The Word became flesh

Each year we look for ways to celebrate the real reason for this joyous season. I love living nativities; transporting my little family to ancient Bethlehem to experience what life might have been like that clear and silent night so many years ago.  This is the second year we visited this particular living nativity and we invited Papa Rex and Baba along for the trip.

Our walking journey began first in the Old Testament visiting various characters who foretold of Christ's birth or were a part of His lineage.  We heard from several prominent Biblical characters: Moses, Abraham, Issac, King David, Isaiah, and Micah

 We listened in as Gabriel visited Mary and Joseph and declared God's plan to them.

The streets and marketplace of Bethlehem were bustling with lots of people and noise.

Finally, we found the stable where Mary, Joseph, and the tiny baby were.  We then heard the glorious song of the angels proclaiming the good news to the shepherds.  We watched the Magi study and ponder over the star leading them to the Christ Child.

Thankfully, the presentation didn't end at the cradle but continued the story to the cross and finally to the empty grave.  Demonstrating the unspeakable love of God for mankind.  Jesus' coming is significant; the storyline of the entire Bible revolves around it.  Thank you, Father for your special redemptive plan for us!  

Indoor Snow Play

The snow is quickly melting but we wanted to have one last bit of snow fun.  After all, here in the Midwest you never know if this will be the beginning and end of the snow for the season or if a blizzard will come through next month.   Titus loved getting to use his water table as a snow table.  We built miniature snowmen, made snowballs and scooped and played in the snow until only a puddle was left.   So long snow, hope to see you again soon!

Happy Day

Today it snowed.  I love snow days. The world seems to slow down a bit.  Kevin even worked from home today.  A double blessing!

Titus and I puttered around in our pajamas til 4 in the pm.  I love pajama days.  I love my little boy in his soft footy pajamas.  Long live footy pajamas!

 We baked gingerbread boy cookies.  We counted scoops of flour and molasses and smelled each homey spice as we added it to the mixing bowl: ginger, cloves and cinnamon.  Yum!

Daddy took a play lunch break.  Titus made his first snow angel and went sledding multiple times.   It's all fun and games until someone lands face first in the snow.  Oops!

We snuggled and cuddled and read all of our beloved Christmas stories.  Remembering and rejoicing that the Kings of Kings came to earth as a tiny babe.  Hallelujah!

These are the memories I pray my child holds in his heart.  Snow days with his parents relishing time together and creating fond winter memories.

Around our home

On the door

 On my lap

On the wall

On the floor

 On my laptop

On the counter

 On my heart

 Just some things both big and small around our home today. 

I'm pausing to take notice and find joy....even when rooms are messy 

and there's so much to do and my toddler is well, being a toddler.

I'm especially focusing on the last one. 
The Savior so small and His mama. 
What a gift He is.

Thankful

This year, it has been clearer than ever to me how blessed I am.  Though there have been a couple rough patches and some harder times, God always colored my gray clouds with silver linings.  To even try to start naming my blessings is an impossible and overwhelming task.  And to think that I don't even know about some of them.  God is surely good!

Our Thanksgiving season this year was wonderful....it was simple, and it was delicious.   It was simple because we made the conscious decision to keep it as stress-free as possible and focus on why we are thankful people.  

We spent time with family in Columbia again. Uncle Chris, Aunt Jocelyn and their children were wonderful hosts.  We had a delightful time together.  It was so good to have Grandpa and Grandma with us; it's been 8 years since we've celebrated Thanksgiving with them.  It was so good to be together celebrating family and all of our many blessings.  This year we missed Uncle Eric, Aunt Kate, Elle and Zane but we treasure the years that we were all together.   Maybe another year we can all be under one roof again....

For me, this Thanksgiving was much different than last year.  Last year I was helicopter mama.  Titus needed constant care and attention.  But, this year I sat back, relaxed, played games, had some great conversations and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Titus had lots of older cousins willing to play and entertain him.  He spent individual time with each of them and had more than enough attention.  What a difference a year makes! 

Second annual foursquare game

Now, we are ready to bring on Christmas!  

A sweet, simple Christmas, long on memories and new traditions and short on stress.

And in full celebration of the birth of the King!  

Friday Nights

As a high school student, Friday night was a night for going out with friends, maybe a football game or watching a movie.

As a college student (not married yet) Friday night was a night for fun or relaxing after a week of classes, maybe finishing assignments, or being home with my family.

As a young wife, Friday night was a night for spending time with Kevin after a long week of college classes and teaching preschoolers. Usually it called for going out to dinner, renting a movie, and laying on the couch until we called it a night.

As a mama to a toddler, Friday night is about being with my little family. We don’t have to do anything special or even go anywhere. Just being together is enough.

Friday nights have definitely changed over the years. Yes, I still enjoy going on dates with my husband. And I would love to settle in on the couch early enough in the evening to watch a movie before I get to the point I can barely keep my eyes open. Sorry, Honey!

There are times we still get to do those things but most often I am spending time with my guys. There is no way I would trade the sweet moments we have together as a family for all of the quiet dinners or lazy evenings in the world!

Family Game Night can get a bit intense!

This little boy plays a mean game of Hungry Hungry Hippo, he generally wins fair and square.

I did it!

"There's strategy in EVERY game." Daddy

Which to choose?  Which to choose?

Found it!