Look Where We've Been!

We've been enjoying the snow in the mountains!!! I hope to post more pictures of our fun very soon.

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

Stay Warm.

He says to the snow, "Fall on the earth"

Job 37:6

Robin

This Takes The Cake

I love to have a cake baking in the oven especially a Pound Cake. My favorite time to eat it is right after I take it out of the oven while it's still warm and a little gooey in places. I carefully cut into it, the top is crumbly and falls to the side of the plate to be quickly scooped up and savored. My favorite time comes at the end of the baking but not these little ones. Emanuiel always comes running to lick the beaters.

He takes his time and carefully licks all around each side.

He is kind enough to share with his sister but the big bowl is saved for Land. Can't you almost taste that sweet batter!!!

If not then here is something you can taste:

O taste and see that the Lord is good:

blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

Psalm 34:8

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

Robin

Christmas Memories 2009

Christmas at our house never seems to last long enough to suit me. I find myself missing the decorations, glistening lights all around and especially the music. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Christmas music and keep a Christmas CD in my car to play at different times during the year, silly I know but I can't help myself. The little ones don't seem to mind but Land finds this habit of mine completely embarrassing. So to keep things Christmasy a little longer here are a few pictures from our Christmas 2009. We decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving and I loved sitting on the couch looking at our twinkling colorful tree. Paul insists that we have colored lights because he feels like it makes it so much more special for the children, oh and him too! It makes me think of the trees I had when I was little too.

This is by far my favorite part of putting out Christmas. Each year I carefully unwrap our Mother of Pearl Nativity scene and set it out in its place of honor on the side board in our dining room. Paul's mother made it and gave it to us not long after we were married which makes it even more special.

This year I carried Christmas all through the house. These wreaths in my bedroom window made me smile each time I walked passed them. There is also another small nativity scene on my bedside table . If you look very closely you can see that everyone is pushed right up beside baby Jesus, that's because Emanuiel said that everyone needed to be close so that they could all see Him. I thought he was exactly right so I left it just like that. Don't we all need to be a little closer to Jesus?

Christmas would not be complete without Dad (with a little help) making our Gingerbread House. I am surprised that any candy made it on to the house because there was lots of tasting going on.

Sticky fingers and faces were all around.

That's the way to get rid of sticky fingers.

At last it was complete and Emanuiel was out of the chair and ready to move on to something else.

We did host two parties at our house this year. Our home was the first stop for our Sunday School Classes' Progressive Supper. We treated our guests to appetizers. This picture was taken a few minutes before everyone arrived.

This is another shot right before I brought out the warm Baked Havarti Cheese complete with a puff pastry bow on top.

A few days later we had our China Families over for a very merry Christmas party! The food was little more kid friendly but definitely festive!!

The fun was evident by all the giggles and squeals that were heard all through the house.

Christmas Eve was spent going to Communion(more of a commotion this year with the little ones) at church and then to Paul's parents house for dinner and presents. I changed the little ones into pajamas and then we headed home to hear the story of baby Jesus then they are tucked in for the night. Land went to sleep before they did so he was sure to be the first one up!

Christmas morning I didn't get a lot of pictures because we were all caught up in the fun and flurry of Santa's arrival.

As always we had Christmas morning breakfast with Paul's parents and Anna Kayla and Greg. The juice was chilled and the muffins were warm...............

along with all of the other goodies on the table. We served this buffet style and ate in the living room surrounded by toys and other gifts. Afterwards Paul and I were off to the kitchen to prepare for Christmas dinner at my sister's house. He baked the ham while I got other things ready and the children continued to oooh and awe over their new treasures.

The rest of the day was spent, just as it should be, with the ones we love the most! At our house we are cherishing the memories of Christmas past and looking forward to a very Happy New Year filled with blessings galore.

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

As you set goals for the new year no one says it better than editor Pamela Nixon:

"There is value in setting appropriate goals, but for a Christian there is only one essential resolution: to love, follow, and obey Jesus with all of your heart, soul, and mind"

(Matthew 22:36-37)

Robin

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

A Visit From..............

The Tooth Fairy!!!! Our little guy recently lost his first tooth(quite by accident I might add) and he finally put it under his pillow. This was him the next morning finding his treasure. His tooth was safely tucked inside this little plastic container.

At first he thought he just got to keep his tooth! Then he saw the green stuff!

He wasn't quite sure that it was his though.

Finally he decided this tooth business might be a good way for hime to earn a little extra cash!

Until next time..................May all of your teeth be happy ones, he thinks his are!!!


Genesis 49:12 NIV
His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk.

Robin

Counting Our Blessings This Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from our little nest to yours. May your tummies be filled with good things to eat and your hearts filled with happiness!

Until next time.............................Thanksgiving Blessings


Psalms 69:30 NIV
I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.

Robin

Thank you Mrs. Dawn for helping Clara Beth make this precious little acorn family. When we count our blessings we think of you.

So Many Wonder Why........This is Why

There are over 126 million reasons why and one of them could be your child. This is a beautiful song that says what I feel. Daily I am blessed because of adoption. Is God speaking to your heart? It may just be a whisper listen.........and then you may ask yourself...Why Wouldn't I






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

John 14:18 NIV
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Robin