Thursday, December 27, 2012

what a Christmas, what a Christmas

we had a wonderful time in NC
with Brian's family. 
we ate too much,
laughed a lot,
  caught up w/ family,
and celebrated Emmanuel's birth!

we made it home safely last night after driving  
through some crazy weather.
we'll lie low like brer rabbit
for the next few days & then 
ring in the new year!

we spent Christmas eve w/ some
adorable german shepherd puppies

"please buy me, I'm only $900"


a little photo both action






Ecko loved sharing our traditions.
our time w/ her is priceless!


the most anticipated,
talked about,
& dreamed about
Christmas gifts
EVER



our handsome nephew-puppy

two ducks and a turkey
(not talking about my brothers-in-law.)
honest.

always some sort of competition going down.


the re-telling of the Nativity

happy birthday Jesus!

uncle Stephen time

cousins!



"Buon Natale!!"


Tuesday, December 25, 2012

JOY to the world!


Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our sins and fears release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel's strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

He came to bring.....LIFE!

"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.
I came that they might have life
and have it abundantly."
John 10:10

December had been crazy!
There have been some attempts at stealing
joy & life  around here-
car problems, 
crazy, busy schedules,
financial "surprises", family health issues...

we're choosing LIFE!

celebrating the One who was born
to bring that life.
thanking the One Who has provided
for our needs.
praising the Healer for His touch.
choosing to be intentional 
and not accept every party invitation,
but soak up the time we have as a family
while Ali's home from school.
(when she's not working, that is!)

we head to NC tomorrow,
"over-the-river-and-through-the-woods
Beverly Hillbillies" style -woot!woot!






F-R-A-G-I-L-E
 "It's a prize, a major award!"

my babies

let the baking begin y'all


Quinn's deciding which cookie
to eat, I mean decorate next



have a holly jolly Christmas!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Advent

it is truly the most 
 wonderful time of the year!
on the first Sunday of the advent season
we light the candle that represents
hope, expectation, and prophecy.

Emmanuel -God in the flesh,
here with us.
I long, hope for, and expect
Emmanuel to captivate the hearts
of our family this year!

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!