Happy Birthday Jesus!

Wow, how quickly the last two days have gone by!

Last night we celebrated Christmas with the Smith Family. We ate yummy food and were entertained by the kids.

This morning we began a new tradition. My folks, sister, and her fiance came over for a big breakfast. After filling our tummies we opened gifts. Thank you Nana and Pappy and Aunt and Allie and Uncle Miles for the gifts. We aren't sure of which is Camden's favorite gift quite yet, but when we do, we'll let you know.


Then for lunch we headed to the Shafer Family Christmas. There are so many of us, family gatherings can be a little chaotic. We arrived back at home around 6:30 p.m. Austin and I are about to enjoy some shrimp cocktail snacks while Camden is taking a little snooze. No morning or afternoon nap can wear a little man out!

More photos to come of Cory and Tagen's big day and the Yake Family Christmas on Sunday (at the earliest).

Before I sign off, I want to say a belated Congratulations to Mike and Carrie as they welcomed Baby Aiden Alexander into this world on December 3rd. We've seen some cute pictures and are looking forward to meeting him in mid-January.

Last but certainly not least, Welcome Baby Aira Pankey and Congratulations Jon and Ashley. Aira arrived on December 22nd (3 days before her due date). We are excited to come see you!

Camden's First Christmas Sunday

The past week has been mostly uneventful. Austin was home with Camden on the days I worked. On my days off, we enjoyed playing with toys and taking naps around the Christmas tree. On Friday, my folks had their first lamb of the season. We took Camden in to see the baby lamb. He was terrified of the Mommy sheep, but he did laugh and smile at the baby lamb....... until the baby lamp whimpered to her Mommy. Let's just say that Camden doesn't like the baa, baa, baa sound just yet.
My Little Lamb from Pappy
Under my Nana's Tree
My Guitar

Today we continued with our normal routine - wake up, eat breakfast, rush to get ready for church, go to church, come home and eat dinner, and take a long nap. We just woke up from our 3 hour nap. Shortly we'll head back to town for Carols by Candlelight. In our mad rush to get to church this morning, we did find time for a few photos by our Christmas tree. I hope to take photos of our family on each Christmas Sunday. During my childhood, my mom would always take photos of my sister and me in our Christmas dresses. It is fun to look back at the photos mom took over the years. Hopefully someday Camden will appreciate the photos that I take of our family.
Cam Cam
Mommy, Daddy, and Camden

This week we will be an exciting week, and I can't hardly wait. This will be Camden's first celebration of the birth of Christ. We plan to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Smith side of the family and Christmas morning with my folks, sister, and her fiance. Then we'll travel to the Shafer Christmas later on Christmas Day. We also anxiously await the birth of Aira Pankey who is due to enter this world on Christmas Day. Hang in their Jon and Ashley - you are in our thoughts and prayers during this special time. Friday is set aside to help Cory and Tegan (my cousin and his fiance) prepare for their big day. On Saturday, December 27th we'll celebrate the beginning of Cory and Tegan's new life together at their wedding ceremony. Then on Sunday we'll head to church and then to the Yake Christmas. We have a very busy week ahead of us and we pray that we not forget the reason for this season and that is Christ!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Wishes

Family and Friends,

My intentions were to create a photo collage Christmas card of photos of this past year and send to all our friends and family, near and far away; however, time has escaped me. This past week when we began receiving thoughtful cards from family and friends I realized I better get on the move. Well, before starting my Christmas card project, I checked to see when Shutterfly would have my personalized product to me, and they could only promise that the cards would arrive at my home by Christmas Eve. Well, that is a bit late considering I would need to address and send to family and friends.

So, in lieu of a Christmas card delivered to your home, this post is for all you family and friends. The photos for this post were taken on Saturday when we made a special visit to see Santa. The photos are posted in the order they were taken, you can see the progress Camden made during our visit. He's not a Santa Baby this Christmas!

May God Bless you this Christmas season, and Best Wishes in 2009!





Love,
The Yake Family

We've Got Another One......

A tooth that is. On Tuesday, I discovered Camden's second tooth poking through. Two new teeth in 6 days. At this rate, we'll have a mouth full by the time he's 1. I know, they all don't come so fast, but it sure seems like it! The teeth aren't visible just yet so no photos. When the teeth begin to peek through Cam's smile, I'll be sure to share photos.

Yea For Our Daddy............

He passed the National and Indiana State Surveying Licensing Exam (on his first try). This past fall Austin spent lots of hours studying for the exam. Most of my memories of Austin studying are with Camden and Shadow (our cat) setting on his lap in the recliner. I think all of Camden and Shadow's help paid off. Daddy, we want to give you a special CONGRATULATIONS! We are so proud of you! I bet Camden will be able to hold a surveying rod by the time he's walking so he'll be ready to survey this coming summer with Daddy.

We're 100% Positive......

Camden's first tooth has emerged! Last Thursday evening as we were having banana pudding dessert as a family I stuck my finger in Camden's mouth. I felt around and there was no question to whether or not the sharp object in his mouth was a tooth. Austin wanted to feel the tooth, but before he could get his finger in, Camden stiffened up and with all his might tried to keep Austin's finger from being inserted into his mouth. Camden's gums must be super soar as he doesn't want anyone feeling his new tooth. I think the other tooth isn't too far from breaking through. I'm trying to check each day, but it is difficult to determine if there is a new tooth or the same "first" tooth. We haven't gotten to see the tooth yet, but we're excited to. We'll take photos when the tooth becomes visible!

The weekend is coming to a close (sniff, sniff). Camden and I have spent the evening baking apple pies and snuggling in our jammies. Austin went to Bobe's for dinner with some guys from church and then to park cars at New Hope's Journey to Bethlehem. It has been a little lonely here with out Daddy tonight.

I'm going to get back to playing with my Camden. We're putting all the farm animals back in the barn for nighty, nighty. I'll leave you all with smiles my precious boy!