Da Bears!

Santa's helpers

The kids are at the perfect age for all things Christmassy (yes, it's a word). They love every part of the season, from baking to decorating to reading the advent story each morning. It is a lot of work to create all those moments for them (read broken ornaments, over frosted cookies, and tears over who pushes the silent night button on the advent calendar) but it's worth it when you know what's being imprinted inside of them...ok, most days it's worth it and other days I need an extra long nap and some kahlua in my hot chocolate. And I would love to say that I've chosen this fun color to add to the Christmas cheer of my blogging but I have no idea why it's green. Were just going with it, m'kay.

Trimming the tree

Frosting the cookies

Hanging the lights

This year we began our advent season with a Christmas kick-off party... yes, in November. We are not kidding around about taking our time this year. The kids made a clay dough and after the cutting and the drying, we took some time to come up with the different names of Jesus. This was hilarious as both John and Ava ran to find a bible and search for names. After coming up with Moses and a Camel we regrouped and looked in Isaiah for some clues. Then they started coming up with some really good ones. In the end, their list was very impressive. The ornaments were all painted with one of Jesus' names and then hung with a red ribbon. It was an easy activity and the names have really stuck with Ava over the last few weeks. She's always very proud of her homemade ornaments and they look beautiful on the tree.

The List

Decorating with glitter pens

Heart creation

The littlest elves eating marshmallows

after a few grumpy afternoons

Ava : (smiling a big smile)

Mommy: Wow, I really missed your smile. I'm glad she's back

Ava: Well her parents said she could stay up late so I think she'll be around all night.

baby boy bliss

Ian was lucky enough to have a day filled with two of his favorite things. His 'bampa' took him to see an acre of shiny green 'ba-po's,' (back-hoe's) at the John Deere warehouse. He was a little bit overwhelmed but took his time with each tractor and pretty much glowed the whole morning. I absolutely love these photos as they accurately reflect their special relationship.

Holiday Happenings

The Perfect Tree

Mountain Man

Photo from the Christmas card I won't be sending this year

A-hunting-we-will-go

Handsome boy

Success!

the view from here...

So, I've been on a bit of a technology fast these last few weeks. I think it had something to do with C.S. Lewis and his great line from The Weight Of Glory about being satisfied with making mud pies because we aren't even aware of the joy of a holiday at sea. That image has really resonated with my soul. I've been seeking a little more salty air and breathing deep and a little less staring at the dirt on the ground, all scrunched up looking for something that isn't there. I was determined from the start that this advent season wouldn't rush by with noise and activity. We had the tree up and the house decorated by Thanksgiving and have created a lot of space for daily worship. I'm filled with gratitude that God has pulled us close and that this time means so much more than presents and Christmas carols and holiday baking. The Gift seems so simple, the story only a few chapters long, but the significance is eternal and the joy is unspeakable. It's still blurry, but when I squint my eyes really hard I can sea the sunrise across the ocean. :)