Happy Shining Faces

Just a couple of happy pictures from our Christmas party. They made me smile and they also made me ask myself this quote that I read...................

As the bustle and hustle of 2009 passes us by, leaving a trail of wrapping paper and bows, I ask myself, "Did I shine as brightly as I could have?" -- Betsy St. Amant

This is definitely something to work on in the New Year!!

Until next time.................................


• Matthew 5:16 NIV
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.


Happy Shining New Year!!!
Robin

Almost Wordless Wednesday

David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs,

and with harps, and with lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets.

1 Chronicles 13:8

Until next time....................

Robin

Wondering???????

Hey Mom, when are you going to post all those Christmas pictures??? Just in case any one was waiting and wondering I hope to get to it very soon!


Until next time.................

Luke 1:21 NIV
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple.

Don't get excited this is not the same reason it is taking me so long!!

Robin

Look Mom.......A Celebration!

This is what Emanuiel says when we pass a house covered with Christmas lights. It makes me smile every time I hear him say it. From our family to yours have a very Merry Christmas Celebration! The reason we celebrate...............

Matthew 1:21 NIV
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

Until next time.........................

Christmas Blessings,

Robin

Something To Think About

In the coming New Year it is our family's goal to give more of ourselves and to share our blessings with those that have far less than we do. I see all that the Lord has done for me and I am humbled by His goodness. Lord, thank You for giving us reason to celebrate this Christmas season. You are truly the God of all; hope, happiness and fulfillment.

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You.
Psalm 22:27

Until next time............
Robin

Searching For Calm In The Chaos......

This picture of Clara Beth captures how I feel right about now!! There still seems to be so much to do and so little time left. I need to untangle myself and get it all done! Are you experiencing calm right now or chaos????? Psalms 107:30 NIV
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Until next time..............
I hope you find your desired haven! Merry Christmas!!!

Robin

Embracing The Week Ahead

The countdown is on and the final week of school is here. It's busy around our house with parties to host and attend and cooking and shopping to do. In the midst of it all I hope to stop and take time to remember what the Christmas season is really all about. Here's a big hug from us to you.....................

Until next time....................

Remember the God has something to say about every aspect of our lives, may we seek His wisdom in the decisions we make each day and embrace Him in all that we do.

Proverbs 3:18 NIV speaking of wisdom:
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Merry Christmas!

Robin

Parades, Parks and Parties!!!

Last weekend was packed with all things Christmas. Our small town hosted its annual Christmas Parade. Below is a picture of Paul and Clara Beth ready and waiting for the fun to begin. It was cold so we all bundled up and waited for the parade to pass. Even Anna Kayla and Greg's dog joined in the fun. We waved as floats and people passed by us throwing out peppermints and chocolate to fill our coat pockets.

After the parade had rounded its last corner we gathered in our town park to sip hot chocolate and wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. We met some other special friends while there. Clara Beth was very curious as to why Elmo was wearing tennis shoes, I told her he had to because he had to walk so far in the parade.

Here's Greg helping Clara Beth with her hot chocolate. The park was filled with people, games and food.

Finally the big guy in red arrived and we were second in line to hop on his lap. Well actually only Clara Beth would sit on his lap. Emanuiel prefers to stand beside him and talk.

After they shared their very short list with Santa we walked to Anna Kayla and Greg's house for lunch. This has become a tradition after the parade. Here are Clara Beth and I leaving the park.

Anna Kayla had everything ready and waiting for us. Her house was decorated so pretty. Here's a shot of her mantle.

We enjoyed Loaded Baked Potato Soup which was perfect on such a wintry day and for dessert we had coffee and a yummy Cinnamon Cake. Below you can see Anna Kayla and Greg finding out what it's like to try and entertain little ones while getting lunch ready!

We topped off our visit with them by opening a door on the Advent calendar and discovering little chocolate goodies inside.

After that Anna Kayla, Clara Beth, Emanuiel and I headed off to a birthday party at a Christmas tree farm where we drank more hot chocolate, petted goats and enjoyed a hayride through the Christmas trees while the big boys all watched football and napped at home.

Later that night we headed out once again to enjoy a carriage ride(in the bitter cold) through a light filled children's home and farm. After our ride we had what else......but more hot chocolate and some homemade baked goodies. It was a day that was filled with many Christmas memories.

Until next time.......................... I hope that you and your family are busy making memories of this wonderful Christmas season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
[A Time for Everything] There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Robin

Ahhhh, The Ones That Won't Make It!

On the Christmas card that is. Oh look, Greg is already bored and we just got started! Not sure what everyone is doing in this next picture. Clara Beth seems to be striking a pose and Emanuiel is looking to the Heavens hopefully offering up a much needed prayer!

Looking for just the right spot..............

Finding it and just enjoying the moment!!

Making last minute clothing adjustments while we wait for daddy to join us.

One of our first attempts with everyone present but it seems that Clara Beth and Emanuiel are having a little too much fun.

Now let's get serious, no wait........ what is that? Notice that the biggest clown of all is holding up "rabbit ears" behind my head. Land was the only one that knew this was taking place.

We all seem to have different things going through our minds here, Greg perfecting his perfect posture, Emanuiel is probably thinking about running through the puddles that are nearby, Clara Beth is just relaxing and enjoying nature, Land's just trying to smile his way through the torture, Anna Kayla is pretty much always picture ready, Paul has finally put his hand down and I am smiling through clenched teeth trying to make sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing, you know, we are supposed to look like the "perfect little happy family".

Well we are far from perfect but we ARE very HAPPY!!! So until next time........ I'll tell you that none of these made the cut, but the one that did turned out great and we can't wait to share it with our family and friends.

May you find much joy in making your Christmas cards this year and hopefully a lot of humor too!!!

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

Robin