Sticks

We took the boys for a hike a few weekends ago. As we walked along, Josh picked up a few sticks that he had a specific plan for. When we got home he went right to work. Before we knew it he had crafted his very own bow and arrow.

Gingerbread Party

We had a few of Micah's classmates over last weekend to decorate gingerbread houses. The boys and I spent about 4 days mixing, stirring, pounding, rolling, cutting and baking the dough. It was fun to have them involved in the process and I think they had fun seeing something through from start to finish. The decorating was a hoot! I think more went in mouths than on the houses. So much fun.

I'm Going To Run To Jesus

Today Micah asked me about death. Wondering if we all die sometime. I talked with him about how we all die, but that it can also be a celebratory time because it means we get to be with Jesus. Micah paused for a moment and then said, "Mom, when I see Jesus I going to RUN to Him."

I love that this is his view of Jesus.

The Activity Scene

I love the things my kids say. They always have a way of making me giggle, ponder, laugh and even cry. This past weekend we started to get out some of the Christmas decorations. Josh and Micah kept asking, "Can we get out the Activity Scene? Can we get out the Activity Scene?" It took me a moment and then I realized they meant the Nativity Scene! I smiled at first and then I started to think about how the nativity scene depicts the Advent of Christ - The Coming of Christ. Our nativity scene maybe made up of stationary objects but the coming of Christ was in no way inactive. God loves us so much that He was compelled to act. He sent us Jesus. My prayer is that our Advent would be active -not in a media/culture driven way - but rather with the coming of Christ in our hearts.

"?"

The other day the boys asked if they could have some containers from the recycling bin and some paint. They proceeded to make "mystery jugs" - concocting a mixture of paint, water and grass. The purpose was to see what different colors they could make, and then see if anyone could guess their final color. They had a ton of fun just getting messy and wet. Can anyone guess what color they ended up with?

"All About Me"

Josh came home from school yesterday with this poster. He made it at the beginning of the school year. I love it! This is one of those items that moms hold onto for years - finally passing it along when the child is all grownup. Since Josh is a boy, I realize there is a high probability he won't care too much about the things I'm saving for him. But this one I'm saving. I love the accurate hair color, freckles on the arms, cute nose and drawing on the t-shirt. My favorite part, however, is the last sentence, "I think I'm cool." He wrote it with such innocence and wonder - not a hint of cockiness. I pray he always has an understanding that God made him uniquely and God didn't make any mistakes. And that, Josh, makes you very cool!

The Many Faces of Soccer

Josh has been playing soccer again this year. I know there are a lot of pictures here but I just couldn't help but post them to show the expressions on his face while he's playing. I love his game face. He plays with all heart. Josh, I'm proud of you.