Church Programs

Yesterday we had two Christmas programs at church.  Attendance was down for both programs due to the weather.  I was blessed by them both.  I love to sing to the Lord!  The first picture is of the adult Cantata, "The Name Jesus"  the last are the ones from the childrens program last night.  If you look really careful, you may even see me!  My bigger men didn't get to be in the photo's...sorry guys!

ps... that is my baby in the red sweater!

My Baby is Growing Up

 

My sweet #2 son has had a loose tooth for the past week and a half.  Yesterday he pulled it out.  We don't have a tooth fairy however.  We have the "Tooth Stealer"  the sneaky sneak that comes to get your teeth from your your glass on the dresser in the middle of the night and uses them to put teeth in the skeleton models at the doctors office!

I am sad any time my baby crosses a milestone in his life: first hair cut, first step, first word, riding without training wheels, loosing teeth and so much more.  When I am rejoicing in answered prayer of my baby, I remember this verse: 

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him"  I Samuel 1:27

To take the red eye out ,the camera blinks and it takes a few seconds, he closed his mouth during the pose.  Now you can really see the big whopping cold sore he has.

 

Still can't really see the empty hole in this one either, Oh Well!

 

Tuesday

Saturday

 

Outside my window:  After a record temperatures yesterday (65 degrees), it is back down to 36 degrees and has already sleeted this morning.

 

I am thinking:  I am excited that #1 son Aaron will be coming home from his quick visit to Kansas City tomorrow.  I miss his company.  His Dad thought I just missed him because he did a lot of 'work' around here.  I just miss my Aaron.  His absence this week makes me pray for him more for what he is deciding about his future plans.

From the home school room: Starting on the letter "G" this week and reviewing the number 4, shapes of diamond and heart.

I am thankful for: Having a husband who gets up every morning and drives in rush hour traffic twice a day to provide for our family. 

From the kitchen:  COMFORT FOOD!  Biscuits and gravy for dinner last night.  Tonight I may make teriyaki rice bowls. 

I am wearing: Blue Kodiak slipper socks, my long cozy green robe.

I am reading:  A mystery about a Bridezilla who was murdered on her wedding day.  The pair of sisters who catered the wedding are solving the mystery.  Recipes at the back of the book!

I am hoping: All of my unspoken prayer requests will be answered. 

I am hearing: Sesame Street on the television.

Around the house: I am enjoying the scent of seasonal greens and spicy candles and the twinkle of little multi colored lights.  

One of my favorite things: Mashed potatoes with sauerkraut and turkey gravy.

A few plans for the week: A LATE night tomorrow as we head to the airport to get Aaron.  One more watch to craft for our Pastor's wife's Christmas present.  Saturday afternoon practice for our Cantata at church on Sunday.

A thought I am sharing:  A joke ~

 

Three Hymns

One Sunday a pastor told his congregation that the church needed some extra money

and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate.

He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns.

After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in offering. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate.

And there sat our Rosie all the way in the back shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. Slowly she made her way to the pastor. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns.

Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three most handsome men in the building and said, "I'll take him and him and him!"

Playing Dress Up

 

We went to visit our friends yesterday.  My #2 son enjoys playtime with 'friends' very much.  Sienna's mamma Allison and I were enjoying tea in the kitchen when our little blessings came upstairs 'dressed' to play kitchen with thier kitchen toys.

 

Making Candy

My boys and I spent a little time in the kitchen this afternoon crafting up some Christmas candy.  The recipe was super easy, you should try it.  It was pretty messy but fun to lick off fingers says #2 son!

 

Simply Sensational Truffles

 

Prep Time:
15 min

Total Time:
1 hr 15 min

Makes:
18 servings, 2 truffles each

 

What You Need~

 

2-1/2 pkg. (20 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

1 pkg.  (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

decorations: chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, peanuts), multi-colored sprinkles, unsweetend cocoa powder, powdered sugar, coconut.

 

Make It

MELT 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Blend in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.

SHAPE into 36 balls. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.

MELT remaining chocolate. Use fork to dip truffles; return to baking sheet. Decorate, then refrigerate 1 hour.

 

What's New This Week

 

Grandma (my Mom) is now home safely after a three and half day trip back to Oregon by train.  #1 son Aaron leaves early Wednesday morning to visit his cousins, Aunt Cari, Uncle Doug and Grandma (Stacey's Mom) in Kansas City, Missouri.  It will be a short trip, just 7 days.  Aunt Cari already has plans for Aaron's time while there!

We bought some souvenir tee shirts for all 6 children.  I also made some of my jewelery for Aaron to take to the girls.  I made some pictures of my crafting mess and the final results!

 

We are all very tired.  We had something going on at church this week but are staying home tonight in favor of an early bedtime.  I am going to go curl up in my heated bed, next to my flannel sheets and my manly man and get some good SLEEP!

 

 

Christmas Decorating

We squeezed some time in on Wednesday and Grandma got to watch us decorate for Christmas.  It was a thrill for her as it has been a while since we did something Christmassy together.  This is the first time I've had a staircase that I could hang swags of fresh greenery on.  I love Christmas, not commercial Christmas, just what it is and what it means to me.  My Saviors birthday.  I am so thankful for what Christ did for me, born to die for my sins so I can have for forgiveness and eternal life.

Some of these greens came form our yard where squirrels, deer, rabbits, birds and neighbor cats roam.  There must be delicious kitty smells in these greens.  It was fun to watch Shadow climb the rail to get a great big sniff.

I'll try to post more pictures later.  I can't get the lights on the tree to photograph right.  I'll try again at night.