Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Believe it or not, our little gal is 1 year old!  We love her more each day and are so proud of our family.  Our little cookie monster is walking, falling, bruising, laughing, and getting back up again for the next round!  She is full of joy and the delight of our day, the center of our conversations.  Yes, we need to be care to not let her take the Lord's place, but we are just so grateful for our gift that came to us one year ago.

God is continuing to show Himself to us in many ways, though continuing to stretch us greatly; our life story.  We are thankful and blessed starting 2012.  Riley Grace and the Lord's faithfulness has given me a new outlook on the drab start of each new year.  I like focusing on the blessings rather than resolutions.  Not so daunting and MUCH more motivating. 

Mission Impossible 4

Brenton's and my favorite movie currently.  If you like action, it's a must see.  B has seen it twice in theaters already and can't wait to buy it.  Just sayin'...

Merry Christmas from the Benwares

Eucharisteo

Burdened by my weary soul, a few tears fell from my face to my winter sweater.  A whispered cry for a miracle, so faint probably not audible, to the Creator of the Universe.  Does my heart trust and believe that God wants what is best?

Blurred by my vision, I ignored the 11 month old daughter teetering toward me.  Just awake, fed, alert, and jovial, she stopped infront of me smiling ear to ear.  I picked her up and hugged her tight.  She popped her thumb in her mouth and laid on my chest.  Five minutes went by with eyes still open, ten minutes, eleven, twelve, and eyes shut.  Eucharisteo; the Lord knows and is here.  Thankfulness in the moment for what I do have; a moment so rare it must have been created by the Creator. 

And then He speaks, "Thanks comes before the miracle."

A simple reminder repeated over and over in the book I've been reading, "A Thousand Gifts".  Will I see my Christmas miracle?  I pray I will a bit more fervently and live in the moment with eucharisteo, my only daughter nestled on my chest.

This is all I want; to be a "Mommy".  Thank you Jesus.

A Few Questions

Any insight is appreciate:

• How does one pronounce "Worcestershire" sauce?

• Is it normal to wait at the Pediatritian's office 1hr and 45minutes, as seems to be the norm for Riley's pediatrician?

• Will Riley really notice Christmas lights in her room at 11 months or should I just wait for next year?

• Why was "Drew" taken off of X-Factor?  (She is the one I'd buy a cd from.)

• Does anyone know the perfect room temp to keep one's place warm enough for the baby but not so hot you can't sleep at night?

Holiday Family Fun

Riley with her cousin Bethany (Benware side), who is 5 1/2 months older.  She is loving her play pals!

A mimic photo shoot by our awesome bro-in-law, Jeremiah.  All inspired by a picture that I saw last Christmas and dreamed of re-enacting when Riley could sit.  And thanks to the Santa hat found in the dollar section at Target that made the pictures possible!