It Finally Snowed!!

We have had plenty of cold, but very little snow this year! The kids were finally delighted to really enjoy some snow! Even a snow day for M was thrown in there -- that is a new one for us!

"A" took a real hit at the sledding hill when she went sailing down the hill, jumped a log, and went airborne! Scared her pretty bad, but fortunately she is fine!

And the Winner Is.................

The character trait we have chosen to focus on this month is --- KINDNESS. Yes, we are in need of a little more kindness in our household, aren't we all? So we are all trying to practice a little more Ephesians 4:32.

All week long, whenever someone did something nice for you, they would then put your name in a jar and then on Family Night we had a drawing. It was fun seeing the kids delight in putting another persons name in the jar. We have a couple more weeks to practice and develop some good habits!

Off to school we go--

As a mom it has been a privilege to homeschool my kids. We began this journey with M in Kindergarten and enjoyed so many wonderful aspects of the journey. I love the extra time it afforded us as a family, the flexibility of the schedule, the relationships our kids have, and the time to focus more on heart training.

When God led us to homeschooling it was never been with the conviction that is was forever, in fact I would never have believed that we would still be at it well into Junior High. Instead it has been a year to year commitment, wherever God would lead us.

I have read so many articles/books on the joys of homeschooling-- and yes there are many! However, I have also struggled with patience, balancing schedules, teaching and dying to myself. God has used ( and is still using it) to refine me. People make the comment to me how they see us all spread around the table, learning together -- painting a picture of total bliss -- definitely not my house! But still I wouldn't trade this opportunity for the world.

But now our world is changing. God has clearly shown us a different path for M, at least for the rest of this year. This morning she began her classes as a local university model school where she will finish out this school year. I know she was nervous, but we are so very proud of her! She handled it with maturity and a sweet spirit. When the subject first came up she was actually really excited about the opportunity, but as she realized how many things would be changing in her life, the opportunity suddenly lost its appeal (understandably so).

As a mom there is such mixed emotions, however, God made a way when there didn't seem to be a way, and so with His reassurance our precious daughter spread her wings a little more today. May she fly on the wings of eagles wherever God leads her!

Reflections on Christmas

We love the holidays, love the decorations, love the joy our kids have in giving to each other, love the Christmas music, the Christmas stories, the lights, and the celebration of our precious Savior!

This year the holiday seemed to fly by and now we only have the memories as the reminder. Oh so thankful for memories!!

Christmas baking began the the week of Christmas (never has it been so late, but perhaps it will keep some of the pounds off!). The kids picked out their favorites, which gave us --- candy cane cookies, snowballs (for daddy), sugar cookies (for everyone), chocolate kiss cookies, peanut butter logs, white chocolate covered pretzels, and rolo pretzels.

Christmas Eve activities began with a piano recital at a local nursing home in which both N and A played. They played a duet together, a personal composition by A, and Carol of the Bells by N. The second half of the recital the students accompanied the guests in a variety of Christmas carols. They did a great job!

That evening we enjoyed our favorite appetizers before heading off to enjoy our Christmas Eve service. It was a wonderful testimony of the power of our Saviour and a celebration of His birth!

Another tradition the kids enjoy is looking at Christmas lights, so we took our time driving home and toured the local neighborhood displays while listening to our favorite Christmas carols.

When we arrived home it was time for dessert and our Christmas Eve gifts. This is when the kids receive their ornament for the year. You may see there are six ornaments in the picture, because even though A & J aren't home yet, they are a part of us. Another tradition we enjoy on Christmas Eve is the giving of a family gift. This is usually a game we can all enjoy together, and they were delighted again!

Another tradition that our children began a few years ago is the gift they present to us as parents. Usually they present it to us on Christmas Eve night, but this year since we had company joining us they blessed us with it early that afternoon. To our delight we reeived a coupon book for chores, babysitting, etc.. and a calendar that they made. I love this calendar because each month displays a child's own artwork and they personalized the calendar with all our family dates as well!

The kids always sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve and are standing at our door at 6:59am Christmas morning to awake us at 7am! We treasure our Christmas mornings and the giving hearts we see. Even A & J had gifts from the siblings! We have a collection growing for them and need them to come home!

Rob's family joined us late afternoon for our extended family Christmas and Christmas dinner. Such special memories to end the year with!

We have no real idea where 2009 will take us, but we trust it will bring our boys home and draw us closer to Christ.