Merry December!

Be careful little feet where you go...

Zack ran into the bathroom to "rip one" when all of a sudden he slipped and slid right into the bathtub! All we heard was a HUGE thump followed by a motor boat!!! Sophia was rolling!

Gangsta Christmas (just kidding)! LOL

What a year can do to little faces!

I still am amazed that it is already Christmas time again! Time seriously flies even at times when life isn't so fun. No matter what's happening in life, the clock keeps ticking. That makes me want to make the most of it. Realizing that moments with people or in certain places in time can never be recaptured is enough to cause me to slow down and truly enjoy things as they are today. I hope the kids pick up on that because I'd like for them to experience all of the joy that comes from living life intentionally.

With that being said, we've been doing lots of the same around here. We're headed off to Coeur d 'Alene Friday, and that's all the kids can think about. God certainly blessed us with awesome friends. We really are surrounded by love at every turn. I am not trying to be treacle but just am seriously amazed at the ways that God has blessed us. It certainly isn't earned. I guess I'm experiencing his grace and mercy in real ways.

Before I lived through this last year, I truly had no concept of God's unconditional love and grace. I hadn't felt like I needed much forgiveness. Then this year happened, and I went through times of ups and downs that were quite unnerving to say the least. I found myself falling to my knees talking to God only to get back up and pick up my bag of burdens, frustrations, and worries. That really is no way to live when you have a Father just waiting for you to climb into His lap so that he can "love all the hair right off of you" (Velveteen Rabbit).

This next year I hope to get the kids their own puppy! There are a few things that need to fall into place for that to happen, but I know it will happen soon! When you see a new puppy on this blog, you'll know that the planets have aligned.

Quotes:

Mom: What the freak?
Sophia: MOM, you said the F WORD!

Zack: It's okay mom. You were frustrated.

Sophia: It is NOT okay! That is a BAD word!!!
Zack: Sophia be quiet I am protecting mom so she doesn't get in trouble from her mom!!!

Sophia: Mom, I'm hungry.

Mom: I just got up. I don't feel like feeding you this minute.

Sophia: MOMMMM, that is your job.

Mom: What? Who said that?

Sophia: God says it. You know he tells moms to feed their kids.

Happy 41st! Large print so this can be read by my oldie but goodie. Have a good one!!!! No Rain!!! YIPPPPPEEEE! On the East Coast, you turned 41 30 minutes ago. In England you've been 41 for nearly an entire day. In Russia, even longer... :) Enjoy.