Test Subject

I have been saving for a long time, and was finally able to get my camera. I got the Canon Rebel xs. It came in the mail yesterday. I am so excited! I am still reading thorough the instructions...I have a lot to learn, but that's the fun part! :) Of course I spent last night trying it out. I snapped a bunch of pictures of Claire as I was putting her to bed. I think she makes a pretty cute test subject. :)

Our Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas this year. Christmas Eve day we spent at Bill's parents house. The day was full of lots of great food, laughter, and gift opening. That evening we attend our churches Christmas Eve service. It was a beautiful celebration of Christ birth...I couldn't think of a better way to end the day then singing songs to our Savior. Christmas day was spent at home relaxing and enjoying playing with all the kiddos new toys and games.

Here are a few pictures from Christmas Eve.

We couldn't get James to cooperate in any of these. He just kept crying. :)

Claire spent most of her time crawling around while gifts were being opened. (if you notice Claire's eyes she had another eye infection...poor girl...but she was still happy as a lark.)

Trying to "help" unwrap. :)

Star wars and Cars...the boys were in heaven.

I think this face says it all!

From our home to yours

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The real reason we celebrate.

May your hearts overflow with the Joy of Christ!

Merry Christmas!

The tradition of the straws

We have several traditions in our home like most families. I love getting the whole family together and looking for ways to celebrate the birth of our Savior. This year we decided to start a new one. I had actually wanted to start last year but we never got around to it. My mother had given me a book called The Last Straw by Paula Palangi Mcdonald. The inside cover says,

A baby. A manager. A handful of straw. The makings of the first Christmas. The makings of the first Christmas can now be a meaningful part of your Christmas. To spread Christ's love and fill the enclosed manager with straw, simply do something kind for someone--in secret--and add one straw to the manger for each act of love. Soon the manager, and your hearts, will be overflowing and ready for the coming Christ.

The Last straw is the touching story of a family who faithfully used the tradition of the straws to bring the true meaning of Christmas back to their hearts, year after year...The Last Straw is a true story which you can incorporate into your Christmas. It's easy. Even children as young as 3 can understand giving in secret and participate enthusiastically. The last straw offers a way to bring back the true spirit and meaning of Christmas..

We read the book together as a family a few weeks ago. It was about a family with 4 children who were always fighting. The mom finally got so frustrated with all the bickering and name calling that she came up with the idea for the straws. Anna and Ryan were able to relate to the story line. By the end of the book our kids were so excited to do kind things for each other in secret...and to be able to put a piece of straw in our manager every time they did. After a few days I started noticing that the manger was slowly filling up. What a joy it was to see them running around trying to surprise each other. It is my prayer that our kids will learn through this about loving one another. After all that is the reason why we do all these things...to teach little hearts.

Just 2 more days to finish filling the manager. I can't wait to see how we reach the last straw...

I would love to hear, what are some of your family traditions?

Christmas in our home

The Stockings hung on the shelf with care.

Our humble tree

The tree skirt. I need to get their hand prints on it for this year.

Every ornament holds a special memory. I love that about the tree! It can tell many stories.

Our nativity set. I had it all set up to take a picture, but obviously the boys got to it first! :)

Our manager for baby Jesus. Filled with straws for every kind deed done in secret.

Anna has helped to make all the cookies. She is such a BIG help, she can practically make them all on her own.

Only a few days left until we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Under the Christmas tree

The best gift underneath our tree! :)

Every good and perfect gift is from above...
James 1:17

A praise

I have about 10 unfinished posts in my draft folder right now....just no time to write a complete thought. I am knee deep in last minute Christmas projects. I did want to get on here and give a quick update on what is going on lately.

For those who have not heard yet, we do have a praise...Bill received a job offer!! He started work last Monday. We are so thankful to God for His provision. He always comes through. In these days when we hear of so many loosing jobs and new jobs hard to come by, I consider this to be nothing less then a miracle. It is definitely the hand of God.

Although we still have some personal things that are difficult that we are facing right now...God is still good. All the time, no matter what He is good. We give Him praise.

Sleep in Heaveny peace

No matter what is going on and how stressful life gets, seeing this sweet babe puts a smile on my face. Oh what joy fills my heart. A picture of perfect simplicity and serenity. Looking at her sweet slumber reminds me of how God wants me to live my life...totally resting in Him...knowing that the One who holds my future will gently guide me over the rough terrain. All he wants for me is to trust and rest...leaving the details of the journey up to Him.

This afternoon a dear friend of mine shared this quote from the book, "Jesus Calling" by Sara Young.

Leave outcomes up to Me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our paths lead to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.

You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me.

Brings perspective doesn't it?

Tonight I am choosing peace. Choosing to close my eyes and rest in His heavenly peace...

Busy

I need to update with what is going on here. We have been very busy lately...tis the season! :) I am hoping to be back her later today with a post.

Thanks so much friends for all your prayers for us recently. They have meant so much!

Be back soon.

Just being real

I have not felt like myself lately. I haven't been up to writing. I just don't have the energy these days. We have had a lot going on....life has been hard lately. I try to focus more on the positive side. I don't want my blog to be a place that's filled with my complaints. But I also don't want to be fake either, because let's face it we all have hardships. I think sometimes it's good to share the bad stuff so we know we are not alone. So I am attempting to strike a balance.

I have mentioned that Bill recently lost his job. Doesn't it seem like when one big bad thing happens it just snowballs? Maybe it's just me... Over the past couple of weeks we have had, so many "small" frustrating things. Bill's car bit the dust. We had to scrap it. My laptop broke. Bill fixed it but it is now back to freezing up on me. Bill threw His back out. Our main computer died. We need to buy a van because our family car is really on it's last leg. But of course we can't do that because Bill doesn't have a job. Then there is some other junk we are dealing with that I'm not even going to mention. Sometimes it's just that one small thing that happens that puts you over the edge, today it was a serious of "small" things.

It was such a terrible day! I know that it could have been worse- much worse, but I am really glad that it is almost time to go to bed because I am physically and emotionally exhausted. It started like our normal Sunday morning, rushed to get everyone out the door. We were running late so I made the mistake of not checking to make sure everyone had everything they needed. That was a BIG mistake as I would soon find out.

We were about 1 mile away from church when we heard a loud CLUNK and then a scraping sound. We knew exactly what it was because this happened a few months ago..it was the sound of the tail pipe falling off. I think the words out of my mouth were, "Oh great". We were so late, and James was in the back screaming because he was cold (I forgot his mittens). I just wanted to get to church. We pulled over and Bill hopped out to try and reattach it like the last time this happened. I figured we would be another 10 minutes...I SO wish that had been the case. It was a whopping 3 degrees out and after about 10 minutes (and no heat) all the kids were crying that they were cold. After Bill and I worked together (on the cold ground) and could NOT get the car back together, we decided that we needed to call for help. I reached in my coat for my cell. The only problem was, it wasn't there...and Bill had forgotten his phone. The only option at that point was for Bill to walk the rest of the way to church and get help. I grabbed the propane heater we have in the trunk and began to go from on side of the car to the other holding the heater by the kids to keep them warm. I a very thankful for that heater, although I did manage to burn a hole into my nice primaloft gloves...doh!

What should have only taken only a few minutes outside turned into us being on the side of the road for an hour. (About 20 cars drove by during this time, and no one offered to help me and the kids.) If only I had remembered my phone and if only I had made sure that everyone had hats and gloves on, and maybe if Anna had a winter coat, she at least wouldn't have been so cold. Thankfully my sister in law was able to come and take 3 of the kids back to Bill's parent's house so they could get warm. I stayed in the car with Claire (who was the most bundled and warm) and waited another 15 minutes for my ride to Bill's parents. I sat there and cried. And prayed. And asked God to please help because I just don't feel like I can take any more. I know it could be worse, but right then I felt at a breaking point. There were no great revelations in that moment. No warm fuzzy feelings. Just silence. But I know God heard and that He loves me.

I don't think I have ever been so thankful for a cup of hot apple cider, a warm house and a huge hug (from my mother in law) as I was this morning. :)

After all arriving safely at Bill's parents, Bill and his dad left to go to the hardware store and to go try and rig the car so we could just get it home. I had panned to go shopping this afternoon for a winter coat for Anna. But seeing we no longer have a working vehicle I wasn't sure how that would work out. Tara (my sister in law) offered to let me borrow her car. I took Anna and left all the other kids in the care of my sweet mother and sister in law. I decided to first stop at home and grab my cell phone because, well...I don't want to make that mistake again. :) When I stepped into our house I noticed that there was a light on in the other room. "That's strange" I thought. I called out, "hello, is someone here?" There was no response but I heard walking around in the basement. I knew at that moment that someone had entered the house. I have never felt more terrified then I did in that moment. I turned and ran out the door, jumped in the car and threw it in reverse, planning to drive the 2 miles back to Bill's parents to call the police. As I reached the end of the driveway I see someone come around the corner out of the house. My heart pounding, and shaking, I realized that it was Bill. He ran over to the car and I burst into a fit of tears and laughter all at once. Bill's dad had dropped him off so he could change his clothes (meanwhile my father in law ran to get hot coffee for them before they headed to the store). Thankfully Bill came running out to catch me...I was about to call the cops on him. Oy! My head was just pounding at that moment.

There were a few other mishaps throughout the day (things like almost being hit by another car in Kohls parking lot, Claire choking on a cracker and me having to give her the Heimlich to dislodge it...just stuff like that.) that just added up to be one of the worst days we have had in a long time. I am not trying to complain, it was just so crummy. I am so ready to end this day and crawl into bed...so I am off to do that now. :)

Please if you took the time to read this, keep us in your prayers. I really feel at my breaking point. I don't know how much more I can take. There are things I have not mentioned here that are going on that are not good. I know that everything will work out, but tonight I am discouraged. There are a few bright spots in all of this, we have each other, the hard times have definitely pulled Bill and I closer to one another. We have supportive friends and family. God continues to provide for us in amazing ways. I know He will see us through all of this, but right now I am having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thankfully tomorrow is a new day! :)

Thank you friends for loving us and taking the time to read this and pray. It means more to me then I could ever say.

The beauty of imperfection

We put our tree up this past weekend, and tonight we read the book, "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect". I wanted to post this in case you missed my recommendation of the book last year. It touches me every time we read it. Since last year this book has become a tradition. Sadly, the tree in my picture saw it's last Christmas last year. We had to retire it and get a new one. Although our new one looks remarkable like the old. :) We are looking forward to many years of memories placed on this tree's new but most certainly imperfect branches!

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Re-post from December 13, 2007.............

This may sound silly but I almost considered not posting a picture of our tree. I suddenly felt self conscience about our humble little tree. I have looked at many people's homes and decorations and thought, mine cannot compare. It's so small. It kind of leans to one side. There are bare spots in some places. I have no fancy decorations. There is really nothing that appears to be special about our tree.

However, when I look at it, I am flooded with memories...memories that span years. The sentiment that is tucked beneath it's branches brings forth a lot of emotions. The fact that it is imperfect is another thing that makes it special to me. It really just portrays real life...a tree worn from years of use...worn from loving hands placing old and new ornaments upon it's branches.

My friend Janel introduced me to book called, "Why Christmas Trees Aren't perfect" by Richard Schneider, a few days ago. It's the story of an evergreen forest, and how many years ago all the trees used to be perfect. The story focus on one little evergreen. The little tree had listened to all the older trees on how to stay perfect...keeping it's branches beautiful and untouched so that when the Queen came to get her tree for Christmas she might consider using him. But, staying perfect meant closing his heart or branches to helping someone in need. The little tree decides to open his heart and shelter a small bird from the cold, help a poor hungry fawn, and a few others. All the other trees look away in disgust as the little tree becomes less and less perfect. By the time the the Queen comes to cut her "perfect" tree, the little tree is quite worn. At first the Queen looks at the little tree with disdain...but suddenly she sees something no one else seems to see, and she tells the perplexed woodsman that this is the one.

For in looking at its drooping, nibbled branches, they saw the protecting arm of their father or the comforting lap of a mother. and some, like the wise Queen, say the love of Christ expressed on earth.

So if you walk among evergreens today, you will find, along with rabbits, birds, and other happy living things, many trees like Small Pine. You will see a drooping limb, which gives cover, a gap offering a warm resting place, or branches ragged form feeding hungry animals.

For, as have many of us, the trees have learned that living for the sake of others makes us most beautiful in the eyes of God.

Isn't that beautiful?!

If you want to read the book in it's entirety you can go here, Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect This is a book that I would like to purchase. I think we will use this as another tradition...reading every year when we set the tree up (thanks Janel for the idea). Our desire is to teach our children lessons about what Christmas is all about.

Who knew a tree could be used to teach humility and servant hood. I truly love this time of year and all the symbols we can use to teach our children about Christ's love.

Oh, the beauty of imperfection...

A new hobby?

Oh goodness, aren't these the cutest things EVER?! Mary Jane booties!! Too cute if you ask me. I am so itching to learn how to make them. I have taught myself how to do the basics of knitting, but I need to learn how to read patterns. I'm sure this is NOT a good pattern to start with, But when do I ever do anything the easy way?! :D

The cold dark evenings are really bringing out the crafty bookworm side of me. I have been enjoying hot drinks snuggled under a fleece blanket with a book or some knitting. That is the one thing I am thankful about for the long winters here...life tends to slow down and we enjoy lots of comfy time at home. :)

What sort of things do you enjoy doing this time of year? Do have any "winter" hobbies?

Oh by the way, if you want to make these booties you can find the pattern here. I found the free pattern on shes crafty.

Numbering the days

Anna started reading a girls devotional that she picked up from the church library recently. After each chapter there is an assignment. One evening she asked me to help her read a few words that she couldn't figure out. I quickly helped her and was about to turn back to what I was doing when she got to the assignment part. I stopped and listened as she verbally listed the things that are a priority to her. It gave her a list of choices. I was a surprised and pleased when she listed her most important thing as spending time with her family. She said, "I just love spending time with my parents." My heart melted. I thought she would have listed spending time with friends as higher then spending it with her parents. So many things went through my mind in that instant, and I felt the Lord whisper to me, "Seize the day. Take hold of each moment that you have with her...enjoy them...treasure them." They are numbered...

It was no coincidence that I had just read a chapter in "Feminine Appeal" on loving your children. In one section Carolyn Mahaney talks about about Psalm 90,

In Psalm 90 Moses depicted the reality of the brevity of life. He compared our lives to a watch in the night, a dream, grass that flourishes-all brief and fleeting images. Then he prayed this way: "So teach us to number our days." Have you numbered your days lately? If we pause to count the remaining days we have with our children, we will realize how few they are.

It is so true. They do grow up so fast. I stand amazed that I have a 7 year old. How did that happen? And yet knowing this I can still sometimes loose perspective. A few months ago Anna said to me, "Just a minute...that's all I hear" Conviction hit like a rock. The reality is sometimes that "just a minute" never comes. How many times do I say things like, "I can't right now", "Let me just finish this up.", Hold on", "Just a minute." Sometimes those times are justified. Like I truly DO have to finish what I am doing (example: something overflowing or burning on the stove top. :-) ). But there are times when I am simply not making my little ones a priority. Sometimes because of my own selfish desires to do what I want, or all the overwhelming demands of motherhood, I tune them out or say no their requests.

I have been wanting to start making little dates with Anna. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant. Things like taking her out for hot coco, or staying up a little later so that we can chat uninterrupted, or maybe starting a mother/daughter devotional together. I think now would be a good time to start doing this..I only wish had started sooner. I know there is going to come a day when spending time with us is maybe not ranked first on her list. I only get one shot at motherhood and I don't want to miss out on any tender moments.

Teach me to number the days Lord. Help me to stop and enjoy the time I have with my children while they are still little.

Sisterly love

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

Fun with food photo contest

5 minutes for mom is hosting another photo contest. The theme this time is "Fun with food". The winner receives a $500 gift card to a local grocery store. Wouldn't that be so great to win?!

I know this isn't a professional quality picture but it is one my favorites of James eating cake. It makes me laugh every time I see it. He went face first into the cake. He definitely has fun with his food! :)

When things don't make sense

I never imagined over a month ago when I started to pray specifically for ways to be an encouragement to Bill that life would change so much in such a short time. I sit here tonight in shock and with a broken heart at the recent turn of events.

Let me explain...

Those of you who know us in real life (or if you have read my blog for awhile) know that we have had our ups and downs with Bill's job situation. After completing 4 years of college last year it has been such a battle for him to secure a job. He has had one temp job after another. And there have been periods of time where he had no job at all. God has always been faithful throughout it all. Well, about 3 months ago Bill was finally offered a permanent position with a company that he had interviewed with. After much prayer he resigned his current temp job and took on his new role. It was a job that he really wanted, doing what he went to school for. It was his first salary paid job and with benefits and everything. :) He loved it and I was so excited to see him happy and doing something he loves. From an earthly material perspective life was good. Bill had a good job, I was getting to do what I love by staying home and teaching our kids, we were looking into buying our first home, and because of the new job I was going to be able to pursue something that I love...photography.

How quickly things can change...how quickly things can spiral...

Fast forward to today...

Because this is the world wide web and I don't know who all reads my blog, I am going to leave out the details. Today Bill came home jobless. For reasons beyond my comprehension he was forced to resign. An honest man who has done nothing but work hard to provide for His family. His desire has only been to serve and glorify God. The past few weeks have been very difficult for us. We have sensed that this was going to happen. His workplace was not what we had originally thought it to be. Suddenly it had turned hostile. I am just heartbroken to see my husband go through this...to watch the way he was being treated makes me sick.

Life often doesn't make sense, and yet we choose to praise Him. God is still good. We know that He will provide. I pray that He will give me the strength and the words I need to encourage my husband as we walk this road together. I can already see that He is drawing us closer to Him and to one another, and for that I am grateful.

If you think of it, please be in prayer for us. Life is very uncertain right now. We need wisdom as we seek the direction He wants us to go.

Look what we found in the backyard

A Claire bear! :)

The cutest baby bear I've ever seen! :)

Voted!

Getting them involved

The laundry is something I am constantly struggling to stay on top of. I do laundry almost every day, and yet I can't seem to ever get it under control. Last night I decided it was time to get everyone involved (minus Bill who was in the other room entertaining Claire). I gave each of the kids a task. Anna was assigned the "big" towels. Ryan got the "small" ones. James had to find all the socks and put them in a pile. I put an episode of the radio drama Adventures in Odyssey on (which we listen to online on the computer). The kids worked diligently at their tasks while they learned a lesson on loving others. Everyone was happy to help out. No one complained. Wow! Imagine that! For 20 minutes I had 3 happy helpers.

Sometimes I forget the importance of getting my kids involved. So often I take the route of, "it is much easier to do it myself". This is an area that I know I struggle in. I pray all the time for ways to teach the kids. I know I need to teach them responsibility, and doing it all for them doesn't teach that. I'm so thankful the Holy Spirit whispers to my soul and reminds me of MY responsibility to teach my little ones life skills and lessons. And it is okay if the towels are not folded perfectly. :) They weren't and I didn't go back an refold them. I left them as they were, evidence that I had had little helpers. I was just thankful for the time we had together and the joy that filled our house as we worked together.

Thank you Father for reminding me of my role and to use every moment to instruct my children. Thank you for showing me the importance of making them responsible at a young age. Give me wisdom Lord and help me to make good decisions in regards to what you want me to teach them. I pray that I can demonstrate serving with a cheerful heart. Thank you for moments such as these.