Merry Christmas!

We've had a wonderful Christmas season--click on the play arrow to enjoy the highlight video! We wish you all of God's blessings in the new year.

On the eighth day of Christmas...

We love to take Christmas light drives in December, and didn't get to it until last night. We went to some new places and hit the jackpot--TONS of really nice lights! Bethany provided the running light commentary. "They're ready!"... "They get a lump of coal!" This house is my personal favorite, thanks to my husband who is not only industrious, but also is not afraid of heights. We're ready!

The kids wanted to sing the 12 days of Christmas while we were driving around. They couldn't remember all of the words. Lee would prompt them a little, and when we got to the 8th day, he said, "eight maids a ...." to which Ben said, "uh...dusting?" So from now on around our house, it's eight maids a dusting. I hope they get here soon.

Joy!

We had such a fun day of celebration last Sunday. Our family all sang in the Christmas musical at church both Saturday and Sunday. Since we were all dressed up, I hoped we would go someplace nice for lunch afterwards. It just happened that the kids were dying to visit with their friend from children's choir, and that her family was going to brunch at a lovely French restaurant. I'm not sure which was more beautiful, the musical or the brunch. Wow!!

"Love was born on Christmas morn

Precious Jesus, God's own son

Sent to earth from God's own heart

Jesus, perfect, holy one

Grace and mercy, joy and peace

Wrapped in love upon the hay

The passion of God's heart for man

Jesus Christ has come to save

Love came down on Christmas day."

Let it snow!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and the kids took advantage of it the other day.  They had their friends over to build this fort, which has quite the amazing little labrynth inside.  Just another reminder of how they are growing up!

Thankful

What would Thanksgiving be without a handprint turkey and a construction paper turkey?  This year five (5) handprint turkeys graced our kitchen, but we did not receive the variety where each feather has something we're thankful for.  The kids went crazy writing when I mentioned the idea of MAYBE listing the things we're thankful for.  So Lee and I got on it too. Let's just say we stopped before we were really done. Lord, you have been good to us!  Thank you so much.

Guess what!

Someone out there is bound to recognize this.  Who has the first guess?

Refreshed!

Lee and I just got back from a wonderful getaway to visit our good friends in Florida. We walked along Clearwater Beach, and enjoyed the sunset and a "dolphin cruise". We also went to the beautiful Busch Gardens, where we rode wild roller coasters and saw wild animals. And of course, we played several games of dominoes and Phase 10. (I finally won the last night--good thing or we would have had to extend our stay until I did.) More photos here!

Trick or treat!

There was no small amount of excitement around our house yesterday. Our little Detroit Tigers mascot ("Paws") and cowgirl had a costume parade and parties at school, and then a big trick or treat adventure at church. It was so much fun--lots of the adults dressed up, and every door in the church had someone behind it with treats for all who knocked. There was more than enough sugar to go around, and LOTS of laughter.

There are so many adults in our kids' lives who go the extra mile to have fun with them. What a blessing!