Happy New Year!

The last day of 2008! That seems to call for a post of some sort. This time last year, Brian was in Kenya, the kids were sick, and we were with my parents while he was gone. There was a good bit of unrest in Kenya at the time so I was pretty nervous. We were so glad to have him home even though it really was a wonderful trip for him. Lots has happened since then. Brian graduated from RTS in May, we moved back to Virginia in June, and he was ordained in November. Other things that stand out for me:
Jack finished kindergarten, began first grade, and reads so much I have a hard time keeping books in his hands. Kayla took ballet lessons and performed in her first recital. She has since decided she's done with ballet. Samuel has gone from baby to an almost two year old, learned to love Elmo, and branched out very little from his favorite food, cereal. There have been swimming lessons, soccer games, making new friends, leaving old friends, a great new church, snow, a trip to Busch Gardens, pizza and movie nights, many trips to the duck pond, biking with no training wheels, "real" haircuts, this blog, hummingbirds, being sick at Christmas-again, being much closer to family, celebrating birthdays 34-1-6-35-5, losing teeth, and lots more I will think of later.
We really are thankful for where the Lord has brought us and look forward to what this new year will hold.
Happy New Year!!!

Foggy Idea

I checked out Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. Excited for another of her books after reading Gilead. I pulled it out as we headed down the road to my grandparents for Christmas. Just a few pages, maybe even paragraphs, into this book I began to get this strange feeling that I have read it before. It became pretty much maddening. I mean, it was driving me crazy. I have foggy ideas of what's happening next. The characters are familiar to me. And yet I cannot recall having read this book. But I must have. Sometime. In Charlotte? Bridgewater? How did I come across it??????? Oh!! It is still making me crazy.
Well, all that to say, pick up a copy. It's well worth it!

A Visit with Santa

So, there they are. With Santa. We visited the Yankee Candle store in Williamsburg last week. Almost as soon as we walked in, Kayla shouted, "There he is!" The same Kayla who also said to someone who asked her what Santa was bringing her, "Nothing. He's just pretend." Well, not pretend enough to keep her from sitting with him twice. After they had talked with him for a while and gotten a candy cane, we did a little browsing. I'm told she saw the mailbox where kids leave Santa a note if he's not there when they visit. She just had to go back, sit on his lap again, and make sure he knew that there was a box full of letters for him. After a hug, her job was done.

I don't guess this needs much explanation.

Even Samuel visited with Santa, ever so cautiously. He gave Santa a "5" and a wave.

OK- Brian informed me that Martha Stuart is not Stuart but Stewart. Further proving my point...

Another Note

I love it when these notes come flying down the stairs after the kids have been tucked in. I guess Jack wrote this for Kayla because when he came down this morning, he asked if I got Kayla's note. Smile.

I May Not Be a Martha Stuart...

But I do love to see this little tree when I come down in the morning. We often forget to unplug it at night so it's soft glow is quite welcoming. Jack's job was to put the lights on it. And he did. Just kind of laid them on the tree. So even though there is green chord sticking out everywhere, I love that he tried.

This music box has been around a long time. For some reason it's one of the Christmas decorations that always sticks out in my mind from my childhood. I shamelessly asked if I could have it and Mom graciously said yes. It still plays Jingle Bells. The kids say it's really old- 35 years maybe!

I have always been partial to snowmen. The country type. I had a hard time finding them on the tree for a picture because little hands, particularly the littlest ones, keep rearranging the ornaments!

I guess my favorites are the ones we make. I'm not sure what you would call these little guys but the kids love them.

What's better than getting out sequins and glitter?

Our Ballerina

Our Beautiful Ballerina

OK- I have to qualify this video . Maybe justify is a better word. This is the first video I've posted and it really isn't very good. But, the content is so sweet and if you watch carefully you'll catch it. Kayla had her first ballet recital today. All week, Jack has planned to give her flowers after the recital. My plan for getting the flowers fell through so Granny and Grandpa came to the rescue! I love the look on Kayla's face as she and Jack walk off together.

Out of the Mouths...

Kayla has had some interesting views on the Sabbath in the past. One Sunday afternoon in Charlotte we were at our neighborhood park. As we were leaving, a dad we didn't know asked if the kids were going to watch some TV when they got home. Kayla piped up, "Of course, no. It's the Lord's day!" I was surprised to say the least.
Another Sunday afternoon Brian and Jack were riding their bikes in the cul-de-sac. Brian asked Kayla if she wanted to ride, too. She shook her head and yelled from the porch, "No Dad. I don't ride my bike on the Sabbath." Hmmm...
Well, now she has given me something else to think about. We've been making ornaments, cookies, that kind of thing. Of course, Santa has come up.
One day the kids and I were talking about how Christmas is about Jesus and even though we enjoy those other things, Jesus is what's important. Well, guess who had a comment.
"Mom, when I'm thinking about Santa, I forget about Jesus. And when we were making ornaments, I wasn't thinking about Jesus."
Oh boy. What do you say to that? I want so much to create sweet memories for my children. I have so many of my own. But more than that, I want them to make much of Christ. At Christmas. Anytime. Is anything worth taking away from Him?
While I don't think we'll stop making cookies or ornaments, we may need to adjust our perspective on them.
And I have to ask myself, what's keeping me from thinking about Jesus?

The Christmas Tree Hunt

The hunt begins for the perfect tree. Jack looks a bit too eager with that saw...

Our "lumber-jack" for the day
(I couldn't resist that)

We found the one! Samuel was less than thrilled to be out in the freezing December air.

Working so hard

And down comes the tree!

Mission accomplished.

Gingerbread Men

Mmmm... Can you smell the gingerbread? It makes the house smell so good! We really had fun making these today. I can't tell you how many times the kids wanted to check and be sure the gingerbread men were still in the oven. They were really hoping those little guys would have jumped out and run off. But no, here they are, ready to be eaten. After all the work, Jack said, "Mommy, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but I don't like them.. I think if you had left the molasses out they would be just right."

Oh well...
I'd highly recommend Jan Brett's "The Gingerbread Baby." Beautiful illustrations and a charming retelling.

Later in the day...
"Mom, aren't you having a grilled cheese?"
"No, maybe Kayla will share part of hers."
"I don't know, Mom. Kayla eats all the grilled cheese she can get."
I ate saltines.

Just For a Smile

Some snippets from around our house lately...

Kayla: "WHY did we move here if there is no Costco???"

After Brian checked our spaghetti to see if it was done by throwing a piece against the wall (hmm..), he gave it to Jack, who yelled "Spaghetti launch!!!" and threw it on the ceiling. Periodically throughout dinner Samuel would look up at it, grunt, and point. I think it's still there...

One night in the car after having spent some time earlier in the day at a dairy farm:
J: "Mom, did you know cows are mammals?"
S: "Mooo. Mooo."
K: "Mom, did you know Cal says he's a cow?"
S: "Moooo..."

Today during school, I needed a break. I mean, I really needed a break. I sent the kids upstairs and saw our ABC puzzle pieces on the table. I threw them across the kitchen. Several of them. As I was throwing them, I thought to myself, "What are you doing? Where's the grownup???" I later confessed this to a friend who said, "Hmmm. I usually look for a glass plate." Smile...

Mooo...

Samuel is picking up new words. The latest, no. "Sam, can you say book?" "No." "Can you say ball?" "No." "Say mama?" "No." "Sam, can you say no?" Smile. Silence.

Samuel usually wakes up crying. One morning, I heard him talking, the Sam way. "Aa-aa" (This means Jack) I went upstairs quietly, still hearing him jabbering. Then I heard Jack's sleepy voice. "Right Sam" "Aa. Baa." "Yah Sam." Some grunts. "Really?" And it continued. A nice conversation between brothers.

That's good for me. Sometimes I need to just remember to laugh a little.

Enjoying
the
wonder
of
snow
together...

The Perfect Picture?

I thought I'd post some of our attempts at a picture for Christmas cards. I was naive to think it wouldn't be that hard!

Try It!

Does this look good to you? Imagine it nice and hot, right out of the oven. Mmmm... I think it is called Cool Rise French Bread- easy and delicious. Check out the recipe and the blog!
Kayla and I made it together yesterday- she loves to help in the kitchen. Then we shared it at dinner with Granny. One whole loaf- gone by the end of our meal! The other loaf ended up being too big for the pan. Jack dubbed it the "dragon bread."

Snow!

Yay! Snow! What a treat!
What smiles it brings to little faces.

A Harvest at Home

We've really had a nice, if not delightful even, day. School went well this morning, everyone was kind of in their own rhythm, even Samuel. It flurried off and on, which is always exciting and makes for a great day in itself. The kids and I made chocolate chip cookies- perfect when you are cozy and warm inside. Actually, I guess just Kayla and I baked- Jack changed his mind and asked us to call him when the cookies were done. Samuel had a few new words today-boo, Mimi, mouse, and Papa. Four in one day-he'll talk yet!
Dinner just made me thankful for other people's gardens and efforts at canning. And of course their generosity. Baked apples and green beans-yum!
Jack and I ran out to the grocery for milk tonight-in the snow. He was thrilled to be in his coat and gloves and catching snowflakes on his tongue. He couldn't get over how much it was snowing. Really, it's the pretty kind that doesn't stick. He won't know what to do with himself when we get the first big snow!
It feels like a harvest all the way around today.

Smile!

You just have to smile, don't you?
By the way, I have no idea why goggles on a walk in November...

Quiet

I can hear Jack upstairs reading to Kayla in her bed. Samuel wasn't asleep yet so Jack asked if he could read in Kayla's room. That turned into him reading to her. I love it. I wish you could hear those little voices. Why is it that they can fuss and feud all day but something about bedtime turns their hearts towards kindness and calm?
I have come to cherish the quiet. Whenever it comes. Early, early in the morning and late in the evening. Time to just think, read, rest. Not that I don't love the activity of the day but there is something about the quiet.
Sometimes the thinking leads to questions and I feel burdened. All those nagging thoughts of the day begin to settle in. Are we bringing these children up right? How can we make Christmas truly meaningful and not about presents? How do we teach our children compassion and care for others? Gratitude? How can we reach out to others better and make an eternal impact? Will Sam ever eat anything besides cereal? Am I making the most out of my time with family? With these little gifts running around? Am I missing the mark? How can we simplify life?
Some questions less concerning than others but there are oh so many.
I have to lay it all down at the Cross and pray for the freedom of the gospel to spread in my own heart. And go forth in faith.

(J and K have taken it upon themselves to devise a sleepover in J and S's room now that S. is asleep. Better go see the latest!)

2000 Words

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the shot I missed was worth two thousand! Samuel got into the trick-or-treat candy and found himself a lollipop. Initially, he got behind a curtain and unwrapped it before I realized he was missing in action. He later found a good spot under the table with yet another lollipop. He gave it up without much of a fight, though!

Take a Listen

A college student sang this in church on Sunday, two weeks ago- Carried to the Table. Beautiful. I'm not familiar with the group, just the song. Found it on another's blog. (Scroll down to find that particular song on their page)

Brrrr...

To say it was cold at Jack's soccer game Saturday is an understatement. Cold and blustery!
What a faithful sister!

The Grandmas and sister huddled together.

The Service

I went in with no expectations, really, mostly because I just didn't know what to expect at Brian's ordination service. I knew I would be so proud of him, and I was. It had been a long road up to this day. So much work, studying, life. But the greatest thing I walked away with was deeper awe of our glorious God. Is He not? Is He not a glorious God who uses sinners in a beautiful way to expand his kingdom and bring Himself glory? We who are so unworthy, used in service to Him, to whom all worth is due.
I also left excited. Excited to see what's next. For Brian, for our family, for the church. Excited and with a renewed desire to seek Him in obedience because of who He is. I needed that. What greater pursuit could there be?
Thankfulness filled my heart as well. I thought about this church we are now a part of and was so thankful for it. For its people and vision. Thankful for family that has supported and loved us. Thankful for children who will grow up with this gospel of grace and for a husband who longs to teach it.

Back to Pandapa's Pond

What a view from Daddy's shoulders!

A future mountain-climber?

She climbed her own "mountain."

Samuel

Samuel has been amusing us lately. The older two think it's particularly funny when he pushes chairs around the kitchen then climbs on them to get what he wants. He did that during breakfast, got himself situated next to Kayla who fed him her cereal. When does Sam not want cereal??



Samuel has also decided he really enjoys books now. Yay! That's been a long time coming! Somtimes, he brings one of us a book, points to a chair for us to sit in, and says "Bo." (Just imagine book without the k.) Jack loves it when Samuel will sit with him for a story.

All tuckered out, and a rare treat for me.

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

Has the weather been a little crazy where you live? Early one morning this week, I came down the stairs with Samuel and heard the wind. I looked out the window and saw that the wind was blowing wildly! And the clouds. Dark clouds racing across the sky. It looked so cold. I plugged in our space heater in the kitchen-it stays pretty chilly down there. Kayla made herself a spot right next to it and Sam soon joined her. It was nice to be cozy inside knowing what it was like outside.
Later that morning we headed out and realized it was snowing! Just flurries but hey, snow is snow, right? We were thrilled! Made for an extra exciting day.
We have chosen to stay inside since, though, seeing as the wind just got stronger and the air, not much warmer!

Happy Halloween!

I thought about trying for the perfect picture but then decided, no. This one captures us quite well!

Spidey and the firefighter, who was a princess earlier in the evening and a clown last week. At the last minute, she decided to go with something new!

Three Fold

A few weeks ago, Kayla picked a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. As soon as she got it home, she painted a face and pink hair on it. So cute. She set it on the front porch with our bigger pumpkin and set leaves around it, even a few berries. Well, the next morning, it was gone. Someone took her cute little pumpkin. Not even the biggest pumpkin but one clearly belonging to a child.
Kayla actually wasn't particulary upset about it. Jack couldn't believe it. He and the two little boys across the street knocked on doors and searched all around, looking for Kayla's pumpkin.
I thought that was the end of it.
No. One of the neighbor boys brought her one of his pumpkins. Then, a week or so later, some friends of our family went to the pumpkin patch and left Kayla a new one on our porch. Well, this week Kay had a dentist appointment. When we pulled up, she immediately noticed a truck full of pumpkins and said, "Mommy, wouldn't it be funny if Dr. Joe said to me, Kayla, you can have one of those pumpkins from the truck?" Wouldn't you know, when her appointment was over, Dr. Joe told he she could pick any pumpkin she wanted from his truck.
Wow. I said to her, "Kayla, God didn't just give you one new pumpkin. He gave you three!" She just smiled.

5!!!

Today we had Kayla's birthday party. She's 5! What a fun age. It was a tea party, complete with pink, pink, and more pink.
We kept it small with three little girls from church. It was the calmest party I have ever been to or hosted. Girls...
We had flower and heart shaped sandwiches, fruit on fancy toothpicks, and pink kool-aid in cups that Kayla decorated with stickers.
Since her birthday is actually tomorrow, this will be a birthday weekend really. If you remember from an earlier post, we usually let the kids choose some special sweet cereal for their birthdays. This year, Kayla chose poptarts. I'm not sure if she's ever had one before but they were pink and princessy so they caught her eye. We'll see what she thinks tomorrow morning!

I love my children's birthdays. I love remembering when they were born and all the activity surrounding that day. Kayla was born on a Sunday afternoon, the day after we took a trip to the pumpkin patch with Jack. Papa and Grandpa were in charge of him until Kayla was born. Granny and Mimi were already at the hospital, waiting. Dad brought Krispy Kremes for me when they brought Jack to the hospital. The first thing big brother did was lay his best buddy, Bear, beside Kayla and give her a kiss. Could it really have been five years ago? Sweet memories, indeed. And a sweet little girl. Happy Birthday Kayla!

Isn't this sweet? Kayla and I got haircuts together yesterday. Her stylist even curled hers. She loved it and loves having shorter hair! I love it.