Togetherness

Feeling thankful for these moments this week...

Christmas Eve Eve

Lovely day for the beach. And we have family here which is also lovely. 

All the Crazy

We decorated Christmas cookies this week, me and the kids. It was the first time I had attempted it with them and I'll just say that I learned a few things for next year...ha!

One thing I found I loved about it was that it had all the mix of life with our four: all the crazy and all the creative and all the laughs and all the joy and all the drama. They loved each minute. I had to keep "letting them" do it, not take over. I had to smile and shake my head. When all the glitter sprinkles went on one cookie, we all laughed. 

So if you need a little sugar fix, come have a cookie!

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