Vacation

Well, I never did finish blogging about the ABC's of Christmas. The rest: U is for understand, V is for volunteer, W is for worship, x is for eXamine(examine your past Christmas habits. Ask yourself which habits you should keep and which habits you need to eliminate. Y is for yield Avoid overspending...yield to God and his perfect guidance toward good stewardship. Z is for zero, Zero in on how you and your family can keep Christ in Christmas.

I've been enjoying my vacation. So far I've read two books and Adam and I are reading a chapter book together. We're having fun playing with all their new toys and pretty much just doing anything we want!

I hope everyone had a memorable Christmas and have a great New Years!

Tradition

Well, we are getting closer to the end of the alphabet. T is for Tradition. We started a new tradition last year. We give the boys three gifts each, just like the wise men gave Jesus. I like this idea, because it takes a lot of the focus off gifts and also keeps me from getting so overwhelmed about what to get them. This year we let the boys open their gifts today. It was so much fun watching them. Daniel would start really slow and when he saw what the present was he would go into warp speed! To cute. One of the gifts Adam received was Adventures in Odyssey on cd. He asked what it was and we told him it's storied on cd. He said, "Cool, I can just sit and listen and have to sound anything out!" Caleb had a lot of fun trying to eat the wrapping paper. :)

I probably will not post tomorrow, so U is for Understand. Tomorrow..."Make sure your child understands that there is more to Christmas than gifts and decorations. It is a time to spend with loved ones. Tell her/him that Jesus is the reason for the season."

Merry Christmas everyone!

R is for Reflect

"Reflect on what Christmas meant to you over the years. Talk with your family about how each family member can make the holidays even more special. Make a list of the ideas. Then hang the list where everyone can see it."

I've been thinking about this today and I've decided, I'm over-booking Christmas. You know, like when you get on a flight only to find out they've over-booked and you can't get on, someone misses out on their flight. This is very frustrating, to say the least! I tend to get over excited about things, I know that's hard to believe. I plan to many things and end up getting overwhelmed and not doing hardly anything. Then we miss out on something. Well, my boys tend to bring me back to reality...

Wednesday evening, Adam, asked me if Christmas is Jesus birthday than is everyone who has lights on their houses and trees up a Christian? I tell you what, the questions this boy comes up with! When I told him no, he wanted to know if their not than why are they celebrating Jesus' birthday? This conversation went on for awhile. Bless his heart, every house we see now he wonders if they know Jesus.

We didn't get the list of ideas done today, but I already have an idea to add. Instead of caroling, how about witnessing?? This is way out of my comfort zone, but the idea of knocking on one of those doors with Adam and talking to them about Jesus warms me up and makes me a little nervous :)

Tomorrow, S is for Spirit. "Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to the true meaning of Christmas and then share it with others."

Q is for Quiet

"Take time this holiday to sit quietly, pray, and think about the birth of Jesus and what it means to you."
I asked the kids today what the birth of Jesus means to them and this is what they said:
Cousin #1: "Jesus was born so He could some day die on the cross and save us from our sins."
Cousin #2: "So he could save us."

My Big Man: "So I could become a Christian."
My Middle Man: "Baby Jesus is like our baby."

Today I was remembering when Middle Man was born. It was around Christmas and as I was nursing him some people came to the hospital and caroled around the rooms for the patients. It was so special to hear the songs of praise and think about what it was like for Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. The thought is somewhat overwhelming. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary Did You Know?" Hear is the lyrics;
"Mary Did You Know"

[Originally written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene]

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

Peace and Quiet?

I didn't get to post yesterday, but it was O is for Openness. Openly tell others about your relationship with Jesus. This is very easy for me to do with children. For some reason though, it's sometimes hard for me to be open with other adults.

Well, today is P is for Peace. As soon as I read that I was thinking, "I wish" :) But, one thing I have learned with my boys, is that peace doesn't always come hand in hand with quiet. Peace to me means having an inner calmness, feeling at peace, safe, knowing God has everything under control. When I did a search for the definition of peace, I found these:

Inner contentment; serenity: peace of mind.
Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations: roommates living in peace with each other

There has been times when someone would say to me things like, "I bet it's loud at your house" or "Three boys! Well God bless you" The thing is God has blessed me. Yes it is loud at my house, but it's also peaceful, most of the time:)

I got the following from the magazine:
After the birth of Jesus, the angels appeared and said, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors." (Luke 2:14)
Discuss this verse with your family. How can you help bring peace?

Tomorrow Q is for quiet. Imagine that:)

Nourish

"Nourish your soul by praying and making a stronger commitment to reading your Bible every day."

Today was definitely a day that nourished my soul. We had baby dedication this morning. It's special to me, because it helps to remind me of my commitment to raise my children in the Lord. It's hard work and overwhelming at times, but when you have God to help you and a whole church to also help you, it's a very comforting feeling.

Take some time today to remember the birth of our Savior today. Let Him nourish every part of you!

Here are the pictures I promised:

My middle man: He said he wanted to show Jesus his Christmas.









My big man:He is hanging his ornaments as high as he can, so his brothers can't reach them.

Light

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

My favorite verses are ones that speak of light. Psalm 119:105, Phil 2:15, and many others. I'm reminded of those verses today as I look at our Christmas tree and take pictures of my boys. The rest of the pictures are on my phone and I don't know how to download those. I'll post them next time. This one is of my baby man. If you sit him anywhere on the floor he will roll to the tree and play with the lights. Well, we have a big day of baking today!

Tomorrow: M is for money...saving not spending:)

Random Acts of Kindness

K is for Kindness today! I found this in a magazine...

Random Acts of Kindness
Make the holidays more meaningful by trying some of the following acts of kindness. Others will appreciate your kindness and you will feel blessed.

*Say thank you even for the smallest acts of kindness.
*Open a door for someone.
*Allow the person behind you in a checkout line to go ahead of you.
*Bake cookies for firefighters at a fire station or nurses at a nearby hospital.
*Volunteer to read a story to an elementary school class or during story time at your local library.
*Take out the trash for someone else.
*Purchase a meal for someone who needs one.
*Make holiday cards with your child and visit a local nursing home to distribute them to elderly people.

To me random acts of kindness means you don't plan them, you just do them, randomly. So, the idea of planning to do them seemed a little weird to me, at first. Unfortunately, I get so wrapped up in the everyday of my life that I don't think about what others "everyday" looks like. Honestly, I was feeling very overwhelmed last night...how many gifts do we have left to get? What should we get everyone? I need to get everything mailed off. When do you get paid again??? I know I'm chasing rabbits here, bear with me. I decided today that I would have to make a complete turn-around. I want my kids to KNOW and LIVE the truth. The truth being, it doesn't really matter! What really matters is family, friends, neighbors, people, and showing the love of Jesus to all of them.

Believe me, I'm preaching to myself here! Let me know if you have any Random Acts of Kindness to share.

The Reason for the Season

So, I didn't get to post yesterday. I was busy cleaning my house from top to bottom. Although, as I look around now, you can't tell a bit! Gotta love boys:) At least everything is sterilized.

Well, I did mention in my last post that yesterday was Invite for I. Today is J is for Jesus. I love to read to my boys. It is one of our traditions to read a Christmas story every night in December. My goal is to have 25 different ones, kind-of like a countdown to Christmas. There are so many books out there that have wonderful illustrations and sweet story lines. But, none of them should take the place of reading the story right from the Bible. This year I plan on having Adam help read it, I'll have to get the video camera out!

We have a lot of fun with the boys. They love to sing Christmas songs and look at lights. It's just that the time we have been given with our children is very precious to me. Why spend it doing things that they can't take with them?

Have a blast this season, celebrating the birth of our Savior!

H is for Happiness

"Bring joy and happiness to others by doing simple things, such as surprising a neighbor with a freshly baked batch of cookies."

The boys thought that it would be really nice if we raked our neighbors yard so they could have fun jumping in the pile of leaves! I had fun explaining to them that their idea of fun probably wasn't the same as our neighbors. They're an elderly couple :)

Tomorrow, "I is for Invitation" Invite someone to church with you, or have them over for a visit.

G is for Give

Today is, G is for Give. It simply says, "Remember the gift God gave to you- Jesus! Give to others this Christmas."

I don't give as often as I would like. I don't have the money or don't know who to give to..... Well, I found out about this ministry through Angie Smith's blog http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ (She's the wife of lead singer Selah) Anyway the ministry link is http://nilmdts.com/start.php It's a non-profit photography organization, infant bereavement. I'm not explaining it very well. If you'd like to know more visit the site. Anyway, I have a link at the bottom of my blog that you could use as a search engine. Every time you search you help raise money for NILMDTS. If you go to IGive you can get the same thing for any cause you like.

I have some really cute pictures of the boys I plan on posting soon. Today my baby is sick:( So, till tomorrow...

What's a friend?

So, F is for Friend. For me a friend is someone you can talk to about things you're going through, no matter what it is. A friend is someone who will listen and be there for you. A friend is someone who wants to know you...all of you.

This song came to mind today:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
 all our sins and griefs to bear!
 What a privilege to carry
 everything to God in prayer!
 O what peace we often forfeit,
 O what needless pain we bear,
 all because we do not carry
 everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?
 Is there trouble anywhere?
 We should never be discouraged;
 take it to the Lord in prayer.
 Can we find a friend so faithful
 who will all our sorrows share?
 Jesus knows our every weakness;
 take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
 cumbered with a load of care?
 Precious Savior, still our refuge;
 take it to the Lord in prayer.
 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
 Take it to the Lord in prayer!
 In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
 thou wilt find a solace there.

Today we are celebrating Danny's birthday! He has been singing "Happy Birthday" to
himself all morning. It goes something like this; "Happy birfday to me happy birfday
to me happy birfday to Danel, happy birfday to me!" It's just not the same without
hearing him. Too funny :)

E is for Encourage

Here are some of my favorite encouraging verses:

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

There are so many verses that are like medicine to my soul. I have had many times when these verses are the only thing that speaks to me. I hope everyone spreads encouragement today! Tomorrow kind-of goes hand-in-hand with today. F is for Friends. Call a friend tomorrow and let her/him that you're thinking of her/him.

D is for Donate

There are sooo many things to donate to! I didn't have to think to long though...we will be donating to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep:

Now I lay Me Down To Sleep - ~Infant Bereavement Photography

This was founded in 2005, two years after our Todd. If it wasn't for my family members I wouldn't have any pictures at all of Todd. I was able to make a scrapbook with the pictures taken. Well, this just seemed like the perfect place to donate to.

Tomorrow, E is for Encourage, I challenge all my family members and friends to say one word of encouragement to someone every day in December!

C is for Carols

Today we will be singing our hearts out! We are listening to Christmas music now, at 7:00 in the morning! Way to early to be up and going. Anyway, get out there and sing some Christmas songs today. I plan on going caroling sometime this month...maybe I can convince my extended family to go with me.

Tomorrow we will decide on a program to donate to. (D is for donate) Does anyone have any ideas?

B is for Blessings

So, today we are counting our blessings. Honestly, this was not easy for me today. I had to take my sweet baby to get his shots:( This is usually daddy's job. Plus, I had errands to run and house to clean and school to teach... Well, I decided not to run the errands and go to McDonald's instead. Caleb did really well and is now taking a nap. I still have a house to clean, but with three boys that will always be there! :)

That being said, my most precious blessing is my husband. He has such a strong faith in God and is a great daddy! He is very good about putting me first and teaches the boys to respect me. We've had some pretty tough times and it hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to share my life with.

Blessings number two, three, four, and five are my boys. Todd, I look forward to the day when we will be reunited. Adam, my big man, Daniel, my middle man, and Caleb, my baby man. They are so absolutely precious! Even on the days when they add more gray hairs to my head(yes, I said more). I have days when I just want to have a sit down with God and ask Him to explain to me how He thinks I can raise three boys! It's overwhelming at times. But, then He lets me know that I'm not on my own. I don't know why I have to always be reminded of this. God always gives me just what I need, exactly when I need it. Plus, He gave me a wonderful husband who is the best partner I could ask for. My family, stressful at times, definetly messy, but absolutely priceless!

Adam's blessings: Caleb, Daniel, and our whole family. I'm a Christian and I don't have to be afraid of stuff.

Daniel's blessings: football, food to eat, cupcakes, and McDonald's.

The ABC's of Christmas

This morning I was looking through some old magazines and found on article in Parent Life. The ABC's of Keeping Christ in Christmas. It provides a list from A to Z with ideas of things you can talk about and activities to do as a family throughout December. I remember trying to do this last year, we did some, but this year my goal is to do every single one. I will also be blogging about them, maybe every other day.

Today we did A: Accept- Accept responsibility to model your faith this season.

We talked about how we can show others how we love Jesus by the way we act. The idea of modeling our faith made an impression on Adam. He thought it was really cool that he didn't have to always tell people about Jesus, but he could show them. Here are some ideas Adam came up with to put it into action:
1. Let Daniel jump on the trampoline more than me.
2. Give Caleb a toy when he's crying.
3. Help clean up without complaining.
4. Tell people thank you and Merry Christmas when we are at Wal-mart.
5. Let others get in line first.

Tomorrow we will be counting our Blessings. The song Count Your Many Blessings has been on my mind all day.

Merry Christmas!