Since the boys love choo choo trains, I asked Brooke to do a train cake, and the boys gave each of their friends a Conductor's hat and a wooden train whistle. Not exactly sure where my good sense was when I concocted that little idea, since we loaded them up on sugar then gave them something to make lots of noise with...but regardless, they all seemed to have a great time. A big thank you to everyone who was able to come and shower our boys with love and blessings as we celebrated three whole years!!! We love each of you and are so thankful that you are a part of our lives!!

Quick Visit and Touch a Truck

Last weekend while Michael was in China, my mama and daddy drove up to visit the little guys and to help me out with a little break. We always have so much silly fun when we're all together. We packed lots of lovin in to just a couple of days, though with cheering on all the football teams, making cookies and pizzas and playing outside.

Here BeBe and Mimi were resting and then the boys woke up from their naps. They were all cuddling on the couch, so I grabbed the camera.....
But Pop hates to be left out, so he had to join in the fun and jump on top of everybody....
We sure are happy to have Daddy back home with us. So we spent the weekend just enjoying being back together. Michael is so great about always taking an extra day or two once he gets home to do nothing but dote on his boys, so we took them to do some really special things. We took them to the zoo - something they never get tired of, and took them to an event held here in Spring Hill, hosted by the parks and recreation dept, called Touch a Truck.

They had every imaginable kind of truck available for the kids to sit in, turn the steering wheel and blow the horn. Lots of the trucks' operators gave away hard hats, stickers, candy and toys. Needless to say, these boys thought they had hit the jackpot.

Brax and Drew showing off their construction hatsBen having a blast in the trash truck ....until he realized that I was trying to take his picture.

Drew "driving" an Army field ambulance. In this one, the siren is located so that the driver just has to press his knee against it, which means for a two year old, just the right distance to press your foot against. Let's just say every one for miles knew he was coming.Ben showing off his Lightning McQueen-inspired racing skills. Drew was pretty much done by this point, so no more pictures of him. But here is Ben digging up the ground.
There was so much to do and see, and I think it would've been an even bigger hit with them had they not been feeling a little sick. They are both battling colds with yucky coughs, as are all of their friends. Ben's has turned into a sinus infection already, and I'm sure Drew's will too since they share everything. But even with not being 100%, we still managed to have a great weekend together.

Off to start another busy week! Happy Monday, everyone!

First School Pictures!!!

OH MY GOODNESS! Aren't these these school pictures too cute?!?! I just love them!! How in the world he got them to both smile and look at the camera, I'll never know. And, I couldn't believe that he did an extra shot of the two of them together. A mommy couldn't ask for more!.....well--except maybe to have smoothed over those wild manes of hair. But hey, all things considered, pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary

A couple of weekends ago, we loaded up the car and headed to Montgomery to celebrate 65 years of marriage between my Nana and Papa. Anytime our family gets the chance to be all together, we can't help but have a blast, and this time was no different. We were able to have a special dinner for them, honoring them for such a special milestone, had a small "wedding cake", and we put together a surprise album of pictures, cards and letters from each of us, distant relatives and old friends. It was such a special day and I felt so honored to be a part of it. They have touched so many lives along their journey because they are so generous, caring and giving. The faith that I have now is due in large part to the role that they have played in my life....not because they told me what to do, but because I watched them humbly live out the things Jesus said to do. I know that they have covered me in prayer every day of my life, and even before I was a twinkle in my Daddy's eye. I know they have covered my husband in prayer even before he was born too. And I know that they pray this way not only for every person in our family, but also for the friends in their lives. That knowledge has given me so much peace and confidence. It is just the kind of people they are. Congratulations, Nana and Papa! We are so proud to be a part of this family that you have made.