Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas from us to you.

Good thing she's cute

Here she is, my post naptime princess....who has freed her baby dolls and blankets from the crib. This is what I open the door to everyday.

3 years ago today

Today my baby boy is 3. He has stolen my heart in ways only a mom could know.

He shows every expression on his face, which his daddy has so kindly reminded he gets from me. He is as sweet as pie and tries to remember to use his manners at all times. He’s a boy. A bouncing, growing boy with tons of energy that makes me long for a big backyard to send him out to. He carries a blankie and a train or car that must go with him everywhere, even if it’s just to walk five feet to us to have a chat. He’s a little ocd. Apparently the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. He’s a picky eater, and if you ask him what he wants for any meal, his automatic answer will be "butter jelly." He has the best smile. I often get told how unbelievably happy our children are.

He’s Mr. Social out in public. Almost to the point of embarrassment, while I’m explaining to him we don’t have to converse with everyone all of the time. And he gets louder if they don’t say hi back to him. So make sure to say hi. He gets excited about anything new and his curiosity is overwhelming. His latest thing to say is, “I know, but why?”

He loves letters and can tell you the sound each one makes. If his sister is crying he often sings to her to try to make her feel better. Granted, it's usually something like the ABC song but it's cute all the same. He knows all the rules and will make sure you are following them. However, they apparently do not apply to him. He'll admit when he's done something wrong. We're usually shocked at the admittance and have to shield our faces from having him see us crack a smile.

I love that he looks like his daddy. A man I love and admire. He's never had his hair cut, although I think we're due for a trim now that he's 3. He still wants to be carried sometimes, and when he wants you to pick him up, he'll ask you to "take care of Noah." In the morning he comes to our room for a snuggle. It makes it all worth it when he lays down, puts his arm around me and whispers, "I love you mommy."

Today my baby boy is 3. He has stolen my heart.

So, God...whatcha thinkin'?

That is the question I ask every.single.day. when no one has come to look at our house, even though I’ve left is sparkling clean for buyers. Or when I’m talking to my husband on the phone, instead of having him next to my side. Or when my littlest comes downstairs calling for her daddy.

And when I’m quiet, I hear Him.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 9:11)

But God, how long will this last?

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him… (Psalm 37:7)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

How do we know we’ll be okay?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (Isaiah 40:11 NLT)

What are we supposed to be learning from this?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 1:3-5)

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

How do we know what decisions to make?

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

What now?

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)

Okay, Lord. I get it.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

My baby boy turns 3--a little early

I decided it was time to teach my almost 3-year old how to properly dunk an Oreo.

He took to it immediately. It paired quite nicely with a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

We've watched The Polar Express twice already, so while daddy was visiting this weekend we headed out with the kids on the Minivan Express to look at Christmas lights.

And for the full-effect your ticket must get punched.


Even M got a ticket to ride.

We went to a neighborhood that is known for going all out with Christmas lights. It did not disappoint. In fact, at the end of the court there was a home that had a tour of Bethlehem in their backyard that told the entire Christmas story. Amazing.

You know your children are getting older, but sometimes it takes that one instant when you actually look at them and realize how big they've gotten. It's shocking. When did they learn those words? When did they get so tall to reach up that high? How did my baby boy get to be 3 years old?

We celebrated a little early since the whole family was here with an Alphabet party, and had fun with letters. Seemed fitting since that is a huge interest of N's right now.

Coloring with our alphabet crayons.

Even M got in on the fun. I was so glad she didn't try to eat them.

Yummy homemade birthday cake for our boy.

Doesn't quite know to make a wish yet, but he sure understands how to blow out the candle.


Chocolate cake + milk = Bliss.

He has no idea what the presents are for, but I don't think it'll take too long to figure it out.

I had found Curious George and thought it'd be a fun gift since we've been reading all of the books. But this little miss scooped him right up as her own.

More Christmas fun

Oh boy, do I seem to be dragging this week. However, this one always seems to make my days a little brighter.

And I have no idea what led to my temporary lack in judgement to purchase $1 window clings but I did, and I'm sort of glad about it. I really don't care for these types of things, but they've kept little man busy which means quiet for mama. Which means money well spent, even if it means my windows are ugly.

We've continued on with our advent calendar this week.

Day 4 was hot chocolate night. We made homemade marshmallows earlier in the day to dunk into our hot chocolate at night. Yum.

I did the beginning steps of boiling the sugar while the kids were napping. Very smart.

And had N help me coat them in the powdered sugar.

I wish I had thought ahead to package the marshmallows up to share with friends. This plate is only half of what exists.

Mmmm.


Making marshmallow tips
*Expect to have a sticky mess to clean up when you're finished.
*Don't forget to put the vanilla in toward the end of beating the mixture. I didn't. But I almost did. Whew.
*If you have a kitchenaid mixer, use it. I don't know why I didn't. Instead, I chose a hand mixer. And while I was using the mixer and reading the directions, I realized I was going to need to be standing there mixing it for 12 minutes. Nice.
*Put something to catch the drips from the mixer when you're done with it and the bowl is no longer under it. If you don't, you will have a nice, sticky countertop like me.
*Do not lick the spatula or bowl after you're through. It does not taste good like cookie dough. Promise.

And it's a good thing I've got my running shoes on lately because I've been introducing the kids to these mint Oreos.

Day 5 was making reindeer cards to deliver to friends. N loved getting to put his thumbs in ink to make the face. Don't look too closely at the reindeer with the nose above his eyes.

Due to the excess amount of marshmallows we have, Day 6 was smores night...

...and reading The Night Before Christmas.

On the agenda for today. Singing Christmas carols.

And with bells nonetheless.

And while some ate the bells, others decided to pretend to fall asleep. Yes, apparently my singing is that good.

Holidays

WARNING: You are about to enter an extremely long post that is way overdo. Make sure you have food and drink nearby.

Daddy was home for Thanksgiving which was such a treat.

While he's been away, N kept saying Daddy was going to bring him a special treat when he came home. I have no idea where he got it from, but I let Lucas know what he was expecting. Daddy did not disappoint as he found this weird, crazy toy called the HexBug Nano. So weird. And yet, I have to admit they're kind of fun. Given the popularity of it with both of our children, I think we'll be adding to it for Christmas.

Such a sweet girl.

This little girl luuurves when Daddy is home.

And she finally got some walking shoes to dance around in. She was so excited to put them on and trip all over herself.

And I'm super excited about the new jogger/bike trailer we got ourselves as an early Christmas present. It has been wonderful to start running again and have something to take the kids in during the day. Hooray for early Christmas presents!

This year is such a magical age for Christmas with N. I love seeing his face light up with excitement from all of the new things he's seeing and learning about. I had wanted to do an advent calendar with him this year, and had really slacked on making a cute one myself or finding one to purchase that I liked, so on Nov. 30th at 11p.m. I decided to make a quick one that would work just fine for this year.

N LOVES doing the different activities I've written on the back of the tags to do each night. It is very important to us that our children understand the true meaning of Christmas and the excitement and anticipation there is to celebrate Jesus' birth. Our first activity was to purchase a nativity set (that the kids could play with) and to read the story of Christmas. I had wondered if it was really necessary to add another "toy" to the mix and get the nativity set, but I found it on a good sale and went with it. I'm so glad I did. While I read the Christmas story, N set the stage at the appropriate parts of the story and really seemed to grasp what it was all about. Here is everyone all lined up, excited to meet the baby Jesus.

Day 2 was making gumdrop popsicles via Martha Stewart. We had a good time making them but just don't compare them to what they're "supposed" to look like. Tonight will be Christmas movie night and popcorn.

Because we have our house on the market we thought we'd go easy on Christmas decorating this year and just do a few touches here and there. I caved. It felt so blah around here and with Noah being at such a fun age for it I ran out and purchased a skinny tree to decorate. I figured in the future it could be the kid's tree. And this way the tree was small enough to not overtake the room if someone came to look at the house, but we could still have some Christmas spirit as well.

Santa riding the airplane is N's favorite. I was thrilled to snag these Steinbach ornaments made in Germany from our local TJ Maxx. They remind me so much of my childhood as we always had them on the tree. I can remember unwrapping each one of them from their tissue paper and placing them on the tree. The funny thing is that the ones my parents have are actually from Germany when they lived there. Hard to believe I found them at our discount store nearby for much less.

Seriously in love with this tree.

More Christmas decorating tonight and then I'm calling it quits. Afterall, I have to start getting ready for a certain little boy's third birthday.