February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day!! Today Sydnie had a Valentine Party at her preschool. (I'm sorry I don't have pictures-I was helping make the cookies and didn't have an opportunity to take pictures.) They made Love Bug cookies by decorating a sugar cookie and adding chocolate heart for the head and M&M's for the spots, listened to a Valentine story and the craft was making pictures out of hearts. While she loved participating in all the activities, she was soooo excited about receiving valentines from her friends. Friends are becoming more and more important to Sydnie and she definitely has her "best friends", even though they may change on any given day.

At home, our celebration was much quieter. We exchanged valentines after dinner so everyone could be at home. She was very proud of her valentine heart for Daddy...M&M's, of course! She was also quite surprised and happy when she realized we would be giving her a valentine gift: sequined sandals, notebooks and a fancy pen. She put her shoes on right away and began writing out more valentines for Mommy and Daddy. She delivered mail to us for quite some time.

She is now in bed. When I left her she was looking at her sandals sparkle in the light of her lantern. What a way to fall asleep....by the glitter of sequins. Before she went to bed she told Tim, "You're the best Daddy I ever had! I love you". Now that is the way to fall asleep...hearing loving words from your 3-year-old daughter.

Sydnie is becoming more of a "Daddy's girl" all the time. I have to admit, I love seeing it. There is nothing sweeter than Daddy and daughter together. Yesterday she was complaining of an earache and cried for Daddy off and on all afternoon. When he got home from work, they crawled on the couch and read books for the longest time...memories in the making. I know everyday is a memory maker, but there are those days or events that stand out. For those, I am most thankful; they tend to help re-focus perspectives and re-align priorities. May I wish you all a year of loving relationships, a perspective to see the joy in the little things, and a truly God-centered priority list. It will make the next 10 months the best 10 months of the year.

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!! We have had a very blessed Christmas and hope you have as well. Sydnie awoke at her regular time - 6:40 - and the first thing she asked, "Did Daddy go to work today"? As excited as she was about Santa visiting, she didn't even think about it until Tim brought it up. At that point she was very sad because she didn't hear the jingle bells and knew Santa hadn't come. Her demeanor changed when she saw the plate of cookies almost empty! It took some coaxing to get her away from the cookies...she was greatly desiring to eat one first thing, but when she did walk away, she was very excited to see all the presents around the tree!! (Of course, there were too many to fit under the tree.)

As she opened, she often said with so much excitement, "I've been wanting this all my life"!! Thanks to grandparents, Nannie, aunts, uncles, and of course, Santa, she was very blessed with all she received, as were Tim and I. We were all overwhelmed by the number of gifts waiting to be opened. But before opening of the presents, Tim said a prayer to thank God for all we have received, not only today but all through the year. While the presents are wonderful fun, we really do want Syd to keep in mind the importance of giving, family, and other values that often go by the wayside in the hustle and bustle. She may not get it this year, but eventually she will, we hope.

Playing with Thomas!

"This package is hard to open. Santa sure did tape them up well!"

Here Annabelle, it's time to eat.

Aaah...let's take a nap, it's been a full morning.

We are sorry we can't see you in person, but know that we are thinking of you. May you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your time together.

Christmas blessings,

The Covingtons