Joshua says...

Joshua came up to me (after I was complaining how messy their rooms were) says, "Mom, if you are mean to us, you will be put on the naughty list" and walked away. He told me.

As we were cuddling in my bed, Joshua says, "Mom, you are more cuddler then daddy. And softer too."

After his procedure at the hospital, Karl was helping Joshua into his pj's when he noticed a bandage on his foot (where they put the IV). "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I don't remember that!" Karl had to tell him that he was falling asleep when they put the IV in his foot.

Catching up before Christmas...

I had to quickly share. My mom brought over an old latch hook project that I never finished. As you can see I was almost done. I taught Anna how to do it and hopefully, she will finish it for me.



Yes, I know Christmas Eve is tomorrow. So, I thought I better get moving. We have been busy or should I say, I have been busy. You have no idea what I have decided to tackle as gifts this year. I cannot share too much...I don't want to give it away. I can share that I have been busy; knitting, sewing (yes, I have taken up sewing), baking and as always canning.

I have dreamed that I would learn how to quilt for 2 years now and I yet have to learn! BUT, I have a new friend, Miss Allison, who's mom knows how to quilt. What a blessing to me :>) Allison's mom, Carol and I will start lessons after the new year. I have picked out my pattern and can't wait to get started. I know, patience is a virtue.

I will share photos of my Christmas gifts to family and friends AFTER they have opened it. I will do my best to remember my camera. So, if I give you something I made, remind me to take a picture of you.

Here are some photos from Thanksgiving:

The carvers of the family: Opa, John and the cute one is my husband, Karl.

Karl with God son, Jack

Auntie Carie, selecting prizes for gumdrop creations.
They were all winners.


DECEMBER...

We had the neighbor girls come over (so mom and dad can shop) and they made this lovely gingerbread house. The older girls were very helpful to the little ones. Audrey and Joshua each did a roof. Lydia and Anna decorated the sides.

I had to share this photo. I saw the door closed to the dog room/art room and thought the girls were painting and hanging out. I believe some cute little boy accidentally (yea, right) locked the girls. As I was walking away the girls saw me and held up the signs above. I kind of laughed and walked away. Just look at those faces.

This year was Joshua's turn to put the angel on the tree.

I turned 42 years young and went to Chuck E Cheese.

Classical Conversations had their Christmas party and Chuck E Cheese. It was nice to have the whole place to ourselves. I had a good time talking the moms and seeing the kids again.

Afterwards, Sara, Allison and I went to Caribou for 'mommy coffee time'. Becky, Abby and Nana (Cynthia) joined us and I got a really cool knitting bag! Thanks, Becky!

Chuckie E Cheese to Caribou and a small break in between then off to Sara's for 'fun'due or fondue. We donned on our aprons and I taught Sara how to do cheese fondue. The boys...what were they doing?

Don't we make a cute couple?

What is this contraption?? I asked the same question when I saw this come out of the basement. It is a coffee maker. I believe its french? It really did make good coffee. We ended the evening talking science.

PS - I don't know where the underline thing came from. I don't even have an option for that.

CHERISHED MOMENTS...

This past weekend has been a weekend of reflection, blessings and where I am in my 'season'. This past weekend, God reminded me of my blessings and how He wants me to continue to grow in His path.

I went out to dinner with a friend on Friday night and we had a good time. It reminded me of my journey these past 10 years. My journey with Christ. Boy, I have changed!! Sometimes, I don't recognize old Lisa, but I couldn't be the person I have become if it weren't for my past experiences. God has a plan and I trust HIM. My journey has been long but also a blessed one.

Saturday, I was just about in tears that whole day. We were all home together as a family. We weren't really doing anything special. I was sewing a Christmas gift, Karl was cleaning and the kids were playing. I was listening to classic Christmas songs; Joy to the World and The Little Drummer Boy. It just brought memories. At that moment I realized what 'being home' meant. With God in my heart (leading me), being my husband's helpmeet and a mother to my children (gifts from God); I found myself overwhelmed. To be able to stop and look with God's eyes... I know He was smiling right there with me. I thank the Lord each and every day for my blessings and to continue to bless my family and friends.

I pray to be a light to others and to be able to share my journey with Christ.

I just realized (or remembered) that today I turn 42 years young!!! I pray the Lord will bless me (in my journey) and my family another wonderful 42 years.

I pray for you that you stop and really see with God's eyes. What do you see? What can you change?

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for the birth of your Son. That we continue to look towards the heaven not only in the month of December but each and every day of our lives. Help us see what you see. Lead us all toward your light. Amen.

PS-I wanted to add after Karl helped Joshua put his lego plane together. We watched Karl start up the fireplace then we all cuddled up together to watch TV. My cute 5 year old was sitting on my lap. He turned to me and said, "Mom, I want to sit on your lap forever". These are the moments I live for.