A couple more pics

Here are a few pics off Papa's camera.

Most importantly, Papa spent a lot of time refurbishing these cute (and nearly antique) bunk beds for the kids' twins (from their birthdays).

It turned out great!

 Reminds me of when he made the train table for Seth!

 This picture cracks me up because of how stinkin' excited Seth was.

2012 HERE WE COME!!!

Christmas Day

Christmas was lovely this year.

We had such fun playing with new toys and just being together.

My favorite was Seth and Leah waiting to come downstairs first thing in the morning....

Leah really seemed to understand and was SO excited!

Stockings were okay....

But this gift, hello Ebay!, carried the day!

 He played with this for a long time before finally moving onto another present.

Thank you Grandma and Papa!

 Leah was into reading the book that came with her Bitty Baby jammies.  :)

 And from Grandma and Papa, Leah got a car seat for her baby, roller skates and a piggy bank!

 

Leah gave Seth Constructables....

And Seth gave Leah a scooter!

Grandma and Papa got presents too. :)

 

And mama?  Well, I got a Keurig.  Love....

Merry, merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!

Thoughts on Christmas

This is my fifth Christmas as a mom.

How weird is that?

I'm still trying to find our Christmas "rhythm," if you will.

I love reading about what other families do (and don't do) for Christmas and how they remember the real reason for the season.

Here are some of my thoughts for this year.

A little of this is okay.

As long as it comes with a lot of this.

Being together is key.

And these?  Well, we all know plenty of those will come.

So we are working on giving than more getting.....
In fact, my plan was to track what we spent and give an equal amount away.

Because, let's be honest, we GET all.year.long.

Places like these are on our list:

World Vision

Ekisa Ministries

Morning Star

Breakthrough Urban Ministries

What fun it is to give!

I'm also reminded that I love Christmas cards.
Seriously LOVE them.

Our kitchen is covered with them!

And, of course, I love the worship.
Singing and praising and worshiping with all of that great Christmas music.

( Lord, let this be Seth one day.... in Jesus' name!)

 Last, I love the wonder that comes with the season.
I previously wrote about that wonder......

So, as we're finding our way, we take time to celebrate our Savior, born this day.
Because at the end of the day, that's all that really matters.

Happy birthday baby Jesus!

Winter Wonderland

One of the (many) great things about living in Chicago are the fun things that happen in the area.  This year, I found out about Winterfest at Navy Pier.

Oh.My.Goodness.

It is a HUGE room with endless lights and decorations and games and rides and fun.

Seth just loves these mini-drop rides.

Look at that face!

(Leah, while plenty old enough, is inches short of being tall enough for the ride.  Poor sweetheart might not experience rides until she's about 5...)

And this little game was just priceless.

The tunnels were huge candy canes.

Seth and Leah chased each other through this one.

What a hoot!

Seth.... are you in there?

I can't SEE you?!?!?!

 

Oh no!  He saw me!!!

RUN!!!

"Snow" ball fights and eating and car driving

Peyton and Leah have a lot of love (and fun) for each other.

Leah was chasing Peyton to get a hug and Peyton (teasing) was avoiding.

Ha.

 

 In for the kill -- dimple comes out.

In all, a lovely day.