Year-End Wrap-Up

When Elle finally got to feeling better, we had cousin Titus and his Mama and Dada over for hot soup and more gift opening.

Zane is overseeing.

Love this pic of Titus playing with tissue paper.

The next day, we made it out of the house for a few errands and then sailed into New Year's weekend, celebrating with more family. The kids had a blast with the cousins and we enjoyed more fun games, like Zingo, and more delicious foods.

Hoping a ride!

They adore each other.


Take him down!

Elijah's making up some game rule, just like his Uncle Eric. ;)

With another year gone, we reflect on God's goodness. He sustains us. On His ride, He cuts through everything that so easily entangles and gets to the heart of what's important. We're gonna hop this ride and do our best to stay the course. When we fall off, He'll help us get back on.

Happy New Year!

The Nights Before Christmas

With Eric home the week before Christmas, we especially enjoyed anticipating Jesus’ birthday. We made yummies, visited neighbors bearing cookies, worked on house projects, played Go Fish, Uno, Candyland and The Ladybug Game, and introduced Elle and Zane to Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Actually, to Eric's astonishment, it was my first time seeing The Grinch. (Gasp!) And to my amazement, Eric's first time watching White Christmas! How did we go fifteen years without these viewings?! I know I've watched White Christmas a few times in our marriage...guess he was in the other room??

There are some highlights this season that we don't want to forget. Both Elle and Zane were very eager to participate in our evening Advent devotions, which used a book containing pop-out pieces that slowly built a Nativity. Each took a turn adding a piece to the Nativity and then Zane tore it down and Elle put it back up, and on and on it went for days.






























Zane, always waiting for a taste. Elle is very careful with her icing and Zane is wearing a hospital gown - perfect crafting/cooking attire!



Unfortunately, Elle had a fever that started Christmas Eve and lasted for five days. We missed Christmas Eve dinner with family, the Christmas Eve service, and several outings. On a positive note, it slowed life down, helped us tune in to each other and Jesus, The Messiah. We especially enjoyed late night, lights out, music playing, couch cuddles...took me back to when I was a girl. I get weepy just thinking about the peace and comfort from these quiet moments.


Just love looking at her face! :)








Elle's idea to dress up as Mary and Joseph.