It was Christmas Eve....

It always makes me a little sad to see Christmas over already. Not sad because the presents are opened and all parties over, but sad because time is moving sooo fast. Sad because my babies are growing up and my parents are growing old. How do you freeze time? Because I want to stay right here. Forever.

Kaite loved reading Grandma's Christmas cards yesterday. It was the sweetest thing.

Kammy loved her gift. It was a horse, so yeah!

Kaite STIRRED her hot cocoa. I really don't think she even likes it, but I understand...there is something comforting and homey about holding a warm cup on a cool day...sitting around the table visiting about nothing...just being together...

My life has been blessed with some wonderful men! This is a gift I treasure all year. I missed my big brother--he'll always hold a special place in my heart.

No snow to play in, no ice to skate on....this old bathtub/watering hole was the next best thing. :)

Sisters

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Sabbath. We had a sweet day~simply had "A Wonderful Christmas Time!"

Dreaming of a White Christmas

It's looking like we for sure WON'T have a "White Christmas" here in Southern Idaho this year. I can dream though. This little red truck was a Christmas present from my hubby several years ago. I'm really not sure what made him think I'd like it, but I do. It's one of those items that changes with the seasons and almost always has a place in my decor. Just a few months back, it was filled with pumpkins and made we think of hard work, harvest and home. Now when I look at it I'm reminded if a simpler day--cutting a tree fresh from the woods, dragging it in and decorating it with popcorn and cranberry strings--singing carols and sipping cider by a crackling fire. Ahh....Christmas!

Baaa! Baaa!

The children will be treating us to a special Christmas edition of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" including song, scripture memorization and drama. Come be inspired and blessed by the allegory found in the simple children's poem. We think what you hear might surprise you!

The first presentation will be Sunday the 18th of December at 11am and will be followed by a special pot-luck Christmas Dinner.

The second presentation will be Sunday the 25th at 4pm. This will be our only service on Christmas Sunday. We pray that you will use Christmas Sunday morning as a special family time and be sure to worship the Christ of Christmas together.

We welcome you to join us for all of these exciting events celebrating the greatest gift of the season ~ The Newborn King!

(copied from church website)

We found that we needed a lamb for the program and in case you didn't know....they are hard to find and expensive if you do find them. I used Kammy's horse, Pumpkin Pie and made him into a "horse in sheep's clothing." I think he will do just fine.

My Kammy LOVES marshmallows, so when I saw the recipe for peppermint ones on pinterest, I thought it would be fun to make some for and with her. They were fun to make, are pretty, and I think they taste better than the plain store-bought ones (which I don't care for at all.) Turns out Kammy likes the store-bought ones better! :)

Promises

I have been thinking of some of the promises God has given me, promises of which I have not yet seen the fulfillment. I am thinking too, of how long the world lay in darkness before the SON was born - before the fulfillment of the greatest promise ever given. All of this causes me to think that I can wait a little longer, and I know that "when the fullness of time is come," it will be well worth the wait!

The Blessings

Many years ago a young newly-wed-ish couple bought their first Christmas CD's. They didn't have a lot of money, so they chose one of those (used to be) two for $10 deals at the local Walmart. One was Kenny G and the other "Alabama Christmas." We have enjoyed both CD's through the years and have added to the collection along the way. This however, remains one of my favorites...even though when you really think about it, it does not sound like a Christmas song at all.
I do think a lot about my blessings this time of year though. Hubby helped me put this together using some of our "special" pictures. It is made mostly from his perspective since it is a male voice singing, but I am the one who is really blessed!

What's in a Cookie?

Christmas cookies are a tradition at our house, but they are so much more...They are time spent together....They are learning....They are patience and anticipation....They are the reward of a task completed....They are "Mmmm...."

A Little People Christmas

The best part of Christmas is kids. I love seeing the awe and wonder in their eyes. I love knowing that they understand the reason for all the anticipation, festivities and decorations. Here is Kammy's sweet little purple tree (her favorite color). It is decorated with a string of horse lights, which we found at the thrift store this summer. She has been waiting all these months to use them!

Kaite is 2, and I don't think she remembers much about last Christmas or the one before that--which was her first, and the one on which she took her first steps. What an exciting day! She was 8 months and 2 days--yes, she has been mobile far too long. She is a little fashionista. She loves ruffles and soft fabric. If I put a jean skirt on her, it only lasts a few hours and she goes and changes herself. I love how she is wearing "cordinating" socks and "sock mittens" in the photo below.I know it's not Tuesday, I have gotten so off schedule-- but here are a few of the latest "tiny words"

Kammy (very seriously) "I've done lots of lies in my life, but I always forgived myself for them."
Kammy: sitting, looking at the angel on the tree, "So, the devil used to be an angel and then he got FIRED right?"

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Overheard from the 5 year old, "I think you should quit making fun of boys. You can't get born without boys!" (HUH!?!?)

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Kammy at the parade, "I hope that the grand finality is a manger scene!" She was very disappointed that there was not more of Jesus in his birthday parade.

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I'm not sure what happened but daddy was teasing Kal and she began to cry. Of course daddy was saying how sorry he was and I heard Kalli say, "That doesn't help! You really ought to know after 9 years of having me for a daughter that I have very sensitive feelings!"

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Kammy has done "take away 1." Today we were supposed to learn "take away 2." Before I could get the learning blocks out and explain, she had two pages done perfectly. She said, "Nothing to it, mom! Take away is just counting backwards!"

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Kali: I am starved and ready for lunch! Kayla: You are always ready for lunch! Kalli: No, I'm not. Sometimes I am ready for breakfast or supper.

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Thoughts on gifts and wrapping.

What matters most to you... the gift or the wrappings?

It seems that we live in a world that puts more emphasis on the 'wrappings.' For example, if you look good on the outside, you must be a good person inside, right? We are often quick to judge a person to have very little value if their outward appearance doesn't measure up to our standards. God' Word tells us that this mindset is somewhat normal for humans--However; I believe we should try to see people with God's eyes. We are not divine, and we can't see through the earthly wrappings and trappings like He can, but se can strive to love like He does regardless of what our human eyes might see. Come Christmas Day, my children will tear into those packages and the wrappings, no matter how elaborate, will soon be forgotten. The gift however, (at least in this home) will be remembered long. The same is true for Christians, when our Christmas (the rapture) occurs, the trivial wrappings of this life will not matter nearly so much. I want to live my entire life as a gift to the Father--He who gave the ultimate GIFT to all minkind.

THAT is Christmas!

That being said, I do enjoy pretty packages. This year, as you know, I have not been well, and our packages are quite basic. I had wanted to go with all brown wrapping and then decorate with homemade snowflakes and sparkley green ribbons. Sounds beautiful, huh? I also thought of using burlap and then upcycling it through the year into pillows and other gifts for next year. Didn't happen. Instead I used leftovers from other years. They all coordinate in tones of brown, copper and goldthough. The tags on most of the packages have been used several years--which really is not a bad idea and one that saves money. Our family has the same people and we all have the same names each year, so I keep the tags. (You can't do this if you use the stick on ones, which I don't care for) but the kind that has the ribbon or cord attached, you can easly use over and over again. Same goes for the ribbons. I have had the same bows so many years, that I am almost weary of them, pretty as they are. You can also use simple $ Store ornaments for some very attractive tags. The gifts that had to be sent far away were wrapped in simple paper, even some burlap and tied with bows of twine, for an old-fashioned Christmas look, and one that won't rumple on the journey. As you can see in the photo above, .39 cent carpenter pencils add a touch of charm to daddy's present from his girls.

Now, what about the gift? So many people spend way too much and go so in debt each year. Is that what makes Christmas special? Children have so many toys that by next year they don't have a clue what last years packages held. The toys are broken, lost, or donated before many months are past. An excellent rule of thumb for gifting your children is this:

1 they want

1 they need

1 they wear

1 they read

This is usually what we do, this year they are getting 5 gifts, with #5 being a cheap hand-made fleece scarf in the fabric of their choice. We also do stocking stuffers:

1 small fun item (often from the $ Store)

1 candy item

and.... a toothbrush (you would be suprised how exited they are to compare colors!)

I am very proud of my children and they way they have learned to appreciate and care for the gifts they recieve. We have toys and clothes, now passed down to child #4 that began 13 years ago with child #1. I am happy to say that they still look brand new! Passing things down great cuts back on what is "needed" and my girls enjoy knowing that their big sisters "played with this when they were your size."

My girls save their money all year just to buy each of their family members something. They all go together and get something for mommy and daddy, then 3 of them will go together and buy for the other one, so that all 4 of them get a gift from the other three. I love that they are learning early the joy of giving.

Each year, we try to reach out to a family in need, remembering that the need does not have to be financial, it can be emotional as well. Even if this person/people are not usually on our gift list, we add them. The gift does not have to be expensive or elaborate, it is the thought and prayers going into it that matter most.

When I wrap, I think of the person who's gift I am wrapping and pray that God will bless them through the new year and ask that they may always strive to keep Christmas in their hearts.

Another random thought I have about giving is regarding people who seem to use the "I just can't afford it" excuse not to give to certain people that they don't like real well. I say "excuse" because we ALL can afford the things we really want to afford. Maybe I'm just too simple of a person, but what woman doesn't enjoy a new tea towel or what man couldn't use another screw driver? Seriously....it's the thought that counts!

Whatever your thoughts on gifting, and however you celebrate, may we all remember that the tradition of "giving" began long ago, when God gave His very best.

The family dog...

....okay, so he's Kammy's dog (and the next best thing to a horse) but we all like to claim him--well, sometimes anyway. He is NOT a house dog. I have this opinion about animals in the house, and while it's comepletely personal, I'm also entitled to it. I have found that ALL dogs shed--and smell--why even my kids and I shed and the hubby smells. (haha) Yep, I have enough to deal with in here.

Last night, however, he had just had a bath and was looking so sweet that I let him pose under the Christmas tree. My heart may have been somewhat softened by the fact that he nearly died this summer. I'm going to go ahead and admit that even I was in tears. Evidently the previous renters left decon on the property here, and while the landlord "thoroughly cleaned" the house and shed (yeah, right....it was FILTHY!) they never noticed the numerous packets in the garage, shed and yard. Strange. In my humble opinion, they should have found and removed it, especially since they DID approve our pet. Funny, but....people don't always honor my opinions. I decided maybe it was how they operate...charge a huge pet fee and then kill the pet. That way they get the money and don't rish the damages. Do I sound bitter? I'm really not. I am thankful. My children learned the power of prayer and even the strength of God's comforting arms during his doggie hospital stay. I have to say, he looks pretty classy and we are thankful he is still around to get that HUGE bone Kammy insisted on buying him for Christmas.

Fast Fluffy Fleece Scarves...

The girls and I whipped up a few last minute gifts. Some easy peasy fleecey scarves. They are warm and comfy and as you know, fleece comes in the funnest colors and prints! I've been asked by several for a tutorial, so here goes....

I used 1/2 yard of fleece for each scarf. You can totally play with the width here--I made some narrower ones for the little people. Just bring the fleece home and fold it in 3 even rows the long way. See? 1, 2, 3.Now cut, so that you have 3 long strips all about the same width.Sew all 3 long strips together using a tight seam down the middle. Make sure to backstitch or tie off the ends securely.Then, make cuts all the way down both sides, making sure not to get too close to the middle seam. You'll want these strips about 1 inch wide. It will take about a million cuts, so use a good fabric scissor, and you shouldn't get a blister (like I did.) Of course we did make 14 of these....and that might have something to do with the blister.

Throw your finished product in the dryer with a softener sheet to freshen it and fluff it. The center seam will not be as visible after you do this.

If you have a dog, you can now go out and play with him AND stay warm on a cold winter day....that or you can just beg your mom to let him in for a while.

My New Mantle ;)

For lack of a fireplace mantle, I had no where to hang the girls' stockings. This was a huge concern to certain little girls--especially the 5 year old one!

Daddy was the solution, as he many times is. He built us a shelf for the living room, and now the stocking have a home. I love the look of the new crown moulding shelves anyway so this was as good an excuse as any.I didn't put a lot of effort into decorating, just strung some jingle bells on twine and used things I already had. I made the stockings last year from fabric off the clearance table. Not only are they cuter than the storebought ones, they are smaller too, which makes them easier to fill! ;)The picture I had above the couch was very "springy" so I used my white frame and some ribbon to hang a green snowflake. You know me and my green--love it!Who knows, it might evolve a bit more before Christmas, but for now I am happy--and the 5 year old is happy too!

I know that all of my faithful friends and prayer warriors will want to know, so here is the "health update" I am still waiting to get in to an endocrinologist....there is a very limited number of them here in the valley, so I have been warned that the wait might be lengthy. I was able to go to my chiropractor and I think he helped some with the pain in my back, shoulders and neck. He told me that the muscles in my neck are weak and swollen (I knew SOMETHING was swollen) causing strain on my back. I'm really not entirely sure what all is going on--being sick is not my cup of tea. It's a tough job, trying not to worry over it all--still praying for answers--and SOON!

Season of Miracles

It seems like every year, there is something different about the Christmas story that stands out to me. Maybe it's because I have been sick, but this Christmas the thing that is impressing me the most is the miracle! The fact that God himself would choose to condescend to lowly man in such a tender and humble way. I have been reminded that He still comes to the humble and lowly in the worst of times and brings the very deliverance needed! My oncologist visit went well. He assured me (or tried to anyway) that he is 99.9% sure this is not cancer. He admitted that the symptoms were very suspicious of it and that I was well justified in my fear. However, the lumps are not at all characteristic of the bad kind. There is a teeny, tiny, chance that the symptoms are ahead of any possible diagnosis, but he said that is so rare that he cannot think of an example like that in his 14 years of oncology. He feels that endocrinology is the way to go, so I am waiting for a referral. There is a very limited amount of endocrine doctors in the area, so I have been warned that the wait may well be lengthy. Please help me pray that it will not be long and or God would heal me completely. I am quite weary of being sick and down. I have seen my chiropractor (finally) with the permission of my other doctors in attempt to bring a little comfort in the meantime. I am not a good pain medication taker. ;)

My girls did most of the Christmas decorating this year. We are keeping it pretty simple, and finding that the spirit of Christmas can be enjoyed in simplicity. The photo above is on my plant shelves in the living room and is one place that I lent a hand to the decor. I'm not liking the glaring cold air return vent, but that can't be helped. I also want to make a primitive sign to hang there on the wall, where you see the 'picnic' words, but haven't felt like it yet. I got the old skates at a thrift store last winter and the jingle bells and giant snowflakes are from the $ Store. Not sure I'm going to make a post a day, like other years, but I do have a few more pictures to share before the holidays are over.

I trust you too, will experience the miracle of the season!

Stillness

Do you like to be still? I do not. I am not a still person by nature. Since I have been sick though, I have been much more still than usual. The only kind of still I really enjoy are those moments in the early morning~with a cup of tea or coffee, my Bible, a good book, facebook, or quiet conversation with my hubby. One other kind of "still" I like is the still after the work is completed....the satisfied still of looking around and seeing success. Being sick is not the sort of still that brings me pleasure. Often the laundry is NOT done, the dinner is NOT made and sometimes even the children's hair is NOT combed. It is an uneasy still that does not know what is wrong and fears the worst. I do know this though....that even in the still, He is STILL God.

Our Thanksgiving was one that made memories. Of course, I was feeling sick, but made a few of the traditional favorites anyway in preparation for dinner at my parents. My girls all have colds and Thanksgiving eve, Rick came down with a fever and sore throat! One our way to my parent's for dinner, we hit and killed a poor puppy dog. There was nothing we could do, but of course we felt terrible! The clothes washer also went out recently as did the garbage disposal and we made the horrifying discovery that we have had small furry visitors in our house! Keren WAS one of Job's daughters for a reason, right?!?!

All these things, while I am "still." My only consolation is this, that while I am being "still," I know that He is STILL God!

PS. Please keep me in your prayers. I see the Oncologist Tuesday. I would LOVE for God to heal me before then!

About time...

I guess it is about time I catch up here a little bit. I have been sick for almost 3 months now. Briefly...beginning with headaches and incessant dizziness, followed by increased heart rate and neck and facial swelling. Lumps in my neck (that do not "appear" to be cancerous.) Most recently, the neck, back and shoulder pain have become more and more unbearable. I've also lost (unintentionally) 16 pounds in the last 2 months or less. I have had every blood test known to man, CT's, MRI and X-ray. Nothing bad has turned up yet, but I'm still not feeling well, in fact...it seems everything only gets worse. Tomorrow I get a 30 day heart monitor and the 29th, I see an Oncologist. If nothing shows up there, and the oncologist doesn't find anything concerning, the next step will be taking a more extensive look at the thyroid (it is enlarged even though all my levels are perfect.) I deal with a good bit of anxiety over all of this. I LOVE being wife and mommy WAY too much to think there might be something serious wrong with me and I covet your prayers. I want nothing more than to have a small part in raising these precious ones for Jesus.

So...now that you have the scoop on me, and your prayer assignment, I will fill you in on the kids.

School is going great. I have learned to teach mostly from the couch and I have also had some help from my mom and my kids' dad in the education department.

Rick has been busy at work, but evidently not too busy to catch a cold. He kindly brought it home to me and all the kids. I have been giving extra doses of vitamins, applying vics and running the humidifier. Kammy loves the "humilifier."

One day I was feeling especially bad physically and scared emotionally. I was laying on the couch letting the tears flow and Kammy came along in all her 5 year old wisdom and said, "Mommy, death is not the end of everything!" (Wow...that was encouraging!)

Kammy was trying to think of the reference for a certain Bible verse and she said, "Mommy, what is the password for this verse?"

Grandma and I were both talking to Kammy at the same time and evidently it was distressing her because she gave this huge sigh and said, "All peoples talking to me same time!"

We were at Grandma's house and I put a hand-me-down jumper in Kaite. It was just slightly large in the tummy area, but Grandma was telling her how cute it looked. Kaite said, "I don't like it." Grandma wanted to know why and so Kaite said, "Because it fat. Like you-rs."

Well, I guess that's about it for now. The washer and garbage disposal were broken, but are now fixed. Now to get mommy fixed and all will be well once again at the Pink Parsonage.

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Sparkling Snowflakes Christmas

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