The True Meaning of Christmas

Matthew had his first debut in his first Christmas play last night at church.  I know this picture isn't the best.  The lights in the church where turned down way too dark.  My video didn't even show.    Matthew done so good.  We're so proud of him, he couldn't wait to walk up the isle with his Sheppard's staff.  Last year at this time if you told me that Matthew would be able to do this- I don't know if I would've believed you.  It's humbling to see the "Power of  Prayer".
As with any Christmas play involving little ones, nothing ever goes according to plan.  My nephew, Nathan was just the little menace through the whole thing and my sister all 8 and 1/2 months pregnant was just as moody and nasty as her own son.  Christmas, it brings the best in all of us out. HAHA, sorry just a little poking the fun at my sister, but last night it was the truth.  ( Nathan and her needed a NAP)

Earlier in the day, we had our annual SMITH Christmas Party at the fire dept.  As you can see being a Smith we all tend to be a little nutty.  It's in the genes.

Our family gathering took place at our local fire dept. which was ok, but I think it should've been held in someone's home.  More intimate that way and Christmassy (if that's a word)  So, being the LEO that I am, I told our clan that next yr. the party is at my house and of course I got the LOOK from Bradley- gotta love him.

You wouldn't be a Smith if you didn't take cards seriously.  Look how intense this game of "Phase 10" is.  We've been trying to finish this game since Thanksgiving and we're still not done.  Hopefully we'll finish up at New Year's.

Besides the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ being the best gift ever, God gave us families as second.  I'm truly blessed with a wonderful family.  Yes, we're all disfunctional, but that's what makes it so grand.  My family fits with me and each one makes me who I am, they're apart of me, have become apart of Bradley and they all are apart of our sweet son, Matthew.  My family has taken Matthew under they're wing like no other and they all help Bradley and I make him feel Loved, Confident and Special.

I am truly, truly BLESSED.

It's Beginning to Look ALOT Like Christmas!!

It's starting to look a little like Christmas here at the Marshall's!  Matthew LOVED the tree, he hung his ornaments in the same spot and he then tried to hang his Christmas Stocking on the tree to, it was so CUTE!!

I think I had mentioned before in one of my previous blogs that Matthew is in our church's "bell choir".  He and my nephew Nathan are little sheppards.  Matthew surprisingly does very well walking with his staff and participates very well with everyone and does his part.

Our fist debut was our own Danbury's Tree Lighting Service.  It was so cold and windy that I put Matthew's snow suit on him just to keep him warm.  The picture above is just a few of our little choir.

The finale was the actual lighting of the tree!

Just an update of sorts.  We're all battling a terrible bug.  Matthew has strep (again, a back set from 2 weeks ago), I have a sinus issue and poor Bradley has the stomach thing going on along with the sinus issues too.  Just love this time of year.

Good news!!!  Matthew is saying about 40 words now, he's still leaving the ending off of some of the words but is doing Great at talking some.  His speech therapist Amy Claire is going update his goals for the next six months.  This is so EXCITING.
 Matthew is now in a toddler bed.  We're going through the night time battles of him wanting to get out of bed and walk down the hall saying "Mommy" and then just getting him to stay in bed is the big one.

 He's such a MIRACLE!!!

Good Night ALL and GOD BLESS!!!!

Breakfast with SANTA!!!!

We LOVE this time of year.  Matthew got to participate in his first "Breakfast with Santa" given by Stokes Partnership.  It was so much fun, Matthew really enjoyed.  It was so COLD, we had to wait in line outside of the church for at least 10 mins.

Matthew enjoyed his pancakes, fruit and his milk.  See how HAPPY he is.  Below is us waiting in line to see Santa, Matthew done really good with him, he didn't cry one bit.  He walked right up to him.

 After talking with Santa we headed to the crafts.  Matthew had wanted to get his face painted but once in the chair he refused.  At least he tried.

We left just before lunch and we decided to do a little Christmas shopping.  Once we came out of Wal Mart it was putting down the snow, I couldn't believe it!!  Matthew loved the snow he was trying to catch the snowflakes out in the parking lot.  He's so sweet.

This is a picture of our ride home in the snow.  God perfects beauty with breath taking moments like this.