Ouch!

Children bring pain.  There's no way around it.  Their very entrance is marked with pain - and that's the easy part!  They painfully point out our sin, weaknesses, selfishness, failures, and shortcomings.  They push us toward the cross to find strength and forgiveness found only in Christ. 

Sometimes they bring physical pain.  Most, if not all, parents can relate to the "head butt" pain.  The other night at bible study I was changing Joey's shirt.  Sitting on the floor, he squatted in front of me.  All was going well until he, suddenly and with great force, pushed upward colliding with my face.  Thankfully, he missed the nose shove, but did manage to produce a nice puffy, bloody lip.  Even after almost 15 years of parenting, my first reaction was to scream.  God's grace allowed it to be silent and inward.  I'm always surprised at the reaction physical and emotional pain brings to my soul. 

Of course, it was an accident.  I got the blood stopped and Joey dressed.  Now I've been humbled this week as I talk with people realizing that my lip has a huge looking sore on it.  I want so badly to explain how it happened. . .but it really doesn't matter, does it?  Who cares if it's a cold sore, herpes, or an "ouchie" anyway.  It's there.  A reminder of my continued dependence on One so much greater than myself!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A little delayed. . .but enjoy some of the Christmas photos taken by one of our young adults!

2011:  marked 19 years of God's faithfulness to our marriage and family

Our blessings

Hannah (7), Rebekah (9), Jael (3), Naomi (5), Joshua (12), Joseph (16 months),
Sarah (14), Jonathan (11)

Go Hani!

Our backyard!

Oh, Christmas Tree

 Guess which tree the little girlies liked?!

 Waiting for Santa. . .

I grew up going out to the Christmas tree farm and cutting a tree with my family.  Paul and I started that way with the kids, but eventually the practical, common sense artificial tree took over.  When we moved last year, the old fake tree didn't make the cut.  So, we're back to picking out a real tree.  While we haven't found a new tree farm, it has been fun going to select one as a family and enjoying the little "draws" the establishments provide. 

Hanging the ornaments was fairly uneventful this year- no broken ones!  The tree ends up getting divided up by height, as each child hangs their ornaments at their level!  Durable ones toward the bottom Joey is on the loose this year!

The Storm

Last week the Santa Ana winds ripped through the valley, up to 60 mph.  We were fortunate not to incur much damage.  The boys may say otherwise, as they spent two days cleaning out pools with leaves over two feet deep! 

Unfortunately the little playgroup was partially wiped out, too.  Here's Joey enjoying his little playground a few days prior.  He had mastered climbing up and sliding down!

After the winds. . .

"Hey! Where did my slide go?"!  Joey looking for his playground :(.  The swings made it, but the fort/slide area was squashed.  Just glad it was at night and no children were playing :).

Preparations

 Setting up the nativity is always something anticipated.

The girlies enjoy getting the nativity all set up and ready.  They love to place all the figurines around and fortunately the set accommodates little hands! While some like anticipation of waiting for baby Jesus to arrive, we like to enjoy Him the entire month.  It's a great reminder of our Lord's condescension.  What an amazing thought to dwell upon - the Perfect One leaving glory and taking on human flesh to be God With Us.  What grace!

Don't you know how that happens?

Ever heard that question?  I really hope you have never said it!  It is one of the dumbest questions ever and the one most frequently asked when you inform people you are pregnant with a number higher than two!  Over the years I've tried different responses.  The silent smile, the impertinent "no, please tell me!", the spiritual response "yes, although I am unworthy, God is choosing to bless me again", the literal/medical "yes, my understanding is that you have a male and a female. . .", the play-it-dumb look "no, how?", and finally I have arrived at my latest response to a question which is so rude it really deserves none.  While I assume that those who ask it are not trying to be rude or stupid, no statements other than congratulations is really necessary. 

Don't you know how that happens?  Now I respond with "Yes, I do!  And I'm really surprised we only have nine!"  Marital sex and the fruit it produces is to be celebrated, not mocked.  :) 

December Traditions

I'd like to say that most of our December traditions are Christmas traditions, as well.  However, finding advent type calendars with Christian themes is becoming increasing difficult, especially as my range of stores narrows!  The preschoolers, kindergarteners, and bigger kids alike enjoy opening and following all the days counting down until Christmas Eve. 

Naomi looks forward to a chocolate square!