December 2013

They shall call his name"Immanuel" which means, God with us.  Matthew 1:23

Another year comes to a close.  In some ways I am happy to be saying goodbye to this year, but also grateful for the Lord's continuos work in my heart.  This Christmas season, I tried so much to distract myself from the sadness that laid heavy in my heart.  I think I overdid it, hence me being sick the past week (but giving me time to catch up on the blog). Last Christmas I was anticipating our third child being a part of our celebration and joining the other two under the tree.  But the Lord had different plans for us, good plans.  Although I found myself tearful at times, it was easy to recount the Lord's faithfulness to our family. He has been with us.

We did the advent/countdown to Christmas and the kids enjoyed the fun activities.  Danny and I had a lot of fun with it, especially now that they can enjoy more things.  One thing we initiated was reading through the Jesus Story Book Bible through the month of December.  It's so exciting to see that Noah is starting to understand the Christmas story and the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  On Christmas Eve, when he saw the presents under the tree, he asked, "are all those presents for Jesus?" We had multiple opportunities to talk about Jesus and why he came.  It was so helpful for my soul to speak of these things.  It really put things into perspective and convicted me of what I was truly celebrating in my own heart.  I am so grateful for the joy that we have because of the birth of Jesus and for a Savior that not only came for us but is still with us today.

Forgot this last month, but our thankful tree came to a close

 gingerbread house

 picnic dinner by the tree, this was so fun for the kids

 Snow!

 our friends

 I told Noah to throw a snowball at me, good aim!

 she prefers eating it

 backyard view

 birthday party for Jesus

 baking with mommy

 learning to make paper snowflakes

Christmas cookies at the mom-mom & grandpas

 Christmas morning

A fun surprise for dad

Noah turns 4

Noah,

Today you turned 4 and this past year has been a year of much growth. Now that Chloe is older, you are learning what being a big brother really means. You started school. You played soccer, your your first sport.  And the most thing we've enjoyed is seeing how your heart has grown to be more loving and compassionate.  You love helping others and care for others without being told to.  You love to comfort kids younger than you (& make them laugh).  If I cough or sneeze, you ask me if I want water or need a tissue and bring it to me.  When Chloe cries, you hug her and tell her it's going to be okay. Last time we went out, Tayta told me you held her hand for 20 minutes trying to comfort her because she was crying when we left.  And when she was crying in the car the other day, you reached over and held her hand.  You spontaneously tell Daddy and I that you love us all the time, which we never tire of hearing.  You love initiating hugs and kisses with us, which Chloe has learned to do from watching you.  You always talk about all the the things you want to teach Eli to do.  You also have learned to encourage us all.  I love hearing, "Thanks for dinner mom," "Thanks for coming to my Christmas party," "Good job Chloe," or "Good, job dad!" You simply melt our hearts with your love and kindness.  What a sweet little boy you continue to be! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you this next year. We love you so much!

Love,  mom & dad

 Birthday Brunch

Donut Skewers made by Daddy

 They were a hit!

 craft time

final product-reindeer ornament

 Noah's new favorite treat in cake form :)

 the anticipation

nap time :)

                                     

soccer jacks for everyone

and a small glimpse of your heart :)