A Baxter Update

Here's Baxter playing Scrabble! Ol' Bax thinks he's part-human. Truth is, Baxter just likes to be doing whatever we are doing. He is a cherished part of the family and a daily reminder of the power of the Word and prayer. (For the whole story, go to the old posts and read up!)

This is Baxter's other favorite activity - sleeping - especially with a buddy!

"Easterbread House"

We ran out of time to complete our gingerbread house this past Christmas. So, we saved it and gave it to the girls to decorate for Easter. It was neat to see what they came up with. I think they were pretty creative and it made good use of the kit.

Green Day! (March 17th)

OK! WE'RE BACK!! We have been running a bit behind lately in posting. (I am sure you have noticed.) I will try to catch you up. "Green Day" started several years ago in an effort to reinforce the colors for Leah. We decided that we would do it on March 17th and wear green and eat GREEN! A holiday was born! The girls get so excited thinking and planning for Green Day. (It is the small things in life that often create the best memories!) Here are some shots of this past Green Day.


The breakfast meal is always the most interesting. This year it was green eggs, homemade cinnamon rolls with green icing and green milk. It sure tasted better than it looks!

CHOSEN

 

I was marvelling in the beauty of the snow the other day, looking out of the window, when my eyes focused on the playset. Tears filled my eyes. Leah had written this on the playset. Also, above her swing she had written, "Princess". I just stood there and praised the Lord. We have been purposefully weaving these sprititual truths in the girls' lives.

John 15:16 says, "...You did not choose me, but I chose you..." and John 15:19 "...As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

The group, This Hope, sings a song called "There is a Reason". The chorus says, "There is a reason, you were created."
This is the truth we want our girls to base their lives on.....that they were created by our Heavenly Father for a reason and that they are chosen, holy, and belong to Him. To God be the Glory!

SNOW IN GEORGIA!!!

It snowed in Georgia....TWICE!!!! The girls had a blast! It was Ellie's first snow. For some reason, I got a little emotional with her first snow. It reminded us so much of home - Virginia. When Stan and I were growing up, we had snow a lot and lots of it. So, it was really special to see our girls enjoying the snow. It doesn't come around here often. (This is only the 2nd time since we moved here.) They played until they were totally worn out.

A Virginia Christmas - 2007

God blessed us with time with family for Christmas. We were so excited to see our loved ones! We were able to see Shannon's brother and family during the first part of our visit. Then, Stan's brothers and sister and their families came later. This was truely special because it is not often that Stan's entire family is together. It was wonderful! The girls enjoyed some "cousin time". Stan and I spent time with our cousins, too. What a wonderful, precious time!

Our Thanksgiving Tree

"...but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" Psalm 66:19-20



We have a new addition to our Christmas decorations this year....a Thanksgiving Tree!
For the past couple of years, we have been keeping an answered prayer and blessings notebook. (Some of you are in there!) At the end of each month, we sit down as a family and read the answered prayers and blessings that God has given in that particular month. (And we usually follow up with a dessert!) This year at Thanksgiving, we chose some "major" prayers and blessings for our family and typed them on cards to hang on a special tree. (All answered prayers and blessings from God are major!) We also hung the "Adornaments" on this tree that state the names of God and their explanations. This tree stands in our entrance to remind us as we come and go that Christmas is about Jesus and that He is living and active in our lives. Thanks to Mrs. Pat for the idea!