Sunday, December 25, 2011

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY 
FAVORITE THINGS ...

The EXCITEMENT of Christmas






Christmas BAKING
FUDGE
MELTED SNOWMEN COOKIES
CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRY CARMEL CORN
LEMON POUND CAKE
COOKIE CUTTER FUDGE
SUGAR COOKIE CUT-OUTS AND CHOCOLATE 
COVERED PRETZELS
DINNER ROLLS AND CINNAMON ROLLS





The Special Christmas Occasions




Treasured Christmas visits 
from Grandpa and Grandma 

OUTINGS


WAR GAMES

MAKIN' A FEAST

PLAYGROUND


TEA PARTIES

(Kate needs some pouring practice - hee hee)


LOVED Christmas Presents
                 I love this - love!


Disclaimer:  The following pictures are included in the "Loved Christmas Presents" category because they are loved by the owner NOT by me...at all...not even a tiny bit!


Meet SCAR
Ethan wanted a snake this year sssooooo badly!  This long and creepy creature has been kept undercover at Pastor and Mrs. Lapiska's home for a few weeks.  -THANK YOU!-  After we unwrapped all our presents at home (and after Ethan was a little disappointed that he did NOT get his snake), we took Ethan over to the church basement where his real present had been delivered.  He was very surprised and so very happy!!





Scar is a ball python that we got from a breeder.  He has been very "friendly"- if you can use that word to describe a snake?!  He just kind of hangs out where ever Ethan puts him.  I am trying not to shudder at this new love of Ethan's and I'm hoping that I will calm down a bit (for the sake of everyone) soon.  Ethan sure loves him and the others are growing more fond of him every day.  
Next year, I'm thinking something fluffy and warm blooded like...a cat!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOEL!
A Christmas baby - I was determined to not loose Noel's birthday in Christmas - more difficult than I thought it would be!  The 20th brings lots of last minute tidys, wrappings, and fresh baking!  We did it all and celebrated big, but the birthday post just didn't happen!  Sorry sweet girl!
The Birthday Menu:
Noel's favs - diced peaches, pears, bananas, warm peas and green beans, shredded chicken, cous cous, and toast squares
mmmmm!


Cake Pops and strawberry ice cream!  We decided to wait and do a big cake when granny and gramps came!



PRESENTS!!
headbands from Amanda
new jammies from mommy and daddy!


Thank you, Amanda for my headbands!!  You are my favorite baby sitter...EVER and I love having the same birthday as YOU!


Woolly Sheep Cake!
Party #2 with grandpa and grandma!!


Pizza on the menu this time!

Happy Birthday, my sweet baby!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011


- 2011 -
We are so privileged to serve a true and living God 
who has blessed us with 
THIS:

Another year of growing, learning, stretching, falling, rejoicing -
and all the while being equipped with EVERYTHING we need for life and Godliness 2 Peter 1:3

ETHAN
Turning 7 in January!  I can't even believe this!  
Mr. Personality defines Ethan.  With a constant spring in his step and  loud song on his lips, you know when he is around - (ask his Sunday School teachers!)  He is obsessed with bugs, snakes, lizards, frogs, and any animal that is alive.  His only request for Christmas is a pet!  (stay tuned after Christmas...shhhhh!)  A great leader, helper, teacher, worker, and a true love for Jesus, his newly accepted SAVIOR!
New in 2011: 1st grade and cursive writing, making eggs for the family, an increasing interest in Lego's.


LUKE
Turned 5 in May!
Sweet is Luke.  Luke loves his brother and follows his every step (and command).  He has a devoted and soft spirit that makes me want to squeeze him - but he won't let me any more!  He also finds a silly spark when Kate is around - the two of them together usually end up in some serious mischief!!  Luke does not know what he wants for Christmas, (except for what Ethan tells him he wants) but will be thrilled to finally dive into the packages that bare his name!  He has a intense Christmas twinkle in his eye this year!!
New in 2011:  kindergarten and reading, football video games, and a increasing spiritual interest.



KATE
Turned 4 in September!
2011 has been a big year of development for our little girl!  She was home with mommy this year with no brothers to follow and has turned into a great little helper.  She matches and folds socks like a pro!  She also has some personality and attitude (yikes!) that makes her a fun little girl to be around.  Everything girly, lover of candy, and entertainer of her baby sister.  
Kate wants everything for Christmas!
New in 2011:  soccer, cavities, dangle earrings, no more sucking her fingers!!!



NOEL
Turned 1 yesterday, the 20th!  *sniff
Mommy's squishy baby!  All smiles, squeals, and giggles.  Sweet, adorable, loving, cuddler, horrible sleeper (hey, can't have it all), soft, kissable, and wonderful!  Noel would love for Christmas to be in a room full of open drawers and cabinets, alone, so she could empty them all out onto the floor.
New in 2011: cooing, smiling, laughing, rolling, scooting, crawling, standing, teeth, eating, drinking, hugging, kissing, saying "mommy, daddy, and Kate", peek-a-boo, and her latest trick: walking!!



US LOVEBIRDS
Married 9 years now!
We've been in Alexandria, VA at Engleside Baptist Church for 6 1/2 years now!  Ben is still working with the youth, AWANA, and family ministries.  He also takes care of the church landscaping.  
The best daddy and husband around!  He proved that this year when he sent Noel and I to Colorado for 10 days and took on the 6, 5, and 4 year old alone (scary voice).
I have enjoyed my year squishing on my baby at home everyday and attempting to run a household with grace.  I joined Bible Study Fellowship and have enjoyed having something to keep me accountable!  I also ventured way out this year and became a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts and have had fun dabbling in that a bit.







We wish you all a Merry Christmas and remember with you the glories of Christ's birth!

The Son of God came down and laid aside His crown
Born without great renown, this Sovereign One
All holiness and might, all glory shining bright
Have come to earth this night in Mary’s son
O come, let us adore

O Christ the Lord, our hope and Savior
Son of God yet made like us
O Christ the Lord, our King adored
Born a child, our Lord Jesus

Messiah born so small, asleep in cattle stall
Come to redeem our fall, nailed to a tree
This tiny, helpless child through death would reconcile
The holy God and vile, His grace so free
O come, let us adore

The Son of Man Came Down - Sovereign Grace Worship