Okefenokee Swamp

Seven adults, two teenagers, and seven children
took a little trip on the swamp,
the Okefenokee swamp.

The day was absolutely beautiful.

The views spectacular.

Gator one- middle of the picture.

Gator two- again middle of the picture.
They are incredible creatures.

Our guide was super. His knowledge base incredible.

After an hour and a half we were all tired.

Many blessings.

Christmas Morning

Been away from the computer this past week.
Spending time with family and friends.
We had a lovely Christmas.
This year was the first in eight years that I worked
Christmas Eve night.
So, the children had to wait til I got home
before opening presents from Santa.
Needless to say, my 6 year old was extra happy
to see me when I came through the door.



They made little work of the wrapping paper.
Let the playing begin.

Santa's gifts were simple.
No electronics and we like it that way.
Thank you Santa.

The oldest got Revolutionary, Civil War, and World World II men.
Military seemed to be the theme.
The twins got farm animals and construction vehicles.

Posted this picture so I could show you
the manager scene my oldest did for our family room.
He colored one a day after our advent devotionals.
Starting with the star and ending with
baby Jesus.

Christmas

Finding a balance.
With all the commercialism abound.
Focusing on Him.
CHRISTmas.
This is what it is all about.
Yes, we enjoy the childhood wonder and fun.
Focusing on Him.
CHRISTmas.
This is what it is all about.
Many blessings.

I Was Tagged

This is the first time I have been tagged,
so I am not sure what to do. I will give it a try.
At Home is where You Start From,
the directions are to go to your picture folder and
go to your fourth event,
then go to your fourth picture and post that picture.
You are not to edit or crop.
Post about that picture.
My picture folders are divided into months,
so I went to my fourth month folder and posted the fourth picture from that folder.
Here it is.
It is a picture of one of the twins on a dock at our local park.
We are there often.
He was looking back to make sure I was following him.

Now, I guess I am to tag 5 people.
So, I tag:

Be Still
By His Grace Alone
Gore Family News
Queen to My Three Boys
Smiles and Trials

You can find all the blogs mentioned in this post on my sidebar.
I do not know how to put them into my blog posts yet.

Now, what do I do?

Caroling With Young Ones

Last night we went caroling with young ones from our church,
ages 5 yrs to 8 yrs old.
We went to several houses and finished at a nursing home.
This was the first time for any of the children to visit a nursing home
and we were unsure of how they would do.
They were beautiful.
Their carols were angelic.
Our plans were to go to three rooms.
We wanted to go to room bound residents.
We ended up going to over six rooms.
Yes, there were many questions later.
All answered simply.
The children want to come again.
In this time of "iwantitis,"
it is lovely to see children thinking of others.
Many Blessings.

Treasured Ornaments

Christmas Traditions- Jesse Tree

This is our first year doing a Jesse tree. We have enjoyed it.
Here are pictures of what ours looks like right now.
A new ornament is added daily.

This has helped us keep our focus of this season on Christ.

Our ornaments are simple.

Each coordinates with the story focus of the day.
If you have not tried doing a Jesse tree or feel you do not have time,
I highly recommend giving it a try.
Keeping it simple is the key.
Many blessings.

Still Focusing

My oldest made this stocking when he was 4 yrs old.
We hang it each year as a reminder.

Many Blessings

Angel

The children of our church had their Christmas play December 7th.
The children were beautiful, crooked halos and all.
Many blessings.

It's Official, We Are Two.

Two times the love.

Little angels.

At one, a year of blessings brought.

Now, toddlers you are.

What will the next year bring?

Focusing

A treasured Nativity scene set on clouds,



a sweet baby laying in a manger,

a shepherd watching over his sheep,

and three Wise Men who traveled far.

Many Blessings

Helpful Hands or......

Here Mommy.

Yes Mommy, we will help decorate the tree.

Mommy, isn't this fun?

Yes dears, much fun with decorating the tree.
If only my little angels would have left the ornaments on the tree.
All day off and on, hooks here and there.
Mommy and Daddy huddled.....
a plan formed.
Now, only lights and candy canes on the tree.
Peace on Earth.

Settling Down

With Thanksgiving over and all the turkey and fixin's gone,
it is time to settle back into a routine.
Coloring and drawing.
You can feel the calming effect.

The oldest is drawing a map.

Twin one is drawing colorful lines.

Twin two is drawing colorful circles.

I think we are settled now.
Many Blessings.

First Hair Cut

Hello my long hair cutie. Ready for a cut?



Grandma is here. She does all first hair cuts for this family.
Grandma looking at Daddy and making sure we are a go.

The cutting begins.

No more baby, you are a little boy now.

Mommy needs to take a moment.
Many Blessings.