It's gonna be a Christmas to remember...

It's the Christmas season, and I've been extra determined this year. Extra determined to get my shopping finished early, keep the house relatively clean, stay on top of the baking, spend lots of quality family time, and to have an extra super duper holly jolly December! So far, I've done a halfway decent job of keeping up with the "chore" part of the season, but I'll admit that I haven't quite been enjoying it. Our Christmas preparations have been more of a hassle than a joy, and I hate that. It seems as though even the extra special Christmas family events that we've planned have been....less enjoyable than I'd hoped. Our hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, though an overall success, was racked with inconveniences. The house is decorated, but it took almost a week to complete--and I spent more time scolding the boys for touching than encouraging them to help. Gifts are almost all wrapped--but, I did them as quickly as possible during naptimes. And, even our Christmas movie & pizza night last night had a bit of a damper when I realized that I forgot to add yeast to the pizza dough! (Thank goodness for an awesome husband and delicious carry-out pizza!) It just seems as though I'm doing alright with the Christmas preparations...but can't quite get myself into the holiday spirit.

I've simply felt overwhelmed with the whole idea of Christmas. My daily to-do lists aren't bad, but the mere thought of everything I've planned in my mind for the perfect Christmas season is a bit much. I've been more worried about finishing up everything ahead of schedule, and less worried about spending quality time with my family. To-do lists and chores are not the things of which the Christmas season is supposed to be about, yet so often that's exactly what we make them.

Yesterday, I realized something that I knew all along--Christmas isn't about whether or not the kitchen cupboards have been cleaned, or whether or not laundry is caught up. Obviously, I knew that, but sometimes it's easy to forget. Christmas is all about a little baby who came to earth--not in a spotless house to eat Christmas dinner with his extended gift-giving family, but in a cold, dirty barn, where his first-time mother likely labored alone. He came to this damaged and cruel world to save us, not just to tell a cute story about a baby in a manger or to start a holiday about cookies and gifts and trees.

My worrying and nagging about silly preparations aren't going to help anything. (And, of course, the preparations will be finished--we still have 9 days, after all!) I began thinking about this time last Christmas, and how incredibly imperfect, yet completely perfect it was. My preparations were far less than my idealist planning, yet my perspective was changed. I realized that my perfect Christmas doesn't necessarily mean that everything is done; it simply means that we're together as a family celebrating His birth. A few days ago, Levi caught a little cold--one that seems to have no other symptoms than a nagging cough when he's laying down. As much as I cringe every time I hear my baby hacking in his bed, I am truly grateful. I am thankful for this cough that reminds me of last year--when my perspective was altered, and I knew that all we really needed for Christmas was family. I am thankful for an amazing God who loves us enough to send His Son, and who loves me enough to remind me when I most need it. I am thankful for my sweet, healthy family. And, I am thankful for the joy that is Christmas preparation--no matter whether I finish or not, there is joy in readying for the celebration of our Savior's birth!


It's time now to get into the Christmas spirit--not only to make cookies and wrap gifts, but to truly remember the true spirit of Christmas. It's time to revel in the awesome LOVE that God demonstrated when he sent his one and only son to save us. It's time to stop worrying, and start trusting! Merry Christmas!!

Monday, Monday...

Today is Monday, and it feels good to fall back into the easy routine that is our early week. You may remember my last post about our semi-rotten week, and my determination to have a fabulous weekend. While there were plenty of things that didn't quite go as planned, we still managed to have ourselves a pretty great time. I'm learning to roll with the punches a bit more, I suppose...
Anyway, we got up bright and early on Saturday morning for a fun day of Christmas tree picking (and subsequent decorating!). I made pancakes for breakfast, and it seemed that we were ready for a perfect day...


After breakfast, we bundled up and headed for the Christmas tree farm. Oh, but before we drove away, we had a quick mishap....the boys were locked inside the car. And, the car was running. In the garage. And, they were both strapped into their carseats (just out of reach of the locks!). Oy. Thankfully, with the help of a little prayer and a wire hanger, Eric was able to get a door open!

THEN, we were off to the Christmas tree farm....and we got lost. For whatever reason, the directions that I looked up took us approximately 45 minutes out of our way via backroads. Not so much fun with a grumpy baby in the backseat. (By this time, it was nearing lunch and naptime!) Mommy and Daddy were not in good moods, and two whining boys were not helping the matter.

FINALLY, we arrived at the farm. And, it was truly fantastic! We took a wagon ride to the fields, and then tromped through the snow until we found our perfect tree! Eric chopped it down (really!), and then we headed back to the barn. The staff was super friendly, and they got our tree all ready for us to take home. While they prepped the tree, the boys made friends with a little dog and cat who they found in the barn.


By the time we headed for home, all of our spirits had lifted. A little snack in the car, and we were back in the Christmas spirit! Levi even napped on the way home....which, of course, meant that when we arrived home, he didn't want to nap again. If you're a parent, you know full well that quick 30 minute car naps don't suffice for naptime, so there was a naptime battle while Eric uprighted the tree in our living room.

Eventually, both little guys gave in to napping, and the house was quiet. Well, except for the incessant dripping of the snow/ice melting off of the Christmas tree on to the living room floor! Ah, the holidays!

By the time nap ended, we were ready to give it another go at Christmas cheer! We pulled out the lights and ornaments, and set to work decorating the tree. Ornaments, old and new, came out of boxes, and we reminisced (in between "No, no, no!"s and pulling Levi out of the tree about 40,000 times!). Two of my very favorites....


Within a couple of hours, the tree was trimmed...and we had homemade pizza was on the table for dinner, courtesy of Eric and Nate! (Seriously, could I have picked a better guy?!)


Dinner went smoothly--everyone ate well, Christmas carols played in the background, and we admired the gorgeous tree. It seemed as though all of the day's difficulties had been worth it (and they absolutely were!), and my stress slipped away. Did we have a picture perfect day? Not quite! But, it was still a family day, and we enjoyed ourselves amidst the chaos. Our holiday season might not be perfect--but we're not perfect either! And, no matter what kind of day we create or experience, there is nothing I'd like better than to spent time with my dear family preparing to celebrate our Saviour's birthday! Merry Christmas!


(^ Two sides of the same tree. At the same time. Ah, parenthood.)

One of those weeks...

This week has just been one of those weeks. You know the kind I mean....the boys have gotten to bed late every single night, I've spent more time scolding and griping than playing or reading, it's been days since I've been caught up with the laundry and dishes and other household chores...and now it's just plain nasty outside--not snowing, not raining, but just freezing slush drizzling from the gray skies. Ugh. This was not what I wanted this week to look like (is it ever?). This is the first week of December--it's advent season, and we've been readying for the celebration of our Saviour's birth! We've been decorating the house, and making grocery lists for cookies. My closet is bursting with gifts, and I'm eagerly anticipating all that this season has to offer! But, for now, what my season seems to offer is primarily this....

Why is it that our life isn't storybook perfect? Even in December? Why do we constantly think everybody else has it better than we do? The grass is always greener on the other side, right? I've noticed recently that it's not true. I mean, I've always known that everybody has their own struggles, and I shouldn't judge before walking a mile in their shoes. But, within the past few weeks, I've really seen it. Without going into specifics, I've found out that I'm not the only mom who struggles with things. I'm not alone (and neither are you!). We all struggle--no matter what are situation. We live in a tainted world; nobody has it perfectly. Nobody at all. Yeah, there are some whose lives look better....but, you just never know. Seriously.

All that being said, tomorrow is a new day! We are headed out to pick out our Christmas tree--snow, ice and all! Nate is in the Christmas musical at church on Sunday, and Eric is off all weekend! We're excited for a weekend of family time....and maybe it won't go perfectly. Maybe it will rain during our big tree search, and maybe Nate's shyness will get the best of him on Sunday. But, so what? We're going to have a family weekend, and it's going to be good, goshdarnit!

Especially if we make a point to include a little more of this....

Now, I'll cheerfully leave you with a few happy moments from our past week of blah...

Thanksgiving recap.

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we've officially begun Christmas Season 2013 now! But, before I go all full-fledged holly jolly candy canes and tinsel on you, I'd like to share a few bits from our Thanksgiving. Within the past week, we've attended five Thanksgiving dinner celebrations. Yes, FIVE. Thankfully, they weren't ALL turkey and stuffing, but they were all fun and delicious! (So delicious, in fact, that I considered breaking out the maternity jeans for last night's Thanksgiving dinner #5, haha!) So very thankful for friends, family, good times, and yummy food!

Thirty Thankfuls.

I know it's trendy to make a list of things for which we're thankful in November--and bonus points if you do it daily throughout the entire month for your blog or Facebook. I'm not quite that organized now (though I used to be!), but I wanted to mention a few things for which I truly am grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

1. I am thankful for a merciful God who loves me so very much that he sent his only beloved son to die a horrible death on a cross because he wanted to take the punishment for me. I am so, so, so grateful beyond words.
2. I am thankful for my amazing husband who works hard to provide the very best for our family, and who loves me for me--no matter how crazy I get.
3. I am thankful for my two beautiful, healthy sons. They bring me more joy daily than I ever imagined possible, and I have learned so much about life, love, and myself through them.
4. I am thankful for my loving parents who raised me to know right from wrong, to do my best, and, most importantly, to know Jesus. I am proud to know them as adults, and so glad that they are grandparents to my boys.
5. I am thankful for my brothers who were my best friends and playmates through childhood. They showed me how to share, how to fight--and how to hide it all from Mom and Dad! Ultimately, they were the reason that I knew Nathaniel needed a sibling.
6. I am thankful for my church family who has been there for me during my entire life. I've been a member of FBC since I was a little girl, and there have been lots of changes--people, pastors, teachers, programs, even the building. But the one thing that remains steadfast is the love of Christ that the people demonstrate in so many ways. I am honored to be a part of FBC, and excited to see what God has in store for us next!
7. I am thankful for my home. Eric and I bought this house three and a half years ago, and I still adore it. Even with its flaws and upgrades that we can't quite fit into the budget yet, we are blessed to have a lovely, safe and warm home for our family.
8. I am thankful to live in this city, in this state, and in this country. This place has so many blessings to offer, and I am so glad that we have the opportunity to raise our family here.
9. I am thankful for my extended family. They have always been there to support us, share triumphs, joys & sorrows, and to love on my babies; what more could I ask?
10. I am thankful for the amazing outdoors--for changing seasons, for varied climates and different weather, and for all of the natural beauty in this world. I am in awe over the intrinsic details of this world, and so grateful to be able to experience it daily.
11. I am thankful for the religious freedom to worship, pray, learn, and fellowship in the way that we want. I am thankful that I can openly teach my children my beliefs without fear. There are many in this world who are not as blessed, and I am thankful to live here.
12. I am thankful for the Bible, God's own written word--right here, right now for me to read. I am thankful for the ability to read it, for pastors and teachers who study/teach it, and for easy accessibility.
13. I am thankful for my friends. I am blessed by friends so often--by their love, humor, and time. It is such a blessing to be able to share my own joys and struggles with friends who are always here to listen/care. I am thankful for the diversity of friends, and for the knowledge that I am not the only one going through anything.
14. I am thankful for my own health, as well as the health of my family.
15. I am thankful for the education that I've received, as well as for the many opportunities available to us for further education.
16. I am thankful for the opportunity to sponsor our little boy in El Salvador, Yonathan, through Compassion. It is an honor to be used by God in his life this way, and I love to read his letters.
17. I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my boys, and to be their primary caregiver 24/7.
18. I am thankful for music.
19. I am thankful for opportunities to serve at church, particularly with children. I love to teach and craft and play with kids, and my joy is only multiplied when I have the opportunity to do all of those things for Christ's sake!
20. I am thankful for my pets, not only the ones who live in this house, but also for the cats that I had growing up. Nobody can keep a pre-teen secret quite like a cat!
21. I am thankful for sleep. Motherhood has shown me how very lovely uninterrupted hours of sleep can be, and I truly appreciate those nights now!
22. I am thankful for the opportunity to choose healthier options for my family--whether they be foods, toiletries, or lifestyle changes. Options are a luxury!
23. I am thankful for the internet, which enables me to keep in touch with loved ones far and near, research products & ideas, and blog!
24. I am thankful for my community group of friends who meet often for fellowship, prayer, Bible study, dinners, service projects, playdates with the kids, and just hanging out. It is such a blessing to be a part such a close group of people who love The Lord, and who truly care about one another.
25. I am thankful for the peace and quiet that comes with alone time during naps or before the boys wake up in the mornings. The quiet house gives me an opportunity to read scripture, pray, clear my head, un-stress, and, of course, blog!
26. I am thankful for the "busy-ness" and hustle & bustle of daily life. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that keep us busy, and for the experiences that God gives us.
27. I am thankful for the talents and skills with which God has blessed me, and strive to use them all for His glory.
28. I am thankful for the opportunity to give through Operation Christmas Child. We helped our community group pack 39 boxes this year, and I'm already excited for next year! What an awesome opportunity to share Christ's love across the world!
29. I am thankful for Eric's job--an opportunity for him to use his talents and do what he loves every day, while providing a steady income for our family.
30. I am thankful for struggles and trials, for without them, we would never appreciate so many things in life. I am thankful for the knowledge that God is in control, and that His plan is far greater than our understanding--even when things seem to be falling apart around us. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28


"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Amish Country photos.

Last week, Eric surprised me with a family trip to Amish Country for our anniversary. Only a few hours from home, this was an area that I've been wanting to visit for a long time. And, after our three day visit to Berlin, OH? I can't wait to go back! We rented a gorgeous cottage, and spent most of our time perusing antique stores, craft shows, and thrift shops--so much fun! The town was quaint, the scenery was gorgeous, the food was fantastic, and everyone with whom we came in contact was super nice. It was a wonderfully relaxing vacation, and I loved every minute of our trip (except for that pesky head cold!). Thank you, Eric!!
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip...

The boys loved "swimming" in the big jacuzzi tub in our cottage!


And, nobody could get enough of the graham cracker custard dessert!

5 Years!

Five years ago, I married my very best friend in the world. Since then, we've had ups and downs, highs and lows, and most importantly, each other. We've grown as a family, we've learned how to be parents (lots of trial and error!), and we've seen our love multiplied a hundred times over. We've had some crazy rides, and I am so excited to just to keep on doing what we're doing and see what God has in store for us next!

I love you so very much, Eric! Thank you for being my husband, for caring for our family, for being an awesome daddy, for working hard, for supporting my dreams, for encouraging us, for persevering, for loving both of our boys and me, and for serving our awesome God. You are a great man, and I am honored to be your wife! Thank you for the past five years, and I look forward to at least 100 more together! :) I love you, and happy anniversary!

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Most years, I spend a day or two writing up a nice little anniversary blog entry with just the right amount of mush and sappiness, usually combined with lots of old photos and tidbits. This year, I spent most of my blogging energy for the week on yesterday's [record-breaking long!] post. I love my husband dearly, but haven't mustered the energy to romance him via blog this afternoon. If you want any more of my sappy sweet blogging, you're going to have to check out these past anniversary entries.....2010, 2011, and 2012!