Happy Birthday MeMaw!!

Happy Birthday from Bryce and Aubree!!

Bryce made you a MeMaw (and me a mother.) It's hard to believe he's almost 8. What a precious gift from God.


Then we were all blessed with sweet kisses from Aubree!!


WE LOVE YOU!!

Christmas Play

Bryce and Aubree were part of the Christmas play called "The Treasure." It was written - music and all - by a very talented family in our church. The kids had a great time practicing and learning their parts. Bryce was a shepherd and Hudson Taylor who was a missionary to China. He did a great discreet job changing to his Hudson accessories - especially since we had just walked through what and how he was to change. Aubree was supposed to be an angel but had pink eye and virus, so she didn't feel up to it. But it was sad since she had learned her lines.

It's January...

I can't believe it, can you???

Wow, so much has happened since my last post.

In one week, two trips to the doctor (Bryce - virus/ear infection, Aubree - pink eye), Christmas play, two days of wedding stuff (nails, hair, lost and founds, last minute dress alterations), wonderful wedding rehersal and dinner and an AWEWOME wedding to end it all!! We are all so excited to welcome Scott to our family. Karen even surprised us by singing "God Bless the Broken Road" at the rehersal dinner as a testimony.

Then Christmas week - a great week of spending time with family as we celebrated Jesus' birth.
I was very pleased with the kids - they were thoughtful and thankful as they received the mounds of gifts. (We still under attack from Barbies and Legos.)

We started the next week of Bryce getting sick at church. A first for us!! Newman was in the sound booth for a few minutes filling in for someone who had to run out and get medicine for his wife. Bryce had already told me he didn't feel "100%. I figured he was just tired. During the second set of songs, I was holding Aubree and he looks at me and says, "Mom, I don't feel good." Thankfully, I grabbed him by the hand and took him out of the sanctuary. As we walked by the sound booth, whispered to Newman that Bryce didn't feel good. (I found out later, all he heard was "someone" didn't feel good.) The poor kid got sick right at the bathroom door and finally made it in the bathroom. As the first door closes to the bathroom and he gets sick Aubree starts screaming and crying. I just knew the WHOLE church could hear her and me telling her to be quiet. A friend walked through the door and took Aubree with her. What a blessing!! I tried to take care of Bryce and clean on the floor. Then, I thought I probably should let Newman know!! As I walked out the bathroom door, the ushers were cleaning the floor. Again, what a blessing!!

We spent a quiet New Year's Eve and New Year's Day at home. Bryce has become interested in Star Wars and has learned tons through reading his Lego Catalog. A friend let us borrow the Trilogy and we've watched all three. We may have a big fan on our hands!!

We took Newman's last day off from work and went to the Museum of Natural Science. It was cold and fun!! Had an early dinner at Texas Roadhouse, took the kids to Toys R Us and Target to spend some Christmas money and ended the night with milkshakes from Cook-Out.

Thankfully, I planned to start back school slow today. We are trying to finish some 'Christmas School' and it's just so hard getting started back after several weeks off.

I have some pictures to get ready and I'll post!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Christmas Cheer

The kids with their shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse. A great tangible way for the kids to give to others.

We finally got decorated!! We love our new nativity scene that you can see in the back.

Aubree Fit

Aubree and I had denist appointments this morning. She did great at having her teeth cleaned - a major improvement!! So, I thought all was well in denist land today. HA! HA! says Aubree!!

Aubree picked out her little ring while the dental hygenist (AKA the denist's wife) prepared for me. All went along fine until Aubree decided she wanted the 'oval ring' instead of the ring she picked out. Needless to say, I'm not in the position to be talking very much. I told her that we were not discussing it right then. (Note: I did not say she could not ask and see if it was OK to trade it when I was finished.) Well, the girl had a 2 year old temper tantrum right then and there.

A million things went through my mind: I'm so embarassed that she is acting like this (this is a reflection of my parenting skills), If I get my hands on her...., What do I do??? She did not stop when I calmly spoke to her. I finally asked if I could sit up. Aubree came to me and I calmly whispered 'consequences' to her behavior. She seemed shocked at the consequences and wanted to argue about them. We finished the appointment and came home for the consequences as well as a discussion on appropriate behavior and how much we need Jesus to help us.

As I reflect on this situation through the day, I am reminded of God's love for me and my love for Aubree. I was really upset over her actions; God is seriously grieved by my sin. It's easy for me to forget the consequences of my sin when I'm not in His Word daily. Aubree needs love and direction constantly - even when I think I'm done for that moment. Those many things I never believed when my parents said them, I understand now. Having to take care of the consequences hurt both of us, but necessary for her to learn. God's disciplines hurt but make us stronger for Him. And as Christmas is closer and closer, I remember how precious of a baby Aubree was and can only imagine the preciousness of the Baby Jesus who came to die for my sins. I'm so thankful for His love and forgiveness.

Wedding Shower

I've fallen way behind. I'll attemp to catch up.

We had a wedding shower at our house the Saturday after Thanksgiving for Karen and Scott.

I actually did some 'deep' cleaning during the last few weeks in preparation. And caused a leak!! Newman found it just as guests were starting to arrive.

Mom and Bride to Be!!

I can't believe the wedding is less than two weeks away!!

Thanksgiving Family Picture

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What other day do you get to eat three desserts??

We enjoyed precious time with all our families. Bryce finally got his cranberry sauce and chocolate pie. I think Aubree loved the desserts!!

(We don't take the time to do family pictures very often. This one turned out OK, so I thought I'd post it.)