Happy New Year!

And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Revelation 21:5

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come...Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17, 20-21

Click here for more information.

Our Christmas Letter 2008

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory… Ephesians 3:20-21

We have had a wonderful year. Please enjoy the highlights!

It’s hard to believe that Bull began the year in speech therapy. Now, he knows all of his letters (his favorites are Q and R), colors, and shapes. These days, most conversations start like this: “Hey Mommy. I wanna’ tell you sumpfin. Did you know dat ___(fill in the blank)?” He always has a Power Ranger and a Megazord in each hand. Bull can often be found in his room by himself happily playing with his action figures and voicing conversations between them. He started Mother’s Day Out two days a week this fall and brings home all sorts of treasures to be saved. After six years of parenting boys, we made our first trip to the emergency room due to an injury in November. Our little trooper got five staples in the back of his head!

Gator began Kindergarten this fall. He loves it! He is a good student and is eager to learn. His work is meticulous, his Bible verses are memorized, and his reading is improving. He also played organized sports for the first time this year. Gator led the team in scoring and netted five goals in one game! Despite his prowess for scoring, he is quite the team player, racking up a number of assists as well. In all, he has become quite a sports fan this year. Instead of watching Disney Channel, he flips to ESPN to watch Sports Center! He was delighted to attend the UF-FSU game this year even though it was pouring rain. He also enjoys drawing and coloring a great deal. Often you can find him plopped at the coffee table with his drawing pad, markers, and a game of some sort on the TV.

The highlight of the year for Hubs and Christie was our trip to Israel in March (Christie’s diary of the trip can be found in the archives of her blog under the label “Israel”). We were thrilled to be walking in the footsteps of Jesus and other heroes of our faith. Hubs had an exciting start to the summer by jumping out of a “perfectly good airplane” five times to earn his Army jump wings (also chronicled on the blog under “Airborne”). Christie and the boys were able to attend his graduation and pin his wings on his uniform for him. Hubs also enjoyed coaching Gator’s soccer team during the fall. Christie continues to be involved with the women’s ministry at our church. She has enjoyed leading two Bible studies this year. She spends most of her free time on her computer blogging, editing photos and keeping up with the business of managing a family. After four and a half years of school, Hubs earned a Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary on December 13th! He swore in as an Army Chaplain the next day at our church.

Our 2009 will be a year of many changes. We will begin our Army adventure when Hubs goes back onto active duty in February. We received orders to move to Kansas in April for our first assignment. Although we suffered a miscarriage in early December, perhaps we will add another little one to our brood in 2009! We can’t wait to experience our first real winter and white Christmas. We will leave old friends and meet new friends. We will continue to be blessed beyond measure by the God we serve as we celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son. We pray that you will experience the fullness of God’s presence and blessing on your lives during this season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

"And they found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger..." (Luke 2)

"He is not here; He has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28)

We pray that you will know the reason He came and that you will understand the fullness of His love for you this season!

Christmas at my house

I love this time of year. It's my favorite. It's been tough to get in the mood this year though. We typically decorate the week after Thanksgiving, but that week was horrible. So we decorated this week instead. Thanks to a little snow (and a new "hug" scarf from Jennifer),

some lights on a tree, and looking at our beautiful ornaments, each reminding me of a blessing, we're doing better. Here is a tour of my home decorated for Christmas, sans the wreath on the front door, and the kiddos' tree and nativity. Be sure to check out Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes for more decorating goodness!

The foyer:

Hutch in the dining room with an olivewood nativity from my grandparents:

Dining room pass through to the family room (that star makes me so happy!):

Our mantle with a Precious Moments nativity from my childhood:

Our lovely tree:

All put together:

We had a very busy, very important weekend. I'll post about that later this week!
Merry Christmas!

Attention Cold Climate People!!

I need your help.
I am attending a wedding in December in Maryland. And I don't know what to wear.
I am a Florida girl and I don't want to freeze.
I need outfits for the following occasions:
- travel by airplane
- sightseeing/rehearsal dinner (business casual)
- wedding/reception (somewhat formal)
- church
- travel by airplane
Oh yeah. On a budget too!
Thanks!

Holiday Activities

A friend of mine e-mailed me requesting a post on activities for the holidays. (I felt very important!) So, here goes!

Send a card to a family of a deployed soldier. It’s due by Dec. 1st so don’t delay!

Start doing the 5 kernels of corn tradition with your family this Thanksgiving. As you gather around your abundant Thanksgiving meal, let each person offer 5 things for which he/she is thankful. Here’s an idea to guide the conversation.

Choose a gift from the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Catalog. Better yet, let your children choose one from the kids’ section. Although the deadline for Shoeboxes has already passed for 2008, plan to do one or more next year. Kids love to pick things out to go in the boxes, especially for kids their own ages!

Sponsor a child through Compassion International like the Wilsons did and turn it into a Family Night!

Consider celebrating Advent if you don’t already. Here are some fun ideas and ways to make the calendars and implement Advent in a sugar-free way. You can just Google “Advent crafts” to get many, many more ideas.

This is my favorite website for homemade and inexpensive craft, party and gift ideas.

Sign up for this newsletter, or search through the archives for more great ideas. Here are some to get you started.

Consider making gifts to give this year. Grandparents love homemade stuff anyway!

Help your children go through their toys to get rid of forgotten ones and donate them to charity or to your new Compassion child. Also, consider helping them choose one that is special to them add in the pile. A lesson on sacrificial giving never hurt anyone. Perhaps you can take them shopping to select a Toys for Tots gift and allow them to help pay for it.

Read the Christmas story either on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning before opening presents. Purchase or make a nativity so the kids can act out the story while it is being read. Then ask them to tell the story on their own.

We ask the boys to help pass out the gifts as a reminder that it is better to give than receive. Also, the boys have started helping me choose gifts for our loved ones this year. I love seeing their perspective on what to choose. Children have a wonderful gift of discernment and sometimes know better than we do what a person would like.

I hope that these ideas are a springboard for your own creativity! What a wonderful way to pass on a legacy of faith to your children. Thanks for the idea Jennifer P!

Staples and Soccer

We went to Florida this past weekend to celebrate my grandmother's 80th birthday. We had a great time catching up with everyone.
We also made a side trip to the Emergency Room. Bull split his head open and ended up with 5 staples.


Fun, fun, fun all around. I am amazed and blessed that we have been parenting boys for a total of 6 years now and this is the first "bloody" trip to the ER.

Passing the time in the ER with Power Rangers:


Bull is doing fine now. The staples should come out on Monday the 24th.

Also, Gator had his final soccer game last week. He scored 2 goals. Here's a great pic of them making their shark faces!

playing catch-up

We had a super soccer player and a super Gator fan for Halloween. Aren't they cute? We tried some face paint, but neither of them were having it!

A great idea...

I have always struggled with my prayer life. I have a hard time concentrating. My mind wanders to the never-ending to-do list. I fall asleep. When I journal my prayers, I have a hard time pouring my soul out on paper. I don't know that I want a written record of those things. But I know that the very best times in my life - when I have had victory over areas of struggle and the greatest amount of peace in spite of circumstances - were a result of a constant (1Thes 5:17), strong prayer life.

Since participating in the study Believing God by Beth Moore, I have practiced turning various scriptures into prayers for myself, my friends and my family. I even have the index card flip book to keep it organized and help me remember. Yet still I lack the discipline to do this consistently.

I know I need to improve in this area. I need to pass the discipline of prayer on to my children. I need to be deliberate about approaching the throne of grace with confidence on behalf of my family (Heb 4:16), knowing that the prayers of a righteous (wo)man avail much (Jam 5:16).

So here's the great idea part:
Angie over at Bring the Rain has laid out a great plan for praying over your child every day. Since I am a calendar/schedule person, this approach is right up my alley. Check it out and let me know what you think!

President-elect Obama...

Hmmm. I'm shrugging my shoulders, not really knowing what this means for myself and my family. However, if McCain had won, I think I would be doing the same thing.

Alright all you lurkers...now's your chance.

What do you think about the election? Are you excited? Disappointed? Relieved? Disgusted? Hopeful? Fearful?

Click on "comments" at the end of the post and let me know what you think!

Family Picture

I love this picture

drawn by this big guy (who just turned 6 on Sunday)

because it will only be accurate for another few hours because this other big guy


turns three tomorrow!

P.S. Please pray for MckMama . Tomorrow is little Stellan's birthday too!

What a romantic!

My man brought these home from soccer practice for me.


What a great guy! He really knows the way to a woman's heart! He is such a blessing to me...

Of course, I'm talking about my little man,

lest you think Hubs has turned over some new romantic leaf!

Now to give credit where credit is due, Hubs took Gator to Rouses and footed the bill. But Gator was the mastermind behind it all!

I am blessed!

Circus

*If you haven't already, scroll down and see the previous two posts. Lots of pictures posted on those as well!*

We went to the circus last night with some good friends of ours!

One (who will remain nameless) confessed that she wanted to join the circus and ride the elephants. And she could totally pull it off too!

The kids were fascinated by the trapeze artists yet again. They love the "people that swing." And of course the elephants were a big hit. Funnel cakes, popcorn and cotton candy were favorites as well.

This past weekend...

*Be sure to scroll down and see my last post...more pictures there. I've got a lot of catching up to do! Also, I added new links (to the left) if you have nothing to do or need an excuse to not do something.*

What a great weekend! Friday, we prepared all day for the garage sale on Saturday. So, we went out to dinner at Olive Garden. I had minestrone soup and salad. Yum!

Saturday morning, I was up very early to help with the garage sale before the soccer game. The soccer game - Gator scored 5 goals, y'all. Seriously. FIVE goals. In SIXTEEN minutes of play. Ahem. Here are two of them:



Then we went back to the garage sale and off loaded some goods in return for some serious loot! Also, we found out that we received a scholarship that we weren't expecting! Woo hoo!

And finally, my Gators rocked on Saturday night. And I live in Southeast Louisiana, an hour from Baton Rouge.

A sidenote: we got pranked on Friday night sometime. There was a "Geaux Tigers" magnet strategically placed on the tailgate of the truck. Sneaky Byron (worship leader at our church). Fortunately, when loading the last of the goods for the garage sale, we found it before the truck left the driveway. That garage sale saved us some serious blasphemy! :-)

Sunday morning was wonderful. The Lord, with the help of some awesome nursery workers and a Veggie Tales video calmed my boy's spirit enough that I got to attend the entire service - something I haven't been able to do in four weeks. I was so thankful. And tonight we went to the circus (check back tomorrow for those pictures).

Bull hiding from the "big monster" (aka Gator):



My boys' personalities in a nutshell (click it to make it bigger):

Whew!

That's how I feel after the last couple of weeks! We have been extremely busy, but in the good way! Here's an update in pictures since it would take forever to write all that we've been doing!

Family day a couple weekends ago: played soccer at the park and beignets (ben -yays).









Tricks in the yard and sweet dirty hands:

Another amazing opportunity

Christmas shopping? Already? Yep! Go ahead and get it out of the way here. Hannah is raising support for her two year stint with Africa Inland Mission. All proceeds from the sale of her jewelry will go toward her fundraising. Her designs are wonderful, so go check it out!

An amazing opportunity *UPDATED*

* They've asked that you leave a comment in their guestbook as to the number of stockings you will do. In order to do that, you'll have a make an account - it's free. Bronie, I already counted yours in with our number. *

Here's an opportunity to love on some soldiers who are deployed to Iraq right now. We are friends with this couple and they are making a difference for the Kingdom! Please consider helping to make Christmas special for these soldiers. This will be their 2nd consecutive Christmas away from home. Let me know if you have any questions (you can leave a comment)!

Psalm 130

Two yummy recipes

Zucchini Risotto with Sun-dried Tomatoes (Makes 4 servings)

3 1/2 c vegetable stock (sometimes I use chicken stock)
1/2 c tomato juice
1 Tb olive oil
6 shallots, finely chopped
4 medium zucchini, chopped
1/2 c dry white wine (I just increase my stock by 1/2 c)
1 1/3 c Arborio rice (aka risotto)
16 sun-dried tomato halves (not oil-packed), finely chopped
1/2 c finely chopped fresh parsley
1 Tb finely chopped fresh marjora, or 1/2 tsp dried
2 Tb grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the stock and tomato juice; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the oil. Saute the shallots until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and wine (or 1/2 c stock); cook until the zucchini is softened, about 5 minutes longer. Add the rice; cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
3. Add 1 c of the stock mixture, the sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and marjoram; cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock, 1/2 c at a time, stirring until the stock is just absorbed before adding more, until the rice is just tender. The total cooking time should be about 25-30 minutes. Stir in the cheese and pepper; serve at once, garnished with parsley.



Russian Chicken

1 bottle Russian dressing
1 envelope onion soup mix
3 Tb apricot preserves
1/2 c hot water
4-8 chicken breasts

1. Place chicken in a 13x9 baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine preserves with water. Add dressing and soup. Mix until combined.
3. Pour mixture over top of chicken.
4. COVER and bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hrs.

This recipe is easily doubled or tripled. It's great for serving a big bunch of people!

Kidstuf at Buckhead Church in Atlanta

Please click this link. This is awesome and makes me want to get my teasin' comb out! It's about 8 minutes long but worth every second!

There's no place like home...

Where is home?
Is it where you grew up?
Is it where you were born?
Is it your parents’ house?
Is it where you rest your head?

I was asking myself this question recently. I have an interesting situation in my life. I grew up in one spot (though not one house). Then I went to a different place for college (Go Gators). While I was there, my parents moved to North Florida. Around that time, Hubs and I had decided to get married. Since we have been married, we have lived in 9 places.

What has home looked like over the years? For all of my childhood, I lived in a neighborhood in the suburbs. Then in college, I lived in dorm rooms and apartments. Since I’ve been married, home has been an apartment, base housing, suburban neighborhoods, hotel rooms on two occasions and my parents’ house.

I think that because I am a “home maker” my home is literally where I have made it. It’s where my family is, where we have routines and things that we do. It’s where we have set up life. So in that sense, home moves whenever and wherever we do. It’s not one geographical location though it could be one day. It’s not even where our stuff is, because after Katrina, home would have been at the trash dump.

What does God intend for us to believe on this subject? The Word says that we are aliens on this earth (Heb 11:9, Eph 2:19), that Jesus went to prepare a place for us in His Father’s house (Jn 14:2), that this world has nothing for us (Mt 6:19-20, 1 Tim 6:7). If home is where the heart is, and my Lord has my heart, then home is where He is. Is that true in my life though?

I will strive to make my home a place of sanctuary, of recreation, of respite, of safety for my family. But I must instill an understanding of the temporary nature of life here on earth in my kids. They must understand that we are “not home yet.”

By the way, I’m looking for some ruby slippers and a blue checked dress. I’m also considering changing one of my dogs’ names to Toto. Yep, we’re moving to Kansas (90% sure, of course)! Maybe we’ll live next door to Auntie Em…

My Favorite Things

1. this dish


2. Gator teaching Bull his letters


3. Bull's passion

4. Gator's compassion

5. lavender - I'm a bit obsessed with this scent right now, from my Method (another favorite) cleaning products to my lotion and perfume. I love it!

All things Bull...

Since updates have been heavy on the Gator news lately, here's one for Bull.

His favorite perch


His favorite door and favorite activity inside that door


Proof that he really is a monkey (Note the absence of a climbing aid. Do you see what he was after?)

Goal!

Gator had his first soccer game today. He did very well and had lots of fun! Bull desperately wanted to play, but he ended up being very patient.


* Pictures from Bull's first day of school are up!