God Bless Us Everyone

Our Tiny Tim (who isn't so tiny anymore!) celebrated his second Christmas. We were happy to not be celebrating in the hospital this year, but being the pastor's wife brought another new experience. Troy loved preaching at four services Christmas Eve. I, on the other hand, felt a little lonely during the evening and at worship. I am used to being surrounded by family at Christmas worship and it was just Timothy and I this year. And attending a big church with many services meant I didn't see many of our friends at the service I attended. But I did enjoy the quiet hours with Troy at home before the late night service.

Christmas morning we opened our gifts and reflected on the past year and spoke of hopes for the coming year. Timothy only had interest in the wrapped gifts with our prodding. We were pleased with his delight in the gift we picked for him...a new soccer ball. He loves it and has now mastered how to pass it to us. This new found skill makes him laugh the funniest laugh. Such joy!

Timothy opening one of his gifts.

Excited about his soccer ball!

We were able to join Troy's mom for Christmas dinner and spend a few days with her. We even took the big plunge and left Timothy overnight with Grandma. Everyone thought I would be so worried about him...actually it was great. I got so much done at home and got a great night of sleep. :-)

Playing in the snow at Grandma's house.

Photos...nice and funny

A nice Troftgruben family photo!

Our little Santa enjoying his bananas at breakfast.

Happy Birthday!

Timothy celebrated his first birthday on Monday. He has come a long way from that little 6 pound newborn. He looks so much like a little boy now and no longer a baby. We love him dearly and our thankful for the joy he brings to life.

We celebrated his birthday in the Twin Cities with my family. Troy suggested we do a snowman theme in honor of his winter birthday. (And we certainly have plenty of snow!) He had a snowman cake and even wore a snowman sweater--we forgot to wear his snowman socks!) We took him to the Children's Museum and then had a family dinner. He had his first taste of chocolate cake. From the fistfuls he was shoving into his mouth, I am pretty sure he liked it!Below are a handful of pictures from the day.

Gazing out the window at the Children's Museum.

Sorting food in the town exhibit.

Trying some ice fishing in the habitot room.

Finally catching a ball in the ballorama exhibit.

Checking out the habitot exhibit.

Meeting Clifford the big red dog!!(Timmy could not take his eyes off Clifford!)

Concentrating on opening presents.

Who needs a present? I've got tissue paper! (Notice the cute snowman sweater!)

Timmy's snowman cake made by mom.

A first taste of frosting.

Mmm...this cake stuff was worth the wait!
All gone...do I get more?!

Santa Pancakes

I could not resist making these cute breakfast treats. Easy to make and tasty too!

Two Favorite Things

Timothy has two favorite things these days...standing and checking out the Christmas tree. How wonderful when he can stand and touch the tree. Life does not get much better!!

Snow!

The first (real stick to the ground) snow fell yesterday. I bundled Timothy up to give him his first experience with winter weather. (Well his first experience when he is a bit more aware of what is around him.) I don't know how impressed he was, but he did give me a few smiles!

Timothy's first snow angel! (Made with a little help from mom.)

Holiday Lights

Our house is now officially aglow. Troy braved the cold yesterday and did a great job hanging our lights. He did admit in the process that it is indeed cold here in North Dakota. He also discovered the secret to staying warm...dress warm. Below are a couple of pictures of Troy's lighted masterpiece!

In the process of hanging lights, Troy encountered some of the ''Midwestern Nice." (Like Minnesota Nice except in ND). Our neighbor saw Troy struggling to hang lights on the big tree, so she came over with a broom to help hoist up the lights. She also offered her slightly taller, sturdier ladder. She knew we had a little one so it wasn't easy for me to be out helping. And she said she'd enjoy our lights as much as we do. It is good to have friendly neighbors.

In other news...Timothy enjoyed his first Thanksgiving last week. He got to try a lot of the traditional foods...turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, lefse, green beans, rolls and even finger jello. Of course he liked it all! The other highlight of the week--Timothy learned to wave. First he just held up his hand as if giving a high five or a blessing and eventually he got some wrist movement and made the wave. Now he not only charms people with his smile, and belly laugh, but he adds his endearing wave to capture your heart!