Just had one of those milestone kind of birthdays. My mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and cousins and I all went out for lunch to celebrate. I felt very loved! I took pictures of my food because Cory wasn’t there to tell me not to 
While there are some things I will miss about my twenties, I’m not going to dwell on them. Here are some of the thoughts I’ve had about being thirty…
I’d rather have wrinkles than acne…
I’d rather have God given confidence than insecurity…
I’d rather have my kiddos than a tidy house…
I’d rather have true love than new love.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself!
“God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving toward the house of peace and joy. This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on this journey. The God of love who gave us life sent us His only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but can trust that He walks with us…
Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and let Him- whose love is greater than our own hearts and mind can comprehend- be our companion.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Merry Christmas!
I have been feeling the pressure from my faithful blog readers to get something new posted here! I do have some good excuses for my lack of posts, such as my broken camera. Actually, I had a broken foot on my flash. I learned the new lingo from the camera repair shop. Also, I am finding that I am lugging my big camera to special events with every intention of taking pictures and posting them, but the evening goes by and I’m so busy chasing Caleb that I never even get the camera out of the bag! I know… wah, wah.
This December we’ve been busy in the best way getting ready for Christmas. All the gifts are purchased and wrapped and neatly arranged on top of our entertainment center. We’ve had some fun Christmas parties, celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary, and visited my dad’s side of the family in southern California for a weekend. We got to spend time with my cousin David, who is recovering from Guillian Barre Syndrome (thanks for all your prayers!). He’s doing really well, so praise God! Here is a link to their
blog if you want to read their story.
And, my sister and niece are here from Kentucky for Christmas. Yay!
On Tuesday we are having our Christmas baking day, so I promise I’ll take pictures and post recipes to tempt you.
So here are my attempts at getting pictures of the boys for our Christmas card…
Here’s a picture of my new favorite hobby… hiking! After living in Arizona for 29+ years, I have finally learned to appreciate the “unique” beauty of the desert. I even asked for hiking boots for Christmas. We are planning a trip to Yosemite this summer. Can you say Half Dome?
I told Noah I needed a picture of him for the blog and he wanted me to take a picture of his new Ford Thunderbird.
And Caleb wants to tell you all that he really likes pizza!
In addition to the beautiful chaos that surrounds this season, my heart has been longing to make preparations for the true reason we celebrate. My mom gave us this book at the beginning of advent, and I have found that God has faithfully provided small quiet moments in my day to sit, read, and contemplate. I pray the same is true for you!
So there. I blogged the longest most random Christmas post ever.
Noah is becoming one of those little boys who doesn’t really feel sleepy in the afternoon, but if he misses a nap, he is a wreck by dinnertime. So when I put him down for his nap, he usually tells me he is just not sleepy! Wouldn’t it be great if I could say, “Oh okay Noah, how about you stay awake and clean up the house, and I’ll take a nap!” Then we’d both be happy.
Just reflecting on the things in my life that I am loving right now, for example…
I’m loving how Caleb and Noah like to reach across the backseat of the car to hold hands while we drive (until Noah pulls a little too hard and Caleb starts to cry)
I’m loving how Caleb loves his strawberry, banana, and spinach smoothie every morning. Noah likes to push the buttons on the blender, but just wants one little sip.
I’m loving that Noah and Cory are having some one on one time together.
I’m loving the new mom’s group at church.
I’m loving the things I am learning in my Tuesday morning Bible study, “Calm My Anxious Heart.” Its so much more than being worry free, and more like learning to be content with all God has given.
I’m loving these chocolate chip cookies:
Mix all together: 2 sticks butter, 3/4 cups brown sugar, 3.5oz instant vanilla pudding, 1 tsp. vanilla.
Beat in 2 eggs
Mix: 2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Mix all together, and add 12 oz bag chocolate chips. Bake on stone at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Sound familiar, Trudy M?
I’m loving that it just might be getting cooler soon.
I’m loving falling asleep to Chris Rice’s The Living Room Sessions every night.
I’m loving how I can look forward to a long kiddo-free weekend in San Diego with my husband.
I’m loving that I found two new shirts for my husband on sale today, and that my mom wanted to buy me a new shirt too.
I’m loving Noah’s expression in this picture.
I’m loving that Caleb said “Amen” when we finished praying for our lunch today.
I’m really loving how Fresh and Easy has fairly good prices, little coupons, bags groceries for you, carries my favorite Greek yogurt, never has long lines at checkout, free stickers, crayons, and coloring books for kids, has clean restrooms, and close parking for people with kids.
How about you?
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