O Christmas Tree...

I couldn't resist posting this really cute Christmas tree! :)

"And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." Genesis 2:9

League City Christmas Parade!

We had so much fun being a part of the League City Christmas Parade on our church's float again this year! The theme was "Christmas on the Creek" and we dressed like Norman Rockwell and the kids had fishing poles. One of our music leaders and his friend sang Christmas songs and contemporary Christian songs while standing on the float. The kids had a great time! Andrew and Tom loved passing out Christian fish wooden necklaces and an invitation to our church. We passed out 1500 necklaces and ran out half way through... Braden liked hangin' with his friend while they pretended that they were really fishing over the side of the float. Colton loved the cookies that Mrs. Ilana brought and by the time our float entered the parade, he was super tired and sat on my lap the whole time. He did manage some smiles and waves that really got the crowed going. It was fun to see people we knew in the crowd and smile and wave at everyone. It is amazing what a simple smile can do! We even got 2nd place in the church float category! :)

What an fun way to share Jesus' light with others and enjoy the miracle of the season! :)

Traditions...

We love traditions! During the Thanksgiving break, we had an exhausting time decorating the house, but now we are enjoying the fruits of our labor. The boys always love decorating the tree and finding their ornaments and remembering family and friends. It is a special job to put the angel (lovingly made by my Mom for our 1st Christmas together) on the top of the tree! They have taken turns in past years and this year they each wanted to do it! We nearly toppled the tree over hoisting Andrew and Braden up this year! Andrew being the "Idea Man" got out the Astronaut "getters" and put it on top... cleaver! But the best was Colton's face when he got to do the honors! Why do these kids have to grow up? Can't we keep the joy, wonder, and awe instead of trading it in for attitude and eye rolling?! :) I'll keep the joy this year and tuck it away for future years when I will need it! :)

A Quiet Thanksgiving at Home

We had a wonderful 4 day weekend over Thanksgiving! It was so wonderful to sleep in, enjoy being together, and get the house ready for Christmas and lots of visitors!

On Thanksgiving day we all snuggled on the couch for a while to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and eventually it ended up being just me, Colton, and Tom. I always reminisce about being in the Marching Band. We would holler at the big boys when we thought there would be something they would want to see. Of course they wanted to see Buzz Lightyear, Pikachu, and Santa! We spent the rest of the day doing some fun things. Colton and I had a great time making yummy Pumpkin Pie together. The boys made hand print turkeys with what they were thankful for on the feathers and made Oreo Turkey Cookies all by themselves while I held the ladder for Tom who was very excited to put up even more Christmas lights on the house this year! I made our favorite... spaghetti and meatballs for dinner! We love that tradition when we are in Houston for the holidays!

We have so much to be thankful for, but most of all for our salvation through Jesus Christ that has secured a place for us in heaven.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

That spiky hair...

Isn't this the most perfect self portrait?! Braden made this at school and highlighted his spiky hair! So funny! He even has on a Speed Racer shirt! I love children's artwork! :)

Thanks, God, for the little details in life that bring us great joy... like spiky hair! :)

A date with my oldest son...

Even though it was a field trip with his class, I really enjoyed my time with Andrew! We went to see "A Little House Christmas" at the Main Street Theatre in Houston. Our family loves to watch "Little House on the Prairie" on DVD, so it made watching the play even better! The girl who played Nellie looked just like my good friend, Vickie, from high school. Every detail from her cute skinny stature, long curly black hair, thin face, and huge sweet smile! I just wanted run on stage and give her a big hug!

I treasure the moments I have with my kids at school, because some day they might not want me around as much! :)

Colton's 3rd birthday party was a blast...

We had a Carnival Party for Colton's birthday! Lots of friends came to help us celebrate! We had a duck pond, ring toss, pin the nose on the clown, sucker tree, coin toss, Tic-tac-toe, bowling, face painting (thanks Candi, awesome job!) and a pinata! What a blast the big kids had "running" the game booths. The little ones had a ball going from one game to another and back again and again and again. They decorated bags with carnival stickers to hold all their loot. I think the adults had the most fun getting their picture taken as a trapeze girl and a strong man! The pinata was a hit with the big boys, Andrew and Alex, breaking it open and lots of candy for all. The kids put on clown hats and noses for a picture too! So funny! Lunch was hot dogs, nachos, popcorn from a real popcorn machine, (thanks Swiggards... missed you so much!) animal crackers, cake, and ice cream! Everyone got to take home a some cotton candy too! Colton was such a big boy being newly potty trained and walking around playing games, talking like a grown up with all his friends, and acting like he owned the joint! :) He blew out the candle before the song was finished and shouted out, "I made a wish!" So cute! I think everyone had a great time! Happy birthday, Colton! We love you!