Merry Christmas & Learning from the Biblical Ladies

We will post a year update sometime next week, but I just wanted to share our CHRISTmas greetings!!

And share the Christmas nugget I've had on my heart for the last few weeks....

Sometime in our Advent studies and Sunday morning sermons the conversation between Elizabeth and Mary in Luke 1!

And behold, even your relative Elizabeth 

has also conceived a son in her old age; 

and she who was called barren 

is now in her sixth month.

For nothing will be impossible with God.” 

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; 

may it be done to me according to your word.” 

And the angel departed from her.

Although we've had a pretty "quiet" year, we've had plenty that has come before us that has been hard and some things just really seemed (and still seem) "impossible". I'm not going to share the who/when/where/whats but only want to go back to the Christmas Story and see the HOPE that is there.

For years Elizabeth had struggled with infertility, wanting a baby, having a natural God-given desire to mother a child. And in His time God allows that to happen in a miraculous way that fits into His plan. She is overwhelmed with joy. And when confronted with Mary's part she gets just a glimpse of understanding of who her own child will become, that he has a role in the bigger picture of God's plan of redeeming the world.

Speaking of that plan, people for generations before Elizabeth were also waiting and wanting. They were looking for one that God had promised centuries beforehand that was going to rescue His people, all those willing to make Him Lord.

I continue reading in the conversation and I am confronted with Mary's response. Obviously she is humble, but what strikes me is her willingness! She didn't ask to be the Mother of the Savior!! She didn't ask to carry the burden of a basically unwed mother within a society that could have cast stones at her... not words, real stones to kill her like the law would have allowed.

But she accepted it, willingly. And we see her at the crucifixion of Christ... a faithful, willing, and devoted mother.

I am definitely NOT saying that my struggles are made right because I've decided to "give them to the Lord" and be used by Him during the hard times. Or that my struggles compare in scope to these great biblical women.

But what I am suggesting is that maybe, just maybe, having an attitude and outlook that is focused on the Lord and trusting Him to work it all out in His time (while being faithful to do what I am supposed to be doing... like Gal 6:4,5 NLT) would help. I can still walk in faithfulness and joy and not let the situation weigh me down even when it feels like it's staring me down or holding me back. 

Maybe, just maybe, if I'm willing to trust and be used these struggles will one day seem soo distant and temporary and I will be able to see how God used these times to bring me or others to closer to Himself.... which has been His plan all along.

I just have to check my words and deeds and see if they demonstrate a heart that is willing to see struggles as not impossible to God but a means to fulfill His great plan. I have to be willing to confess when it's my heart and plans that are trying to lead instead of being lead by the Lord. 

Isn't it crazy how this simple event still carries soo much power! It's life-changing on the big Redemptive scale and on the small my life scale. 

Praying that in where ever life has lead you, that you would see the HOPE of the Christmas Story... that you can believe in the impossible and be willing to trust God... through the good times and bad! 

Merry CHRISTmas!! 

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!  

As we celebrate this special season, we think about you, our friends and family! We pray that this Christmas letter finds you in good health and enjoying the wonderful Christmas season. Here's the update on us:)

Speaking of seasons, Brian has had a busy season at our local Community College this year. He is serving in a new role as Interim Dean of Academic Affairs. He continues to fulfill some of the duties of his previous position, Director of Student Services, and to teach online Humanities classes. He is still enjoys spending a little of his free time trying to “tame” our property—four acres that surround our one and a half year old home. He also earned “father of the year” by hosting a paintball party in our backyard for Chris’ 8th birthday… truly a brave dad:)

Kelly has been busy home schooling the kids, staying active in the local home school group, and participating in a ladies Bible study. At church, she can be found in the classroom with Nate or filling in for other teachers (which is something she enjoys!). At night she is usually found hunting for activities for the kids (for future lessons), finding good deals to help fill the cupboard and bookshelves, or instructing online classes.

The kids have stayed busy, too!! All love their Sunday School and RA/GA classes with their teachers and friends at church. Anna, Chris, and Lydia also played soccer on the same team this fall—very convenient and exciting! They are excelling at school work, too, studying all sorts of world history topics, science, and becoming good little readers and writers! When school is not in session, they have an interest in all things LEGO and being outside or with friends!



Anna (9) began taking piano lessons this year and cares for her super sweet rabbit, Mr. Darcy. Chris (8) continues to love anything art related, and for his birthday he received paintball guns and an archery set which are now hobbies. Lydia (6), our  bookworm, desires to begin horseback riding this year and can be found outside climbing through the woods or helping Kelly in the gardens. Nate (3) is our resident mischief maker but can proudly write his name, recite the ABCs and John 3:16! He loves the outdoors and candy! And Jack, our dog, continues to add to the craziness of the house with his puppy antics and desire to be in the middle of everything!

During the 1st half of the year we spent a lot of time traveling to spend time with Pey before he passed away with cancer in April. It was a bittersweet time knowing that soon he was going to leave us but sweet in that we had lots of precious moments with him before that time came. We miss him dearly.

In July, we took a memorable road trip to Mississippi and the Space & Rocket Center in Alabama with Grandma and Grandaddy! The kids were able to meet Grandma’s extended family, to see where Grandma grew up, and to see the places Brian visited as a child! We had a wonderful field trip in that rented 12 passenger van. (It was nine hours—one way!) The kids were making plans to go back to MS as soon as we left!

We look back on our year with gratefulness as we have seen God’s goodness and mercy during all of the good and hard times. And as we enjoy this Christmas season, we are thankful for the greatest gift of Jesus, our Savior.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, 
I bring you good news of great joy 
which will be for all the people; 
for today in the city of David 
there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Brian, Kelly, Anna, Chris, Lydia, Nate

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

We've been enjoying this Christmas season:)

 This week we finally tucked the school books away so that we could slow.down.a.bit and enjoy it all... well not ALL, I think that's the secret to this season is NOT trying to do it all. We have attended and participated in a lot but there were some activities that we just missed so we didn't have to rush or so we could just have time together:)

Anyway, since I can't recap every activity, I thought I'd share some of our favorite moments so far this Christmas season:)

Nate helping to decorate the tree in his "summer attire"

The older kids and I working on a pinterest project...
its still is not completely finished but we had fun with 3 glue guns going at one time:)

Designing our Gingerbread House the church's Christmas party!

It's precious to see Nate's joy when he finds the Jesse Tree ornament

 that corresponds to our readings each day:)

A vinyl sticker snowman that Nate played with while we schooled some in Dec.

Attended our former town's Christmas parade!! Always feels like home to go back....
seeing friends
watching kids from past VBSs growing up so quickly
meeting grandchildren of church members
being thankful for our years with them & glad we're not that far away now

The card "factory"... the kids stamping and preparing envelopes for our annual Christmas cards.
Even though we have scaled back from the amount we used to send out,
I'm not sure how I managed to do it all without their help!

Sugar Cookie making....

 Decorating, and eating:)

 If I complain about gaining weight over the holidays it will be from this deadly combination:
peppermint and chocolate!

Personalizing cards for their Sunday School and GA/RA teachers.
 And making some for the retirement home residents as well.

Decorating some ornaments to give as gifts to the residents at a local retirement/rehab center...
the residents love the kid visits and the sparkly gifts

Their FAVORITE Christmas tradition:)
One night camping out in front of the Christmas tree...
Simple, sweet and a fun memory.

And what was Momma doing while they slept??

Hot cocoa in an alma mater mug while folding laundry;)
 LOL!!

Merry Christmas!!!

A Merry Thankful Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We've been visiting with family and friends through the holiday and will continue until the end of the week when we have to get back to "normal". We've had a very simple Christmas... food, presents, Christmas story,etc! It's been very nice.


Lots of funny memories of making signs for a gift, candy cane cookies, Christmas morning hot tub dip, gift scavenger hunt, and definitely my new Clapper;) LOL!!


Making sugar cookies and painting ornaments with friends.

Christmas caroling at a local rehab center with the local home schoolers. The kids singing, Brian playing his guitar, passing out home made ornaments and cards.

Sweet moments watching the kids prepare for Christmas.... helping to wrap presents,and  packing gifts to bring to their Sunday school teachers or to grandparents' homes.

And sweet memories of Chris declaring that it's been a good Christmas after opening only his stocking with the new toothbrush, new underwear and some candy:) OR Lydia finally getting the toy horse shes been wanting. And Anna with her techy gift, she just beams:)

It's also been a mix of emotions. We've had two friends pass away in the last 2 weeks and then the tragedy in CT. Our hearts have been broken, we have shed tears, we've attended services and we've been confronted with the reality that sickness and death are real no matter what the season.

 
I was left with an overwhelming feeling of how blessed we are.... we have soo much to be thankful for.

That my kids needed underwear and I could just run to the store and get some for them! Or that my Dad was able to enjoy another Christmas with us... all 16 of us crowded in the living room with him;) We all were well enough to enjoy all the festivities of the season:)

Thankful!

I've Already Been Guilty...

of stressing instead of thanking, worshiping, hugging and enjoying the season!

During these days before Christmas, there are so many great things.... extra cookies, preparing gifts, lights, gatherings with friends, parades, family pictures, crafts, Christmas cards?? (yes I'm still working on those!)...


but mixed into what is normally done in a day makes for some late nights and stressful moments trying to balance it all.

But I keep reminding myself (and having others telling me) that it doesn't have to be stressful...

 or look perfect.

Christmas is about Christ!

 All the extra activities, gifts, and treats are fun and should ADD to our celebration of Christ... not take away the joy that the season is supposed to bring.

After being up until the wee hours of the morning working on a snack and craft project for a home schooling meeting last week, I was woken early by Nate crying with a stomach ache.

Moments later he was sick on our bed:(

Needless to say, I was a little disappointed with how our plans immediately changed... my late night had been in vain....

or had it?

I still smile with how excited the kids were that they got to have the mini banana bread gift loaves for breakfast:) All wrapped up.... it was a real treat for them!

When Nate recovered and was wanting to eat... he joined in:)

How desperately I want for this sweet season to be one we remember as being really fun, filled with lots of simple family, Christmas memories.... making cookies, watching Christmas movies!

After our change of plans Friday, the kids asked if they could crash in front of the Christmas over night.... why not;) So we all watching White Christmas until we fell asleep and they slept with the Christmas tree all night...

and the next and the next one too;)

Another reminder of the small, simple things that make sweet Christmas memories. Camping out around the Christmas tree, singing Christmas songs about Christ, driving around looking at Christmas light and even kid-wrapped random gifts (from the house) require minimal effort and can make the season sweetly simple.

Anyone have more simple activities they are doing as a family that have brought extra snuggles and giggles this Christmas?

More Christmas Scenes & A Christmas Treat

Our county's Christmas Parade

A true farming county parade definitely includes HUGE tractors!

All the commotion had Nate's full attention.

Chris and Lydia freezing on the float... Chris later told me that I didn't INSIST enough that he wear gloves! They had a blast though and made plans to ride on the float again:)

Friends over for a quick hot dog dinner and to play together after the parade... super fun, maybe a new tradition;)

A Gingerbread Decorating party at church for the kids! We had lots of fun decorating and snacking! Also fun to visit with friends from church and the community:)

The final product was pretty;)

At the children's Christmas party at church someone made some chocolate chip cookies with what looked like crushed candy candies/peppermint in them. I later was told it is a new seasonal pre-made cookie dough but I was inspired to see if I could make some at home;)

Sure enough... it was WAY too easy!! I used our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and added one crushed up candy cane.

Onto more Christmas;) Looking forward to a few more opportunities this week to meet with friends, sing Christmas carols and even some crafts;)  Sneaking in some math and reading lessons and one more chapter in history before we call it Christmas Break:)
More Wordless Wednesday at  NapTime MomTog, 5 Minutes for Mom,  Mama to 4 Blessings, Go Graham Go.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

"Put on me dress. Me dress and den me doe outside?"

Funny that he wanted to get dressed to go outside to play, but he asked for a "dress" in his first statement:)

*****************************************************************
While Chris was outside this weekend a neighbor came into our yard and introduced herself to Chris. I wasn't aware of the visitor and so I was asking Chris later what she looked like thinking I had probably seen her before in he neighborhood.

Me: Chris was she a young lady or an older lady?
Chris: Well, she was a little of both!

He's very diplomatic:)

*****************************************************************

During a school morning, I asked Chris to carefully hand me one of our books; carefully because he was across the room and I really didn't want him to throw the book:)

As he sat next to me he asked why he needed to be careful with the book. I told him that it was one of my favorite books to use with them and I was hoping to save it for Nate, too!

Chris then responded,"Well after Nate is finished with it can you keep it for my children? I want to have my children do school at home too!"

This seriously was precious to me.... how many of us go through times of questions wondering if home schooling really "fits our family". The days are long and sometimes emotionally packed and I feel guilty the kids are missing out...

but for my child to think about home schooling their own children someday:) Precious!

*************************************
We've been working through the Jesse Tree Devotional from A Holy Experience. We lucked out that Grandma gave us a mini tree that we set up in the school room... works perfectly!!

Chris is determined to call the Jesse Tree a "Jesus Tree" since all the stories talk about Jesus:)
And after our first devotional he snuck off and added a tree topper..... a CROWN!! Very sweet... and definitely appropriate for our Jesus Tree!!

Oh, the little boxes are a gift we recieved one year. Each box is labeled with a number 1-25 for the days leading to Christmas. Inside has a OT prophecy verse about the coming of Christ and then the corresponding NT verse.

We won't do all of them... but we'll definitely read the ones that correspond to our home school days;)

It's your turn!! Just leave a comment or link up:)

Christmas Memories

 As we traveled to the grandparents a couple of days before Christmas, Brian and I shared some of our Christmas memories with the kids. Stuff like playing on a FL beach Christmas Day with my siblings, getting a new bike or going to an aunt's home filled with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

It was interesting how all our memories centered around spending time with family and special presents.

Our Christmas this year was the same;)

It started with a scavenger hunt for Chris, Anna and Lydia to find one of their gifts from us (2 gifts being too big/awkward to wrap). Each had their own hunt around Grammie and Pey's house...

Lydia getting Pey's help with her clues & Pey VERY glad to help:)

Victory;)

And yes, the kids were all dressed up:) After exchanging presents with just our family, we packed up and headed to church with my parents! It was a treat to be back at the church I attended on college breaks! Fun to see some old friends;)

When we got home, the aunts, uncles and cousins began to pour in;)

Remember this "little" guy? here 's a hint

And more gifts before our meal together;)

Uncle Eric& Aunt Tori opening my parents gift (one to each of us) videos of our childhood:)They gave us each Blackmail material;)

Love Hannah Grace's expression:)

It was busy having us all there... but I know we will all look back and we thankful for the times of gathering.

We traveled home Christmas evening and the kids opened the stockings that got left behind;)

Monday morning we headed to the grandparents in the South:)

And you guessed it... more Christmas family moments and presents;)

Sharing the moments via Skype with Uncle Scott & Aunt Bea in Thailand.

oh... so sad it's all over soo quickly!!

I mean relatively speaking... the meals consumed quickly, the family dispersing soon after and the gifts all tucked away in their new places (lol... ok, not yet... but we're getting there) in just a short span of  10 days!

And now we're into a new year!! WOW!

I've got tons more to blog.... a look into our new year!! My new job... yikes!! My not-so-little baby's new month! But I'll just have to leave it unwritten for now...

because for now we're just soo thankful for the Christmas memories we shared this year:)








337. peaceful Christmas preparations
338. Christmas Eve trip to Williamsburg
339. Christmas Eve party with neighbors
340. little arms digging into stockings
341. delicious chocolate treat
342. scavenging for gifts
343. Pey helping with clues
344. worshiping at church Christmas morning
345. a full house
346. little cousins together (cute even with a few mishaps)
347. protection of Grandma
348. homemade,with added germs, biscuits
349. skype-ing gift opening with family abroad
350. a warm lap for napping
351. 2 visits with Gran-Grandma:)

352. simplicity of wooden blocks
353. a full week of vacation with Daddy
354. anticipation of visiting friends

&

355. a New Year.... with many expectations and challenges leading to opportunities to grow in our faith...

if we are willing!

Christmas Lights

For the past 2 or 3 years we have ventured to a neighboring town to see an amazing display of Christmas Lights. Usually we head there with the Woods... piling into a big van and traveling up there together! Even without them with us the kid were eager to go and see the display.

There is a story that goes along with why this one man decorates his entire street with lights. I don't know all the details... just that he prepares and works on it for months...

to honor his daughter!

I hope you enjoy some of our favorites;)

And have a Very Merry CHRISTmas;)

The Before Christmas Wrap-Up

So I skipped a week of "wrapping up".... forgive me;) With the extras of preparing for Christmas and my classes, schooling the kids and just being with my family... the blogging got pushed to the side for a bit.

Bible
We've done very well with keeping up with the Jesse Tree devotional these last two weeks;) I love the continual pull back to Christ with each verses, story, devotional... I am just soo thankful that we have been working through these devotion each day and I feel like it's really helped to bring our focus back to Christ!

I confessed that I had slacked on being prepared with everything.... so finally Monday we got to work changing the pictures into ornaments... coloring (the final few), gluing on construction paper, laminating, hole punching and then a ribbon:)

And I am just putting them on our Christmas tree:( I really wanted a separate place for our Jesse Tree ornaments... but they fit... our tree is a collection of Christmas ornaments, faith-based, crafts, memories, shiny balls:) Anyway, I am pleased and reminded that sometimes simplicity IS best.

We've been listening to Luke 2 a couple of days/nights a week, but I don't think any of us can totally recite the passage... but I bet Anna is getting close:)

Language Arts
The last two weeks I have been faithfully having the kids reading from Ordinary Parents Guide (for the younger two) or library books. Our library started a Winter Reading program in December, so the kids have been trying to earn their 1st prize:) I"m always thankful to see my kids snuggled on the couch with a book!! This week Anna read Mr Popper's Penguins in ONE day... she's a reader;)

Chris had a fun activity with one of his review lessons. He had to "cross the river" only stepping on words with the long "u" sound.

Of course laying blankets on the floor and jumping from card to card means total involvement with lots of giggles and lots of movement... no quiet school days here;)

I eased up on the spelling with Lydia and Chris the last two weeks... they've been writing the Days of the Week each day and really focusing on reading and getting in some copywork and free writing:) They have been doing 3 Grammar lessons a week though;)

Anna's been working on prepositions for weeks now... LOL!!... at least it seems like it;) Thankfully she memorized the required prepositions during 2nd grade, so it has been "review". One day we worked on dictionary skills just to break it up:)

A couple letters were composed this week... but the majority of the writing has been making Christmas "wish lists"... funny that they are finally starting to think about gifts. But with Christmas just a week away most of shopping is done!

Math
I've taught everything from fractions to the numbers on a clock face, from odd ball subtraction facts to making graphs with how many linking cubes are in a bag. Our math highlight this week was Anna using fractions to measure out amounts for fun using rice (although she is often my little baker!).

History
The first week we read about the Persia (and briefly highlighted all the countries that controlled that area) and the Ottoman Empire. SInce it was a lot of really crazy names (like 10+)... we did our reading and then I had the kids do copywork instead of narration! We did discuss the questions for the chapter. We also read through books that talked about Iran and Turkey.

The map was the coolest... tissue paper circles representing the different countries (the kids wrote the names of the people) glued onto of one another;) The point was MANY different groups/people fought over Persia for a LOT time!! It's no wonder there is still soo much "unrest" in that area!

Last week we studied the Thirty Years' War. There were a lot of details again... so the younger two just did copywork and Anna did copywork and wrote out answers to these two questions "why did the war start?" and "who were some of the important figures?" For some reason this was less stressful for her than having to narrate the chapter, probably because it caused her to focus on the most important stuff and not get all caught up in the details.

Maps though are the kids favorite part of history:)

Since Germany was the main country in The Thirty Years' War we read about Germany and a handful of Grimm tales (carefully chosen, of course)!

Science
Anna did 2 simple experiments this week... one with water, again! I stress simple! And she got caught up with the Science terms from past experiments.

I feel like we do a lot if "informal" Science around here. Answering "Why?" questions and such!! But our formal Science study is really going to have to pick up more when we start back in January (in other words this Momma needs to get herself better organized!!).

Extras;)

Last week we went to a party with our homeschooling group... one mom opened up her HOME!! She was a brave soul:) Most of the activities were outside.... but still, they ate snack and played outside in between activities.

The kids had a great time playing with their friends, doing a Christmas present exchange, having snacks and more playing!! It just makes me soo thankful for this group and the sweet friendships the kids and I have been able to make!

I know I have written this before, but if you are  homeschooling.... find friends;) It is WORTH the drive (we drive over 45 minutes to meet up with our group)!!!

The friendships for the kids and the fellowship and encouragements from the other moms is priceless!!

Looking ahead....

This week we are slacking a bit ... LOL!! Ok, we're slacking a LOT!!

On Sunday night, I made a packet of worksheets for the kids... Christmas word searches, math problems, crossword puzzles, etc! SO the kids will work on those in between Chris finishing his LAST 1st Grade math lesson;) and reading library books, some last minute Christmas projects, some Christmas tasks, cleaning the house, Jesse Tree devotions! We have a program at our library one night this week, too!

We have an exciting field trip planned for later in the week... but we're seeing rain on the forecast:( So that might not happen :( 

And starting Wednesday, Brian will be with us until Jan 2nd. He has mandatory vacation time:) So we'll take every minute we have with him at home.... although I think he's planning to start packing his church office. Not that we have a moving date yet (still waiting on that loan to be processed), but it's something that has to get done!!!

LOL... you made it to the end;)