Christmas Juice

No, that's not really the official name, but that is what my husband calls it. I guess it's because we kick off the Christmas season just after Thanksgiving with our first cup. Some of you may know it as wassail or hot cider...but it is my favorite beverage at Christmas time. There are several versions, and here's how we make it in the McKay house:

• 64 oz apple juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 Tbs honey
• 2 Tbs mulling spices
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Place the mulling spices and cinnamon sticks in the basket (not sure of the technical name) of your percolator. Combine the rest of the ingredients into the percolator. Depending on your percolator, the next step may be different. I plug mine in and it takes about 10-15 minutes to fully heat through. Then enjoy!

14 Month Favorites

Books: Chick-fil-a has been giving "Franklin" books in the kids meals. And I totally cried at the end of this one. "Spot" of course is STILL your favorite and the Tractor book is a close 2nd. 

Food: A real treat is going to Chick-fil-a and getting nuggets and "lemalade." Sometimes we have a picnic and you act so big and cross your legs and feed yourself. On Saturday mornings Daddy has been sneaking out with you to the Donut shop, and you like slobbering on those donut holes.

Play: Mags is your favorite "toy." You also learned how to shoot the basketball all by yourself on your goal, and you giggle like crazy when you watch Donald Duck look inside Pluto's mouth. 

Outings: Lowe's sparks your interest - those blow up Christmas decorations and lights are fun to look at this time of year. 

Least favorites: Those top 2 molars that are coming in are giving you trouble. Also, you discovered that the dog food in fact is not a snack and tastes like a brick. Maggie was not pleased. 

Walking in Memphis...er, Knoxville

Last week my mom and I loaded up the little guy and headed to Knoxville to see our family. I love my sweet 85 year-old grandmother and wish that she and all the aunts, uncles, and cousins lived closer. But the 7 hour drive was a pleasant ride for this little guy: 

A highlight was the FOUR STEPS that Liam took (all on his own!) to his great-grandmother!! I wish I had a video...but we were cheering and too excited to worry about the camera. We got a chance to see Gatlinburg all dressed up for Christmas: 

 We also played on the ivory keys a little and Liam loved hearing Gran play "Mary Did You Know." She's always been my favorite pianist (and teacher), and of course she's still got it. :)

The Nativity

For some it's the tree, or the village, or the lights...my favorite Christmas decoration is the nativity. When I was a little girl my mom let my brother and I help her put up the pieces of the nativity - the stable, animals, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the wise men - and it was always my brother that placed baby Jesus in the manger. Sweet memories.

Today I put up the nativity as I've been doing the past 8 Christmases in our home, only this time I had a helper. I hope that he enjoys it in the years to come just as I do.

Our Thankful Tree

For Thanksgiving this year we decided to try something new, and we created a "Thankful Tree." For the month of November we daily wrote on a paper leaf something that we are thankful for. The front of each leaf displayed a different Bible verse, and Will and I (and next year Liam too) wrote on the other side. Reflecting on this month, I can say I have loved this project because it focuses our minds on gratefulness not just on the 3rd Thursday but every day, and it is a constant visual reminder of God's goodness and blessings. Mucho thanks to Ann Voskamp for the free leaf printables and the idea on her blog here. After reading Ann's book, I began the 12 month calendar of journaling thankfulness every day of the year. It's been a practice that moment-by-moment shapes my thoughts and focuses my mind on Christ. After November, we will take down the tree but save the leaves to look at year after year and remember all that God has done and promised. He is so good. 

13 months

Liam, you are growing up so fast!  This month you learned to walk, and your little legs are getting faster every day. Here's what life looks like at 13 months:

• The day starts at 7:00 when you wake up and have time with Daddy. 
• Then it's breakfast, usually yogurt and crackers. Little guy, you look incredibly adorable in the mornings with your bright eyes, messed up hair, and footy jom-jom's. 
• On Sundays we get ready for church or Tuesdays for Bible Study, and you love your class. You are happy when I drop you off, and you are starting to recognize your teachers and play well with friends. 
• The other days after breakfast we have reading time...and we read A LOT! Your favorites this month are "My Thankful Heart" by Sally Lloyd-Jones, "Where's Spot," "Spot Goes to the Library," and "Spot Goes to the Park." 
• You have a snack around 10:00. Your favorite is either saltine crackers or Gerber cheese puffs.
• Next we run errands, go to the grocery, or visit with family and friends. You are a great shopper.
• You nap at 1:00pm and stay asleep for about 2 hours.
• At 3:00 you eat again and your favorite is apples and chicken. You also love to drink water.
• Then we have tons of playtime...pulling out the tupperware, crawling under the kitchen table, and grabbing toys out of the toy box Grumps made you in your playroom.
• You get so excited when Daddy comes home! He's knows all your favorite songs and is the most fun to play with! 
• 6:00 we all have dinner together, and you're getting better at trying new foods.
• Bath time is also a favorite of yours. The bubbles and the shark that squirts water make you giggle.
• Then it's bed time around 7:30 with your stars, Daddy shirt, and some rocking...

This is a glimpse of what your routine usually looks like at 13 months...we sure are enjoying every minute! 

The Years Are Short...

A year has gone flown by. A whole year. I'm trying to cherish each day and remember each moment. Can't tell you how grateful I am for this past year, for this little boy, and the opportunity to have this family.
We had a blast celebrating Liam's first year...

 Liam is often dressed in "old man" hats, vests, and cardigan sweaters. I also call him my little man as he is growing up so fast, so we chose a "Little Man" theme. 

 The cakes were delicious and designed by the talented Melanie Bradley. 

 Birth --> 12 months...so many changes! I decorated with ties from Will's Dad and from my Papa that passed away last October. 

 Cards for guests to write a favorite memory and a birthday wish for Liam. 

My sweet mom stayed up all night making these mustache pops!

 Seeing all of our family and friends was a joy!

 A little playground playin' while we listened to Liam's favorite music - playlist made by my husband included Andrew Peterson, Mumford & Sons, Sly & The Family Stone, The Little Willies, Sovereign Grace Music, & Nickel Creek.

 Singing "Happy Birthday!"

 1st taste of cake!

 He likes it!

 Happy little man!

 Give me some more of that cake!

Dad, what's that funny thing on your lip?

 I "mustache" you a queston...

Special thanks to our friend Ben for capturing the memories. 

We will cherish them forever. Happy 1st Birthday Liam!!!