From Payton to Charley

It is amazing what a small amount of paint can do.
It only took 3 1/2 months but the pink wall in the nursery finally was painted in a more masculine color.

Before

AfterPayton's NurseryCharley's Nursery
Thanks to my sister for painting

Merry Christmas 2010!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

We had a wonderful but busy Christmas day. I will fully admit my children were spoiled! Payton did amazing all day though. She was very polite and was really happy with everything she opened.
We started the morning with just the four of us. Payton woke up early so we let her sit in our bed for a bit. I quickly got things ready downstairs...turned on the tree lights, made coffee, brought the milk glass and cookie plate back out, and set up the video camera. Then Payton & Bryan headed down stairs and checked out the milk and cookies Santa had drank & eaten as well as the gifts that he had left. We then snuggled on the couch and read the Christmas story and talked about how it was Jesus' 'Happy Day'. Of course then it was present time. The problem with spreading out your Christmas shopping you tend to forget how much you have gotten...this happened to us this year. However, Payton was very happen with everything and she wanted to spend time playing with every gift after it was opened so it took us a while but that was ok with me. I enjoyed watching her. She was so entertained by her gifts that when there were a few left we decided to call it quits and let her open some after her nap. It worked out really well and gave her a chance to open gifts all day long.

After gifts with the four of us we packed up the kids and headed to Bryan's parent's house to have breakfast and open gifts with his family. Again, the kids were spoiled but what do you expect from grandparents. :) The extended Myrick family showed up around 12:30 and again...more presents! Bryan's Aunt Carol buys the kids something every year. Last year Payton got her Fisher Price doll house from her and this year got a talking baby with a bed, chair & table, and bike that responds appropriately to when in eat item. It's really cute, a little annoying but cute! (She does have an off switch...thank goodness) Charley got an activity table. He was very entertained even though it wasn't even out of the box.
So like I said, we had a wonderful but busy day. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve tradition continued once again this year. Starting off the evening by attending Christ Memorial's Christmas Eve service at 5:30. Payton came along this year and clearly enjoyed all the singing and dancing. Bryan & I were both pleasantly surprised at how well she did during the service. It was really fun watching her face during the children's message when all the animals came down and the little girls danced. I am so glad we took she got to enjoy such a wonderful service on a wonderful night.
Following the service we went to Bryan's parent's house for a wonderful meal. It has been a tradition since I've been around and I know that it can't last forever with the little ones so it was fun to enjoy it maybe for the last time. We even let Payton open a gift from Mommy & Daddy which was a big hit with her.
We added a new tradition as well, before putting the kids to bed we read 'The Night Before Christmas' and left milk & cookies for Santa. It never really appealed to me to do the 'Santa' thing because it is not something we did in my house growing up buy Bryan has insisted and I have to admit it was kind of fun. She doesn't really get it yet but I can see where it will get more fun in the years to come.

Christmas Cards 2010

I was SO late getting cards out this year...if you received one you know that and are probably laughing at me but what can I say...? I was waiting to take our normal family picture in front of our house but that never even happened so I have learned from this and that picture will be taken very early next fall. :)

In any case, here are the different cards I sent out. (I couldn't decide on just one:)
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Genzink Family Christmas

Our first family Christmas party is over. I hate having family Christmas so early. It doesn't seem as 'Christmasy' to me and I hate that. But despite the fact that it was a week early we still had a wonderful time celebrating with the family. My mom made a wonderful meal of Prime Rib...my favorite, mashed potatoes...good work Heather, rolls...I'm sure they were home made, right Bec? :), and green bean casserole, they weren't even too runny honey...good job Bry. The kids were awesome as usual. They were very polite & patient during the gift portion of the evening which is not always easy for two, five & seven year olds. Charley enjoyed his first party, didn't fuzz once. When he was tired enough he just fell asleep sitting by Papa.
Payton had a good night. She got a Leapster2 and a Woody from Toy Story as her 'big gifts' from Papa & Amma, some games, a Leapster case, a puzzle, book, and a few other things from Papa & Amma. She also got Pet Shop pets from Ava. (Normally we all get all the kids something but this year we decided to 'pick' names. Noah & Charley had each other and Hannah had Ava, Ava had Payton and Payton had Hannah. It worked out really good.)
It was a wonderful night with Family.

Love you all!

Family Pic

P & C in front of the TreeAmma, Papa & grandkids

Hannah (7), Noah (10), Charley (3 mo), Payton (2), Ava (5)Matching PJ's from Amma & Papa.
Everyone with their fav gift. (Noah's is in front of him because he always gets stuck with Charley...sorry Noah...but you do a WONDERFUL job with him)

3 Months Old

To Our Charley Bear,
You are now three months old and we are fast approaching your first Christmas. This time of year is a favorite in our house & I am sure you will feel the same when you are bigger and can understand.

You are growing very fast and becoming a big guy. We have moved on to size 2 diapers and you are almost out of your 3 month clothing. Eating is one of your favorite activities and do a lot of it. We have been trying to stretch out your feedings to every 4 hours instead of three but you have not taken a liking to it at all so usually we only go 3 1/2 hours. You are getting mostly breast milk but like to have about 2 extra oz of formula after every meal. Mommy is working on this so it doesn't have to happen. I figure you are getting about 4 to 6 oz. No wonder you are so big.
We are thankful you are now sleeping from 8:30/9:00 pm to 7/8 am. This has only been happening for the last week and a half or so but it has been really nice for mommy not to have to get up at 5 am to feed you.
Naps are a challenge. Daddy said it was time for you to take naps in your crib, and he is right, but you do not like it. Even as I write this you are crying about it. You would much rather be in a blanket on the couch with me. Kinda a Mama's boy. :)
Other then that you are happy. You love to watch Payton play and love being talked to.
We love you so much Little Man and pray you continue to grow up healthy & strong.
Love always,
Mommy, Daddy & Payton

December Prayer for my Children

Dear Lord,
I pray my children boldly speak about Jesus and become a leader and standard-bearer for the cause of Christ rather than for the causes of the world.


Galatians 6:14 (NIV)
"¹⁴ May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which^a]">[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT)
" ¹⁷ Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment."