Treasure Hunts

One of the new games at our house is "Treasure Hunt." Sounds creative, doesn't it? But really I don't have to do anything for this game to take place. Gabe has taken it upon himself to be the facilitator for this lively game - although there is the occasional guest host. You know it's time to play when you hear "Where is the . . .?" and so it begins.

The hunt for the remote ends when it is found in the refrigerator. Need a clean sippy cup? Look in the closet. Wipes? under the bed. Dad's shoe? Well, in the cabinet with the clean dishes, of course! We've found laundry on the dining room table and a dirty fork in the laundry basket. Cell phone in the toy box, lotion in between couch cushions, vitamins in the fridge, dirty socks on the kitchen cabinet.

When questioned concerning any missing items, his usual response is a very cheerful "nooo." He plays dumb, but I know better.

This post is Matt approved

We are studying Old Testament History in school. Since I have only boys, there are a few topics that we can discuss that I wouldn't dare approach with little girls. One of which is circumcision. As we were reading through Genesis the question came up, and I was quite proud of myself at being able to handle the question with a clear and simple answer that would convey not only the facts of circumcision, but it's importance as a mark of God's early covenant people. I mentioned to Matt later that day that we had covered the topic. I stood by proudly as he questioned Josh and Samuel about what they had learned. They accurately explained that circumcision was to be a mark of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Then Matt asked them what circumcision was. Samuel quickly responded "It's when you get your forehead cut off." Boy, that's some mark!

'Tis the Season . . .

(Sung to the tune of "Deck the Halls")

'Tis the season to have colds
Fa la la la cough, fa la la sniff
Sore throats, coughs, and runny noses
Fa la la sniff sniff, fa la hack hack
Don we now our vapor rub
Fa la sniff, fa la hack, cough cough cough
Stay home now and soak in the tub
Fa la sniff hack cough, fa a a choo!

(Please hold your applause - you have to keep your mouth covered when you cough!)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot...

... Like Christmas. Or Las Vegas.

This is our neighbors house.

No one else on our street does outside lights. I think it's because none of us can compare. I personally like it. (I guess that would be a little of my dad coming out.)

Noah

I always knew Noah was more laid back than the others, but this proves it. This is him reclining while he practices his piano!!

The Holiday Zone

Well, I haven't blogged recently because I stepped into a whole other realm (and it took me a little while to find my way back.) It seems as though I left a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner at my Aunt Brenda's, walked in the door of my home, and entered the holiday zone.

I'm not sure how it happened, I guess the realization of what the next few weeks will bring just hit me. I decided to start early, so I decorated the house, started shopping, wrapped presents, and planned menus. All of this was done so that the couple of weeks before Christmas would not be hectic and I would be able to enjoy them. Ha! What I actually did was make this past week extremely hectic and I didn't enjoy it one bit.

In essence, I succumbed to the very thing I wanted to avoid: the chaos that comes when you neglect what's important and are ruled by the urgent. I just moved the dates. I become consumed with the tasks at hand instead of the relationships involved. The holidays are an awesome time to express love for family, appreciation for friends, and affection and gratefulness toward the Lord who has saved us. And I can do that even if I don't complete my "to do" list.

If you're like me and are starting to slip into the holiday zone, check out the Girl Talk blog for wise counsel. I know there are a lot of you facing even more hectic or trying times this holiday season (ie. pregnancies, building homes, planning a wedding, caring for sick family members, etc.) Let me know in the comments (or email) how I can pray for you. Thanks for doing so in advance; it helps me stay out of the zone when I am praying for you.