Joy to the World! The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room.
And Heaven and nature sing!

Merry Christmas from the Davis family.

happy birthday, tee-tot

Kennedy Kids, ca. 1981, ages 2-4-6

Clif and Evy, October 2008

When we were little, I called Clif "Tee-Tot" because I couldn't say Clifton.
Today, at 29 years old, he goes by lots of names.....Dad to Clay-Jack and Evy, husband to Kat, son to Doc and Mam, little brother to Will and I, Capt. Kennedy to many, and friend to even more.
Happy birthday, Clif! You are loved, and are still my favorite Christmas present.

Josie agrees....It's the most wonderful time of the year!

check it off the list!

For months now Jack has been asking for a bow tie for Christmas.
His class had a gift exchange this year and they had to tell their friends what they would like or need. Jack's friend Nate gave him this spiffy tie and he wore it in his Christmas program on Thursday!

sweet sixteen

My dear Katherine Joy,
At sixteen months, you are a complete handful....a handful of fun, surprises, drama, and sweetness. I have never met another baby like you. You are certainly one of a kind! You have the highest highs and we all love to be around you when you are happy, entertaining and giggling for no reason. You also have some very low lows, complete with temper tantrums, kicking and screaming. You get over things easily and quickly and that is a good thing!
You love meat in the form of burgers or chicken tacos, yogurt, milk and all bread products. Just this morning you put away two blueberry muffins in no time. I haven't found many fruits that you love but you are content with applesauce, bananas, and the occasional orange.
You play with toys well and have grown very attached to one baby doll in particular. You carry her around most of the day, along with a phone. You push cars with Jack, and load up Little People into vehicles. I am already amazed by your ability to imagine, create and play.
You babble quite a bit, but we don't understand many words. You confuse a few of your signs like "all done" and "more," but you are constantly signing "thank you" to us. I think you like the reaction it brings. Your love of books continues to grow. A few times each day I put you in your crib with a ton of books and you sit there and look through every page of every book!
When I think of you at 16 months, I think of your contagious grin, your determined walk, and your giggle. Jack can still make you laugh more than anyone, and he loves you deeply...his "Katie."
You add much joy and exhaustion to this little house. I hope I will always remember exactly what you were like at sweet sixteen months.
Love you forever,
Mommy

the answer

Are you guys crazy?
Four kids four and under?
Aren't you tired?
Why do you do it?

My mom sent me this photo today and I cried...tears of joy from awesome memories. This is me and my brothers, Clay and Clif. Clay and I were two and a half years apart, and Clif and I are 20 months apart. This is what I know and this is what I like. This is also what I hope and dream for my own. Siblings and best friends. I see it already in Jack and Josie, and even sometimes in Jack and Kate. (they seem to be kindred spirits somehow)
So, when people ask the above questions, I don't really understand. I mean, yes, I am tired and we might be a little crazy, but this is our life and we love it! Our kids will always know life with one another, and that's awesome. They play together, cry together, serve one another, and take care of one another already.
Today we saw our sweet baby Sam. He is growing well and still measuring to be an end-of-April baby. His 3D photographs took me back almost five years....wow. The miracle does not fade or seem less with each child. No, it only humbles me more and makes me more aware of our Maker.
God was good to those three kids above by giving us each other, and He has been good to the Davis family by giving us these four. His plan is perfect and good.

what's up with.....

This week was momentous for Jack-boy as he wrote his name all by himself. He has known how to write all the letters, but being the perfectionist that he is, he has always wanted me to guide his hand as he writes. The "k" has been the holdup. I was so proud of him this week when he said he wanted to do it all by himself. He is loving our devotions each night for advent where he gets to answer questions about the heritage of Christ and then hang the symbol on the Jesse tree. He is also loving his new fave show "Word World" on PBS. His cousin Connor introduced him to this last month, and he is now walking around spelling everything!

Look at that "o!" Josie loves for us to be proud of her and to please. I think I have received more "are they twins?" questions this week than ever before about these two. JoJo is going through a growth spurt and they are a mere two inches apart. She is focusing more at home in Mommy school and able to complete tasks a little better, but mostly still likes to be silly, make a mess and make Jack laugh with her knock-knock jokes.

first fever

My little one is sick. As I write I can hear her groaning in her crib. For 24 hours now she has wanted me to hold her against my chest. If you know her, you know this is very strange. Usually Miss Independent, she is always on the go. I find it amazing that this is her very first fever in almost 16 months! Her immune system has been so strong, just like her will!
I feel horribly for her but it has been nice to hold her and snuggle. I will always remember these brief, special moments of rocking in the dark, singing to sleep and rubbing her back. It has been a rare gift to this Mama! I pray that she will feel better soon but what a sweet memory before she "grows up" and becomes a big sister too.

full hearts

If you asked Will and I these days about our little family, we'd have to say that our hearts are full. Full because our children are learning about Jesus at home, school and church. Full because we have extended family that cares about us and wants to be with us. Especially full as we saw our little 20-week baby BOY moving around, sucking his thumb, and growing well. Full because as we were decorating our Christmas tree the other night, Jack and Josie were overheard saying, "Merry Christmas, best friend" to one another. Full hearts as we prepare to celebrate Jesus's birthday by doing our advent tree each evening together. We remember the one-year anniversary of Jack's diagnosis this week and our hearts are full of love for this boy, as well as those who have helped us take care of him through prayer, financial help, and medical treatment. There are no Christmas presents under the tree but we feel blessed beyond measure.

First Date

Who? Josie and her Daddy
When? Friday, November 21
Where? Josie's fave restaurant, Red Robin

Will took Josie on a special date this past Friday. She was so excited to have her Daddy to herself! She looked precious and carried a purse with her chapstick in it. They talked about what she wanted to do when she grows up (be a doctor) her favorite books, (D.W. series) and balloons! Red Robin gives out balloons on your way out, and she looks forward to this every time. They shared a chocolate milkshake after dinner and brought the leftovers home for Jack and Mommy. This was their first of many Daddy/daughter dates.

just because I am high energy....

doesn't mean I can't chill out!
Proof that this 14-month old can sometimes slow down and relax.
This was her favorite place this week, along with climbing all chairs, stools, and stairs. Who needs to work out when you are chasing this girl?

wonderfully made

Jack, I love the way God made you:
curious, thoughtful and detail-oriented.

Josie, I love the way God made you:
silly, cuddly and content.

Kate, I love the way God made you:
messy, intense and determined.

My prayer for each of you today is that you will gain strength from the Lord as you use these God-given traits to glorify Him and live a full life that pleases your Maker.

We are the Aggies

Here's our 4th generation Aggie at his first Aggie game this weekend vs. Colorado. He loved every minute of it, but especially enjoyed watching the "marching boys" atop his Doc's shoulders.

He and Josie were so moved by the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, that they re-enacted the march-in later that evening at the farm.

There are many photos of my brothers and I at this age playing Aggie band. It was our favorite thing to do. My kids will grow to love A&M and it's wonderful traditions just as we did, and still do today. Gig'em!

Happy Fall.....

from Team Davis!
Aka Boston Bobby, Ref Mommy, Dallas Cowboy, Cheerleader Jo, and our team mascot "Katybug."

14

Here is Kate at 14 months. She is upright, communicating and still into everything. She has 6 teeth and is constantly drooling. She is determined and will not be denied. We have started putting her in "time out" in her crib when she cries to get her way! She is lovable, full of energy and loves to eat and sleep. She is the best audience and we can always count on her to smile, wave and blow kisses. She is Mama's buddy and loves to always know where I am....especially at 5pm when I am making dinner. She can usually be found at my feet.
What a fast and fun 14 months with this girl. I love my alone times with her, reading, playing pat-a-cake and tickle monster. She has the best giggle and chubbiest legs! She would be content to stay outside all day and attempt all of the big toys, like climbing the playset ladder and riding all the push toys and cars. She's our big girl and we look forward to seeing her as a big sis in about 6 months.
Love you, little one!

there's just something about her

Will and I have been finding ourselves giggling a lot this week due to our Josie. She doesn't mean to be, or even care to be, funny. But in her carefree, happy-go-lucky way, she just is. Wow...there is just something about her! I love the way she faces each day. Here's a few things that made me laugh out loud when spoken by this silly 3-year old.
"Woah....that was a close one, Mommy!"
"I didn't even learn about a number or a letter today at school."
"Ooooohhh....these jammies are so cozy and warm."
"I hear sumpin. Is that a baby crying?" (acting honestly surprised that we have a baby in our house, waking from her nap)
"Sure, no problem Mom."
"Oh, silly me..."
And, now that I am writing, I forgot about 5 other things! Will add more later!
But for now, here she is...our lovable #2, everyone's best friend, the cutest girl in GP.

Happy and Sad

I was given some advice recently. A young father said that a sure way to connect with your children every day is to simply ask them, "What made you happy today? What made you sad?" I thought this was brilliant so I have been trying to do this at the end of the day or at dinner time. Obviously little Kate can't answer so I will answer for her.
There are so many sweet moments with these three. Three unique personalities with unique purposes. Watching them grow and getting to know their hearts is a privilege. I look forward to adding another to the mix in April!


JACK:
Happy? Eating lunch with Daddy.
Sad? When you didn't let me open my lollipop all by myself.
*This is our little cowboy on Cowboy Day at school last week. He was the real deal...Justin boots, jeans, belt, cowboy hat, and his Uncle Clay's pearl snap western shirt. He loved every minute of it!*


JOSIE:
Happy? Rolling, swinging and dancing at gymnastics class.
Sad? When Jack wouldn't let me play in the sandbox.


KATE:
Happy? I am happy when mommy forgets to put the gate up at the bottom of the stairs.
Sad? I am sad when I get my nose or face wiped.

Moms can play this game too!
Happy? It made me happy to see my boy in his Uncle Clay's western shirt last week.
Sad? I am sad today because it is Clay's birthday. He would've been 33 and I still miss him every day. If you knew Clay, you know that he is celebrating in Heaven. I love and miss you big brother, and I will see you soon.

answered prayers

Dear God,
Thank you for the baby growing in Mommy's tummy.
I love you,
Amen.

Jack's prayer yesterday at dinner. Priceless. We echo his sweet words.

thankful

Things we are thankful for lately:

1. Will and I were able to spend a few days in Asheville, NC at a DTS pastors/wives retreat. It was beautiful, full of rest, good food, and 50 degrees!

2. Our cousins Clay and Connor. We were able to see both this weekend and celebrate their 3rd birthdays. We love those boys.


3. Sea World passes! We went there for the 4th time this year on Sunday. Awesome! The best family outing in TX I think.

4. My parents and their farm. The kids had their own vacation there for three days while we were in NC. Kate did well her first time away from me, and it's still Jack and Josie's home away from home, and "most favorite place to go."


5. God's protection and provision for our firstborn. I don't want to go into the details but Jack had his first joint bleed and infusion away from us while we were in NC. Although it was heart-wrenching, he was well taken care of by my parents and little brother Clif, as well as the nurses at the Clifton hospital. We pray daily for his protection, and in this moment, God taught me that He will never leave Jack and will provide for his needs...sometimes through other people. On a side note, it seems as though since he was diagnosed last December that he has become increasingly adventurous. At Connor's party on Saturday, he decided to ride the inflatable shark down the slide....not so sure what surprised me more...him thinking of it, or his Dad proudly taking the photo!

5. Our own home sweet home. We were only gone a week after NC, farm, and SA visits, but it felt oh so good to sleep in our own beds. There is truly no place like home.

A Party to Remember

Josie and her friends had a great time at her Little Gym birthday bash.
Josie's favorite part was jumping on the blow up trampoline. My favorite part was that I had to do nothing but bring cupcakes and enjoy!
It was a party to remember with friends and family.

New Look

If you haven't seen my baby girl in a while, let me introduce you.
She's got a new look, complete with bangs. The stringy look was so pre-first birthday....
We think the new do fits her personality and face just dandy. I love that I can see her big blue-gray eyes and also that I don't have to clean out her hair after every meal.
What a big one-year old!

We're a family!

We have this very aggravating mosquito in our house. We see glimpses of it, and all the girls have bites to prove it, but we can't get it. Tonight I was swatting all around trying to get that thing, while Jack chanted behind me, "Leave us alone, you bug. We're a family!"

Goodbye Two, Hello Three!

Tonight Josie said goodbye to two. As I write, it is finally setting in that tomorrow she will be three! I have loved getting to know this girl for three years. From the beginning, she has been cuddly, sweet and compliant. Because of this, she often gets overlooked as she goes with the flow....Jack's flow, that is. She is Will's personality twin, and the two are definitely kindred spirits.

This year she has blossomed and we have enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell as we learn more about how God made her. She loves to eat. She loves her pink blankie and gets giddy when she discovers it in different places during the day. She sucks her thumb on and off all day, to fall asleep, and for no reason at all. When she is bored, she likes to get out every toy and costume we have and just spread it around. She loves to hop on one foot, and dance to music. She loves the letter song on Letter Factory, and her favorite letter/sound is b. She loves to go to the potty and wear big girl panties. She loves juiceboxes. She is still afraid of loud sounds and runs and hides from the vacuum, the blender, Will's yard tools. She loves to dress like a princess, take care of her babies, and read library books on Mom's bed.

This year has seen her grow up in many ways. She became a big sister. She started preschool one day a week. She was potty-trained. She started understanding humor and telling jokes. She learned her ABC's and can count to 10, sometimes even in Spanish! She made new friends. She began sharing a room with Jack and moved to a big girl twin bed. She went to the farm by herself. She began praying on her own.


Dear Josephine Marie, (aka Josie, JoJo, Jo)

As I put you to bed tonight, my heart is full. You are beautiful on the inside and out. God made you wonderfully, and I see you as one of my greatest gifts. You are my snuggle bug, Daddy's sweetheart, Jack's companion, and Kate's role model. You fit in our family perfectly.
I remember your birth day like it was yesterday. But then I blinked and you are three. Your Daddy and I decided that you have grown up the quickest. Maybe it's your easy-going nature or because you are so tall! We are not sad....no, we praise God for your life, and look forward to seeing what He has in store for you.
Happy birthday tomorrow, dear girl. You are fully loved by your Father in Heaven and your family on Earth. And, no worries....you will definitely be getting those pink cupcakes that you have been talking about for two months.

Love,
Mommy


Josie on her 2nd birthday


Josie today, at her first dance class, on the eve of her 3rd birthday

School is back in session, and here's the token first day photo!
Jack is in Pre-K 4 with Mrs. Gates. Josie is in Pre-K 3 with Mrs. Jamie. And Kate is making her Sonshine Club debut in the baby "class" with Mrs. Tonya.
My homeschool 2 students (2nd/3rd graders) seem sweet, compliant and energetic.
It's going to be a fun year of Thursdays for the LHIGP.

falls finale

Hawaiian Falls provided hours of fun for our family this summer.
Today we took our last trip of the season to this new water park.
We went so much with our passes - at least once a week - so we definitely created a routine. Or should I say, Jack created the water park routine.
1. Wave pool/lagoon
2. Lazy river
3. Sprinkler park
4. Slides
5. Snack
6. Wave pool again
7. Lazy river
8. Slides
We are so proud of Jack and Josie for overcoming any fears or anxieties they had at the beginning of the summer. I marvelled today at how far they had come....going down all the slides, swimming under water. What a fun summer we had as a family! Thanks for the memories, Hawaiian Falls.

All Things New

Here's what's new with..


..new love of letters and the sounds they make. I realize this is an age-appropriate thing but yesterday he sounded out D-0-C to spell my dad's name!
..gymnastics class on Mondays. Here he is on the balance beam.
.."Mommy school" on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings while Kate naps.


..new love of telling jokes. Next time you see her, just ask her to tell one.
..gymnastics class on Mondays. Her favorite so far is hanging from the uneven bars with her feet on the bars. She's so strong! In this pic she's so focused on listening to her teacher. I love the way she is sitting.
.."Mommy school" on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings while Kate naps.


..weaning to whole milk. It's going ok so far.
..12 month well visit this week. She's still our petite princess but so healthy and happy. Here she is at the doctor sharing with the baby in the mirror.
..this is her "check me out" face. It looks to me likes she is posing. Sometimes she claps after she makes it, so I guess she knows it equals a good response!

Tulips, Ice Cream and "Pure Joy"

What a fun weekend to celebrate our Katherine Joy!



It started with a garden party on Saturday....tulip sugar cookies, "dirt" ice cream, tulip-shaped watermelon, and gummy bugs! It was a sweet time with family and friends at our house. After eating ice cream and getting sticky, the kids splashed and rinsed off in a few pools. Fun was had by all. I will never forget Kate eating the ice cream cone like she knew exactly what to do!



Then on Sunday we dedicated her to the Lord at church. I love how our church does this. It is a special time that really focuses on one child - praying for them, asking for the Lord's blessing on their life, and encouraging the church to pray for them. Will spoke a beautiful blessing over her while I held her and Jack and Josie stood beside me. It was a sweet time as a family as Jack looked up at her adoringly.


(This is Pastor Bill as he encourages and challenges the church to pray for Kate as she grows.)

Will said that the name Katherine comes from the Greek word "katharos" meaning purity. Our prayer for her is a life of purity, following Jesus Christ and being set apart for Him. Her middle name Joy speaks for itself...and we do pray that she would know the joy that only comes from knowing Christ, all the while sharing His joy with others.