Guess What Nate Wants for Christmas?.......

Just A Few Words......

We arrived home last night after spending a week in PA to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. It was really nice to spend time with some of our family. We never get to see everyone we would like during this trip.....but thankfully we'll be back in December for Christmas and will have more time to do some visiting. 

I have a ton of thoughts swimming around in my head. Jared laughs at me when I tell him that I need to "organize my thoughts." It's so true though. I have lots of things I need to get in order....just like everyone else this time of year. 

Today has been a rainy, cold and dreary day...my favorite, (I'm serious)...it's what I like to call a cozy day.....where we get to stay warm inside and stay in our jammies if we like {smile}  "The Littles" are napping and the "big boys" are keeping busy with action figures and magnetix.  I've accomplished some tasks on my to-do list today.....so.....if you'll excuse me, there is a cup of coffee that is begging to be sipped.

Enjoy this photo of Luke I took while back in PA....he was totally hamming it up while we were there....Noah has taught him everything he knows about performing for an audience!

Nate's New Smile.....

I have one excited little boy. He has anxiously been waiting to lose his top two front teeth.  He pulled it out himself! One down....and one to go.

He was ultra excited this morning when he discovered money under his pillow.  Noah gave Nate his old wallet.....it was so sweet. 

I am trying to get used to Nate's new smile. Of course he looks super cute....only a matter of time before the other one comes out.  Then...when those adult teeth come in....that's when their looks really start to change...and mature...sigh.

The Little Pencil Pusher....

Usually when I hear Noah say, "Mom, come look at your son!"....it isn't good. But a couple of days ago, I got a big kick out of Luke and his tiny pencil.  

All a set up by Noah.....it was so funny. He found a mini pencil for his baby brother and showed him how to hold it correctly. 

Luke thought he was cool stuff of course. I wish Noah would stop showing him how to do big boy things....I am trying to hold on to my baby for as long as I can!

Where Has The Time Gone?.....

 Since moving to Indiana just a few months ago, I look back and think....just where has the time gone? I mean Thanksgiving is just around the corner....which means Christmas is going to be here before we know it.  Only a couple of months left in 2011....so hard to believe. And oh my what a year it has been for this family!

I love to journal....if you haven't figured that out by now {smile}.  And this blog is just that....an online photo journal if you will. I am trying to capture life, the simple and perhaps mundane to some....but to me I count it all as precious, life is a blessing.  Since most of our family and friends are miles away, I love the fact that it is so easy share with those who want to see every  haircut and new tooth, as well as preserving these memories for our lovies to have when they are older and have families of their own. (You can get a blog printed into a book form. It would be nice to have as a hard copy to pass along through the generations.)

So this post is to let you know what we have been doing with our time these days. Enjoy the photos of Noah and Nate building clocks from a bunch of bits and pieces with their Daddy.....they both love to build things, so this was a perfect way to help reinforce to Noah, the concept of telling time....and a great way to introduce Nate to this concept.....yea, we're total homeschoolers. 

Jared is settling in with his new job. He is crazy busy.....but always home in time for dinner....something that I try not to take for granted. I appreciate the days he wakes up extra early so that he can be home to spend the evenings with us. 

I always say a prayer for his students....not because I think Jared is a hard professor.....just because I feel bad that they are taking Biochemistry....I'm so thankful that those days are over for me. And yes....since Jared is the scientist, he does science with our lovies for school!

Ok, I am going to be serious for a minute. I do have to say, that even though what Jared does is 98% over-my-head......his zeal for science is pretty inspiring. He actually gets excited about this stuff......and I love that about him.  God has opened His eyes in a mighty way.....Jared is in awe over God's complexity and intricate design. Jared deals with proteins, enzymes and microtubules....(and yes, I had to ask him how to spell that last one.)  And he does alot of other important sciency things too, (ok, I just made that word up). 

Noah can't wait until he gets to work in Daddy's lab with him. Awesome friends that Jared went to grad school with just sent 4 white lab coats, with each of our lovies names on them. How cool is that. Instead of 4 little lovies I will have 4 little nerds....that was a joke for my sweet husband. And thank you Troy and Lisa for those lab coats.....I will definitely be posting a photo of them!

Noah keeps busy and spends his time working on school, playing outside and climbing trees....of course. Right now we are studying the Revolutionary War and he is  interested in the guns and different weapons that were used.....not surprising that this is his main interest. He attends the Dangerous Boys Club on Wednesday evenings, and loves to get together with his buddies. He likes to whittle with his Daddy's pocket knife and is currently taking guitar lessons.  He can be such a big help with the little ones. He is at a really interesting age...trying to find his place, and is really maturing in some areas, but still that little kid with a vivid imagination.

Nate is growing like a weed....they all are. His two top front teeth are really loose....they'll be out by Christmas I am guessing. I don't know why, but I think kids look so adorable when they have their two front teeth missing.....not as attractive on an adult though.  He loves playing outside, and has also taken to climbing trees, however, he is not quite as dangerous as Noah. Nate goes to a group on Wednesday evening called "Little Lambs" and loves it. He is doing great with school and is reading really well. His mind and the way he thinks is quite fascinating to say the least. He is still into legos, is taking piano lessons,  and is a movie buff. I think he asks to have family movie night just about every day.

Lauren....you know the little girl who had two broken legs less than two months ago....yea her, well you would never know it now. She is running and jumping like an energetic two year old. She is finally potty trained....only one left in diapers. I though I would be sad once I was down to only one in diapers...but no, it's actually kind of nice!  She loves her books (Beatrix Potter is her favorite author) and her wooden puzzles. She spends much of her time playing with her babies and trying to convince Luke to let her hold him....it is quite a sight when he crawls up on her lap, he is such a chunk. She is a little mother hen at heart.....which melts this mama's heart. 

Luke is chubby....and so cuddly. He is still in toddler mode, and those of you with toddlers, or those who can remember those days are smiling right now I'm sure.  Just click on Luke's name on the side bar and you will see what he has been up to. I have photos of him dumping out the crayons, destroying legos, and being a messy eater. What I do not have photos of are of Luke unplugging my vaccuum half a dozen times while I am trying to sweep, playing in the toilet, stepping out on the front porch and ringing the door bell over and over again, throwing a glass across the dining room, shattering it into a million pieces....just for fun, and um let's see...oh yea, pressing the bright blue button on our computer tower, usually while someone is using it.  If I am going to be fair....he does love books and likes to color and play babies with his sister. He also likes to dance and do splits. 

As for me.....I am still trying to play catch-up from the move. Yes...we still have boxes in our garage that have yet to be unpacked. However, as time moves along we are feeling more and more settled. I spend most of my time being a homemaker....a God-given role that I feel truly honored to  fulfill....only by the grace of God of course.  Just trying to keep the house in order, meals on the table, cleaning and laundry done, (ok, so my laundry is never really actually done), planning our homeschool lessons and of course homeschooling our kids. Making sure that I spend time with my sweet husband and most importantly that I am getting into The Word everyday. It totally shows when my devotional time is weak.  And with all of my extra time, I like to read and try to journal often and of course try to keep up with my blog. 

I am planning to do an upcoming homeschool post. Just a little something to help answer some questions about what is it that we actually do.  Lauren and Luke of course are too young for anything overly structured. We just do alot of reading, coloring, playdough, puzzles and pretend play. Although they can be a handful, they really are at fun ages. 

Jared and I each attend a Bible study once a week and host small group in our home each Sunday after church. I know I've said it before, but we are so very thankful for the family away from family that we have been blessed with. It is always difficult moving to an area where you don't really know anyone. But the families at our church have been so warm, and it has been great getting to know folks. 

We get together with other families for dinner at least once a week, which is a huge change for us. I was shamefully lacking in my hospitality skills, and basically didn't make too much of an effort to have people over on a regular basis. Not that I am the hostess with the mostess by any means....but I now see the necessity in making an effort in getting together with others on a regular basis to help in building strong friendships. Yes, it can be alot of work...but is it worth it...absolutely. 

I know this was a lengthy post. I do this every once in a while....felt like the time was right. Especially since the holidays will be fast approaching, and although I do plan to post often, it will mainly be just of our everyday photos.

Enjoy the remainder of these photos. Both boys have their clocks proudly displayed on each of their dressers.  I love these times they get to spend with their daddy. 

Time is going to keep moving forward, and I will hold these photos precious in helping to enjoy these memories for many years to come. 

I love these five special people that God has blessed me to share my life with....and I need to remember each day, never to take this life for granted....but to be thankful in all things. 

Noah just being Noah.....

 I was trying to think of a title for this blog post....and it just dawned on me that what you are about to view is just a little glimpse of Noah being Noah.

The other day I asked him if he would rather work on his math or go climb a tree....he grinned from ear to ear, grabbed his boots and dashed outside. (We don't always ditch school to go enjoy the beautiful sunshine....but just maybe sometimes we do!)

Climbing trees is his thing these days. Does it make me nervous?  Well, it really used to I do have to admit.  I have certainly grown in this area and tend not to be as nervous when he is practically to the top of the tree.  I realize that he is a boy....and boys like to climb trees.

 Of course I always make sure to at least say, "Be careful Sweetie", and before the worry starts to well up inside of me,  Noah always replies, " I will Mom, don't worry." And he's right, I shouldn't worry. He is an 8yr. old boy who has always loved to climb and explore. 

So when I look out into the back yard and don't see him running around, I just have to look up in one of our trees, and sure enough....there he is. The hardest part of all of his tree climbing is  getting the sap out of his hair!  It is so worth it to Noah though.

Just Plain Fun.....

It's that time of year.....Leaf Jumpin' Time! One of our lovies most favorite things to do....especially Nate....this kid has been dying for his Daddy to rake up the leaves so he could jump in them. They were all eager and helped out, but I was a little nervous that we wouldn't have enough for a nice big safe fluffy pile. 

Although our pile is not near as large as it has been in the past, their Daddy pulled through and raked enough for them to do cannon balls in, (that would be Noah of course doing those.)

Lots of squealing, laughter, and leaves all through their hair.  I  love to see them get excited over the little things in life....these four little people inspire me to find joy in the simple things that could easily be overlooked.  I am thankful to my lovies and my hub for reminding me everyday of God's blessings......and to God for putting these special people in my life to remind me of His amazing grace.

This is Luke....

This is one of Luke's poses we see him do everyday....and every time it makes us laugh. He seriously thinks he is the coolest kid ever when he stands like this.....he's too much!

The Gospel Pumpkin.....

 After choosing a pumpkin at the farm, our lovies are always eager to carve a silly face on it. And every year their Daddy takes this time to talk about The Gospel with them.  

He starts off by talking about what it means to be a Christian.  And that immediately leads to teaching them about sin....and the sinful nature we are all born with.

When we grasp what sin really is, and the just punishment that we deserve as sinners...it should make us stop in our tracks, and really think about this life now, and what happens when this life is over.

Lots of people don't like, or even want to think about that, it's too deep and makes them feel uncomfortable whether they admit it or not....God has never said in His Word, that being a believer is supposed to be comfortable....in fact, since I have become a believer He is constantly taking me out of my comfort zone to live a life for Him.

I  have seen different responses to sin....here are a few...

Unfortunately, an all to common response....well, I know I'm not perfect, but I'm a good person...and really not coming to terms with the fact that they do indeed sin against a holy God and do need a Savoir, no matter how small they think their sin is, and no matter how hard they try to earn their way to heaven.....you can't earn eternity, it is a gift.

....or some just flat out believe....there is no God and I answer to no one, when your're dead your dead, end of story, and that's just plain scary to me.

There are some people who are convicted by the Holy Spirit and not only recognize their sin, understanding that they were born with a sinful nature, and are sorrowful which leads to  repentence, seeking to turn away from leading a life of rebellion. Understanding that they do not  have the power within themselves to earn their way to heaven, to have eternal life....no matter how hard one could try....and that the only way to be right with God is to confess their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savoir....believing with their whole heart that God indeed sent His only Son into this world to take on the punishment that we so justly deserve.....clinging to the hope that is in Christ, in His life, death and resurrection, and the forgiveness from our sins that we have through Him.

God extends His beautiful hand of Grace to sinners. When you are trying to help an 8, 6, 2, and 1 yr. old, understand sin....using a visual illustration is sometimes helpful.  So as they removed the top of the pumpkin and looked in and saw all of the yucky stuff inside, Jared talked more in detail about the yuckiness that we all have inside of us...and that it is only by God's grace that our hearts are changed, and the yuckiness cleaned out. 

Yes...Christians still sin...every day. Having said that, the difference between the believer and unbeliever is where our hope lies and where we will spend eternity. As believers we have confessed our sins, and know that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. It is by the work of His Holy Spirit that He continues to conform us to the image of His Son...a process called sanctification. 

As you can see Nate's face when seeing the yuckiness inside the pumpkin....as believers this should be our response....to be repulsed by our sin, and to prayerfully seek God for strength and wisdom to live this life pleasing and honoring to Him....which I will confess is much easier said than done.  

But we must not wallow in our sin....that is where we must cling to Christ.  A heart of humility, understanding that it is God who has done a gracious work in our hearts. 

If you are still reading this post.....I know this is alot to digest....maybe you gave up reading and are just looking at the cute photos of my lovies.

Or maybe you are still reading....and thinking....and maybe you are feeling a bit uncomfortable that I am talking about this on my blog.

Maybe you are a believer and are nodding as you are reading this....praying for those you love  that are not yet saved.

God has entrusted our 4 little lovies into our care. Their lives are an enormous blessing and even greater responsibility to us.  At times our hearts are burdened because we are reflecting on the example that we are setting for them, and we recognize our failure in areas....however, God does a mighty work as we raise our lovies. He is humbling us, leading us to rely on Him. We do hold to the truth that it is God who does the changing, and as parents we must be obedient to the calling that God has given to us to raise our children in a Christian home.

So this is our Gospel Pumpkin with it's silly smile. 

God provides plenty of daily opportunities for Jared and I to teach our lovies about our amazing Lord. We hope that as they grow and have families of their own, that God would bless the upcoming generations with salvation. And that our lovies would think of their Dad and his message about sin and forgiveness each time they carve a pumpkin with their own little lovies. 

God's love is truly amazing....that He would send His only Son to die for sinners.

"...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,...."

Romans 3 23-24