Joy through a child's eyes

People say that there is not much better than experiencing joy through the eyes of a child. And to that, I would have to agree. While our Clara struggles with certain aspects of life, finding joy is not one of them. I find myself often just sitting and smiling, captivated by her overwhelming happiness, and just watching her expressions, taking them all in one by one. She might not be able to talk, but she sure knows how to communicate a joyful heart. And for that I am so thankful. 

I could list off a number of things that bring Clara pure joy and excitement, as I am sure all moms could do of their child. Twinkle lights, toys that sing songs and light up, buttons of any kind, and swings to name a few. Yet there is one thing that we discovered a while back that gets her little heart pumping with awe, amazement, and joy. 

The carousel. She LOVES the carousel. She loves watching it and riding it and taking in all the lights and sounds and movement. And watching her take it all in? Doesn't get much better, friends. If the carousel was free we might just go every single day. 

Because joy. . . 

Taking a break for dinner. . . and we made sure to secure the perfect carousel watching spot. . . 

The picture below pretty much sums up the state of her heart. . .

May we always take the time to soak in the little things, and experience all the joy filled blessings God has so graciously blessed us with. Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year!

Christmas 2014

While I don't have any eloquent words or well thought out themes to share wrapping up the last few weeks of our holiday and the end of another year, I couldn't let 2014 come to a close without sharing a few pictures of our Christmas.

We had a lot of twinkle lights going on this year. . . and both girls loved it. . .

A string of lights leading from the girls bedroom doors up to their presents on "Christmas morning," which was actually Christmas Eve morning. . .

Clara checking out the lights from her crib. . .

Camille peeking from her crib . . .

Blinking lights = Clara's love language. . .

Camille checking out the goods. . .

Although she looks calm here, Clara was going rather crazy over her new key board. . .

The light up reindeer nose was a hit!

Playing Dr. . .

Checking out her new tablet. . .

A few pictures from my parents house on actual Christmas day morning. . .

Brandon made our two nephews, Austin and Aiden, skateboards. . .

And he made our niece, Avery, a wood lamp/sign (I don't know the official name, can you tell?) . . .

 Camille was having a blast opening her gifts. . .

Sweet Clara was more into just doing her own thing than actually opening presents, but she was happy!!

I spy a little a lot of drool . . .

And a few pictures from Brandon's parents house on Christmas (mid) morning. . . Cousin Sophie was the best little mommy to Camille. So very sweet to her and always wanted to help. I asked her if she wanted to just come home and live with me for a while! :)

Josiah playing legos. . .

Snuggling with daddy. . .

Camille checking out the tractor. . .

 Music time . . .

Attempting a cousin Christmas PJ picture. . . Don't look so thrilled, Clara. . . :)

 Snuggling with Paco. . .

Selfies with mommy. . .

Camille and Sophie. . . cutest little playmates!

And with that, another Christmas is in the books. We had a fabulous holiday and cannot believe New Years is right around the corner!  See you next year! Make the last few moments of 2014 great ones!