December 14-17

December 14

Today we spent some time making some ornaments! Cupcake ornaments! Using mini cupcake wrappers and pom poms and some glitter glue. The kids really had a great time making them! And now a few of them are on our tree! 

December 15 

"Parker, come sit on my lap and tell me what you want for Christmas!" 

Here are a few of my wishes for the two of you, using some Christmas words: 

Hope: That no matter what life brings your way, I pray you will never lose hope and that you will always put your hope in the Lord Jesus.  "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord is in you." Psalm 25:21 

Love: I pray that you will always show love to others before yourself, that you would always know that Mommy & Daddy love you no matter what, that you would never question our love for you, and most of all that you would know and understand the fullness of God's love for you. "Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 

Peace: I pray that the peace of God would always be with you. That you would rely on Him for peace, no matter what you might be facing in your life. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Joy: I pray you will always have joy in your heart. That you would aspire to be joyful not, just happy. "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

Believe: I pray that you will not only believe in yourself and your abilities, but that you would believe in the Lord and live your life in a way that pleases Him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

December 16

An early gift from Santa (aka Cap Fed Debit Scorecard Rewards) arrived today... Mario Kart for the Wii! We decided to open it right away instead of putting it under the tree. It's definitely a hit! And, fun for the whole family! :) 

December 17

A look into the little details of everyday life: This little guy pretty much refuses to sleep in his own bed. He goes to sleep on the floor by his bed every night and then at some point in the middle of the night will come and get in bed with Mommy & Daddy... just a little celebration of who he is at this point, loving him just the way he is, knowing that one day he'll grow out of it! 

Quote of the Week

Brought to you by Noelle: 

"Oh Mom, something smells inhorrigible!" 

Five Things Friday

#1: Quote of the week, brought to you by Noelle: As she was getting ready for bed one night earlier this week, she starts rubbing the back of her arm, and in a very serious almost concerned voice she says "Mommy, I have (pause) skin on me." I tried not to show how funny I thought this was but, couldn't help but crack up a little at her seriousness. So, I said, "oh look... so do I! We have it all over us don't we?" :) To which she asked "Why?" 

#2: We had some enjoyable time at the park yesterday which were the only photos I snapped of the kids all week! 

#3: I have to say, this little guy is growing up way to fast for me... it's really hit me this week that he's not a baby anymore but I sometimes have a hard time accepting this. He's losing those baby cheeks, he's talking a ton and is just plain not a baby anymore and although I love watching him grow up I have to admit it makes me seriously sad to have to say good bye to the baby years. They really do go by too fast, which reminds me to do all I can to enjoy & be present in each and every moment.  

#4: We're looking forward to some big adventures tomorrow that include a famous train and a famous bird (unrelated). I will share more after tomorrow when I have photos and stories! 

#5: That's all I got... a much less eventful week than last! :)  

Spare Moments

I've always loved Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes... this one I came across today is no exception:

"Guard your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life."