Thank you so much for stopping by and following the links around our circle. We have lots of new, gorgeous talent in our group and I can’t wait to see all the posts. :) You can find my link to the lovely Amy Grace, at the bottom of this post. Each month I am blessed to share our days with a letter to Brooks.
Dear Brooks,
The month of December brings so much hope and wonder and excitement … I couldn’t wait to share this time with you. One of our favorite traditions is our trip to Disneyland with Sky, Auntie and MomMom. We were there on a perfect day … the on and off again light sprinkles kept the crowds away which meant no lines for our favorite rides. We even had a chance to visit the new Cars Land and LOVED every bit of it. A few other special first … first time riding the Monorail (we got to sit up front with the driver) and the first time to watch the fireworks show. We figured out that 8 years old was a magical age for Disney because it meant that you were old enough to ride on any ride you wanted by yourself. You could spin, flip, and fly to your hearts desire … and I got to watch the joy on your face as you rode the rides over and over and over.
While you were busy with the rides, I saved the perfect spot for us on the parade route. Pretzels and hot chocolate were a yummy treat while enjoying the magic of the parade.
The hands down favorite part of the trip was the holiday firework show. It’s been years since I’ve seen fireworks and I know for sure that no one does fireworks like Disney. Simply spectacular! I cried watching you watch the show. And as soon as the show was over, it started to ‘snow’. Pure Disney magic!
Our December traditions took a turn when you started basketball. You are soooo much fun to watch. You totally float down the court with happiness and a giant smile on your face. Before the first game started, I panicked a little bit … there were 6 baskets around your court (from practice) and I didn’t think you knew which baskets you were supposed to take shots on. You figured it out just fine. We’re half way through the season and you haven’t scored yet, but that doesn’t get you down, you keep working and shooting. I know you’ll get your first one soon. Go Suns!
I love this image … the ref stopped the game to remind you that you had to dribble the ball down the court … not just run with it. :)
My little manly man got his first mani/pedi and you thought it was awesome! Your nails look great and you’ve stopped picking at them. I promise we’ll keep it up as often as you want. I love having the company.
After feeling bad about not keeping up with our usual holiday traditions, I offered to pile 5 of your friends in the car and head out for a crazy night of fun. Our first stop was Starbucks for hot chocolate and cookies and then we were off to check out all the lights in the neighborhood. I nearly peed my pants from laughing at you and the boys as we drove around. I think the fact that no one wanted to be dropped off meant that it was a huge success! I’m not sure if I’d be brave enough to do it again, but I’m glad you had so much fun.
These next two make my heart swoon. Finally! You’ve always been a reader, you just never liked to read. For the last couple of years, I had to fight with you to get you to at least read your books from your teacher. Now I love seeing you all snuggled up reading in the mornings before school … every morning … without me ever asking you to do it. I think my favorite is when you stop to share something funny that you’ve read.
On the Friday before we went on break, I walked down the hall and found you taking such care to make sure your shirt for your class readers theater was just right. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face .
The sad new reality … an armed police officer at our campus every day.
My favorite little Grinch! You did such a great job! My class loved watching you in the performance … they all idolize you. So much. It’s the cutest thing.
On Christmas Eve you found a very special note from Elfie! He let you know that for just a few minutes the magic would be lifted and you could give Elfie a real goodbye hug. It was priceless watching you say your goodbyes.
Only one more thing to before we tucked you in … cookies and milk for Santa and carrots and special reindeer food for the reindeer.
This year your Christmas wish list was pretty simple … army men and tanks, bey blades, ninjago lego sets and root beer. As always, Santa did not disappoint … I think the root beer and hot tamales were your two favorite things.
What’s December without our family bowling day! You were a great little bowler with a couple strikes.
The best part of our trip to Santa Barbara was the opportunity to meet sweet 5 month old Annie. She loves to chase and play and snuggle with you. We took her for a walk and snapped a few images of the two of you.
Another addition to our Saturdays this month was the start of indoor soccer with your travel team. You love the fast pace and quick action. This weekend your team had a tough loss and it didn’t help that I pulled you out to sub … you were not very happy with me.
Cousin Sky came back to SD with us for the second week of vacation. One afternoon we got to hang out with my friend, Amy Grace, and her two gorgeous kiddos. You loved the opportunity to share our field with them.
We are now on the countdown to Hawaii! Santa gave you this gear so you’re all set for some fun in the ocean, checking out all the cool tropical fish. However, on Friday we had a little bump in the road toward our trip. You are well aware that I have been diagnosed with lymphoma. We’ve talked about it on and off for the last few months. I figure you’ll ask the questions when you’re ready to hear more. I think you’re doing OK with this, but about once a month you ask the really tough questions that I don’t have the answers for. Just know that you are so loved. On Friday I found out that the cancer has been growing and the Dr. doesn’t think we’ll be able to take our trip to Hawaii. I will probably have to start treatments soon. It was a super big shock to me because, as you know, I’m so healthy and strong right now. We are lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful friends who pray for us. We are truly blessed.
Part way through the month during a trip to the orthodontist, it was decided that you needed to have your front two teeth pulled to prepare you for an expander retainer that you’ll get next week. Your teeth have been so slow to come out, you’ve only lost 2 others, so we were both super excited to see the big gap in your smile! So darling.
I love you to the moon and back!
xoxo
Mommy
Be sure to continue on with my dear friend with Amy Grace | A Beautiful Life Photo.
If you missed the beginning, you can catch up on…
What Responsibility Looks Like
What the Last Days of Summer Looks Like
What Almost 7 Looks Like
What Making Memories Looks Like
What December Traditions Looks Like
What The Magic Of First Grade Looks Like
What Being a Tourist in My Own City Looks Like
What Easter Looks Like
What Remembering Looks Like
What A Day At The Fair Looks Like
What Our Everyday Looks Like
What Love Looks Like
What Choosing Joy Looks Like
Still hoping Hawaii is a go. Fingers, toes and anything else I have two of crossed!
by Jules
January, Just Us | Lubbock, Tx Photographer « Misty Setzler Photography - [...] Please visit the rest of the circle, Jules trandem | san diego family lifestyle photographer [...]
Jasmine Sargent - Oh good gosh! Those freckles kill me! Adore all of these!
Jamie Rubeis - Ah, Jules! My heart goes out to you. It must be difficult counting the days before your treatment starts. I love following along with your journey and seeing all the beautiful images you are capturing with your son… Sending lots of love and prayers to you.
Amy C - I can’t wat to follow your journey this year. I know it will be a bit different than before. I decided to take on this project as well. I’m never a part of the pics, so this is my chance
You will both be in my continued prayers. You are strong! These images are absolutely precious.
hope - those freckles!! just can’t get enough!
love these jules — yay for 25 completed months!
Carey Pace - Utterly jaw droppingly stunning. THAT JUMPING SHOT!!!! gracious. These are amazing.
tamsen donker - oh Jules, I love these images and I’ve loved following you through your journey, your highs and lows. I cried when I heard of your cancer, but your strength WILL get you through this! Your little boy loves you so much – and these images of you will forever be treasured! XO
Suzanne Carey - Jules, your journey has and will touch so many lives. Thank you for being so open and candid about your story. It is a strength to all of us. Love every single image. I agee, the freckles are to die for!!!
Christine b - Oh sweetie…these images are stunning. Sending my love. If I could I would gladly send you some of my weight your way : ) Hugs.
megan - I hope you have an amazing trip, Jules. No doubt you will. I will keep you and Brooks in my prayers, especially as you move forward with the chemo. xoxo
krista keller - Jules – I thank you for sharing your story with us – all the ups and downs, the fears and funny stories. It’s nice to read something so authentic. These pictures are just spectacular not just because I like your lighting and your color but the feel, the fun, the look on Brooks face tells it all. Those freckles are a map to happiness! And I, like Christine B would gladly send you some thigh fat down your way. Always happy to share!
Jayme F. - Oh my gosh Jules, those freckles on B!! And boy can he jump. The jumping image reminds me that I need to let my boy be a boy and have some good old fun. I am sorry tha I missed you when you were up in my area!
misty setzler - HOW sweet! I love all those freckles!