Our Elf (Part 2)

December 8: Roping Scoreboard (Billy Bob didn't stand a chance against the grumpy Fraidy Cat.)

 December 9: Billy Bob papered Andrew's door in celebration of his 9th b-day.

December 10: We Love Phillips, Craig, and Dean!

While listening to Pastor Shawn (Craig) preach on Sunday, this image popped into my head.  Olivia has to listen to PCD every night.  The elf is a fan now too.  I am crazy.  I know.  Anyhoo...this just might be my favorite!

December 11: Homework Snowflakes.
Yes.  I did cut their homework into snowflakes, and it was a hoot. I cleared it with their teachers and made a copy of the completed assignments.  O came running into our room.  She stated, "The elf ate my homework!  You did make a copy right?"  A screamed, "Why did you do that?  Now what am I suppose to do?"  I took it off the window and said with a smile, "Put it in your homework folder?"  He then decided that he was going to tape it back together.  Let's just say...he didn't get too far. When he spotted a copy in his folder, he groaned and shook his head.

 December 12: Time Out

 December 13: TPed(?) the Tree

 December 14: Snowball Fight

 Betcha can guess who was responsible for this?

Christmas at the Veteran's Hospital

Yesterday, Andrew and Olivia had the unique opportunity to sing Christmas carols with their school at the local Veteran's Hospital.  We were informed that we were not allowed to photograph the event.  With that said, I am certain that photos could not have even come close to capturing the depth of the memories that were created.

The children of this school are not strangers to the idea of veterans.  In fact, most of them pass by Jefferson Barrack's Cemetery at least twice each school day.  The graves of these brave service men and women are visible from their playground.  It is very common to see military vehicles drive by their school, and soldiers participating in physical training can often be spotted through the windows.

However, seeing men who have served this very nation that we call home in wheel chairs and being rushed in on stretchers pulled by paramedics was telling.  I watched their eyes as the "veterans" became more than unseen heroes.  They became real men and women who sacrificed.

I also watched as my two kiddos experienced first hand (and maybe for the first time) what it feels like to minister.  I am confident that their lives will never be the same.

They sang their little hearts out proclaiming the Good News of Jesus as men battled to breath and live.

I am so very thankful for this opportunity!

Just a Few Random Christmas Photos

Andrew is 9!

We celebrated our little man's 9th birthday yesterday.  I can not remember (or imagine) life before him.

Instead of an extravagant party, we let him choose a friend, an activity, a restaurant, and a sweet spot.

He chose Logan, bowling, Red Robin, and Orange Leaf.

He actually told me that it was his best birthday ever.

He was also allowed to wear whatever he wanted to church.  Trust me...this is a pretty big deal.

He bowled his top score!

When he got a strike or spare, he would do a little dance.

I think that it was my favorite of his birthdays too!

Our Elf (Part 1)

I have to start this post by saying that Andrew and Olivia have been in "the know" for 4 years.  However, we still pretend and play along.  Last year, we purchased an Elf on the Shelf.  My kiddos really enjoyed searching for the mischievous elf every morning.  They were really excited when he showed up again on Sunday morning.  I must say that I am having a lot of fun with him this year too.  One day this week A asked, "Mom, do you find these ideas on the Internet or do you make them up?"  

December 1: I totally forgot.  Oops.  

December 2: Little Elf devoured all of the chocolate chip cookies that grandma sent home with A and O.

December 3: Little Elf Zip Line

 December 4: Santa's Underwear Delivery

 December 5: Ride the Tea Cups (We used a part from our microwave and a pizza tray to make it actually spin.)

 December 6: ME & MA's PR Express

 December 7: Cat Roping School

December 8....(hint: watch out Fraidy)

On Monday, I had the rare opportunity to grab a bite to eat while shopping alone.  Before eating, I bowed my head and said a simple prayer of thanks.  I really felt God leading me to just linger quietly for a few extra seconds in His presence.  Yes.  I thought that this was a little odd.  Several minutes later, I glanced up to discover three women sitting a few booths over staring at me with tears in their eyes.  One of the women stated, "That was beautiful!  I never see people do that anymore."  Of course, I was caught off guard and at a loss for words.  I am embarrassed to say that I just smiled and said, "thank you."  Why couldn't I have said something profound like..."The most beautiful thing is that a sinless man, God's very own Son, died on a cross so that I can be forgiven!"

Just a few thoughts:

-People are always watching.  They are watching while we manipulate rush hour traffic.  They are watching how we treat our spouses and children.  They are watching as we eat lunch alone.

-I am disappointed in the fact that this precious woman hasn't seen anyone pray over his/her meal in a long time.

-I am frustrated that I froze and didn't vocalize my faith.

-I am thankful that God uses me despite myself.

-I am praying for more opportunities to share His light, and I am already asking for the perfect words to speak.

Sweet Scotty found enough Christmas spirit in his heart this year to actually hang a few lights outside.  I think that it had a lot to do with the 70 degree days that we experienced this weekend.

Imagine my surprise when I walked outside to discover A on the roof with him.  My heart skipped a beat or two.  Then I remembered that this is super-de-duper cautious Andrew that we are talking about.  Scott told me later that he asked, "Did mom say this is okay?"

 I even agreed to let the tacky candy cane lights be added to this year's outside decor.  (I am letting go people!)

 She worked super hard to untangle them only to discover that they didn't work.

Bummer.  We had to throw them in the garbage.

I painted this Baby Jesus (and Mary and Joseph) 13 years ago.  I was only a kid.  Every year I consider painting them solid white, but I just can't seem to do it.  They remind me of that young, newly married woman who was struggling.  

Here is my contribution to the Christmas decorating...

It is starting to look and feel (minus the weather) a lot like Christmas.

A Month of Thankfulness Day 30

Today, I am extremely thankful for our car pool with the H family.  At first, I thought that it would be a great way to save time and money.  Now, I realize that it is so much more.  I have watched our kiddos bond, and I love the fact that Shannon is now a strong person of influence in their lives.  I love having a car full of giggling children every afternoon.

Shannon and I joke that we are one day going to be related.

Karly, you don't have to marry Andrew.

Andrew, if Karly wants to marry you, you have to marry her.

Shannon, you are my ever present friend, and I love it.  I love how you treat my children like they are your own.  I thank God for you daily!

A Month of Thankfulness Day 29

I am thankful for what my family refers to as my 3rd baby.  Six years ago, I desperately longed for her.  Since August 2006, she has been worn around my neck pretty much 24/7.  She has experienced and captured my babies' milestones, countless family adventures, and too many smiles to count.

To many she is just a standard Nikon D50, but to me she is family!

I am ready for an upgrade, but I can't seem to just let her rest in a bag.  The thought of selling her breaks my heart.

I admit it.  I am emotionally attached to my camera!  Should I seek therapy?

Just a few of her finer moments this year...

Scott and I dressed for dinner while on the cruise ship.

 Scott had just pulled O's first baby tooth.

 Scott took O on a date made for a princess.  He bought her first real Bible.

 Scott and the kiddos did a balloon twisting skit for their school's annual Talent Show.

 Michael and Brooke bought a Nikon D50 too.  Scott always says that Nikon should pay me.

 O just cracked her "Jesus' tomb egg".  Andrew was trying to comfort her while I snapped the photo.

 Skipper learned that he could swim.  We did a lot of giggling.  We didn't really think about the fact that we had to put him in our car and drive 2 hours to get home.

 There is not much to say about this photo.  I promise you that he is a really smart boy.  I PROMISE!

 I am not the only one obsessed with taking photos.

I am so thankful for my camera, and the memories that she captured.