I still have to add Christmas and New Year's pictures and updates ... so stay tuned!
This week is my week to get everything back to normal (take down Christmas stuff, back into the swing of school, etc... ) so I will update the blogs and pictures as soon as possible!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
I've been carded.
My dear friend Pauleen has "carded" me, not sure exactly what that means, but I received these instructions so here goes!
Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for the New Year. Following Pauleen's example I did more than 5 but I think that's OK. :)
2. People who are “CARDED” need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get “CARDED” and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they’re “CARDED”, and to read your Blog.
Spiritual Needs
*To be diligent with spending time in the Word. (me too Pauleen!)
*To spend time in prayer - specifically for my hubby and children.
*To set a better example for my kids by having daily 'quiet' time with God.
*To set a better example of Christlikeness by not losing my patience and yelling so much.
*To follow the Holy Spirit's leading in where I should be serving in the church.
Physical needs (as in my body)
*To be disciplined to eat right.
*To be disciplined to exercise.
*To set a good example of health for my kids.
*To go to bed early instead of staying up too late.
*To not give in to junk food just because it's quick and easy.
Fun needs
*To read through all the books I want to read.
*To catch up on my scrapbooking.
*To keep in touch better with my friends and family.
*To have more date nights with hubby.
*To have more fun with the kids.
You know it's funny ... as I read through this list of 'wants' ... it's almost like my list of New Years resolutions!!!
So I guess these are the things I'm going to resolve for the New Year. And now I get to 'card' the following people ...
Mary N., Amy D., Nicki W., Lynn W. and Carol T.
Happy New Year!
Here are the rules:
1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for the New Year. Following Pauleen's example I did more than 5 but I think that's OK. :)
2. People who are “CARDED” need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get “CARDED” and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they’re “CARDED”, and to read your Blog.
Spiritual Needs
*To be diligent with spending time in the Word. (me too Pauleen!)
*To spend time in prayer - specifically for my hubby and children.
*To set a better example for my kids by having daily 'quiet' time with God.
*To set a better example of Christlikeness by not losing my patience and yelling so much.
*To follow the Holy Spirit's leading in where I should be serving in the church.
Physical needs (as in my body)
*To be disciplined to eat right.
*To be disciplined to exercise.
*To set a good example of health for my kids.
*To go to bed early instead of staying up too late.
*To not give in to junk food just because it's quick and easy.
Fun needs
*To read through all the books I want to read.
*To catch up on my scrapbooking.
*To keep in touch better with my friends and family.
*To have more date nights with hubby.
*To have more fun with the kids.
You know it's funny ... as I read through this list of 'wants' ... it's almost like my list of New Years resolutions!!!
So I guess these are the things I'm going to resolve for the New Year. And now I get to 'card' the following people ...
Mary N., Amy D., Nicki W., Lynn W. and Carol T.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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. :)
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!)
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!
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.
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 are so proud of you J! You made a great little Mary!Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry CHRISTmas!!
Hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy Christmas tomorrow.
Merry CHRISTmas from our home to yours!
Merry CHRISTmas from our home to yours!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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.
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
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
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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!
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!
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