Merry Christmas

Wishing you the Peace of Christ this season and always.
Merry Christmas!

Tree Decorating

Normally, on Sinterklaas (December 5th) we purchase and decorate a tree and the house, enjoy a new Christmas CD and DVD and eat our Chocolate letters. This year we didn't get to it until the 10th because of a busy exam schedule -- but the tradition remained the same. Michael Buble, Thomas' the Tank Engine's Christmas Special, and the Chocolate Letter H (for Henry) and S (form Samuel).





We decorated the tree with meaningful ornaments from my own childhood, some from my mom's childhood, some purchased from our honeymoon, some were thoughtful gifts from my mother in law, others were crafted by some dear friends, some were handmade by my boys and others picked up along the way. As much as I admire them, we don't do designer trees in our home -- just one jumbled, colourful, well loved tree. This year we didn't have any tinsel, but that is usually a staple.



I think she's a beauty, our tree. And those three guys are pretty darn good lookin' themselves.

Brothers

Dear Boys,

During your quiet time today I crept in the family room to catch a glimpse of what you were up to, as I often do. I found you both snuggled under blankets cuddled up while you watched a movie. My heart leaped with joy to see this love and sweetness between the two of you. I pray every day that the Lord will keep your hearts soft and loving towards each other. That by God's grace you will grow to love Jesus and to love your brother.

You, my sons, are my treasures. My love for you is so great. To me it seems unfathomable that I could know such love. But there is One who loves you even more. I pray that you know this love even now, while you are so young.

My Father in Heaven also has a son whom He loves. And yet, he loved us sinners so much that he sent His beloved son to die in our place. I pray that you will taste and live this love of His.

In Christ alone,
your Mama

GOOD PEOPLE ALL
THIS CHRISTMAS TIME
CONSIDER WELL
AND BEAR IN MIND
WHAT OUR GOOD GOD
FOR US HAS DONE
IN SENDING HIS BELOVED SON

- The Wexford Carol

Baaaaaa

Sunday December 11th our Church held their annual Christmas Play. My sister-in-law Katie does a wonderful job of organizing and overseeing the entire production. The littlest ones are always included as lambs.

This year Henry and Samuel were in it together. Henry did everything exactly as was expected, and insisted on making his way (ever so painfully slow) up and down the aisle on his hands and feet. He baaaaa'd and remained in character most of the time.

Samuel, on the other hand, hammed it up for the rehearsal (including spreading the manger hay all over the stage). But, on the day of the play, moments before the lambs were scheduled to appear, Henry shoved Samuel causing him to fall down and smash his cheek (he still has the nasty bruise to prove it). This put him in a foul mood, refusing to participate in the play. Samuel (in full costume) and I stood on the sidelines watching (grumpily) until some joy of the original joy overcame him and he raced up onto the stage and proceeded to jump on and off the stage.

The children did a wonderful job, memorizing long portions of scripture, and faithfully told the incredible Biblical account of Jesus' birth. The fellowship at the luncheon afterwards was also sweet. I am so thankful to be a part of our congregation, and even more, part of Christ's Church.

Christmas House 2011

Kitchen Eating area: Left most frame is our Christmas Photo Card from this year. Seasonal (pinecones/cedar) mealtime candle centre piece, Waldorf window stars, and stockings

Kitchen sink area: Pot-Rack silver bling, ornaments and small tree

Dining Room: Side table mercury glass and Pine cone tree, Chandelier ornaments, pine cone/candle centre piece and window wreath

Living Room: *Ginormous* tree (you can't really tell from these photos, but my husband got a little excited. He found a beautiful, albeit XXL, tree), window wreath

Outside: first year with a few outside lights. Red berry wreath, lanterns and red touches. Coloured lights.

I kept it simple this year. Using some found natural materials (pine cones, etc.) and what we already had (the wreaths were made by my dad and used as decor from Cory and my Wedding). I take such joy in creating a space that is beautiful and comfortable for my family. It would never make for a magazine spread, but it is beautiful to us.

Encouraged, we recognise the importance of living artistically, aesthetically and creatively as creative creatures of the creator.
Edith Schaeffer, Hidden Art of Homemaking

November comes and November goes

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November has been a mostly low key month. Cory had an exam on his Birthday (Happy Birthday my love!), so we've delayed Birthday celebrations until the second week of December. Of course, I did try to make his day special for little that we saw him before his exam.

The next few days include: Bible Study, Soccer, Hearts at Home meeting, Moms and Tots, Christmas baking, finish hall reno, winter tires on (finally!), Worship and Christmas pageant dress rehearsal, Christmas tree purchase and Sinterklaas celebration! Busy and so blessed.

Is it really the last day of November? December, we have been waiting for you!