Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas Day



The kids were so excited this morning in anticipation of family coming over.
The bearing of gifts may have had a little to do with it too!

While we planned to eat first, the chickadees were not going to allow that! Who needs sustainable food when there are presents to open?



Miss Erin loved her Barbie pajamas and insisted on dressing her Barbies in them before bed last night. I am becoming slightly concerned about the way these little harlots dolls are dressed. See the cute purple one on the right? Nearly see through! Do the designers remember these are for children?

ahem. Next gift please!



A bounce back racer for the little man...
(say cheese Granny)



...and a pink corvette for the lady.



Erin's original strategy was to nearly touch her car with the controller to try & direct it, but she is now getting the hang of it. And apparently males are born with the ability to drive a remote control car.

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 25, 2009

Brother Sister Friend



I Let Him In

Oh, how I had big plans for today. I was going to be a good Christian and really celebrate Jesus' birthday. A super good prayer before our meal, happy birthday Jesus brownies...

But I let him in our house. Today - of all days. You know him, the father of lies, the wicked one, the accuser. Satan. The one who comes to seak and destroy. The one who messes up our families. Who loves quarrels over petty things. The one who encourages fathers not to wave at their daughters. The one who pushes daughters not to speak to their mothers. Sons to turn their backs on their mothers. Sisters not to speak. Satan, who adores an unforgiving heart. Cold and resentful. He came in my house today.

This evening we passed a house with a yard full of cars. That may someday be our Christmas, I pray. Everyone together, regardless of faults we all have. With hearts full of forgiveness, love, respect and actual joy to be together.

So my plans for today, well, I should have prayed first thing this morning. Because those things did not happen.

I pray you had a Merry Christmas and your hearts of full of contentment. And tonight I pray he won't interfere with any more of my days. I have no room for him. I have no desire for such things in my life.

Happy Birthday Jesus. I'm sorry I allowed Your day it to get messed up.

Luke 4:8 (King James Version)

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve

This year Patrick & I decided to let the kids open presents on Christmas Eve. It was a day that we were able to stay home all day, let the kids play, not have to rush off anywhere... And since we have never made a big deal about the jolly fellow in red, it didn't matter if it was actually Christmas day or not.

So here is the conversation overheard in the living room this morning after Erin woke up to find gifts under the tree....

Erin "Can we open presents today?"
Patrick "Did Santa bring you presents?"
Erin "No, Mom and Dad did!"

And he asked again, and she was most certain, it was in fact, her parents who purchased the gifts. Was she any less excited? I seriously doubt it! Not after marking off 23 days on her calender this month.

So here are a few pictures of our morning and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas day!








Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Men Who Missed Christmas






O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel. Matthew 2:6

There were some people who were too busy in life, too self-centered and too caught up in their own things to stop and find the most wonderful Christmas gift that the world has ever known. There are still people today, that are too busy for the Lord. People who have a "No Vacancy" sign on their hearts. They have no room for Him.

I - The Men Who Missed Christmas
1- The innkeeper who had no room for Jesus. He was too busy to accomodate them. How busy are we? Do we make time to read our bibles? To Pray?
2- King Herod had no place for Jesus. He was an evil man who had murdered his wife and three sons. He tried to deceive the wise men by telling them he wanted to worship Him. He wanted Him dead.
3- The religious leaders had no time for Him, they knew He was to come, because they knew the prophecies, but did not seek Him out.

II - The People Who Found Christmas And Jesus
1- The shepherds were a lowly class of people, who not even allowed to testify in court because their witness was not valid. But the Angel of the Lord appeared to them. And they listened.
2- The wise men were not Jews, God's chosen people, but they followed the star to see Jesus. And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshipped.

Why did these people find Christmas and Jesus?
They were honest enough to admit they needed a Saviour. They weren't so stubborn and self-sufficient to think they could do it all themselves. They were also humble enough to receive Him when He came.

Wise men, whether they be shepherds or magi, are the ones who acknowledge their need and humble themselves enough to see the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church
December 20, 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

I Suck At Playdates

Well, today is the first day of Christmas vacation. Being the SUPER Mom I am, I decided to invite Erin's friend, Anna, over for a playdate. An all day playdate, because that's what Super Mom's do (I think). It was going so well. They played dress up, rode the Barbie's van/motor home thing around, played V-Motion. Fun and more fun. Luke was even trying to be good & not ram the girls' toys with his cars, too hard.

Being near the end of a very rainy month, I had yet to get my car inspected, so we all loaded up to do that, then planned to stop off at Pooh Sticks park on the way back home. The kids were waiting as patiently as kids can possibly wait, when I decided I better take Mr Potty Training himself to the bathroom. Apparently I was two minutes too late. I noticed trampled puddles on the floor and really, really hoped it wasn't what I thought it was. Wet pants proved me wrong. So we (I) cleaned up the puddles, and when the car was done, headed back home for a wardrobe change.

We finally arrive at the park, it's a beautiful day. Sunny, cool. Luke & I are playing ball, the girls are playing. I took a bit to call my sister in law, turn around a minute later, and poor Anna is bleeding all over her hand. She had slipped off the timber she was walking on and bit/busted her lip. She never made a peep. Back to the car we go to clean up & call her Mom. Anna decided she wanted to go to her Maw Maw's for the rest of the day. After all, her Maw Maw doesn't bloody her up. And as if my daughter had busted her own lip, she started wailing. Didn't want Anna to go. Ugh!

So I decide, that after we drop off Anna, we can go to Target to scout toys, and if they are really good, eat at Chick-Fil-A aka the only place my daughter will actually put a morsel of chicken in her mouth. Target went well, thank goodness. The kids got shoes & monkey shirts. Erin finally got the sparkly pink shoes she has wanted all her life.



To Chick-Fil-A we go. At Noon. When school is out. What was I thinking? I know where my son gets his lapse of judgement. The kids ate well and we went into the sound proof barrier room to play. Luke is always nervous to go up alone, so I go too. Erin announced to everyone, "Watch out, my Mom is coming too!" Beep Beep Beep. (OK, I ate well too.) I was once again reminded why I would not be paid to be a child again. Pushing, screaming, kicking. WHERE ARE THESE KIDS PARENTS?

We made it out alive. And I really really hoped the kids would fall asleep on the way home. But, instead I was serenaded by my children. Erin sang The Farmer in the Dell, Luke sang Happy Birthday Jesus.

We come home to this tornado.



But, 4 books later & it is nap time. WHEW! The day is half done! Now excuse me, I have wet pants to wash.

Anytime, Anyplace


The Super Sleuths are on the case!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Every Day Is Christmas

Every day is Christmas
When you have the kind of mind,
That stores up all the goodness
And the sweetness it can find.
When you don't need an occassion,
To spread a bit of cheer,
But just keep on a-giving,
Of yourself throughout the year.



Every day is Christmas,
With a gaily wrapped surprise,
When you've learned
To see the friendship,
In someone else's eyes.
When you try a little harder,
And complain a little less,
Holding fast to all the fervor
Of the faith that you possess.



Every day is Christmas,
When you've found that you can be
More concerned with words like "you"
And less with "I" and "me".
When it's fun to do a favor,
And to lend a helping a hand,
When being understood means less,
Than when you understand.



Every day is Christmas,
With a beauty deeply cast,
When you find it doesn't matter,
If you're first or if you're last.
When you can face your conscience,
And be glad of what you are,
Then every day is Christmas,
With a stable and a star.

This Guy...




...looooves cake batter. So tell me, why does he not eat the actual cake? Is it not made from the same yummy goodness that was in this bowl?

Oh, don't mind me Mom, I'm almost done here. What? The batter in my hair? Don't worry, it will wash out.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Shape Searching

Erin set out this afternoon with her camera on a shape hunt. And while she did get quite distracted by dogs and mud puddles, she managed to get a few non-blurry shots. And while she is trying to learn not to move the camera while she is taking a picture, I have to work on my collage skills!



Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Performance


Our Little Angel



I have to take a bit to brag on my beautiful, intelligent daughter. The last few weeks she has been simply wonderful. She has been happy, loving, and more than eager to go to school. She has hugged us and told us she loved us more than she ever has in her entire life! And, just the other night, she told me I was super. Me.Super.Ha! These are not things that usually come out of Erin's mouth. I have been loving it! (Now I realize that I will soon be paying for all this bragging, it never goes without punishment!)

Anyhow....

She and her classmates have been practicing for weeks for their Christmas program at school. Just a few days ago, she announced she would be an angel. YAY! I have been eagerly waiting. Tonight was the night, and well, she was just angelic. Just see for youself!




These pretty girls were more than willing to have their picture taken!



While the classes were getting ready, Luke happily waited to see his sister.




The Nativity


I love these two guys!


And she does too!


Thanks Granny & Paw for coming!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were greatly afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2: 8-14




We sing songs about a white Christmas, but for many it is a blue Christmas. Many people become more depressed around Christmas time. Finances, lost loves ones, estranged loved ones...We get wrapped up in the worldly Christmas, instead of the miracle of the Lord's birth. The first Christmas was a time of celebration: rejoicing and praising God. There is only good news in the true Christmas!

I - Christmas Magnifies The Love Of God
We see in the birth of Jesus, God's incarnation; God in the flesh. Why would Jesus leave his heavenly home to come and live on this earth? So that we may have everlasting life and live in heaven with Him.

II - Christmas Personifies The Grace Of God
Grace is the unmerited favor of God. We don't deserve any of His grace. The only reason we can be born again is because of His grace. Yet, the message of grace is for everyone! (vs 10 for all people)

III - Christmas Glorifies The Son Of God
He is the redeemer of the world, Saviour of all men. When He was born, he was wrapped in "swaddling clothes", which were actually strips of cloth used for burial. He was the only baby born to die.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Happy Birthday Jesus



In celebration of Jesus' birthday, my ever thoughtful daughter wanted to bake Him a cake. We decided on a cookie cake after seeing and smelling them in the mall recently. Besides, who doesn't like cookie cake?
{Well, Luke doesn't, but we didn't know that at the time.}

So, this morning, after breakfast, they sang Happy Birthday Jesus, (repeatedly), blew out the candles, and happily licked off the icing, leaving the yummy cake for me to dispose of, but certainly not eat for breakfast. It was before 8:00 am after all.

We hope He enjoyed the song. We certainly enjoy and are thankful for all His blessings.





Happy Birthday Paw Paw John

Dear Paw Paw John,
Thank you for having your birthday party at Mr Gatti's. We absolutely love the pizza, games, prizes, candy, noise, and sitting in our chairs while our parents have adult conversation.
We hope you had a great time too!

Happy 74th Birthday!



Love,
Erin & Luke

Sunday, December 13, 2009

2010

I realized the other day, here it is, the month nearly half over, and I don't have a new calender for next year. I love a fresh, new calender to record birthdays on. Not spoiled with doctors' appointments and due dates.

I set out to score a free one while running errands. Everyone gives away calenders as promo items. Well, apparently not anymore. Church had given them all away; the big pharmacy apparently doesn't do calenders; the bank hasn't done them in quite a while, I'm guessing since the national chain took over.

Ugh. I actually have to buy one. So I picked a pretty, glossy one, with scenery from across the U.S. Inside it had this thoughtful message from DaySpring....

Just think,
you're here not by chance,
but by God's choosing.
His hand formed you and made you
the person you are.
He compares you to no one else -
you are one of  a kind.
You lack nothing
that His grace can't give you.
He has allowed you to be here
at this time in history
to fulfill His special purpose
for this generation.

Probably wouldn't have gotten those inspriring words from CVS.
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Charlie Brown

I love the comic strip Peanuts. When I was about Charlie Brown’s age–approximately eight years old–I relished Sunday mornings because it meant nesting in my father’s lap to read the funny pages with him. I did not understand most of the comic strips my dad liked best. He usually roared with laughter at Andy Capp and Beetle Bailey. What was with that bag of ice on Andy Capp’s head and why was his wife always screaming at him?


When we finally got to the Peanuts comic strip, I was completely entranced. Dennis the Menace and Nancy were some of my favorites, but it was really Charlie Brown who captured my heart.

I thought Charlie Brown and I were soul mates. He was tenderhearted, a little goofy and definitely gullible. Charlie Brown never tattled on anyone, he never got angry or ran away crying with his feelings hurt. He just patiently put up with everyone else’s quirks and oddball personalities. He wanted, so badly, to fit in that he tolerated anything and everybody. Sometimes I wanted to boot him in the behind and tell him to stand up for himself.

Even though Charlie Brown tried so hard to be a part of the gang, he always managed to foul things up. He dropped the game-winning pop fly. He picked out the most pathetic Christmas tree. Even Snoopy laughed at him. It was a lifetime of humiliation for poor, poor Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown’s heart was pure gold and that put him at the top of the list for me. I loved him for choosing the littlest tree on the lot. No boy I knew had that kind of sensitivity or vision. To me, he was the most humble boy alive.

Now that I am grown, married and have a child, my heart aches for heroes like Charlie Brown. My son, who is the same age now, that I was on those memorable Sunday morning’s with my father before heading off to church. My son doesn’t have Charlie Brown to show him how to handle life’s trials.

Instead, my son and his friends have warped pop stars making daily headlines with their twisted behavior. They have prime-time television featuring half-naked stars engaged in behavior that is questionable even for consenting adults. Children are exposed to commercials during so-called family hours, complete with explicit language and inappropriate subjects. Even sports heroes jump from one public relationship to another, in-between answering charges of illegal performance and enhancing drugs. Divorce has become the norm among my son’s friends and it no longer upsets him and pre-marital cohabitation is flaunted by parents at school.

Safeguarding our children’s innocence should be a priority for all parents, but in this media age, it is a daunting task. Sure, parents patrol the Internet, newspapers, magazines and books that children are using. Parents try to keep positive influences in their children’s lives with church and family time. Children are encouraged to play sports, take music lessons, learn horseback riding, attend dance classes and endless other activities. In fact, many parents are over scheduling their children to their detriment, to ensure that they are being supervised and receiving positive messages—but what else can parents do?

While Charlie Brown was a tolerant guy, I think even he would get mad at this country’s downward spiraling culture. I know kindhearted, innocent Charlie Brown would be petrified of the even uglier society that lurks around the corner.

Sadly, I no longer see myself as Charlie’s soul mate. I have become more like Lucy, banging and screaming for Charlie Brown and the rest of the world to wake up.

With fewer and fewer Charlie Browns for our children to look up to how can parents be surprised when our children have become spoiled, narcissistic, uncharitable and demanding?

Maybe instead of wondering where Charlie Brown has gone, as parents, we all need to become more like Charlie Brown ourselves. Patient, positive and always looking up, taking what we learned from him and sharing those character traits and lessons with our children. Who knows, maybe even Lucy would approve.

Written by Jane C. Autler - Baton Rouge Parents Magazine

Friday, December 11, 2009

What Were You Thinking?

Tonight my dear, darling son wanted oatmeal for supper. So I stuck it in the microwave and went about my business (you know, picking up, laundry, etc). I heard him call, "Mama, it's beeping."

So I made my way back in to the kitchen to see this on the floor. Smushed buns. His feet were still standing on them.


"Luke - WHAT were you thinking?", I ask in the sweetest Mom voice I could get out, which, as I recall, may have not been that sweet.

"Trying to reach, Mama", he says.


"Luke, buns do not make a good stepping stool."
I think he must have realized that himself, because he did not scream when he didn't get to open the microwave door himself, like any good, independant two year old would.


He gets the middle bun for lunch tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Word Became Flesh



And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

He looked like any other baby boy, yet He was not. He was Emmanuel, God in the flesh. He became a man for us. Me and you! Before there was anything, Jesus existed. He is the creator of all things.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2

I. The Moment In Time When The Word Became Flesh Was...
1- A prophetic moment - Isiah 7:14
2- A perfect moment  - The disciples were allowed to go through Rome freely to spread the good news. The Jews were looking for the Messiah.
3- A precise moment - God knew the exact moment Jesus would be born, and He planned it that way.

II. The Miracle Of The Word Becoming Flesh
1- He was born of a virgin birth -  She was found with child of the Holy Spirit Matthew 1:18
2- It was a vital birth - He shall save His people from their sins Matthew 1:21

III. The Motive Of The Word Becoming Flesh
1- He became one with us, so that we might be willing to follow Him.
2 - He became one for us, because He loves us.

What is Christmas all about? Oh, it's all about the kids. It's about giving to others. Santa. It's about super sales.

No, the real meaning of Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. The birth of God's Son, who cared enough to give His life for us, so we may believe in Him.


Greenwell Springs Baptist Church
Sunday, December 6

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Hats

My beautiful babies, being silly with their Dad's old, stained, possibly smelly hats.
At least Luke is not in fairy wings. I promised not to post those, least I bring shame to the family name :)





Friday, December 4, 2009

What Do You Do

...On a wintery day, when it's too cold to go outside and play?
WE CRAFT!


A Nativity (with them all holding hands) - that's my sweet girl!


Colorful reindeer (we ran out of brown construction paper)

And homeade play dough (it's easy & fun) who knew?



Guess this picture!