Merry Christmas

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

This verse struck me as the kids and I were reading Tabitha's Travels by Arnold Ytreeide. This is our third Advent book we've read by him. This verse isn't one I would think of when thinking about celebrating Jesus' birth or the Christmas season. As I thought more, I realized how appropriate the verse really is. Tabitha's Travels reminds us that we will have problems in this world and how we ("the brokenhearted") face those problems is based on belief in Jesus. If we've have recognized our own sinfulness ("crushed in spirit") and accepted His Saving Grace, we can rest in Him no matter the situation. It may not be easy, but we know where our True Hope lies. This verse is why Jesus was born - Perfect Jesus, God in Flesh - was crushed for our sins, then conquered the grave to rise again into glory!! He came to rescue us. Life is hard, very hard for lots of people even at this very moment, I'm blessed by those who are trusting in the Sovereign Hand of God.

I'm looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family, and I'm praying the Holy Spirit will continue to remind me to focus on the Perfect Gift of Jesus!! Merry Christmas!!!

Yep, we are still here......

Fall Festival 2011

Bryce and Aubree - The Bear Song

Bryce and Aubree practicing The Bear Song for Demonstration Night/Kick-Off Meeting for HEAR (Homeschool Group.)

July 4th

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Bryce started his "My Life Matters" Camp on Monday. While Daddy worked outside, Aubree and I made cupcakes. We had a small cookout with family. We decided to opt out of fireworks. The kiddos had a sleepover with friends to end the evening. Great 4th with family and friends!!

Water Fun with Friends

A couple of friends organized this fun day for the kiddos.
Part of the course was to sit on a water balloon!!

Aubree had a tough time rolling the tire!!

Her turn to sit on the balloon!

It ended with everyone getting soaked including the adults unless you had the camera ;)

Summer Fun!!

Celebrating Birthdays for Bryce and Daddy

Vacation to PA with my Aunt and Uncle

Father's Day

Ball season for Bryce

Tennis lessons for both kiddos

The beginning of summer has been great and full of FUN!!

Our Red Sox Player

Tonight Bryce ends his third year playing baseball. He's learned so much this year. His coach has been great - he's taught them baseball is more than a physical game. It requires thinking as well as listening to him. During Bryce's last game, his coach had him stealing to third base. The boys are to watch the coach and do as he says. They are not to be concerned about the ball. As Bryce started running from second to third, the coach kept telling him to run, go back, run, go back, run. It was crazy!! Bryce compared it to the part in the movie Polar Express when the train was swerving every which way on the ice. Afterwards, I asked Bryce if he had any idea why he was going back and forth and he said NO!! (The ball had been close to second then overthown, etc.) We will see what the final game tonight holds.