Happy New Year!

Last memories of 2008...a party with three other families that we love.

And the ball dropped...at 9 PM!

Reflections on 2008

Last January, I followed Heidi's example and chose a word. The word was to encapsulate what I thought most appropriate for 2008. My word was Courage. I found that this little word became an appropriate theme for me- month by month.

When I look back on this year, I consider it to be one of the best. Even though it is marked with more death and sadness than ever before, the love and togetherness overshadows the other. We have been face to face this year with the reality of living in a fallen, broken world. We have seen one of our biggest earthly heroes walk away from his wife and children. We have watched three loved ones pass away from this life, from us, and into the next. We have seen my Dad's heart break as he said farewell to both parents. We have watched a heroine at church battle breast cancer. We have seen a love one fall under the hidden shadow of alcoholism. Sin bears an ugly mark on our lives.

On the other hand, our family of five has received remarkable blessing. We have enjoyed the flexibility of home school and Andy's job at home. We have talked, played and learned more together than any other year in our life. We have found strength as we mourned with others, as we have been reminded that we are just pilgrims passing through this short life. We have learned to earnestly seek God, as our financial status is always unpredictable. We have been blessed by God's prompting to become deeply entrenched in the lives of teenagers. We have become much more dependent on one another as we took a blind leap into homeschooling. Really, all that we knew as "normal" has been tossed aside for a much less conventional life. Our reluctant, sometimes doubtful, pursuit of Christ's calling for us has lead to deep joy.

One little word- Courage- has been a life-giver. Many times I found myself saying, "Remember courage. Remember to 'fear not'!" as we trudged, squirmed, or leaped our way through 2008. I told my friend the other day regarding our year, "I can't help but wonder if this is the best year of my life. It might not get any better than this!" But still, I have big dreams for 2009.

“One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar.”

Helen Keller

Our weekend

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. -- George Eliot

Back to five

Tonight we are back to a family of five. We have had various family members in our home since Christmas day. We love having our family spend time in our home! It was a special treat to be able to host Mom and Dad for a night, and then Andy's family. My parents pulled out of the drive way on the 26th, literally swerving around Andy's parents.

We had a very joyous time together! Lots of food, conversation, games and laughter had by all. From Christmas morning...

Lydie enjoyed her new babies and her kitchen ALL day

Every year since Jaybird was born, my parents have driven three hours to our house to see the child(ren) on Christmas morning. My children have 4 grandparents that deeply love and cherish them. What a gift!

One of Jaybird's favorite gifts! A pyramid with archeology tools. He had to decode the hieroglyphics, chisel and hammer, brush, and dig. He found many treasures inside- a mummy, sarcophagus, etc. A great find for an Indiana Jones wanna be! Toot screamed with glee when he opened his Indiana Jones race track. It amazed me how many times they can race the car through the track. Must be a boy thing!

Speaking of boys, if you have them- age 6 or up- you MUST buy a set of Laser Tag guns. This toy is so much fun! You can play inside or outside (preferably). And even big guys, say thirty-something year old brothers, still disappear for hours with their children's guns. My boys have been outside every afternoon running, rolling, shooting, shielding, dodging. I hope the dart guns collect gobs of dust. I might actually get a break from helping them collect darts from under the sofa.
Looking forward to the New Year!

"It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself."

-Charles Dickens

1 short day to go!

The crazy, sweet memories of Christmas Eve at our house...

Lydie invited me to a tea party with Belle and Cinderella

You can come, too. But "pretty shoes" are required (even if they don't match your outfit).

Lydie tried on another outfit, just for fun. She pulled out her horsie and wanted me to take a picture. Modeling for the camera is on her top 5 list for fun things to do.

Meanwhile, the boys are up to no good.

So I take a minute to read in the Bible and catch up on Crazy Love. I though it would be post-modern fluff. But this book is rooted in sound, applicable doctrine.

Oops, who is watching the toddler? Where did she go? All's well, she is just playing hide and seek with Cinderella again.

A new tradition- a trip to the Dollar Store. The boys spend $1 on each family member- of their own money. This is a milestone. My oldest son with hot chocolate in hand.

Capturing the moment- again, boys are up to no good.

Lydie's reaction to not being invited into the picture above. Did I mention she likes to have her picture taken? Daddy, still, up to no good.

Our nice dinner before the candlelight service at church. Never too dressed up for a turkey leg...

Andy smoked the biggest turkey ever.

Toot got the biggest piece of the wishbone. They wrestled over it for several minutes. Again, big old bird.

Only Andy can make a Christmas picture book this funny...

And then read the story of Jesus' birth with such beauty minutes later. I love this sweet man. He stops after every sentence with questions like, "Do you guys know what the word "Bethlehem" means?" and "What exactly is a manger?".
I should add that I bought the most adorable Christmas pajamas for the kids. But the pjs are fleece and it is 65 degrees today. Hence, the shirtless boys.

Another day with a little laughter, a little chaos, a few hurt feelings, some tears and a lot of joy. A special day to antipate the birth of the One that came to save us from ourselves. Another day to wonder, "Why did you do it, Lord? How could you leave perfection and dwell among us?" Another day to be thankful that through Christ Jesus' birth, life and death- we are made into something beautiful- crazy day by crazy day. Another wonderful day to celebrate knowing the Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

3 days to go...

This picture captures about half of the 9th/10th grade girls from church. I volunteered to lead their prayer/study group in Sunday school this school year. This decision was a leap of faith for me, because I have mostly only taught kids my childrens' ages or adults. I understand women and I understand children. But I am a little rusty with middle school/high school. I am so thankful for a new perspective.

So I decided since I wasn't sure where they were spiritually, much less how to reach them, I would just listen. And hug a lot.

Now, I am finally feeling connected. I am comfortable being a little vulnerable with my personal life. And they, in turn, seem to be slowly opening up, as well. Yesterday two of them came by with flowers and a pie for us for a Christmas treat. They are so sweet!

These girls have been accepting and affectionate with me from day one. I have no idea why, but these 14 and 15 year olds seem genuinely interested in getting to know me (it may be because I am Mrs. Andy, but that's okay!). I am certainly very interested in getting to know them. And maybe our slow, steady start has been a good thing. They know that I have no hidden agendas with them. And I am reminded that while I can plant a seed, only God can cause it to take root and spring to life. I am enjoying my Sunday mornings with this little group very much.

4 days to go...

Today Lydie is 2 and a quarter. She has changed so much since her birthday that I thought I would post an update. Lydie is a dramatic, funny, precocious child. She is very expressive and emotional. I guess I would describe her with the exact adjectives as I did a year ago. But it is so much funnier to see this big personality come into being through her speech! She loves to play pretend kitchen, princess and dress up. She wears 10 different pairs of shoes on any given day. She almost turned her hand purple from taking out her hair rubber band during nap and using it as a "base-wet" (bracelet). She loves to be the center of attention, especially when someone will watch her dance or sing. She is a delightful handful.

"Weeping may come for a night, but JOY comes in the morning."

Psalm 30:5

The answer to our weeping- our sweet Lydia Joy!

Here are a few things she has said just this week:
~Mommy: Lydie, you are acting like a monster! (under my breath)
Lydie (without missing a beat): I not a mon-ser! I a pumpkin! (with tilt of the head and a smile)~Nana: (Lydie dropped her ball under the china cabinet) Go ahead and reach under there and get your ball!
Lydie: No, I don't get dat ball. You need to get it. I no mess up my bow! (pointing to hair bow)~Toot: Lydie, you are the baby and we are the big brothers.
Lydie: I no the baby. I the princess.
~Mommy: Lydie, lay down it's time for bed.
Lydie: I car-red (scared) of dat bad guy. (pointing to a shadow from her dragonfly)
Mommy: Would you like me to get you a night light?
Lydie: Oh yes, Mommy! (squealing) Then I no car-red. Nope, no more car-red.
~Mommy: Lydie, are you a big girl?
Lydie: I no a big girl. I Diddy Joy (Lydia Joy), dat's all. I two, and I diddy Joy.

*Pictured above: Singing and playing dress-up in my old dress. Great Nana Lydia made it for me when I was five.

6 and 5 days to go...

Updated: She sang beautifully. Not a lot of smiling and showing off like at home. She was taking her singing very seriously. But she looked out at the audience, completely unafraid, and sang proudly!
We have been dragging around here the past couple of days! We are trying to get our Christmas cards mailed (our address list was lost on our last hard drive that crashed!), playing in basketball games, buying birthday presents (Happy Birthday Uncle Rick and Mimi!!) and buying last minute Christmas presents and clothes.

Lydie is so proud of her Christmas dress. (Nevermind it was less than $10 at Target!) She tried it on for us today to make sure it all fits. She twirled and said, "I so pretty!" a dozen times. She will wear it tomorrow at church. She is singing "Away in a Manger" with the other toddlers. She has practiced every day for two weeks! We are excited to hear all the babies sing. I always cry when the little ones sing.

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

7 days to go...

Today we focussed on the star of Bethlehem. We discussed the miracle of the star that lead those from far away lands to the Christ child.

Jackson is posing as an angel with the star. Simple craft: trace a star cookie cutter on to a black sheet of paper, put a yellow sheet behind it (we taped it), use a hole punch for holes, and lace with yellow yarn.

Toot loved this little craft and spent a while using the hold puncher to create other works of art!

And earlier was Lydie's Mother's Morning Out party. Here she is with her heroine: Ms. Glenda.

Lydie dancing to Christmas music. Oh, how she loves to dance and sing!

Getting ready for a craft- glue droplets and drop in a bag with glitter

A Christmas Prayer
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds,

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate

and open the door of love

all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift
and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil

by the blessing which Christ brings

,and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,

and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven,

for Jesus' sake. Amen.

(Our memory poem for December)

8 days to go...

My favorite Christmas poem for this year and a thoughtful quote. These are the words that I am thinking on today.

Where Can We Find Him?
Where can we find the Holy One?
Where can we see His only Son?
The Wise Men asked,
And we’re asking still,
“Where can we find this Man of goodwill?”
Is He far away in some distant place,
Ruling unseen from His throne of grace?
Is there nothing on earth that man can see
To give him proof of eternity?

It’s true we have never looked on His face,
But His likeness shines forth from every place,
For the hand of God is everywhere
Along life’s busy thoroughfare.
And His presence can be felt and seen
Right in the midst of our daily routine,
The things we touch and see and feel
Are what make God so very real.
~Helen Steiner Rice

"Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.

Then, do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life."

~Robert Louis Stevenson

10 and then 9 days to go...

Yesterday was reserved for travels, laundry, cleaning and unpacking. We spent the evening shopping for items for our home school Christmas party.

But today we had to cancel the party because everyone seems to be sick or too busy. The children were so disappointed! So we decided to get one last trip out of our annual passes to the Aquarium! Enjoying the wonder of God's creation is a great way to celebrate advent, we decided. People must have thought we were a little charismatic. We challenged the kids to "find glimpses of Jesus" on our day out. They took our challenge very seriously and exclaimed occasionally, "There He is!" when they saw an animal that they loved. "There is a glimpse!" We saw His fingerprints all around us today!

Romans 1:20

"Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made."

11 days to go...

The beautiful faces of my family, yesterday at my Aunt and Uncle's

12 days to go...

We enjoyed two parties with family on Saturday. This year was very emotional with my Dad after the loss of Grandmom and Granddaddy. The sadness seemed to draw us together. I think fun was had by all...especially the children!

In the morning with Mom, Dad and my brother's family...

And that evening at my Aunt and Uncle's house...

13 days to go...

Our glimpse of Christmas in Germany...

Today was our party with the boys' art class. Our neighbor just so happens to be an artist/art teacher. She teaches a small homeschool group several Fridays a month for an hour and a half. The last half hour she invited the moms for a Christmas tea. The children made our namecards and set the table for us.

She and her husband were missionaries in Germany. Between her travels and her creativity, her home is full of beautiful and interesting things at every turn. We always find Toot off in a corner trying to figure out how to work one of her trinkets. He is more interested in her "stuff" than in her art lessons, I'm afraid.

Afterwards, our friend began a series of Christmas carols on the violin. Then the little ones volunteered to sing. Lydie was at the front of the pack. She loves the warmth of "all eyes on her". She basks in it like warm sunshine. She and her little friend Beau practiced "Away in a Manger". They will sing with the toddlers at church next week.

Later, we left for Alabama. After four years of hopes being crushed, this was our year to finally see the Nutcracker together! Jaybird read the book to his brother and sister in the car. Once we got into town, Lydie stayed behind with Daddy, but Nana joined us. I gifted the boys and Nana with their own miniature Nutcracker. I took ballet classes my entire childhood- from 3 until 18, so I was thrilled to have a night at the ballet! I still cry when I go, even to the Nutcracker! There were several special moments for the boys. My favorite was when "Uncle" Drosselmeyer entered the stage and they both exclaimed (a little too loudly), "Look! Here comes Uncle Drosselmeyer!!" And then during intermission, they allowed pretend snow to fall on the audience. The boys enjoyed both the snow, and their visit to the orchestra pit. From our weekly 20 minute music lessons, they could identify almost every instrument. Some of the musicians asked me about their "background". I laughed because neither have had any music lessons yet. Amazing what 20 minutes a week will produce! I need to remember that in other areas (like science, for one). I was very pleased to see that the boys followed the story line and seemed to really enjoy their night. On the way home we all decided we were hungry and stopped for a snack. The boys later finally got to bed- close to midnight. They were thrilled!

14 days to go...

Today we went to our closest friends' house for a gingerbread house building competition. She is the brave soul who purchased my apron-isn't she adorable?

Look at all the candy!

The boy loves sugar
(Notice my girl in her gingerbread dress!)

I confess, Andy and I got a little too into it. We have a mean competitive side. We actually watched a You Tube on building a gingerbread houses out of graham crackers. We devised a plan. We concocted obnoxious cheers that involved our last name and words like "dominate" and "destroy". The kids and I even invented a new versions of "Over the River and Through the Woods" on the familiar 13-minute drive to our best friends' house. After a day of texting competitive slurs, we had our game faces on!

Yes, these are our game facesOur sophisticated friends created a beautiful church. The faux stain-glass windows and steeple were the "icing on the cake". They worked slowly, methodically, delicately. Pretty impressive, huh?

Our style was a little more laid back and simple. Our structure began to look like a barn mid-way, so we took the theme and ran with it. Andy even created a tractor and fence to complete the look. The funny thing was that the kids all disappeared into a mad game of chase which eventually lead to the playroom. They made small contributions, but mainly enjoyed playing and coming by the table occasionally for a piece of candy and a look at "their houses".

We all decided at the end of the night that this was the first of an annual tradition. We had a blast!

15 days to go...

"God Jul!" We travelled to Sweden and discovered a Swedish Christmas today. I have a new favorite Christmas picture book...
When we closed the book I cried like a baby. Such a sweet story! The boys and I made star hats and star wands in honor of St. Lucia's day. (Lydie wore a green bow instead of evergreen sprigs.) We skimmed this book...for more details. What an interesting, meaningful tradition!

We attempted Scandinavian Christmas bread for our dinner dessert (my first ever attempt with homemade bread). The recipe did not disappoint, even with the novice chef!
The best part about our Christmas around the world study is the reminder that God is "collecting" people from every nation for His kingdom. I reminded the boys, a little teary, that people that are celebrating every Christian tradition that we are studying will be surrounding us in heaven. We looked at the globe with the many countries and were in awe of God's great work in calling His children to himself from all the corners of the earth!

We wait in hope for the Lord;

He is our help and our shield,

In Him our hearts rejoice,

For we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love rest

Upon us, O Lord,

even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:20-22

16 days to go...

Today we "traveled" to ancient Bethlehem. We met tax collectors, scribes, a rabbi, people at the market and Mary and Joseph. We got to pet sheep, goats, a camel and a dove. We listen to prophets and the rabbi proclaim the coming of the Messiah. Then we got to witness Mary and Joseph and the angels in the stable. This is my very favorite of all Christmas traditions- our Walk through Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2,4-5

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times... He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be their peace."

17 days to go...

We began a week of "Christmas Around the World". I am so excited! We started with the very special tradition of Los Pasadas in Mexico and Spain. We read a book, made a quick pinata and ate cheese dip and chips. Even though we didn't have a lot of time to "dig deep", the boys enjoyed the brief journey. Where will we travel tomorrow...?

Psalm 22:25-27 (emphasis added)

I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him.

18 days to go...

Today was a very, very hard day for us. We said good-bye to dear friends that are leaving our church. Their farewell party was sad and beautiful, and very inspiring. Between the tears and my lack of sleep this week, Andy agreed that I should come home and sleep. I took a four hour nap(I only slept three hours last night), which fast forwarded the day from lunch to dinner!
We ordered pizza tonight. Our family time together was such a blessing. We have allowed the boys to stay up an extra hour late on Sunday nights to watch The Amazing Race* with us. Tonight was the finale. We had a party of sorts, and sat on a blanket in the family room with cookies. We have enjoyed travelling all over the world with the boys this fall, through the aid of this show. We were excited that the race ended in Portland, Oregon because Oregon is on our "must see with the kids" list of places to go before they are grown.After "the race", we lit our second advent candle. We talked about a parent's love for his child and the even greater love the Father has for us. I am hoping we all go to bed tonight basking in the great miracle of being bought by the blood of the Lamb- the very Son of God.

I John 4:9

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him."

19 days to go...

Today the Women's Ministry had our Christmas Jubilee at church. We offered various classes such as photography, watercolor, Christmas decorating, etc. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch and a bazaar together. I was unable to attend the other classes because I volunteered to teach classes this year. I scrambled some Christmas decorating ideas, mainly focussing on mantels and centerpieces. I am not sure if anyone learned anything, but I had fun. Our lunch was catered- warm and yummy. And everything was festive and beautiful. A friend of mine shared her testimony and did a wonderful job. Other than my family, the women in our church are my favorite people with whom to share a day.

My little "welcome-to-the-decorating-class" table

I did not manage my time well this week, so I was planning for the class the night before. So I just took everything off of my dining room table to use as an example of using layers and various heights in centerpieces...

and then stripped the kitchen table decor to use as an example of using cheap things and things around the house when decorating a table. No time to reinvent the wheel! Below is my sweet friend that organized the event. I am so excited to get to know her better this year as we homeschool together!
The children enjoyed a quiet morning at home with Daddy and their new toy from St. Nic. They were so excited to open their first Christmas gift this morning! And the Christmas Jubilee was the first Christmas party of the season for me, too. Even in the hustle and bustle, I love it all!

Little bed-headed boys and their mismatched pajamas

Because I missed breakfast and lunch with my children due to the event at church, I almost forgot our advent object. I went to tuck the boys in their beds and remembered. So I ran downstairs and found a maraca and the Bible. Yes, I know, a maraca is not the best way to settle two boys down for a good night's rest. But, I came back shaking the maraca any how!


The lesson came from Mark 7:31-37. It was the story of the deaf and mute man that Jesus healed. We used the maraca to enjoy our sense of sound, and to remind us of the joy that the man must have felt to be able to hear again. I am enjoying the reminder of all of the miracles that Jesus graciously performed. The stories of Christ's life in the gospels is fresh and alive for us this season! I am looking forward to the advent object for tomorrow as much as the children.

20 days to go

We have really enjoyed our advent object lessons, but this morning's was the most fun. Andy even came and joined in on the fun. The object was a birthday candle. We took our devotion into the walk-in closet. We read Matthew 5:14-16. We each lit our candle to see how the light illuminated the darkness. We talked about the analogy of our love for others (for their welfare and for their salvation) to be something that burns brightly. We discussed how we can't conjure that type of love up from ourselves, we have to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Christ. And Andy made a great point about the light being held high "on a lamp stand". He held his candle low and then high showing them how much more of the closet is illuminated when the candle is high. He challenged them to display and share their faith boldly and brightly like the light on the lamp stand.

This afternoon we celebrated St. Nicholas Day. We have never purposed to focus on "Santa Claus" in years past, although I am not opposed to this tradition. But when we are away from home there is too much emphasis on Santa. So this year we started a new tradition. We had a traditional St. Nicholas day celebration and tonight they will receive gold coins in their shoes, treats in their stockings and one surprise gift. After tomorrow, we can leave Santa behind and focus again on Advent. I enjoyed learning about the history of such a big holiday icon. According to the books we read, I really don't think St. Nicholas would like the attention that Santa has taken away from the birth of Christ during this special Christmas season. But he was an interesting, admirable person to learn about for a day.

An interesting attempt at cathedral door-shaped cheese with a cross in the middle.

Lydie being Lydie while she waited on her pizza

And the boys being themselves, too

Treats waiting for eager hands in the morning...

21 days to go

Today was a fun day for our family (as you can see in the picture above, taken just before we left to get our tree). Even though we didn't crack a single book, we were hard at work. We set out on the big task of decorating the inside of the house. After all of the Christmas tree-themed books and activities, we were all ready to go and pick out our own tree. We decided to make a day of it. We just finished getting everything done and it officially feels and smells like Christmas around here! Tomorrow some high school kids are coming over to help us decorate the outside of the house. A few highlights are pictured below.

22 days to go

Today we learned the meaning behind the tradition of christmas tree lights. It all started with Luther...not the first time we protestants have heard that line! We read a beautiful story from, yes again, The ADVENTure of Christmas. (It has been one of my favorite gifts, thank you Aunt Chelle!)

With our hands and very hyper taste buds

This cake was so fun! If you put mint extract on the sugar cubes, they make a blue flame! We could not get the camera to capture it, but it was very exciting!

With our ears

Dancing to the music- she loves to spin and twirl in this dress.

With our eyes

Jaybird's reaction to the cake!

With our hearts

The kids got smiley faces. We read about the beatitudes and how to receive true happiness.

23 days to go

Day 2 of trying to wrap our brains (and bodies) around the miracle of Christmas!

With our eyes and ears:

Specifically the section called "The Christmas Tree"- there's so much symbolism in the Christmas traditions

With our hands:

Cone-ifer trees

With our mouths:



With our hearts (and sweet teeth): Our advent object lesson today was on grapes. We read the story of Jesus turning the water into wine (John 2:1-10).

24 days to go

My hope for this Christmas season is to celebrate advent to the fullest. We are going to try to use each of our senses together each day and take a deeper look at what God did and is doing for us. May all that we are worship the miracle of God taking on flesh and dwelling among us!

With our eyes and ears:

(Specifically the section titled "Advent Wreath")

With our voices With our hands

(Our advent objects were coins. The quarter represents 25 days until Christmas. We read the story of the poor widow giving all she had at the temple (Mark 12:41-44).

With a quiet heart

John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

I'm thankful for...

Mimi, the chef, and a wonderful lunch together

Amazing, loving family (this is Uncle Ben, Andy's brother)

Healthy children

Celebration of another year of undeserved blessings. Thank you, Mimi, for pulling out the fine china and crystal and making a traditional, yummy meal.

A moment to soak up the beauty

The children's table- full- with three boys and three girls
A healthy marriage to an amazing man

A day of shopping with my aunts and cousin (and a car load of presents)
Little fingers that find joy in creating
Children whom I adore and with whom I get to learn every day.

A year of loss, a year of blessing, a year of growing in grace!