Stepdad

Let the countdown begin!  Everyone at this house has been very busy and very excited about the upcoming wedding.  Everyday Jentry has been placing a sticker on her "countdown to the wedding calendar" and it now reads 15 Days.  At first, the countdown idea was fun and motivating, however lately the countdown has been raising my blood pressure.  The biggest worry I have right now is all of the unknown things that I am not thinking about!  Oh well, the show will go on with or without the perfect shade of napkins...right?

Jentry is very excited that on the big day Nathan will become her stepfather.  I wasn't sure if she would even understand, however when I began to explain she already knew entirely more about it than I had anticipated.  She is the one who first referred to him as her "stepdad".  It simply amazes me how quickly children gain knowledge about this huge and complicated world we live in!

Wednesday night, I let Jentry get out her Fisher-Price Nativity.  We talked through each animal and character.  When we got to Joseph, I said, "Well, Joseph is Jesus' step-dad, I guess."  Jentry's eyes lit up and said, "Just like me! I will have a step-dad just like Jesus!"  I could not help but laugh out loud.  Her excitement was so pure and innocent. 

It was amusing to hear her questions and see her interest in knowing more about the Christmas story.  I even decided to get out her toddler Bible so that we could read about the story too.  She intently listened to every word, which made this mama very proud.  If I do nothing else for my daughter but teach her to know and love Jesus, I will have done enough.

The next morning Jentry picked right back up playing with her Nativity.  Nathan was drinking his morning coffee and watching ESPN, when I heard Jentry ask, "Nathan, will you read me the Christmas story from my Bible?"  I quietly listened from the hallway as the soon to be stepdad and stepdaughter shared this wonderful moment.  Truly blessed!

Five Years Ago Today

Five years ago today I was on my way to Omaha to meet the most amazing little baby I have ever known.  My very first (and only thus far) nephew!  Isaac Lee Hamilton was born on November 16, 2007 and has brought joy to our family ever since.  The minute I saw is tiny face tears of joy filled my eyes, which in turn made my sister cry too.  I will never forget that special moment that the three of us shared.

I remember thinking he looked like a porcelain doll.  He was so perfect!

Our little Turkey!

Turning ONE!

Tractors and TWO!

Let's Play THREE!

Fabulous FOUR!

He has grown into such an interesting little boy.  His intelligence never seizes to amaze me.  He loves to learn and never stops asking questions.  He can be a bit geeky at times, however I think he is a very cool nerd.  I mean how many five-year-olds make a to do list for their Sunday?  As a fellow list maker, this absolutely melts my heart and I just love him to pieces. 

How can FIVE years have possibly gone by so quickly?  Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy!  May God bless you with many many more.

Love,
Aunt JJ