5 amazing years!

Today Davin and I will celebrate 5 years together. It has been quite a journey for us. Many of you know our story and how we dated 6 weeks, got engaged, and then we were married 3 1/2 months later. Things have moved quickly for us and these last 5 years have held Davin's first ministry position, our first house, two children, one Seminary degree, and 5 moves. We've been through a lot together, but I knew when I married Davin that there wouldn't be another person in the world I would want to spend my life with...whether in good times or bad. We have an amazing love, and each year we grow closer together. I cherish the thought that I will spend the rest of my life with him!

Below is my present to Davin. I don't know why it's on here twice. It is a video montage of our last 5 years together. Enjoy!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It has been a busy week for us. I thought I would share some of the photos from this week. Above is Naomi in her new hat. We caught her in her room one night wearing the hat and reading a book. Too cute!

I was asked by some dear friends of ours to paint this verse for them above their TV. It's Ephesians 3:20. Davin was so kind to watch the kids and put them to bed so that I could do this.

What a big helper Hudson is becoming. I found this end table at Revive ( a local consignment store) I had a $10 balance so I ended up paying less than $4 for this piece. Hudson helped me sand and paint it. Here is the before...
After...
I was very happy with the way this turned out. Here it is next to the couch in the basement. I bought this piece b/c we had guests stay with us this weekend and needed something else downstairs. Our guests were the Urheim's. What a sweet family. I'm going to add their blog to our friend's sites.
On Friday night we were invited to the Benton SS class Christmas party at the Marietta Country Club. We enjoyed an amazing meal, wonderful fellowship, and outstanding music! The Benton SS class adopted us as their Seminary family a little over a year ago. They have been a huge encouragement to us. We couldn't possibly thank them enough for all they have done. Here is a shot of Davin with Marty Benton.
Last but not least...Our new camera. I took all the above pictures with it. My mom and dad got this for us for Christmas. They gave it to us early because they knew we needed one.
Thanks Mom and Dad! And thanks to my big sister, April for loaning us hers for the past few months!

My previous post

I want to clarify what I was trying to accomplish with my previous post. I see our blog as a way to share with you what is going on in our lives and the issues that we deal with on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. In no way was I trying to say that if you do Santa you are a liar or are wrong for doing it. Davin and I both grew up in homes that were visited by Santa each year. So when we decided to do something different, we began to re-evaluate what our traditions would be. I just wanted to share with you what we have done, and learn what others are doing. I'm sorry if it came across as harsh. I would NEVER intend to do that. I hope no one took offense and you'll leave me a comment.

The meaning of Christmas

So we have chosen to do things a little different at Christmas time than most. I realize too, that we aren't the only ones. It all started when Davin and I first got married and we discussed doing "Santa". If you know Davin then you know that he is very literal and meticulous about following the rules. So, when we discussed Santa at first we couldn't get past the fact that we would have to lie to our children. Over the years it has now moved from simply not wanting to tell a lie into keeping the focus on Christ. We both discussed how as children Christmas lost its appeal once we found out about Santa. We didn't want our children to face the same disappointment. But again, the focus should be on Christ. It is his birth we are celebrating! I heard a great story while we were visiting the Mid Town Bridge Church this past Sunday. The Pastor Larry Grays told a story about a little girl who was asked if she got everything she wanted for Christmas. She responded by saying, "No, but then it isn't my birthday either, is it?" It really struck me. That's exactly how I want my children respond one day!

So, we have done some things different. It has taken us several years to figure out how we want to celebrate Christmas. And we've had to work out some major kinks along the way. (and it's still not perfect) We still put up a tree and hang stockings. We even have Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers. But instead of focusing on toys and presents we focus on the greatest gift that God could ever give us, and that is salvation through His son Jesus.

One idea we use was from a MOPS newsletter I received about keeping Christ the focus by putting up a manger. Below are some pictures of our 1st Century manger (It was probably made from stone, because wood was not an easily accessible resource) So, we made ours look like stone with a little dip in the top for straw. Over the next month when the kids have a good attitude or help out they can earn a piece of straw to put in the manger. We want our manger to be soft for baby Jesus. On Christmas morning when the kids wake up they will find baby Jesus (a doll I have wrapped in swaddling clothes) lying in the manger. They will also have their stocking filled and we will eat cake for breakfast to celebrate! Oh! and presents. Yes, they get presents and will open them Christmas morning.

We are still working out the whole process and so if you have any neat ideas please post them here or on your blog. I would love to read out how you keep the focus on Christ. Because after all it is His birthday!

With all this said I wanted to share some stories that really touched my heart and helped me to realize that my kids are getting it. Last night at dinner Davin and Hudson had this conversation:

Davin: Hudson, what do you think Jesus would want for His birthday?
Hudson: A crown.
Davin: Why is that?
Hudson: Because Kings wear crowns, and He is the King.

The other day we asked Hudson "Why did baby Jesus come to Earth?" He responded by quoting a verse he learned at Cubbies, "because all have sinned".

I can't tell you how much that means to me! He is getting it!

Here they are in their Christmas Pajamas. Aren't they cute! One sweet thing that Naomi has been doing is sing part of a Christmas song by Third Day. The only words she knows are "Baby Jesus". But she sings them over and over.

Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week for us was filled with fun and lots of great memories. We started the week off by building our Gingerbread house. It was really easy to do. There was a base and even lines on the gingerbread so you know exactly where to put the icing. The kit we got included everything we needed. We had a good time. We spent most of the time keeping Hudson away from all the candy! Can you see how excited he is in these pictures?

Naomi was so careful and would place the candies right where we told her to. Hudson just wanted to eat the candy.

We spent Wednesday going to my Grandfather's farm. He lives in Alabama. My sister April called and invited me and the kids to ride over with her and Kaitlyn. We visited the chicken houses, sat on a cow, pick pomegranates, and shook pecans out of the pecan tree. What fun!
Naomi got to ride around the farm sitting in Papa's lap. She loved it! She took to him so well. She demanded that he hold her the entire time. When they were picking up pecans she followed him all around the yard.





Hudson and Kaitlyn cracked some of the pecans for us. We took home a huge bag of pecans.

Thanks Papa and Bertie for a wonderful visit!

On
On Thanksgiving day we were so blessed to celebrate with both of our families. We had lunch at Pop and Mims (Davin's grandparents) We also celebrated Lexi's 3rd birthday (Davin's cousins little girl) Happy Birthday Lexi!

Pop and Mims bought a baby piano. The kids had a great time taking turns entertaining all the adults.

After lunch we moved north to Jasper. Here is a shot of the Grandchild table. We are still missing two kids...Haley and Naomi. We enjoyed an amazing dinner, and were completely stuffed!
Here are some shots of the spread at my parents house...





We also celebrated Lila's birthday at my parents house (our niece). We are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for!









On black Friday I decided it would be worth the deals to go shopping. The kids were at my parents house with all their cousins. So, I got out the door by 5:30. I was finished with all my shopping by 9 am. I had a great time getting out all by myself and I enjoyed saving money even more!

On Sunday we went downtown to The Midtown Bridge Church. Davin has a co-worker that lives in that area and we met her down there. They meet at Regal cinemas. We really enjoyed the service and the message that Larry gave really spoke right to our hearts.
After church, Davin drove us around the Georgia Tech campus and showed us where his dorm was. We decided to take the kids to the Varsity for lunch. Here is a photo of us enjoying our chili burgers and hot dogs.

We ended the week by setting up our Christmas decorations. The last time I was able to decorate our home was in 2004. We got Davin's parents Christmas tree, because they bought a new one. This one is pre-lit and it rotates. How cool! The kids have had a great time decorating as well.











Sorry the pictures on this post came up weird! It took so long to get them on here I didn't want to re-post. I'll do better next time.

Give Thanks!

Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

Last Friday night the leadership team for our Sunday School class got together for an early Thanksgiving meal. During the meal we discussed some of our ideas and ways to give thanks to the Lord and remember all that He has done in our lives. Here are some of the ideas we came up with...

A Thanksgiving tree: made from a pot or vase with branches in it. Then, as people arrive they can write what they are thankful for on a leaf-shaped piece of paper and hang it on the tree.

A Thanksgiving Football: Take a football and each year at Thanksgiving write all you are thankful for on the football. Each year as you pass the football outside, you can look back at all that God has done and share those with your kids as they grow up.

A Shepherd's Staff: Our SS teacher brought a Shepard's staff that was made for him and they have the names of all their children burned onto it. When the Lord does a great work in their lives they will burn a new notch onto the staff, and then write about it in a journal.

Thanksgiving day letters: Instead of going around the table and telling what you are thankful for, write each person in attendance a letter in advance. Telling them why you are thankful for them.

What neat ideas our leadership team came up with. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Austhof SS class. After dinner we played the Newly-wed game. We had a blast!

So, leave a comment and tell me what is your family's tradition on giving thanks, and how do you remember all the Lord has done for you and your family...

A bad idea

I used to love to eat spaghetti-o's and Ravioli as a child. However, I have discovered that one of the ingredients (I'm guessing the MSG) causes me to get migraines. So, I have avoided it for the last several years and my children haven't had the chance to try it. Well, I was at Aldi the other day and I just couldn't resist. The Bon Italia brand is only $.79. Who could resist? I thought, my kids are gonna love me! So, we get home today and I fix them this fun lunch, and they turned their noses up and REFUSED to eat it! They wouldn't even try it. So, I had to eat it for them. Almost immediately I started feeling the effects and had to take some Ibuprofen. Well, I guess we won't be trying that again.

By the way, you can purchase everything you need to make a complete Thanksgiving day meal for just $30 at Aldi. I love that place!

Hudson's First Sleep-over

Friday night Hudson had his friend Jed over to spend the night. We had a great time and everyone did so well! Hudson and Jed have very similar personalities. So the goal for the night was to keep them busy, busy, busy! We went downstairs and did some painting.
And we played games...If you close you can see the ball headed straight for Hudson! Unfortunately it did hit him in the chest, but it didn't hurt him.
Having fun...
For dinner the boys and Naomi made their own pizzas. I didn't get any photos, because my camera battery needed to be recharged.
After dinner, Davin played with the boys. Here they are playing Hungry Hippos. I love this game. It's an old childhood favorite of mine.
At bedtime they wanted to sleep in the tent together. That only lasted a few minutes and Hudson ended up in his bed. They slept great and were up by 6 am and ready to go!

Here they are the next morning at breakfast. They ate in a flash. There was just too much playing that needed to be done.

We had a blast! And we were thrilled that we got to keep Jed and let his Mommy and Daddy have a great night out!