Well here it is the end of the year, even the end of a decade. I have been thinking back over the past year and all the happenings, the stress, the laughter, the learning, and the unknown. I guess you could say this has been a year of the what ifs.
It was way back in February that news of a possible buyout came from David's company. It was July when he started interviewing, and it was September before any decisions were made. He started work in October and we will close out the year with house hunting and moving on our minds.
When we first heard the news we put everything on hold, when it seemed like things were going to settle, we settled too. We planted fruit trees, put in a garden, built a stone wall and painted rooms. I went yard sale-ing and junking, decorating as if were would be here for the long haul. We know know that is not to be. You may ask was it worth it? Oh yes, you betcha it was. We learned some valuable lessons about trust and, patience, and waiting, that we wouldn't have otherwise. It gave the children stability admist the chaos, and memories that won't be forgotten. God has truly blessed us in the midst of this uncertianty. We even made new friends and built stronger relationships with old. We will miss those people when we leave.
We are so excited for the new year though. There is so much to do and so much that will be new. What a way to ring in a year and even a decade. So heres's to 2009. Good bye! We are New Jersey bound.
Thursday, December 31
Tuesday, December 29
Christmas Review
Our Chirstmas in pictures.
Kittys favorite place.
Our birthday cake(or cupcakes) for Jesus birthday!
Christmas morning after opening stockings and our family devotion.
Gwen and her ponies!
Miles and his books!
Fiona and her bitty baby outfit, she had such a grown up pose here with her legs crossed.
Owen and his brass compass.
Gwen and her bitty baby with matching pajamas and a sling. So excited!
Playing in the paper. It's tradition around here!
I hope you all had a merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23
Outakes
Here are our attempts at getting a picture for our christmas card. It's always an adventure and you never know what you might get.
1st. attempt. Owen cross-eyed and Fiona bug-eyed. Not sure how that happpened.
A little better, but now Gwen is looking off somewhere else.
Third time's the charm! Perfect. Except for the the fact that the card is vertical and this will not work.
So we start all over.
Fiona won't have anything to do with it. I mention chocolate.
That always works. Except in the excitement I think her head it to tilted and Owen has a funny smile.
Again, change the pose a bit 'cause this has gone on long enough. Owen still smiling funny and Gwen is ready to call it quits. Attach bird ornament to top of camera. I wish I had a picture of that!
Good enough, that should work. And you know what I didn't even use it!
This is the picture I chose. After all this is what I take each month and it just works.
Here is what the card looks like. I used Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses line, and a stamp set from Inkadinkadoo.
A season of Advent
Preparing our hearts for the Christ. We started incorporating advent into our traditions when the boys were babies. Every Sunday for the four Sunday's before Christmas we light a candle, read some scripture, sing songs together and pray. This has become one of our favorite things to do. In all the business that can come with this time of year, it is a time to sit and really think about the miracle that is Christ's birth.
On Christmas morning after stockings are opened and breakfast is eaten we will light the Christ candle in the center, read the Christmas story and sing.
On Christmas morning after stockings are opened and breakfast is eaten we will light the Christ candle in the center, read the Christmas story and sing.
This year had been expecially fun as both of the boys are able to read the passages in the Bible and follow along in the hymn book. Fiona can also sing along as she has memorized many of the verses. All those little voices singing songs to Jesus! It is a beautiful thing to hear.
For Miles; advent is his favorite part of Christmas. And for that I am thankful.
May you find time to reflect on the miracle that is Christmas.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
Tuesday, December 22
On the coffee table
This is my coffee table display. It was cheap, easy, and I used what I had. This is the first year I have had this coffee table. I finally convinced my Mom that it would work better in my house that in hers. So we did a sewap this summer. I have plans to spruce her up a bit, but not the time to work on it. It was a good will find, a Lane piece for 6.00!
For the base I cut strips of Jute webbing. No worries about them all being the same size, it won't matter. Then I wove them in and out and tacked them down with fabric glue. I wanted to do more strips but I ran out of webbing so it is what it is. The basket was a Target clearance find. I went to my basement canning storage and grabbed jars in various sizes. Some are new and some are antiques. I just wanted the variety. I have every size from 1/2 pint, to 1/2 gallon.
Each jar is filled with epsom salt and a votive candle.
I then scattered fresh greens and leftover ornaments to fill up the basket
A picture of my favorite canning jars. Mason with a star embelem!
And here is is all aglow.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 21
Sunday, December 20
Snow Fun
Our first major snowfall! They say we got 18 inches, it's hard to tell with the drifting as it is more than that in some places. The children had so much fin playing in the now yesterday and today! I stayed inside as much as possible, I did venture out to take photos, but I prefer snow form the inside in front of a warm fire.
I just love this photo of all of them together and all smiling and all looking at the camera. Now if I only would have checked my settings BEFORE I took it then the colors might actually be correct. My boys would not be caught dead with purple sleds, they are blue! I must learn photoshop!
Here are some more shots from the day.
Saturday, December 19
My little artist
Friday, December 18
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