Merry Christmas!

Thanks to Bob for taking our family picture at church. We're having a great time with these guys.

Family in Town...

This week both my parents and my sister's family have come to visit! We'll have them here for a few weeks. So far we've gone to Arlington Cemetery, Natural History Museum, played at the house, and gone to church.

 The cemetery was beautifully decorated with wreaths for Christmas. We're so thankful for the men and women who have sacrificed for our nation's freedom.

Papa and his babies!

Prepare Him Room

I love this time of year! It's so exciting to focus on the birth of Christ. There are so many ways to do this- the ideas are endless; and that's sometimes the problem! I can get distracted by DOING all these great things that I don't stop to actually worship Jesus. So, I'm trying to have fun with all the parties and planning and cooking and crafting but really; the most important thing is the time I have quiet with Jesus early every morning. He is the ONE I long to be with most and the ONE that directs everything else. I've been reading some Christmas devotionals from Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Spurgeon made a point that Jesus (God in flesh) being born in a dirty, humble manger; is the same type of act as God coming to reside in our hearts. We are full of sin and it is not a place where you think God would live; yet He does! So, I worship God in light of this- He came to us as a humble baby to bring us the Good News, and now He offers to indwell us and give us His own power to glorify Him. What a God we serve!

So, with the kids we're doing an Advent book called  Prepare Him Room.

During some of our time together the kids are doing acrobats, but there are also times where they actually listen!

 We've had some great discussions, times singing, and prayer.

My prayer is that we love Him more every day.

Field Trip to the Botanical Gardens

Here's our crew!

 We found such beautiful orchids in the gardens.

 

Friends!

Every part of this display was made from plants!

There were mini displays, too!

 Love these little ones.

 The Capitol!   

 All the moms!

 Buddies

The Capitol Christmas tree!

It's Looking a Bit Like Christmas Here...

 

 We found these cute reindeer in the kitchen!

Our family tradition is decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. So, here are the girls looking through their ornaments. It's so fun to see them get excited remembering where the ornaments came from, and decorating the tree. 

They took a break to play with friends after a little while- so fun to have a picnic on the kitchen floor!

So Much to be Thankful For

We've had fun being outside blowing and collecting the leaves this fall. The girls got to jump while dad cleaned the trampoline! I sure am thankful for my husband. He's the best. I feel like married up- he's godly, a loving husband and father, and super handsome.

 

Our family verse for November was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Practically, we are working on not complaining, but being thankful- even when things don't go "our way". This lesson applies to young and old!! Another way we applied this verse is by being thankful for others that serve us. The girls made caramel popcorn for their Sunday  school and AWANA teachers. We had fun!

Here's the little baggies ready to be delivered.

 

I'm thankful for this group of women- Ministry Wives! We meet once a month and talk about ways we can love the Lord, support our husbands in ministry, and grow in a friendship with one another. This last time we also made pie crusts together. Thanks Kathy!

On Thanksgiving we shared what we were thankful for as a family. When we asked Geneva, her first rely (without help) was "God".The girls made their lists as Jesse and I did, and we truly are blessed! Then we headed to church for the morning service. Jesse preached an excellent message on The First Thanksgiving  (you can listen to it at that link). After that we went to the Calls house. What a blast!

We are very thankful for these dear friends.

After lunch, we went on a walk around a little pond. I love this picture!

Hahaha

Only 17 kids...it wasn't hard to get this picture at all:)

Savannah's 5th Princess Party!

Grandpa flew all the way in from ABQ to go to his first princess party :)

 Miss Penny amazed us again with her cookie talent!Look at this castle- all edible!!

 Thanks Miss Penny! 

 We started with craft time. The girls made their own favor bags and Cinderella carriages by decorating pumpkins.

 Auntie "L" took all the lovely pictures at the party- thank you!! 

 Savannah gave out rings to her friends.

 Then we did nails and danced at the ball.

 

 The girls had an afternoon tea.

 Then we played find the hidden glass slipper. Jesse was guarding the door!

 Here they come!

 Savannah loved having Grandpa there!

 Sweet group of friends.

 Thanks everyone for the fun gifts!!

 Savannah thanking her sister for her present.

 We are so thankful for this sweet girl. She truly is a joy. 

Yay- Grandpa too!

After the party the girls played for a while and then watched Cinderella.

Such a fun time celebrating God's gift in Savannah!