Christmas 2009

A whole season, builds to this one day. The day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love Christmastime. I love focussing on God's immense love and sacrifice for us. The more I dwell on it, the more it boggles my mind.
"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14-15) I believe Trent and Grant were awake a little after 5:00am but they stayed in bed like good boys pretending to be asleep. Around 7:00, Brooke was awake and cuddling in bed with Daddy begging to go downstairs. As soon as Mom and Dad gave them the go-ahead, they raced down the stairs and to their stockings.

Stanley got her first stocking too. She didn't know quite what to think. But she liked her new toy and all the attention.

Our family tradition is to read the account of Christ's birth from Luke 2 and the visit from the Magi in Matthew 2. It has been my joy to hand over the Scriptures to the children and listen to them read from God's Word. THen each of us says a prayer of thanksgiving for God's gift of His Son to us.

This was the #1 item on Grant's wishlist: a rock polisher. I'm not sure what he is going to do with all the rocks he polishes, but he enjoys the process! Trent recieved an MP3 player and Brooke got the Roller Skating Barbie she had been asking for.

But, the big "don-ta-da" came after the kids thought all the gifts had been opened. Daddy brought out a few final item from Grandma and Grandpa Rose. It was a gift for the whole family, but we let the kids open it.

"A Wii! It's a Wii! I can't believe it! Its amazing! We have a Wii! Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!" As you can see, Brooke is holding her ears because the boys are screaming like little school girls with excitement!

( THANKS GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE IT!!!!!

Christmas is so much more than a day for me. It is an entire season. It is everything that points to Jesus: the lights,

the trees and children in jammies,

the music and programs,

and all the blessings we have been given. Thank you Lord, for Christmas.

"Oliver!" November 09

Well, to say I am behind on blogging would be an understatement - so tonight, I will attempt to catch up a bit!
In early November, both Trent and Grant were in Christian Youth Theater's production of "Oliver!" It was Grant's very first show and he loved experiencing his debut along side his brother, Trent. Here are the leads "Oliver" and "Dodger".

Trent played a sad little orphan in the workhouse where Oliver was born. Trent named his character Freddie. Trent also played a London Street Child in the town scenes.

Grant enjoyed performing and was glad for his part in the London Chorus. Here he is at the very last pose of the song "Consider Yourself". Trent is knealing below him.

This was a smaller role for Trent but he didn't mind. He loves being with his CYT friends and misses them greatly when it is over.

This is the cast photo. It is incredible to see so many very talented kids on stage. The show was awesome. All the leads were very strong and it is such an amazing story. We love the music and still can't stop singing songs from it. Trent is currently reading Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Their next theater venture will be Les Miserables in the spring.

Halloween 2009

Yes, I must admit, this is indeed my son. What a fantasticly fun Halloween! The weather was way too cold, but we had a blast coming up with these crazy NERD costumes! Grant truly embraced his "inner nerd". As soon as he put the whole costume on he really got into the character and had a great time.

Trent went over the top with the whole "cool-nerd" look. Look closely, that IS the Goodwill $2.99 price tag on his left shoulder!

He said that when he entered his fourth-grade class, ready for the school parade, his classmates all busted up laughing and thought he looked awesome! I am so glad that both boys have enough self-confidence and fun-loving-spirit to pull this off.

It wasn't all stupidity. Brooke was precious as Tinkerbell. She was so lovely. Of course, for Beggar's Night she had on several layers and eventually had to put her wings on over her coat.

Yes, Grant's shirt tail is sticking out of his fly, on purpose!

And lastly - Brooke convinced Daddy to carve the Black Cat in the pumpkin. It was so awesome!

We capped off the night with dinner at Steak & Shake. It has become a tradition for several years now to take the kids out to dinner in their costumes. We got alot of strange looks and snickers but it was fun. Grant, Brooke and I shared a mint-chip shake and Daddy and Trent shared the carmel-apple shake. Yummy.

Happy 8th Birthday Grant!

We celebrated Grant's 8th birthday at home on October 25th. He had eight friends join him for a Star Wars Clone Wars party. It was so much fun! I am delighted that my kids still love "theme" parties. I enjoy decorating the house in their chosen theme and doing the cake. Grant was really thrilled with his Yoda Cake and wished we could keep it instead of cutting into it!

We served cheese pizza and I made "Yoda Punch" (green Koolaid with Sprite).

The weather held off and the rain stayed away. It was just right for a few games before the sun set. We had "Pod Races" (marshmallow on the spoon), "Asteriod Showers" (played like "clean the yard"), musical chairs, freeze dance and "Light Saber Duels". I made 12 Light Sabers out of pipe insulation foam and colored duct tape. It was team "Yoda" vs team "Darth". When the duels were over I released them to just chase each other around the yard with their Light Sabers which they loved of course!

The boys got to take their Sabers home. Many boys said that it was the "coolest party favor ever!"-

Happy Birthday Baby Boy! Every year I tell you that I am not going to allow you to have another birthday because I want you to stay little forever. But, every year you grow a little older, a little sweeter, a little smarter and I love you a whole lot more than I ever dreamed possible. You will always be my "Mr. Sunshine".

XOXOXO,

Mom

Love It While It Lasts

Brooke and I went for a long walk today. We looked at all the different trees, collected leaves, stopped at the park to swing and came home to rake and swing some more. I fear this is one of our last gorgeous fall days. Tomorrow is supposed to be blustery and rainy so HOW could we stay inside today???

I LOVE our little Sugar Maple in the back yard. It is my favorite part of our lawn in the fall. It just produces an amazing variety of color. I love how it changes from the inside out. God is incredible. What creativity and blessings He provides for us.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfullness, mercy and love

Great is Thy faithfullness

Great is Thy faithfullness

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfullness

Lord, unto me.

On Saturday, September 26 we went to Cherry Lane Farm in Marengo, IL. Our church family held their annual Fall Harvest Party at the farm this year. It is a beautiful place. The kids allowed me to snap a few photos before running off to play with their friends.

The farm is approximately 80 acres. Of course, we didn't explore the whole farm. The kids enjoyed the huge playground area. We toured the glass shop where one of the farm's owners makes beautiful fused glass creations. The "greenhouse room" is a warm, glass enclosure to sit and visit with friends. And perhaps the most unique building was the littlest of all: the bath house. It was decorated like a tiny antique guest room, complete with daybed and desk, not to mention the "necessities".

We ate chili and desserts in the finished barn. After dark we gathered around the bon-fire to sing praises to our Lord and give testimonies of thanksgiving. We completed the evening by making smores over the fire. What a wonderful time we all had together!

Family Photo Fall 2009