Winter Wilderness Wonderland

Snow finally hit Portland and though we missed some fun playdates because of it, Adam and Lukas had a great time building a bear/snow cave. Thank goodness my husband is willing to go out in the cold for such things because I am not as easily convinced. Later on that night I volunteered Adam to sleep with Lukas under a blanket-cave. I'm so generous with his time and and sleep. I've never met someone as generous as me regarding giving up the comforts of others. I think I deserve a toast - or an excuse to drink wine - one or the other.

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Ladybug girl and Bumbleboy Stike Again

We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas, even spending some of it with good friends, and then went to the beach for a weekend. We couldn't believe the cute little motel room we scored cheap during the winter and weather was decent. We even went to the tiny, hole-in-the wall aquarium there after a night of cuddling on the couch and watching a movie. The weather was a bit more dicy the next day forcing some buggy raincoats to come out just before an unexpectant big wave came in forcing us all rigid and frigid in the car and heading home. Lukas was super sad to leave the beach, even when soaking wet in the rain. Adelaine seemed content to know she'd come back soon enough, trying to comfort us that "this beach has water" (hmmmm....I'm wondering what kind of beach she is looking forward to more next time without all that pesky water.) "We'll come back here to-later, but will go to-now." (in contrast of to-day and to-morrow). It was lovely and something we wouldn't have expected to do in December.

Ladybug girl and Bumblebee boy

We saw a book at a friends house with this title and it was super cute. However, I also recalled a picture from Halloween last year that the kids were super excited to see (posted). So now, we have the book and they are very into their roles (providing great fun for all). The last photo is our recent edition in honor of this great book.

And the puppy appeared to them and said "Do not be afraid, I bring you news of great joy."

Lukas wanted to make a life-sized nativity scene so after drawing the shepherd/sheep and "3 wise kings" on posterboard, Adam helped him make a full scene with a manger. Of course putting angel wings on a big stuffed dog quickly followed (an obvious choice I thought considering all angel possibilities). Adelaine graciously contributed her baby insisting that it would be better if Jesus came as a baby girl to "Married and Jo'fuzz" (clearly a name I hadn't considered poor Joseph might have been teased with as a young lad). Joseph looks a little ticked off in one of the pictures, but I just figure that a night of helping Mary in labor (and all the press and visitors thereafter) had taken its toll.

Tis the season to be merry. ("Oh...that's my name"...name the quote....Carrie?)

1 week to go,with or without snow

Funny how with kids you count down the days til Christmas with all these different tools (shoving even MORE candy in their mouths and ADHD bodies through a candy advent or reminding them every fricken day that TODAY is NOT the day to open the presents). I try to be intentional about my own heart's preparation, but somehow manage to try to prepare the kids better than me. They know (after about 100x of prep) that Christmas is about "baby Jesus' birthday" and yet, somehow - I MISS IT. After trying to remember the theological realities of Christmas from my education and after crying my heart out at some Focus on the Family children's movie (give me a break - it isn't even good animation and I'm crying).....God meets me where He always wanted to - in my own need of my life. At times I need Jesus' coming to earth to know His pain over the deepest sins of man, like children in sex slavery and sometimes I'm aware of what I hope it means for my extended family - parents, siblings, etc. But, in the end it is totally selfish need that brings me not only to the cross, but at Christmas - to the manger. I can't seem to conquer my frustrations with my body and how I spend money or time on the INTERNET - I feel like a failure who can't even figure out how to live - I NEED GOD to come NEAR ME. Right when I'm totally frustrated with my son for his behavior recently and say"at least my daughter is easy" - then SHE starts being more selfish and tempermental than ever.....I feel like I don't have a clue how to be a parent - I NEED GOD to come NEAR ME. When I look at my husband and know that I was just rude to him or took him for granted and feel like I am lamely going to forget and do it again tomorrow, I feel like my heart is sick and I'm a poor wife. I NEED GOD to come NEAR ME. Though I want to be more "holy" this Christmas and think lots of lofty thoughts to impress others (or somehow make myself feel like I still have intelligent thoughts), I have to settle in to these lower, personal, everyday needs this Christmas. Today, these are the "reasons for the season"...that I wasn't left alone in these little things either. Without God coming near, these little things can conquer me. I'm so grateful for "Jedes, Jofuzz and Mawee" (as Adelaine calls them). I'm also glad that with 1 week to go, I still have a chance to actually let Christ enter end....and the wonders of His love, and the wonders of His love.

Christmas Pictures

Our blessed friends do our family's photo sessions and I seriously would like to hand them heavy drinks after every single time. I come armed with candy bribes, toys to dangle in front of them like they are cats, prizes to stick in their pocket to keep their hands in place, and yet every time ends with me saying something like, "if you don't smile, you go to time out....cheese" or something of the like. So proud. Remarkably they are usually gorgeous pictures of the kids and I'm so relieved that the torture isn't seen on their faces. Whatever photo-shop is used, I like it!

Turkey Lurkey Doo

Went to Colorado for Thanksgiving and then some. Wonderful trip to see family on both sides and friends. Were blessed to see my parents new cabin. Got snow which thrilled the kids. Had great playtimes for them (and for us). Super thankful for all of it. Just pics of the kids in the snow, as I wasn't very good at taking pictures the rest of the time.