Is It Over Yet?

I just wanted to blink and hopefully the week would be over.  It was a crazy week of sickness.  It all started on Monday night with a trip to the ER for Hayley.  She had woken up for 3 nights crying in pain complaining of her stomach.  She never did get sick, so on night 3 with the tears Chris and I decided we needed to get her checked out.  After hours in the ER, blood was drawn and an ultrasound was done to make sure it was not appendicitis.  All tests came back clear.  And then she got sick.  Really sick.  It was a stomach bug and a really bad one. 

Then Luke woke up the next night with the same bug. 

By Wednesday, I was so tired I could barely see straight.  I bleached every corner of the house and did about a truck load of laundry.  Thursday was our all clear day until Hannah began sneezing.  Then a runny nose which always leads to coughing with her.  I had already started breathing treatments hoping to keep her out of the woods, but it did not work.  I ended up in the ER with her due to major breathing issues on Friday morning around 2:30 am until 7:00am. 

We are all on the mend now.  I have never been more thankful for doctors and the right kinds of meds.

Even in the craziness of this past week, I found some sweet sick day moments. 

The Meaning of It All

Christmas time.  I love this wonderful time of year.  The sounds, the smells, the sights.  They all get to me.  I have such fond memories of Christmas as a child.  Listening to Christmas music each night after dinner and dancing by the light from our tree.  There were Christmas parties, Christmas cantatas at church, and the candlelight service on Christmas Eve.  There were dinners with friends, ornament exchanges, and picking out the perfect present for everyone in my family.  I used to dream of sharing all these sweet traditions with a family of my own one day for I wanted them to get the warm and fuzzy feeling every year when Christmas rolled around. 

Now I'm here.  I'm in this moment with my husband and 3 children and yes, I want to share these fun traditions with them, but most of all I want them to get it.  I want them to get the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and what it all means.  Our Saviour, born into the world, so that He might save us from our sin.  That is what it is all about.  I want them to know Jesus.

I came across a devotional book for the Jesse Tree.  I had heard of a Jesse Tree in years past, but never really looked into what it means.  The tree is a way to trace Jesus' family line from Abraham to Christ's birth by reading scripture each day and truly thinking and preparing our hearts to celebrate Jesus' birth. 

I had the kids help me make our ornaments for the tree and we began our journey on December 1st.  Each day we light our Advent candle or candles, pull out the day's ornament, and read from God's Word.  So far we have covered

"The Fall"  when sin first entered the world

The great flood and Noah, a man of great faith

When God told Abram to leave and go to the promise land

And when God fulfilled his promise to Abraham in giving him a son, Issac

Our humble little tree that retells how the King of Kings, Prince of Peace entered our world, humbly. 

I have to say it is my most favorite part of the day.  After each devotion is read and the ornament adorns our tree,  there is a little advent "adventure" that we get to do as a family that day or evening.  We have read Christmas storybooks, made cards for others, and listened to Christmas music.  Over the next few weeks, we will go looking at Christmas lights, make hot chocolate, make Christmas cookies, build a gingerbread house and watch Christmas movies.  That warm fuzzy feeling is still there, but I can see it in my children's eyes too.  And they know why. 

It's all because of Jesus...

Almost Wordless Wednesday

She likes spaghetti, folks.  She really does.

A Thankful Heart

So, I read Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" back in the spring.  I think I have mentioned it about 1,000 times on ye ol blog.  If you haven't gotten the point yet, you NEED to read it.  The book has completely changed how I move through my day.  To be thankful, even in the smallest most mundane moments, to be thankful.  And boy, did I have so much to be thankful for this year at Thanksgiving.  My parents and sister were able to come in town this year and we had a wonderful time.  We ate and played and laughed and got 95% of our  Christmas shopping done online that Friday!  It was hilarious to watch my mom, sister, and I all on iPads pulling up items from stores and shopping.  I am a HUGE fan of cyber shopping on black Friday.  No crowds or crazy people, and I didn't have to stand in one line.  Ha!

Anywho....  So thankful for this precious cheesy grin

His beautiful blue eyes and amazing heart

Her silly smiles, giant hugs, and the fact that she still calls me "Mama"

My handsome hubby who happens to be the most amazing Daddy

Making turkey cookies with Mimi, Holly, and Papa

For chocolate faces that lead to chocolate KISSES

For Father and son time playing football and learning life lessons

We are all thankful for the iPad!!!! He he!

an Aunt who loves to spoil her nieces and nephew rotten :)

a table set and plenty of food

So thankful that God continues to bless us over and over again.  So thankful that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for me.  And for you.  That all has been forgiven and the ransom has been paid. 

Thankful doesn't seem like enough.

USMC Birthday Ball

Our sweet Hannah Beth was born on the Marine Corps birthday.  November 10th was a big deal in our house before she came, and is now a HUGE deal since she arrived.  2 birthdays in one day means cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!!  Seriously. 

 Chris and I went to the Marine Corps University Ball this year and had a wonderful time.  I love getting all dressed up for my man, but mostly I love seeing him in his Blues!!!!  Happy 236th Birthday to the Marines.  So proud of my Marine and I love celebrating with him every year.

Birthday Girl!

Baby girl!  I just can't get enough of this sweet face these days.  Your second birthday was just last week.  Yep, it happened.  I blinked and now you are 2.

And you are every bit a 2 year old.  Sweet, silly, BUSY,  and always wondering what will happen when I do _______.  So so curious and learning so much.  I love the way you whisper "that's awesome" or the way you shout "I yike it ayot".  You give such great hugs and kisses, it is a wonder I get anything else done all day.

You love Elmo. More like LOVE him. He catches your eye everywhere we go.  You can spot him from a mile away and will scream "Elmo!  ELMO! ELMO!!!!!!" until we go and see him.  I think your favorite thing about your birthday was your Elmo balloon.  I couldn't get you to look at the camera no matter how many silly sounds or dances moves I made.

 You are finding your voice and saying so much.  I love that you can tell us a little more about what you are thinking and feeling.  You are lost without your brother and sister.  The 3 of you will play and giggle and fill the house with joy joy joy!

Bath and bedtime are some of my favorite times of the day with you.  We sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Jesus Loves Me" a least 10 times. Sometimes 20. You know every word of both, by the way.  We rock in your chair and read book after book.  We talk about the day. We giggle and then we pray.  Your sweet "amen" melts my heart.  And I pray that you will know just how much Jesus loves you and He will be who you live for each and everyday.

Happy birthday, Hannah Beth.  I love you so very much. 

Mount Vernon