Not Quite the Silent-est of Nights

Simeon and Lieren and Blaise had their preschool program last night. It was Christmas on the Range so they all dressed in cowboy garb. Totally cute. 

Lieren had a part helping decorate the Christmas cactus (ha!) and Simeon was a shepherd (wearing a poncho, also ha!) in the re-creation of the nativity story. They both were sweet and darling. 

Blaise has historically not enjoyed being on stage and the moment his class walked out there I could tell he was having a hard time keeping it together. He gave a valiant effort, taking deep breaths and singing as best he could. But before the first song was halfway through, he gave in to the overwhelmingness of it all and melted into tears. Moments later, he was seated happily with me on the second row. 

Silas immediately leaned over and hugged him more tightly than I can ever remember. Then Blaise put his head back on my shoulder and said, Silas made me feel better. 

I always tell the kids, look at the 3 siblings beside you. These will be your best friends for life. They are the ones who will hug you and help you when life is the hardest, when you're most overwhelmed, and when all eyes are on you. With them, you'll feel safe.

We took these before the program. I am always thankful for one good picture because most of them turn out like this...

These Kids

Couldn't love them more. 

Mess

Oh, Blaisey, you made a big mess, didn't you?

Yep, he says, that's why I cleaned it up for you!

He is the sweetest and currently singing about the 7 wonders of the ancient world. But as for that box, I am leaving it till another day. 

Satisfied

I have been soaking in Jeremiah 31 these days.  Thankful for God's Word that has the power to truly change hearts.

In a season where I am typically unsettled in the decorating in our home, feel like I am not doing enough to focus on Advent, concerned I am losing the battle with our children to emphasize Christ rather than things, and have unrealistic expectations for my own crafting skills, I am grateful that this year is different.

I mean, we will still count down with Advent calendars (one is a Nativity and the other Lego...ha!), we will put ornaments daily on our Jesse tree, we will open gift books each night that are a mix of fun and Christ-centered.  We will do Christmas crafts.  And the house is decorated.  In some ways, this year is no different.

But this year, I have a freedom that I haven't had in years past.  I look around our house and I love the way it looks.  I wouldn't change a thing.  And it's not because of anything I've done.

It's all about Him.

"My people will be satisfied with My goodness, declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 31:14

Explore Tampa Day 5

No exploring week would be complete around here without a trip to the beach. The one we went to today was delightful, with a sandbar and tide pools and the amazing sand this area is known for. We all loved this island beach!

And as usually happens at the beach, the best pictures will always be in my mind. Where they belong, I suppose. Because if I was taking pictures of all the moments, I wouldn't be living the moments, would I?

Explore Tampa Day 4 {Thanksgiving}

I told the children this morning that going to Pastor Mark's house was like our Explore Tampa days were still going on even though it is Thanksgiving Day. Our pastor and his wife live very close to us, and less than a handful of minutes from the 8-lane-across main street running through the suburban sprawl that is our town. 

And yet, when you get there, it's a bit like you have entered Jurassic World...

So we spent the better part of the afternoon (after the entire pumpkin pie that Silas made was eaten) exploring and digging and climbing and generally getting dirty. All reasons for a kid to be thankful.  Which reminds me, the thankful list made by the children yesterday included:

God 

Jesus, that He died on the cross

Toys

Our Food

Mommy and Daddy

The Statue of Liberty

Treats, fruit, and our calcium

The entire world

Our dogs

So there you go. A reminder that there is always a reason to be thankful. 

From our family to yours, in everything giving thanks...

Explore Tampa Day 3

We took a slight hiatus from exploring Tampa this morning to sleep in and take some time to prep for Thanksgiving. Silas and I made a pumpkin pie. And at lunch I asked the children to name some things for which they are thankful. Their responses are always sweet and funny. 

But this afternoon we returned to exploring. Nice that it was in the 70s the day before Thanksgiving. And Shane got to spend the day with us, too. So we headed out to a state park close to us in hopes of seeing alligators. There weren't any alligators in sight today but the children loved seeing all the birds in the swamp-lands, climbing amongst the tree roots, and playing in the sand. 

We are tired and thankful tonight. Personally, at the moment I am thankful for baths and a little bit of Disney Jr. before bed.