Happy Birthday Jesus!

Every year on Christmas Eve we go to my in laws house to have a birthday party for Jesus. It has always been a special time of celebration and helps us all focus on what Christmas is all about. I can remember when Haley was a little over a year old and we started this tradition. My Mom in law is a preschool teacher, and has such a gift when it comes to working with children. So even from that first year, she was teaching H the story of Jesus birth and acting it out with her Nativity characters.

I remember H the second year, now about 2 yrs old, and she could already answer most of the questions and basically 'tell' the story with Grandma. Grandma would say, "H what happened when Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem and knocked on the innkeepers door? What did the innkeeper say?" And H would know and would say "There's no room at the inn, but you can use my barn if you want." It was amazing how quickly she picked up on the story and even at that young age knew that Christmas was about Jesus birthday.

We also celebrate with decorations, party hats, and of course birthday cake for Jesus. Then we go to our church for the Christmas Eve service. It's one of my favorite traditions, and one that I hope we continue year after year.

I wanted to share a couple of pictures. Here are the girls singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ...wise men traveled from afar" with Grandma.
Singing Little Baby Jesus.
Having fun with the streamers.
H turned herself into a Hula girl. :)

Matching outfits

This year we didn't want to keep adding to the huge piles of toys that our kids already have. (We did buy some toys, just not a lot.) So we decided to build on the things that they already had. Two things they have really been enjoying lately are their Build-a-Bears and their American Girl dolls (well actually we have the generic ones but the girls don't know the difference!)

So this made it easy to shop for stuff for the girls since both items have limitless possibilities in clothing, shoes, bedding, etc...

This became a group effort as my in laws bought and painted the beds for the dolls. Then they asked me to sew the mattress pads and pillows, then my Mom sewed matching PJ's so the girls could match their dolls (just like the catalog but MUCH cheaper!). My Mom and I also bought them some outfits for their Build-a-Bears. I found dresses for the bears that almost exactly matched the dresses my aunt bought the girls to wear for Christmas.

I found that you don't have to buy the real Am. Girl stuff, or even the real B-a-B stuff. You can find the clothes that fit the dolls and bears at lots of stores like Target, AC Moore, Michael's, etc ... And if you go there with coupons it's even cheaper. Below are some pictures, the girls were just thrilled to see all the matching stuff!



Dressed up for Sunday service with their matching Build-a-Bears.

H wearing her new PJ's that Grandma S. made and her doll Sarah wearing hers too.
J and Lucy wearing their matching PJ's too. You can kind of see the beds in the background.

Thank you SO much to all the Grandparents who helped make this a wonderful Christmas for two little girls (and their dolls and bears!)

Our little Mary ...

J goes to preschool at our church. They have a wonderful preschool which has 2 programs, one for 3 yr olds which is 2 mornings a week, or one for 4 yr olds which is 3 mornings a week. The best part is that Bob's Mom is the preschool director, and the Lord gave her a heart of gold for little children. She does such a wonderful job with the kids and Christmastime is no exception.


Every year, they have a preschool Christmas program. When they are 3 yr olds they sing simple songs and fingerplays. When they are 4 yr olds they help Mrs. K (aka Grandma) to act out the story of Jesus birth. It is so cute.


So this year J is in the 4 year old class. And lo and behold, she was chosen to be Mary in the play. We were a little nervous that she wouldn't want to do it, or that she'd get scared when she got up there, since she tends to be shy around crowds of people. Thankfully, she didn't have any speaking parts, just had to stand up front with Joseph while Grandma told the story.


Well it turns out we had no reason to worry, she did a fabulous job and the whole show was just adorable! The cutest part was that J is almost the tallest child in class, while the little boy playing Joseph is one of the smallest boys in class. So it looked so cute to have this tall girl standing up there holding hands with this little boy. And they did hold hands, the whole time, which was just adorable!

Here they are as they enter the room.

And here is Grandma talking about Mary while J stands up front all by herself!

Joseph and Mary.

And with their donkey, and the baby Jesus.

The whole class doing some songs and fingerplays.

Singing songs for Jesus. We are so proud of you J! You made a great little Mary!

We received ...

the greatest gift any parent could wish for on Christmas Eve. Our daughter H accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior!!

She told us about a year and a half ago that she prayed to God one night and accepted Him, and we believed her, but weren't really sure that she totally understood what it all meant. So we've been talking with her and praying for her, and mostly just waiting for her to come to us when the Holy Spirit was pulling on her heart.

So on Christmas Eve we went to our church for the Christmas Eve program. It was beautiful and very well geared to children. The girls really enjoyed seeing the other children up front singing on stage. I was especially impressed with one little girl who sang an entire solo by herself (I think she's about 9 yrs old). It was beautiful and made me cry (of course!)

Near the end of the program the speaker gave the gospel message and said that if anyone did not know Christ as their Savior, but would like to, they could come up front and there would be people who could talk to and pray with them. (I actually had the thought in my mind, "what if H says she wants to go up?" knowing that I was already emotional from the singing ... I didn't know if my emotions could handle it!)

The next thing I know, my Mom in law is leaning over saying "H wants to go up front!" And so with my heart about to burst, I walked up front with her and after the last song we sat and prayed together with someone and she accepted Jesus. It was really neat because the lady who prayed with us (Karlyn) is the Mom of one of my friend's and also close friend of my Mom's. Her granddaughter is H's friend and I know she had a tender heart for H and was rejoicing with us over H's profession of faith!

Later I was talking to H and she said to me, "Mom, I actually asked Jesus into my heart a long time ago ... remember that night I prayed by myself?" It was neat that she remembered and yet still wanted to go forward ... I feel as though that was the confirmation from God so that I knew in my heart that her long ago prayer was genuine and true. So now I have no doubt that she truly knows and understands and has chosen to believe in Jesus Christ.

I just want to end by saying how very thankful I am for my parents, and Bob's parents. They both did a wonderful job of raising their children who all know and love the Lord. That doesn't mean we never have hard times, or face large obstacles, or loss. But knowing that we have eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ is the most extraordinary gift one could ever hope for. And now that we have the opportunity to teach our children and help them understand God's Word and grow in Christ ... it's a blessing that I am so thankful to be a part of.

One of the first verses H learned in Awana was John 3:16 which says ... "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life."

AMEN! H can now know that she will someday live for eternity in heaven with Jesus.

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy Christmas tomorrow.

Merry CHRISTmas from our home to yours!

Hold them a little longer

After reading about Ellie this morning (see previous post) it just made me want to hold my kids a little longer today. I keep thinking all day about how fast the years go and how quickly life can change.

It's not easy to take the extra time with your kids. At least it's not for me. I often find myself rushing them off to play because I have so many things to do and so little time to get them done.

Today has been one of those days. But for some reason J has been having a really hard day. Just crying a lot and having a rough day. I finally took her and sat in the rocker and held her for quite a while. Sure enough she ended up falling asleep in my arms. She's almost 5 and never takes a nap anymore ... and I can't even remember the last time she fell asleep in my arms.


My first thought was to quickly move her to her bed so I could 'get stuff done'. But then I thought again about Ellie. Her parents will never again get the chance to rock their little girl to sleep and hold her in their arms while they listen to her sweet breath. So I held J for awhile. I just stayed their and enjoyed the silence and some time to just thank God for the blessing of my two beautiful, healthy children.

I hope as we get closer to Christmas day, with all the last minute plans and things that need to be done ... that you will do as I plan to do, to take those few extra moments to hold your kids a little tighter, rock them a little longer, listen to their sweet laughter, cherish the moments of their delight in the little things, and just love them a little more.

If you are reading my blog today...

Please pray for the Skees family. I have never met them, but found out about them through another blogging friend. Their little girl Ellie (8 years old) just died last night of cancer that she has been battling for over a year now.

I can't even fathom the loss of a child in this way, let alone the thought of planning a funeral and trying to celebrate Christmas in just a few short days. I can imagine this time of year will always be bittersweet for them in every year to come.

As her blog says "Ellie is dancing in heaven right now!" Praise God for that! She is now pain free!

You can visit their blog here if you wish to read more or leave your own comment.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

More friends

Sunday night we had such a blast at a Christmas party at my friend Caroline's house. I have these 3 scrapbook buddies that I love spending time with and we always have so much fun together. So this party was the 4 of us, our hubbies, and all 9 kids. As you can imagine it was a lot of fun!

Caroline was the party host. She is truly one of the most selfless people I know. She recently started a ministry that is all about 'mercy' and it is so fitting for her. She is always giving of her self and her time to help others in need. Her hubby, kids, family and friends are always being blessed by her in a million different ways. She has 3 beautiful kids, Mason, Mady and Morgun. There's so much more I could say ...

Lynn is the life of the party. She always makes me laugh with her stories and I keep telling her that one day she will be up on stage at Women of Faith sharing her funny life stories with thousands of women. She has two beautiful kids, Katie and Ben. There's so much more I could say about Lynn ...

Sandy is a busy lady. But that's only because she's always doing something for someone else. She serves the Lord in many different ways and is always offering to help people out. She has two beautiful kids as well, but is catching up with Caroline with one more on the way, her kids are Evan and Haley. There's so much more I could say ...

Here are some pictures from the party ...

Our hosts ... Caroline, Mike and their youngest Morgun ...
Four of the girls ... H, Mady, Katie and J ...
Caroline with (Lynn's daughter) Katie ...
Sandy and I ...
Lynn and Caroline ... who couldn't stop laughing long enough to take a picture!! (I think this picture says it all ... when the 4 of us get together we ALWAYS have a blast!)
Sandy ... looking all sweet.
The boys ... doing what they do best (watching football!!)
I love my friends!!! I am so blessed!

H's Homeschool program

This morning was our Wednesday morning ladies Bible study Christmas brunch. While we are at Bible study H goes in a class with other homeschoolers. She is the youngest one there but she still loves it. She has always loved playing with older girls and really loves the girls in her class.

So this morning the ladies had a wonderful time of fellowship, first with a yummy brunch, then by sharing different things from the passages of scripture that we've been studying since September. One of the most touching moments was when this young Mom played guitar and sang Silent Night ... and she asked us all to close our eyes and imagine what it might have been like to be entering Bethlehem on that night over 2000 years ago ... as you approached the manger and saw the tiny baby Jesus lying in the manger. The song and her voice were so beautiful, and as I sat there with my eyes closed I couldn't stop the tears! It was a beautiful moment. (I know none of you are surprised to hear that I cried!)

After the women shared, they brought the kids in to share things that they had practiced over the past month. H's homeschool class did a wonderful job. The boys did a little act ... acting out the shepherds reaction to hearing about the Savior. Then the girls all sang this sweet little song. I actually videotaped it on my camera ... but for some reason when I played it back there was no sound! I was so bummed because it was beautiful and I really wanted to share it. Since there is no video I thought I'd at least share a couple of cute pictures ...

Here are the girls waiting to come in while the boys do their little skit. (H is on the left.)
The boys did so good remembering their lines!
And here they are singing ... H is all the way on the right.
Since H is not in 'regular' school, it has really been a blessing to have her be a part of this great group of kids. And I love that they are all different grades and ages ... but they are learning to work together and socialize with all different kids.

Church is canceled this morning.

I can only remember one other time when it was canceled for weather. I think we will have a quiet morning at home as a family and do some devotions together this morning.

Actually, being this close to Christmas and with all the busy-ness going on ... it feels pretty good to have a reason to just sit at home and snuggle up together. :)

Another awesome friend

Sorry for all the blogs ... I seem to be on a roll!!

I just want to say how very blessed I am to have LOTS of friends in my life. There are so many special friends that enrich my life in so many ways. I always think it's a true test of friendship when one friend moves away. When you don't see that person much anymore it can be hard to keep in touch and stay involved in each other's lives. It can also be hard to make time (or afford) to see each other when you have to travel to see one another.

I have many special friends who have moved away ... but there are a few that I have kept great friendships with, despite the long distance.

One of them is Julie. The funny thing is, when she lived here we didn't know each other real well or spend much time together until shortly before she moved away. But now that she lives in another state, our friendship is closer than ever! Here we are together back in the summer time:

I was totally caught by surprise today when I got home from the grocery store to find a package on my porch. Julie sent me a new book by my favorite author (Karen Kingbury) and some yummy Christmas cookies (homemade from her oven) and also some cute fuzzy socks for the girls. But even more special was the card with these words on it "The gift of your friendship is one I hold close to my heart every day of the year." How sweet! I feel the same way! What a dear friend you are Julie!

This is the book (although the cover looks slightly different) but who could ask for anything better than a wonderful Christmas book to curl up with this time of year?

And I know the last couple of times I've talked about my friends it has been about things they've given me ... lest anyone think that I'm all about gifts ... my point wasn't that my friends give things to me, it's just to show you how special these girls are to me, how thoughtful they are, how they know me so well that they choose things that they know I will love, and how I cherish their friendships with all my heart.

Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times."

And I have always loved the chorus from this Michael W. Smith song ...
"And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them,
and a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end,
though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hand's we know,
that a lifetime's not too long ... to live as friends."

We are sisters in Christ for a lifetime!

This is for you Laurel ...

My friend Laurel asked me to show a closer look at these cute mitten frames that I have hanging in my kitchen. I will admit, I did not make these, but looking at how simple they are, I'm sure they would be very easy to duplicate! (This might be something fun to try with your kids on a wintry day!!)

You would need a decent length of string or ribbon (to hang between a doorway you'd need about 3-5 feet). You can cut out your shapes from anything ... mittens, snowmen, gingerbread men, stars ... if you have some large cookie cutters they would make a wonderful template for tracing. Cut your shapes from cardstock or construction paper ... or even patterned paper would be pretty.

Cut out some small pictures of your loved ones, if you have a circle shaped punch (like for scrapbooking) it would make it even easier to cut out the faces. Attach pictures to your shapes with tape or glue.

You can find the mini clothespins at most craft or scrapbooking stores. Then just put it all together and hang it up! SO CUTE!


And a special thank you to my Mom who gave me this in my stocking last Christmas! She's in the mitten on the left right above. :)

I'm done!

10 days to go till Christmas and I am totally done shopping!
What a good feeling! :)

Christmas songs ...

Can you tell from my last two posts that I've been listening to A LOT of Christmas music lately?? Christmas songs are just one more thing that I love about this season. We are lucky to have a radio station that plays Christmas music constantly from Thanksgiving weekend all the way to Christmas day.

Normally when we ride in the car music choice can turn into a battle. I want my country music, the kids want their kids music (Wiggles, Veggie Tales, etc ... ) and if Bob's in the car he wants (boring) sports radio. So the great thing about this Christmas station is ... it creates a common bond! We can all listen and enjoy in the car for once!

So the other day, I realized just how much we'd been listening when I could hear H in the back of the car singing along with the radio "Merry Christmas from 106.5 WBMW!!!" Yep, she was even singing the radio station's jingle! I couldn't help but laugh!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

everywhere you go!!!

Yesterday was an A+ day. The kind of day that makes it really 'feel' like Christmas is on it's way. We got a big snowstorm!! I know some people dread these types of storms, but not me. If it's going to be cold for the next several months, it might as well SNOW!

We started doing our school work in the morning but by 10:30am the snow was coming down in droves. The girls kept begging to go out and could hardly focus on schoolwork. It was a great motivator to keep them working and get their stuff done!

We waited till after lunch when the snow had started to pile up to head outside. We sledded down our hill, the girls made snow angels, we went on a snowy hike through the woods behind our house with Bob and just had a blast.

Here is our house as the snow is coming down.

H angel ...
J angel ...

Rosy cheeks ...
More rosy cheeks ...

Sledding - I think pretty soon we'll need a bigger sled!
Hiking in the snow with Daddy ...

I'm just a big kid at heart - I was jumping on the sled and flying down the hill too!
Yesterday's snow was much too light and fluffy for making snowmen ... so H went out there today and found that the snow was much more sticky ... so she made a family of snow people! I know she doesn't have a hat on --- I wasn't home, she was with Daddy ... so blame him! :)


After coming in from the snow we had a yummy cup of hot cocoa, then pulled out this ornament making kit that I'd bought. The girls had a great time making lots of ornaments ... here is the sled ...
And a whole bunch of trees, sleds and snowflakes ...
A little later we made a batch of sugar cookies. The girls have more fun playing with the dough than actually making cookies. I learned that if I give them each a small chunk of dough to work with they will stay busy for hours! We cut them out into trees, stars and gingerbread men and we'll decorate them on Saturday. YUMMY!

Finally, one of the best parts of our A + day, was that Bob got to stay home! He's not usually home with us on weeknights so it was such a treat - and he even cooked a delicious lasagna for us for dinner. It was awesome.

Now you know why I said it was an A + day, don't you??!!

Oh there's no place like home for the holidays!!

I love being home for Christmas. I love pulling out all the decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving and spending a day (or two!!) putting all the things out.

When we first got married we had nothing for Christmas decor. So I went to the Christmas Tree Shop and started buying some snowmen. They were pretty cheap so year after year I'd add another one or two. Pretty soon, people that knew and loved me caught on that I like snowmen and they started buying my snowmen stuff.

Well now, my whole house is filled with snowmen stuff, and I don't even buy anything anymore!! I took some pictures from around the house to show you all just how cute it all looks! Hope you enjoy this little tour of my happy Christmas house.

In the kitchen on the walls ...
Above the doorway between kitchen and dining room ...
A closer glimpse of the tree ...
Another great Christmas Tree Shop find ...
Dining room hutch ...
Dining room wall ...
Above my stove ...
I have a few pretty Nativities that have been given to me as well ...
The Nativities and candles all go up high ... :)
Just a small fraction of my snowman collection ...
My IKEA bookshelf with LOTS of snowmen, and Nativities on top. (And LOTS of scrapbooks on the bottom shelves!!!)
Our tree!! Still has a 'snow' theme and more snowmen, snowflakes and sleds! And also lots of ornaments with the kids pictures or ones that they have made.
Thanks for coming on my Christmas tour!!