Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Advent Fun Part I: Angel Gabriel and Mary

This year we started a new family tradition that I hope will last for years to come.

Each week, or every few days as it turned out, we came together as a family and worked on a project based on the happenings around the birth of Christ.

In Part l we focused on the Angel coming to speak with Mary. We read Luke 1:26-38
"Greetings, most favored one and do not be afraid. God has chosen you out of all women. Very soon you will have a baby. You must call him Jesus."

We sat down and colored a sheet and talked about why the angel came to Mary.Our coloring sheets

Then we made an angel craft.

Daddy and the boys making their angels

It was nice to be together as a family, talking about Jesus, and having fun. It was also nice to see the boys working with their Daddy. Since we primarily do most of our school and projects during the day, Daddy misses out on a lot of those moments. It was a really special moment for all of us.

Men In Orange

Random Thoughts on Charlie

Our boy is changing, for the good, I think. Subtle changes in his behavior, deep conversations, and a new sense of self, leaves a Mama grasping at the baby days and yet excited to see her little bird start to fly!

Cuddles do not flow so freely these days, but sweet words like "Mama, I'll take care of you and Daddy forever" or conversations, brought on by boy, about where he will live when he is all grown up only to end said conversation with "I think I'll just live here with you guys". That is fine with us little one, but check back in with us in about 14 years :)

The days have stretched into years, the time has truly flown by. Did we not just wrap this wee one in a blue velor snow suit that was sizes too big and bring him home, Daddy driving 15 mph under the speed limit, Mommy watching little boys every breath?

Was it not last week that he would kiss us with those open mouth, I am going to eat you kisses that left your hole face wonderfully wet?

Nope, it was not yesturday or last week. It was nearly 5 years ago. And our boy is changing, for the good, I think.

Sunday Slidings

Over the hills and through the woods.......

Our last stop on our Thanksgiving travels, took us to Nie Nie and Papa's house.

We did a lot, and yet we did nothing at all!

We visited an incredible cheese house where we stuffed ourselves with cheese and watched cheese being made. Very cool and very yummy!

Grandpa took the boys on loader rides, as usual. Tommy could hardly wait and went from vehicle to vehicle asking for a ride on them with Papa. Charlie was skeptical this time about a ride, but compromised with Grandpa and found a safe spot near the gear shift for him to ride and put the loader into "gear".

The boys love to ride with Grandpa on the loader.
Thomas x's 2

There were cuddles and shows


We decorated our Gingerbread house as part of our Advent activities


And Charlie and Grandpa also did some building together.

Two little Christmas Elves at work.


And this sweet boy, well, he is just sweet!

We are back............

Wow, what a wonderful whirlwind the last 10 days have been! We have been here, there and everywhere!!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our house with our my sister and her family and my parents and chatted with most of Trent's family on the phone.
It was truly a blessed day because we were together!
The kids had a lot of fun with their cousins

Daddy cooked a delicious bird as usual!!

After Turkey day was over, our bellies were full, and our prayers of Thanksgiving said....we were off to Aunt T and Uncle's house.

THANK YOU dear friend who let us borrow their DVD player for the car!!
WHY have we not bought one of these before?!?!?!

4 hours later and we were playing, chatting and catching up with more family.
Aunt T watching trains on the computer with the boys, and Uncle showing us his engine. Who do you think was in awe??

We had a great visit, we played outside A LOT, ate lots of pie and even celebrated Nana's upcoming bday!
and have we mentionedthat this boy is fearless?

and have I told you that I love this boy?

If not, now you know!

next stop Nie Nie and Papa's house......

To be continued.