Christmas PJ's

Is there anything cuter than a couple of freshly washed kids in their Christmas pjs? I think not.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you." Numbers 6:24

Santa Visit

Well, where is it written that everybody has to love Santa? Grayson was bouncing with excitement, Finley, not so much. She wasn't screaming bloody murder, but a little whiny with just a few tears. We took the photo anyway. Isn't that what any good parent would do? Maybe she will warm up to him next year. Or not.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Do you Elf on a Shelf?

Do you have an Elf? We received our 3 years ago from a dear family friend, Ms. Diane. What fun we have had with our Elf. We are not huge into Santa, but do play along for fun, but do not totally focus our Christmas around him. We try to teach the Nativity Story and the fact that it is Jesus'Birthday, as well. So Grayson named him Alistair, from some book we were reading at the time, when we first opened him. Every night he flies to the North Pole to report on his days findings. Then when he returns in the middle of the night he lands in a new spot to get a different view of the children's behavior for the day. There is a cute little story book that comes with the Elf and I highly recommend getting one if you don't already have one. Alistair is fun to find first thing in the morning, you never know where he might pop up. Also, in the above pictures are some of our favorite scenes from around our house. We hope you are finding joy and peace around your house this Christmas.
"And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:12

Our Little Angels

This weekend was the Living Nativity at Harbor. What a busy weekend. Dress rehearsal on Friday night, Work all day Saturday, live production on Saturday night, church on Sunday morning, and the last performance on Sunday night. Whew. Glad that it is over, but thoroughly enjoyed it. So much hard work from over 200 volunteers and animals. There were chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, donkeys and even a couple of llamas (disguised as camels). The kids had a ball, a little cold for them on Saturday night though. Next year the Living Nativity should be even better, now that we have all the kinks worked out.
"May everything good from God be yours." 1 Peter 1:2

Are you Thankful?

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of my favorites...my birthday, food, family, friends and lots of fun. But, originally, it was meant to be a day to pause and give thanks to God. Unfortunately, for many, including myself, thanksgiving is more of a one-day holiday than a way of life. I don't know about you, but I've been blessed beyond comprehension, and even in the unwelcome moments of life, I have so much to be thankful for. What would it look like if I ONLY spoke words of gratitude the entire week of Thanksgiving? If I went so far as to look at a pile of laundered clothes that awaits my folding and putting up, a task I normally hate, and instead think and speak out loud, “God, thank you for these clothes." When my daughter voicing her grumpiness, “God, thank you that she has a voice that works and you are shaping her own unique personality.” Or when my son is voicing his opinion, that does not coincide with my opinion, "God let me be thankful that my son is growing up into a fine young man with ideas and thoughts of his own." If every time I see a person this week, I tell them why I am thankful to God they are in my life. So, starting this morning and going through this Sunday evening, I'm challenging myself to live an entire week full of thanksgiving. How about you? Are you up for being Thankful?
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
(Ephesians 5:4 ESV)

This week was the half way mark of Grayson's second 9 weeks of school. Yes, I know, it's over already. This was a Farm Inquiry that they worked on this 9 weeks. It included a field trip to a local farm (see one of the previous post for that trip), how to grow strawberries and cotton, and also how to take care of chickens (thats the animal they picked). You can see Grayson's shadow box that he made in the above photos. We painted it red and he made a roof out of popsicle sticks and a straw nest with eggs. They also read the book "Stone Soup" last week. So everyone brought one item to class and they made "Stone Soup" for the parents on Friday. It was basically vegetable soup and not to bad, but the kids hardly touched it. They kept looking in their bowls and saying it had TOO MANY vegetables. Too funny. All in all it was a fun afternoon. The kids enjoyed showing us all of their projects and we got to take them home about a half hour early.
"I have come so that they might have life, and have it to the fullest." John 10:10

Christmas Card Photos

There are so many things I would rather do early in the morning, such as root canal, mammogram, or maybe some shots, than take my children to the photographer. Uuuhhhggg. The girl taking the pictures was awful and extremely slow. You have a short, very short, window of opportunity with Finley. Needless to say we missed part of that window. We did get a few good shots, surprisingly. I love 'em no matter. Bad photographs and all.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful." Psalm 139:14

Just Because

These are just because I can rarely get both kids to sit still at the same time. Shocking isn't it.
"...You who have done great things..." Psalm 71:19

There's a new Park in Town!!

There is a new park in Wilmington. Some of our friends just moved to the neighborhood and told me we had to go see this new park. It is like something out of the future. It has gravity induced chairs that spin when you sit in them as well as the merry-go-round. Very Cool!!
"Blessings crown the head of the righteous..." Proverbs 10:6

Can YOU do the Chicken Dance?

This is a video of the Chicken Dance that the kids did on Tuesday night at the skating rink at Grayson's friend, Reilly's birthday party. Sorry it is so shaky, I was on roller skates at the time. Gee, I wonder who he gets his dancing ability from?

"Rejoice before God and be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3

The Roller Rink on a school night?

One of Grayson's friends from school invited him to a birthday party at the skating rink. He had never been skating before, so I decided to take him, even though it was a school night. What fun we had. There were several kids and parents there that we knew from school. But the only adults that skated were me, Mollie (Megan's Mom) and my friend, Helena (Lucas's mom). And no, nobody broke a leg or any other appendage. Those little kids are dangerous, however, whizzing by you at the speed of light and either falling close to you or bumping into you on the way by. Grayson is ready to return and could not believe that all of us moms could skate so well. Happy Birthday Reilly, we had a great time.

"May God bless you and keep you..." Numbers 6:24

Our Neighbor Desha

Our funny little next-door-neighbor turned 6 on Tuesday. How we remembered that it was on Tuesday was she reminded us EVERY day for the last week and several times on Monday. There was an afternoon party at her house with stamping and painting your own treat sack and party hat. A full size dress up paper doll named Desha. They played this game with a blindfold, like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" and placed clothing articles over the life size paper doll. How cute! That Kathy (Desha's mom) is so creative. Also they played dress up with lots of old Halloween costumes, face paint and other dress up clothes. Grayson came home happy and all hyped up on sugar, popcorn and juice. Happy Birthday Desha. What a wonderful little neighbor Grayson has been blessed with.

"God saw all that he had made,... and it very was good." Genesis 1:31

Codington Fall Festival

Grayson's school had their Fall Festival last Saturday. There was so much stuff to do. Bouncy houses, Firetrucks, cotton candy, hot dogs, hay rides, bowling, and soccer, which was Grayson's favorite. We stayed about 2 hours (all that I could take)until they called out the winners for the classroom baskets. Sadly, we did not win one. Oh, well, maybe next year.
"But thier trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17

Wild Things in Room 202

Grayson had his Kindergarten Fall Party (or as we old timers like to call it, a Halloween Party) at school on Friday. All parents and siblings were invited. They made a couple of crafts, had a "Wild Things" parade with costumes they had made earlier in the week. "Where the Wild Things Are" was their theme book this week. While the kids were stomping up and down the halls, about 7 or 8 moms stayed behind in the classroom to fix everyone a plate of treats and a juice box. When the "Wild Things" came back to the room, the wild rumpus began. Talking, laughing, eating and making a mess, what a way to round out a holiday week.

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6

Trick or Treat

There was a Trick or Trunk at our church this afternoon. What fun. The kids had a wonderful time and there were many dressed up "trunks" as you can see from the photos. There was even a red lady bug car, dressed just like Finley. Grayson wanted to be Flash again, because he feels that he can imitate him to the fullest when he is running "so fast". After we got home, Greg and Grayson went around the neighborhood and trick-or-treated some more. Some friends came around the block with their truck pulling a trailer filled with hay and lights and about 25 other kids and invited Grayson to go along with them. Needless to say, they didn't have to ask him twice. He feels so grown up when he is allowed to go with other kids and mom and dad aren't tagging along (Let it go Greg). Finley and I stayed at the house to give out candy to the other trick-or-treaters. Every time the doorbell rang, she would run to the door and yell "BOO" and then laugh at herself. She has an odd sense of humor that girl. They are both in bed now. They had a long, tiring day, ate way to much candy, drank way to much juice, but what wonderful memories they will have of this day.
"Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from you..." Psalm 119:18

A Light from Within

On Tuesday afternoon we carved our pumpkins. Everybody wanted in on the action, even Oliver and Trudy. We made a big mess, but what fun the kids had. One looks like a disco ball, made with Greg's power drill and wood paddle bits. On the more traditional pumpkin, Grayson insisted on the original pumpkin face. His favorite job every afternoon is to sprinkle salt around them and pick off the snails. Yuck!!
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

First Farm Field Trip

Wednesday was Grayson's first field trip. They went to a farm in Castle Hayne that a retired Codington teacher owns. There were, sheep, goats, lots of chickens, 3 horses, a peacock, one turkey and a very large pig. They took a hayride, fed all the animals and did horse rides and an art project. After lots of hand washing there was brown bag lunch on the ground and any vegetable or bread that wasn't eaten was fed to the farm animals. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and was glad I was able to go to Grayson's very first field trip. No children were hurt, no meltdowns and no animals were hurt by the children either!
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me... No one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27-28

101 Things to do with Twinkies

What can you do with Twinkies? Finley had her first Twinkie this week and she has found 101 ways to use the filling. She really enjoyed it and wanted another. As you can see from the photos, she made a hair gel and facial cream. Yum.
Also this week we have had great weather this week and put together our roller-coaster in the back yard. the kids have had several long afternoons outside. Just look at the smile on their faces.
"Whatever you do work at it with all your heart. As working for the Lord, not for men." Collossians 3:23

Our Pumpkins

These pictures are of our first trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Finley's School, Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. She loves seeing them every day. She gets to go through the patch at drop off time with her Dad, she gets to go again with her class when they go on their walk to outside time and if I pick her up, we go again! Her excitement level is always the same, just like it was the first time she has ever seen them. So funny. Grayson was that way too when he went to school there. We have gone back a couple other times with both kids and also my MOPS group and I am sure we will go again before Halloween. I will keep you posted with more photos. Aren't the pumpkins a beautiful color? May your Fall months be filled with joyous blessings.
"Let all that you do be done with love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Spooky GingerBread

This is our attempt at making a "Haunted House" out of a Gingerbread Kit that I bought on clearance in January or February for about $3. It turned out pretty well I think. The house was a rainy day project for Grayson and Finley during his 3 week intercession from his year-round school schedule. They had a great time making it and ate some of the candy pieces as we went along. Trudy (our hound dog) graciously cleaned up the floor after our project was finished. Thanks Trudy.

"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth..." Isaiah 43:19

Just Monkeying Around

On Friday afternoon, my friend Wendy and I took our boys to Monkey Joes. They are both in year-round school and are out for their 3 week intercession. We stayed for 3 hours. The boys were hot, sweaty and tired by the time we left. There were a few tears (from Brady) and one bleeding lip (Grayson, see photo above) but I think they had fun anyway. It was nice to just sit and visit with Wendy and not have to participate in the jumping.
"A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face..." Proverbs 15:13

DIY for Kids

Saturday was a Do-It-Yourself Kid Workshop Day at our local Home Depot. We met some friends there at 10 am to make Fire Station Banks. We luckily did not have to take Finley. We dropped her off at mom's around 9:30. Thanks mom, that was a huge help. She would not have done well with all the loud hammers and nails around. The local Fire Department was also there to give out plastic fire hats and tours of the Trucks. Grayson, Carrington and James all got an apron, hat and wood kit, so we found a table and went to work. My friend, Shelly, is , well let's just say she is handy-man-challenged. Good thing I was there to give out a couple of pointers, otherwise she would never have been able to get the kids money out of their bank! The kids got popcorn, Halloween candy, badge and a certificate upon completion of their project. It made a very fun (and free) Saturday morning. Thanks for going with us. Grayson had a blast.

"He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you." Psalm 121:8

Everybody Needs a Friend

Finley has a best friend. Her name is Delaney and she is our next-door-neighbor. Finley jumps up and down when she comes to visit and cries when she leaves. She affectionately calls her "Haney" because she can not pronounce the D and L sounds very well. Thanks Haney for loving Finley. You are her very first Friend. You will always have a special place here at our house.

"..A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9

And the Relatives Came

This past weekend my Aunt Jeanell, Aunt Janie and Uncle Hootie came to visit us for Finley's birthday. What a treat. They live really far away in Arkansas and we do not see them very often. We enjoyed their visit very much and hope they will come back soon.
"Let us praise the Lord together..." Psalm 34:3

Party at the Pre-School

Since you only turn Two once, I decided Finley did not have enough cake over her birthday weekend and took cupcakes and fruit to her class on Tuesday. As you can see from the photos, everyone enjoyed the Ladybug cupcakes with the neon green frosting. Yum. Happy Birthday Finley.
"God loves you very much..." Daniel 9:23

Guess Who is in their Terrible Two's?

Wow, has time flown this year. can you believe Finley is Two years old already? We had lots of cake, family, and presents. She is talking in complete 3 to 4 word sentences, running everywhere she goes (which she has been doing for a while now) and having lots of terrible-two's tantrums. Usually they make us laugh, which makes her even more mad! We just step over her and go on about our business. She still does not have much hair, just a bunch of very blond ringlets and fluff on top.
"...Be Glad and Rejoice; for the Lord will do great things." Joel 2:21

Lordy, Lordy Guess Who's 40?

The Birthday Boy is 40! Wow, that's old. Grayson asked if that was like one-hundred-million? I said, "Well, yes it is Grayson." Greg's sister, brother-in-law, niece and great-nephew (yes, that's right great-nephew. I told you he was old) came to visit us for his birthday. It was fantastic to see them. The kids had a fun time and are already asking when they are going to see them again. Thanks for coming guys, we really had a wonderful visit.
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love..." Romans 12:10

Grandparents Day at School

Today was Grandparents day at School. Mom went to Kindergarten to see Grayson's room and what he does all day (other than get into trouble). They made some snack mix, colored some pictures for his treasure box that he made for her. He seemed really excited that she was there and we are thankful that she lives close enough and that she is able to do things like that for him. Happy Grandparents Day, Nona. We love you.
"...You have a very special place in my heart..." Philippians 1:7

Bus Building - DIY

Saturday Greg and Grayson went to Lowe's to Build a Bus. They have a kid's workshop every other Saturday, with small wooden projects for the kids to make. They also have workshops at Home Depot once a month. He received an wood workers apron, a pair of goggles, got to use a real hammer and nails, and a patch and certificate that says he completed the bus building. He really enjoyed himself and we plan to go back many more Saturdays.
"Rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord God has blessed you." Deuteronomy 18:7

PreSchool 101

Finley's first day of Preschool was today. She had a ball. She was pushing me away while we were trying to get a picture so she could go and play with everything. Little Stinker. She got to color and sing and also had a mixed fruit salad for her snack time with ice water. She tries so hard to be just like Grayson. So she wasn't sad at all about me leaving her there. There were no tears, no screams, just a smile and a "Bye Momma" and she was off like a flash. I remember when I was taking Grayson to school there at Wesley, she was a newborn. Also her Teacher Ms. Kathy, was Grayson's teacher as well, so she already knows all about Finley. That makes me feel better.
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." Genesis 28:15