Our Anniversary
Monday, December 31, 2012
December 365
Highlights of December:
Advent activities with the Jesse Tree, Daily Christmas books and Nativity
Pictures of Matthew this month include either a cape and the request to be called Larry Boy,
his favorite super hero
OR
He has the drum with the request of being called Aaron from the Drummer Boy
He can recite the story of the Nativity and learned several Christmas songs this year.
Daniel is starting to say more audible words and really is enjoying being read to. He brings us books several times a day now :-) He also got his incisors in very painfully over Christmas.
We had a White Christmas!
My amazing niece Abby was born !
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Abigail Lenee
My newest niece was born on the 27th, welcome Abigail!!!
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| My little brother is a daddy. It's SOOOOO sweet! |
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| I don't care that I live an hour and a half away. I shall still spoil :-) |
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| Sweet new family of three :-) |
Faith in our Lives
This post is for my boys to read someday.
Matthew and Daniel,
The way we act, react, think and behave are a result of many influences in our lives. It's a complicated mix of our childhood, our unique God given personality and talents and how we react to and make choices as a result of our life experiences. Why we chose to include God so much in our lives and as a result yours is what I want to share today. Ultimately it's due to our growing love for God and our reciprocating effort for our lives, hearts and actions, thoughts and behaviors to show respect and to be true and in line with that love. Once we allowed God in our hearts, it's the most wonderful life changer in the world. But, why do we love Him?
Our childhoods and faith:
Mommy grew up in a home where God was on the outskirts. It was confusing and distant. We were what you call CEO Catholics- Christmas and Easter only was when we attended services. My best friend my junior year in high school invited me to her church. That was my first steps towards a personal relationship with Christ.
Your daddy grew up in a loving Christian home, always knowing God. Your Nana and Papa recognized his spiritual gift pf prayer and encouraged a deep prayer life in him .
Talents and personalities:
Daddy and I both with imperfect efforts desire to be people of integrity, truth and faith. We hope that the love we feel is lived out. We believe the bible and it says faith with out works is dead.
Ever since then, with God's presence and grace, He leads both of us towards an even more intimate and mature journey with Him. He daily grows us in our understanding of Him, His character and His purpose for our lives. He shows us how not only how to love, but trust in His promises and word in every area of our lives. That's an ongoing life long refining process. Our own will can lead us astray, as well as our hurt, our selfishness and immaturity. Our very minds and intellect can be our greatest assets or liabilities. We can rationalize a lot of marginalizing God. We'll look weird, we won't fit in, we can't be as effective reaching others if we go too far.
For me (mom) the desire to raise you both knowing the Lord in a real way on a daily basis is strong. Faith lived out every day is alive and powerful. I pray to show you how to see people with the heart of God. I pray that you understand the heart of stewardship, that everything belongs to God and can be used for His purposes and plans, to bless, comfort and show Christ to everyone. In every celebration, in every family event, in every correction, training, teachable moment I hope you feel and understand the love of Christ. God desires us to be hot or cold. He wants our faithfulness, devotion and focus but most of all our hearts. He wants our willing spirit listening for His daily direction to act on His behalf. Not just to please ourselves or to gain control , power or security within this world. He doesn't just desire our mind's understanding and a seat on Sunday mornings with church friends and activities, but our hearts. The heart is where it all is. We are called to be His children first. That is what ultimately defines us, not our nationality or our gender or our occupation, possessions or address. Every good parent wants the best for their children. The love, security, sense of belonging while being truly aware and having a connection with our Maker is where we derive our greatest sense of peace and purpose in life. That faith we pray is being used to comfort, help and serve the people around each of you where ever God leads you. What ever your talents or paid vocation, which ever group of people- believers or non- we pray you know our love and acceptance of you is not conditional on you agreeing with us. My God given job as your mother is to show you what God shows me to be the best decisions for you. From nutrition, exercise, morals, friendships, family and yes faith.
In America and especially the bible belt where we live, it's generally accepted that faith will be in many people's lives. These days the buzz word is spirituality. It somehow means that the fruits and the gifts of the Spirit can be obtained with in ourselves or our environment, tasks and abilities. The desire to put oneself above God is huge in our culture. You may be tempted to have just enough God to have a community. You may be tempted to walk your faith based on the standard of others around you. Some very effective lies we are tempted to believe are, " If I do it every day, it will be less meaningful, reverent or deep", "I won't fit in", "I won't have fun", "I put my time in at church", "My faith is just between me and God", "Someone will think I'm pushing my faith on them".
Read "Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis, it's timeless and the perspective on spiritual warfare will renew your mind. We are made by God and for God. There is not spiritual and then secular. God is already in everything and it's up to us to recognize and point others to Him. It's not even about the culture and how many books, music, shirts or decorations around my house I use to remind me of God. Am I living out with courage and compassion the path God is laying out for me? Am I growing in love and obedience relying on God's grace? Do I trust God with more of me, including thoughts, relationships, finances, vocation, direction, free time, priorities? Am I growing closer or further away from Him? You do not stay stagnant. If you're 'the same', it's further away. Am I worshiping God the creator and not His creations? These are questions to ask yourselves as you travel the journey of life with Christ. Turn to Him for wisdom and He will always answer. You can always trust and have hope in an unknown future to our loving God.
Matthew and Daniel,
The way we act, react, think and behave are a result of many influences in our lives. It's a complicated mix of our childhood, our unique God given personality and talents and how we react to and make choices as a result of our life experiences. Why we chose to include God so much in our lives and as a result yours is what I want to share today. Ultimately it's due to our growing love for God and our reciprocating effort for our lives, hearts and actions, thoughts and behaviors to show respect and to be true and in line with that love. Once we allowed God in our hearts, it's the most wonderful life changer in the world. But, why do we love Him?
Our childhoods and faith:
Mommy grew up in a home where God was on the outskirts. It was confusing and distant. We were what you call CEO Catholics- Christmas and Easter only was when we attended services. My best friend my junior year in high school invited me to her church. That was my first steps towards a personal relationship with Christ.
Your daddy grew up in a loving Christian home, always knowing God. Your Nana and Papa recognized his spiritual gift pf prayer and encouraged a deep prayer life in him .
Talents and personalities:
Daddy and I both with imperfect efforts desire to be people of integrity, truth and faith. We hope that the love we feel is lived out. We believe the bible and it says faith with out works is dead.
Ever since then, with God's presence and grace, He leads both of us towards an even more intimate and mature journey with Him. He daily grows us in our understanding of Him, His character and His purpose for our lives. He shows us how not only how to love, but trust in His promises and word in every area of our lives. That's an ongoing life long refining process. Our own will can lead us astray, as well as our hurt, our selfishness and immaturity. Our very minds and intellect can be our greatest assets or liabilities. We can rationalize a lot of marginalizing God. We'll look weird, we won't fit in, we can't be as effective reaching others if we go too far.
For me (mom) the desire to raise you both knowing the Lord in a real way on a daily basis is strong. Faith lived out every day is alive and powerful. I pray to show you how to see people with the heart of God. I pray that you understand the heart of stewardship, that everything belongs to God and can be used for His purposes and plans, to bless, comfort and show Christ to everyone. In every celebration, in every family event, in every correction, training, teachable moment I hope you feel and understand the love of Christ. God desires us to be hot or cold. He wants our faithfulness, devotion and focus but most of all our hearts. He wants our willing spirit listening for His daily direction to act on His behalf. Not just to please ourselves or to gain control , power or security within this world. He doesn't just desire our mind's understanding and a seat on Sunday mornings with church friends and activities, but our hearts. The heart is where it all is. We are called to be His children first. That is what ultimately defines us, not our nationality or our gender or our occupation, possessions or address. Every good parent wants the best for their children. The love, security, sense of belonging while being truly aware and having a connection with our Maker is where we derive our greatest sense of peace and purpose in life. That faith we pray is being used to comfort, help and serve the people around each of you where ever God leads you. What ever your talents or paid vocation, which ever group of people- believers or non- we pray you know our love and acceptance of you is not conditional on you agreeing with us. My God given job as your mother is to show you what God shows me to be the best decisions for you. From nutrition, exercise, morals, friendships, family and yes faith.
In America and especially the bible belt where we live, it's generally accepted that faith will be in many people's lives. These days the buzz word is spirituality. It somehow means that the fruits and the gifts of the Spirit can be obtained with in ourselves or our environment, tasks and abilities. The desire to put oneself above God is huge in our culture. You may be tempted to have just enough God to have a community. You may be tempted to walk your faith based on the standard of others around you. Some very effective lies we are tempted to believe are, " If I do it every day, it will be less meaningful, reverent or deep", "I won't fit in", "I won't have fun", "I put my time in at church", "My faith is just between me and God", "Someone will think I'm pushing my faith on them".
Read "Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis, it's timeless and the perspective on spiritual warfare will renew your mind. We are made by God and for God. There is not spiritual and then secular. God is already in everything and it's up to us to recognize and point others to Him. It's not even about the culture and how many books, music, shirts or decorations around my house I use to remind me of God. Am I living out with courage and compassion the path God is laying out for me? Am I growing in love and obedience relying on God's grace? Do I trust God with more of me, including thoughts, relationships, finances, vocation, direction, free time, priorities? Am I growing closer or further away from Him? You do not stay stagnant. If you're 'the same', it's further away. Am I worshiping God the creator and not His creations? These are questions to ask yourselves as you travel the journey of life with Christ. Turn to Him for wisdom and He will always answer. You can always trust and have hope in an unknown future to our loving God.
The lose-lose Game
What inspires one person is never meant to be a burden for someone else. Anything of this world can be used to bring joy, comfort and honor to God, family, friends and yourself. Those exact same activities, thoughts, devices only accomplished by others can make us feel inferior, jealous, resentful, bitter, hurt, isolated and selfish. It's not the stuff, it's the heart.
Two years ago it was the number of friends a person had on Facebook. Last year, I heard lots of talk concerning events one wasn't invited to. This year, the blame game has fallen on Pinterest. Some are using it as a standard to live up to. Much like Rachel and Jennifer shared here.
My initial reply:
"a woman sharing her authentic heart, life, humor and passion for serving Christ....eshet chayil, Jen"
My reply after pondering:
That concept applies for each of our individual gifts. We aren't cookie cutter gingerbread men assembly- line made to all be the same.
I pray the things I share that God has placed on my heart does not give satan a foothold in others to be a burden. 'Cause I have to admit, I am as giddy as my kids about doing daily Advent activities for all of the major holidays including, and especially, Christmas. They are simply a source of joy for us."
Excerpt from Sara Besche:
"Earlier tonight I reflected on the disappointment I sometimes feel that I may never be the mom that makes cake pops for every holiday or hand crafts his Halloween costumes. . .. I can build a mean fort out of twine, sheets and 3m hooks and make an impressive Smurf city out of Legos but when he was a baby I did not feed him homemade organic baby food and sometimes wonder if he will be as healthy as the kids who's mothers did.
I have a friend who feels like a "bad mom" because she didn't send out Christmas Cards this year and another who is opening a new profit center for her business venture and feels "guilty"that she had to buy cookies at the store instead of hand making them for her son's school Christmas party.
Here is my point:
I'm Afraid that the pinterest era is turning us into wanna be Stepford freaks....I have friends who are pregnant with their first child and they are more overwhelmed with decisions like what kind of diapers the "best moms" buy than the things that will actually matter.
As mothers, the measures I believe we should judge ourselves on are actually simple: its not the size or "pinterest-worthiness" of their first birthday cake. It's the amount of unconditional love and affection we give to our children, the values and confidence we instill in them, the quality of the time we spend with them, the examples we set for them in our actions as their role models.....this to me includes how we treat others, the way we treat ourselves, the appreciation we show for family AND our demonstrated work ethic (whether its cleaning the kitchen, volunteering, or working on your next business plan) and lastly AND MOST IMPORTANTLY the effort we put into developing their faith in GOD. If this post makes even one fb mom think twice about beating herself up because she bought the cheaper brand of diapers tonight at Walmart; then it was completely worth posting what has officially been the longest fb status I have ever written."
One person's joy in sharing inspiration is never meant to be someone else's burden. I hope this sounds right, it's not shallow to enjoy delighting our home, family and friends with creativity inspired by others. It's a reflection of the heart no matter where the idea came from.
I follow the boards that are inspiring to me what God has already given me a talent and interest in. If it becomes a source for Satan to attack ( and sure it has, he can and does try to use everything to make us ineffective to those around us) I unfollow. Just like I unsubscribe to the pages here on FB that aren't edifying.
The alternative is to not share, don't talk about what you've done. Don't say anything to anyone because you don't want to be accused of bragging, arrogance, people thinking that you think you're right. *Sigh while shaking my head* Satan would love that. Don't encourage each other, don't share what worked for you. Don't help others with successes. We'll do the twisted sense of humility where we only put ourselves down, complain and shoo away any compliment. Yes, we all do things in secret and should. But not everything. We are here to encourage and help each other ladies. It's not about you if someone else does well. I know the struggle to think it means something about you. I did it for years in the struggle of infertility. What did I get for my efforts? A bitter spirit, isolation and a harden heart for a season. Wow, reaped great rewards there, didn't I? Until one sweet woman who had experienced far more struggle and disappointment in that area for much longer shared with me one story with one thought. Maybe you just think about them when they have good news?? It was paradigm shifting. It's not about me, get over myself. No one , outside of satan is waiting to tell me I'm a bad mom, wife, friend, daughter, homemaker, decorator, crafter, teacher, etc. Don't believe the insults, the criticism, the lies. As another dear friend said to me pertaining to my thought life, if it paralyses you, is negative and prevents you from serving others, it's NOT from God and has no credibility, value or place in your mind.
Two years ago it was the number of friends a person had on Facebook. Last year, I heard lots of talk concerning events one wasn't invited to. This year, the blame game has fallen on Pinterest. Some are using it as a standard to live up to. Much like Rachel and Jennifer shared here.
My initial reply:
"a woman sharing her authentic heart, life, humor and passion for serving Christ....eshet chayil, Jen"
My reply after pondering:
"I'll say one more thing because once again, your post has me thinking. The gift the Lord has blessed you with of articulating your faith and having it resonate with so many others was not designed to become someone else's burden or yardstick to add to the negative voices of condemnation or failure. It's an inspiration and a way to hear God's voice.
That concept applies for each of our individual gifts. We aren't cookie cutter gingerbread men assembly- line made to all be the same.
I pray the things I share that God has placed on my heart does not give satan a foothold in others to be a burden. 'Cause I have to admit, I am as giddy as my kids about doing daily Advent activities for all of the major holidays including, and especially, Christmas. They are simply a source of joy for us."
Excerpt from Sara Besche:
"Earlier tonight I reflected on the disappointment I sometimes feel that I may never be the mom that makes cake pops for every holiday or hand crafts his Halloween costumes. . .. I can build a mean fort out of twine, sheets and 3m hooks and make an impressive Smurf city out of Legos but when he was a baby I did not feed him homemade organic baby food and sometimes wonder if he will be as healthy as the kids who's mothers did.
I have a friend who feels like a "bad mom" because she didn't send out Christmas Cards this year and another who is opening a new profit center for her business venture and feels "guilty"that she had to buy cookies at the store instead of hand making them for her son's school Christmas party.
Here is my point:
I'm Afraid that the pinterest era is turning us into wanna be Stepford freaks....I have friends who are pregnant with their first child and they are more overwhelmed with decisions like what kind of diapers the "best moms" buy than the things that will actually matter.
As mothers, the measures I believe we should judge ourselves on are actually simple: its not the size or "pinterest-worthiness" of their first birthday cake. It's the amount of unconditional love and affection we give to our children, the values and confidence we instill in them, the quality of the time we spend with them, the examples we set for them in our actions as their role models.....this to me includes how we treat others, the way we treat ourselves, the appreciation we show for family AND our demonstrated work ethic (whether its cleaning the kitchen, volunteering, or working on your next business plan) and lastly AND MOST IMPORTANTLY the effort we put into developing their faith in GOD. If this post makes even one fb mom think twice about beating herself up because she bought the cheaper brand of diapers tonight at Walmart; then it was completely worth posting what has officially been the longest fb status I have ever written."
I follow the boards that are inspiring to me what God has already given me a talent and interest in. If it becomes a source for Satan to attack ( and sure it has, he can and does try to use everything to make us ineffective to those around us) I unfollow. Just like I unsubscribe to the pages here on FB that aren't edifying.
The alternative is to not share, don't talk about what you've done. Don't say anything to anyone because you don't want to be accused of bragging, arrogance, people thinking that you think you're right. *Sigh while shaking my head* Satan would love that. Don't encourage each other, don't share what worked for you. Don't help others with successes. We'll do the twisted sense of humility where we only put ourselves down, complain and shoo away any compliment. Yes, we all do things in secret and should. But not everything. We are here to encourage and help each other ladies. It's not about you if someone else does well. I know the struggle to think it means something about you. I did it for years in the struggle of infertility. What did I get for my efforts? A bitter spirit, isolation and a harden heart for a season. Wow, reaped great rewards there, didn't I? Until one sweet woman who had experienced far more struggle and disappointment in that area for much longer shared with me one story with one thought. Maybe you just think about them when they have good news?? It was paradigm shifting. It's not about me, get over myself. No one , outside of satan is waiting to tell me I'm a bad mom, wife, friend, daughter, homemaker, decorator, crafter, teacher, etc. Don't believe the insults, the criticism, the lies. As another dear friend said to me pertaining to my thought life, if it paralyses you, is negative and prevents you from serving others, it's NOT from God and has no credibility, value or place in your mind.
There's this unseen battle between working verses SAHMs or homeschool verses public. I learned the mommy rules even before I had children. I made the massive faux paus - in hind sight- of wording an innocent question based on my own personal preference of wanting to stay at home one day. I asked a mom if she was going back to work or if she got to stay home with her. She immediately just walked away. I had no idea what I had done. I was blind sided and it took me months to realize what had happened. I made the mistake of telling someone I thought their baby was pretty because I had seen their pictures on their blog. Someone else in the circle says so it starts and all of them walked away. The next day her blog went private. So many secret codes, unspoken rules in the mommy world. It's like walking in a mine field. Are we all that easily offended??? Where is the grace? In my heart I meant absolutely nothing by either comment, but it was clear that circle of ladies had found me unacceptable.
I'm going to echo several responses I've seen on this issue
I don't think pinterest is ruining anything... It's just a fad. But there are many stay home crafty moms who are made to feel lousy by working moms and vice versa. Some feel unsuccessful because the didn't finish college or they don't have a big career, and the career driven moms can feel guilty that they're not there enough for their kids or that they don't do enough with them. The grass is always greener on the other side and it's very difficult to find balance. Just do what works best for you and your family. As long as your kids know they're loved. Besides, the women that intentionally try to make you feel guilty are the ones who are insecure and secretly jealous of what you are able to do that they can't.
Eleanor Roosevelt quote might help too--"no one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
Bottom line from my point of view is God made me the mother of my specific children for a reason, and he knows both my strengths and my weaknesses. I'm not one to question the Maker on His decisions. I simply say, thank you. I'm too busy trying to do my best and questioning if I do enough. I'm just trying to stay faithful to the calling and purposes God has given me. I truly don't have the time, nor is it my place to judge what others are or are not doing. I don't need to think poorly of you to feel better about myself, nor am I called to do so. It's not the stuff, the web sites, or other people. It's our hearts, mine and yours. They are sin filled. Nothing fixes that, not staying away from the internet or blaming a website or a group of people. I can cut people out of my life, but the flaw still remains. I can turn off the TV, internet, phone, etc. Technology isn't the problem. My coping mechanisms and temptations will just have a different name. The source is me and my heart. I pray to evaluate why these things triggers feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, fear, anger, etc. and give that over to Christ for His perfect refinement.
Bottom line from my point of view is God made me the mother of my specific children for a reason, and he knows both my strengths and my weaknesses. I'm not one to question the Maker on His decisions. I simply say, thank you. I'm too busy trying to do my best and questioning if I do enough. I'm just trying to stay faithful to the calling and purposes God has given me. I truly don't have the time, nor is it my place to judge what others are or are not doing. I don't need to think poorly of you to feel better about myself, nor am I called to do so. It's not the stuff, the web sites, or other people. It's our hearts, mine and yours. They are sin filled. Nothing fixes that, not staying away from the internet or blaming a website or a group of people. I can cut people out of my life, but the flaw still remains. I can turn off the TV, internet, phone, etc. Technology isn't the problem. My coping mechanisms and temptations will just have a different name. The source is me and my heart. I pray to evaluate why these things triggers feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, fear, anger, etc. and give that over to Christ for His perfect refinement.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Christmas Cards
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is Christmas cards. It's not about the number, it's about the personal relationships. I came across a couple of ideas to make them practical and meaningful after Christmas is over.
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| I really like this Merry Christmas garland I received from my SIL a few years ago to hang them on the mantle. |
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| Taking them down is a bit sad |
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| Here is the cover page I found |
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| A book ring and a hole punch at work... |
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| First, I use their super cute pictures as their caller ID on my phone |
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| Then I hang them by our breakfast table for the rest of the year from a large thumb tack |
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| In what ever order I picked them up, we will spend one week praying for that family specifically in our meal time prayers. Last Spring, Billy convinced me to email that family to see if they had any specific prayer requests. It's amazing watching God work in the lives of our family and friends through His timing of this. It's also a great way to stay in contact with these precious people in our lives. |
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| I keep them every year. We started sending out cards when we had Matthew. |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The gift that made me cry
Courtesy of a great Groupon deal, we had Christmas pictures taken this year. The appointment was already close to nap time, so I came home with the boys after the pictures were taken and Billy stayed for the consultation appointment. We never would have gone to this place otherwise, it was very pricey. Billy is better at not changing his mind especially when photographs are concerned. I would have caved in a heartbeat. Well, it turns out so did he.... He just didn't tell me until Christmas Day. I opened up the flat package and couldn't help myself from crying. These precious faces melt my heart. He knows me so well. :-)
Christmas 2012
Christmas Morning- playing with gifts from my side of the family on Christmas Eve
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| Stocking goodies with breakfast |
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| Morning Christmas books |
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| Matthew doing some of his own reading |
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| Matching jammies pic in front of the Christmas tree |
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| Matthew using a few new gifts |
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| Daniel with BOZ |
The boys new quilts for their beds
Skyping with Billy's sister's family in Idaho
Christmas Dinner:
During dinner, it started snowing!
After the boys woke from their naps, it was play time!
Billy's dad and brother helped install our convection oven
Ending the day with a cupcake, singing to Jesus and a book
Christmas Day 2, hehe
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| Superhero wanting books to read |
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| More playing in the snow! |
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| Hot cocoa to warm up |
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| and snuggled with Nana |
Monday, December 24, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
December Ten on Ten
I missed a couple of months in there with a busier schedule, but I definitely wanted to capture December since it's a glimpse of our Christmas fun.
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| The day started with our first dusting of snow |
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| Our little friend A came for the day. We watch her three days a week. Her mommy is one of my dearest friends. We love her! |
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| Once the boys woke up, we had breakfast and read our Christmas book for the day |
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| After breakfast, I introduced the bible story for the week, David & Goliath |
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| Matthew with one of his stones as David. We watched the Veggie Tales Dave and the Giant pickle this morning too. |
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| Daniel reading a musical Christmas book. He gravitated towards it on his own :-) |
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| Play time for everyone in between 3 naps, 3 meals and 3 diaper changes |
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| Talking about our Jesse Tree ornament for the day, Ruth. This is so sweet that you and your girls made this together Jessica :-) |
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| Christmas plates that I just thought today to change out |
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| Lunch time was spent reading kindness. We pointed out acts of kindness the rest of the day |
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| Kindness reading |
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| Super hero, Larry Boy to the save the day |
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| Smoothie with our dinner |
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| Our little friend's day |
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| Our week ahead for learning fun. It's week #16 of 36 |
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| Preparing pork chops and scalloped potatoes for dinner while all three napped |
Ten on Ten blog site is here. Other December entries are here
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