Our Christmas

Oats for Christmas breakfast.

Faith reading the Christmas story.

Opening presents.


Sunday morning... at church. They are a bit of book worms!

Getting ready to start Children's Church. Numbers were down this week.

Can you remember what you learned last week? Hmmm.

The bulletin board.

The blue board is out for a game of Zonk.

Our great big gingerbread house.

So, what did you all do for Christmas? Ours was fun. We went to Ron's parent's for Christmas Eve, and we had enjoyed our little family here on Christmas Day, went carolling, sledding (well, some of us), had a birthday cake for Jesus, and Ron visited his Uncle Perk in the hospital. We did CC at church again this Sunday, and I finished up a Christmas story.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering... I got a new camera!!! Yay!!! I got some Christmas money, and was able to get the camera (so nice after months of using a broken one), new meat scissors, lotion, boots, and a big thing of Downy, etc. I know, I am weird, but Downy does something for me... it is rather pricey, and I have tended to purchase cheaper stuff, but if I get Christmas money, who says I can't get it? I got nice gifts from others, as well. Aunt Pam, I love those sweaters... you have very good taste in clothing!!! My secret sister got me a very nice present... a very cute lamp-like candle... I was in love with it from the start!

My children had a nice Christmas, as well. Legos, each some type of clothing, a swing set, boots, coloring books, a child's sewing machine, some dollar items, books, a telescope/microscope, a Patch the Pirate album, etc. It was a lot for three little children. Grandparents do have a way of sometimes spoiling; the youngins. There was lots of singing, laughing, playing, and eating going on! And, oh yes, they certainly like the Patch CDs!

I still have yet to go to my folks' for Christmas. I am looking forward to that, as well.

I am trying to upload a video of Ron and the two older girls going sledding, but I am not sure it is going to work... it is taking a very long time. So, if there is a blank spot on this post, you'll know what happened.

"Today's the best day of my life"

Said a certain six year old yesterday. She was so happy that she could be an angel in the Christmas program... actually, all my girls were angels in the Christmas program. They were cute. The Children's Church sang yesterday morning, and my children sang last night (Faith playing the piano for them). Really cute!!! They forgot the rest of the words in the middle of the second verse of Away In A Manger last night, and decided to hum the rest. Cracked me up! We had a cookie fellowship after church... there were serious amounts of cookies there! Faith was so overwhelmed by all the festivities, that she said that it was the best day of her life! She said it was just so fun! By the way, she says she has prayed for "the gift" like Kim Collingsworth... that is her goal, I think. Faith and Charity decided to walk to the front of the church last night to tell who led them to Jesus... Charity is actually talking and singing in front of people... Scrape me off the floor! I thought the girl was shy! I guess the winds are changing.
The girls have been having many fun days around here with all the snow, and Daddy's love for taking them sledding. They are such fun little people. Sad to say that yesterday's pics from church did not turn out... boo on the broken camera... I know, I have used this broken camera for many months now... but, it does sometimes take decent pictures. If Mamas got to have a Christmas list, I would put a new camera, a piano tuning, and a clean house at about the top. These gifts would actually benefit the whole family, but those are not your one dollar kind of gifts. I get a bit sad when I find out I have no decent pictures of Faith's "best day of her life."
Then, I think, in the light of things, how unimportant that is... when I found out about the precious Dotson family situation last night, might heart broke... I could hardly keep myself from crying on the way home from church. For those of you who know them, you know about the loss of Tim a few years ago, but then, yesterday, some of her children were in a terrible car wreck involving a semi. I was told her 15 year old was very badly injured. I don't know how she is today. Dear Dotson family, I just want you to know I am praying for you. I love you guys, and appreciate you very much. My heart is so breaking for you, and I am asking anyone who reads my blog to please pray for you all. Really pray!!!

What are we doing?

Well, let's just jump right in.

Faith's UTI is NOT gone, and she is on a new antibiotic... seems she has something a bit resistant, I guess. The Strep thing seems to be over, but then, of course, to keep the ball rolling, Hope had to get pink eye! It is a good thing we home school, or my kids would be missin' alot of school.

Faith is reading so very well. I just feel a wee bit proud that it could be done so very effectively at home, and not only does she like to read, she LOVES it! Charity is learning her consonant/vowel blends, and likes school... though she doesn't do it every day... full-time school work will come soon enough. Hope is half way potty-trained. I have her wearing diapers when we are out and at night. She does very well usually when wearing her big girl undies. They are all learning. They are amazing and funny little people. They had a good time today, as they went and hung out with Daddy... sledding, making a snowman, going out for pizza, and jumping all over him... they think he is great!

Ron had a bone density test this week and a pulmonary test... these are follow-up tests, just to make sure those areas are doing well since his treatments. He is keeping busy and still has trouble sitting still for long... that is just his personality... gotta go, go, go.

I am boring. Nothing exciting about me.

We are praying about making some big decisions, and so it would be cool if you would help us pray, too. We just need wisdom to make good choices in these areas.

Christmas is in a week. It is a different Christmas that the previous ones, as the cancer panic seems to have calmed down (well, I still think his every pain and sickness is related, but it is hard to change my mindset). There is no big mountain of presents this time, but that's alright, I just so happen to know what some grandparents have purchased... and, I know it'll be verrrrry exciting!!! We got a few things for them, and I know they will like them. Actually, I know our kids would be excited about coloring books and crayons or Dollar Tree items... and, of course, some edible treats... they excite pretty easily. But, we've got better than that... we've got.... shhhhhhh! Patch the Pirate and a child's Singer sewing machine (bought at the thrift store still in a box!!!!), and I just so happen to know that this will make them very excited! How do I know? Because, I know my kids, and Faith has been begging me to teach her to sew. Ron did pick up a few dollar items as well. I do know that a certain person paid for a very large item, too... a swing set!!! Please, don't tell the girls... they are going to be beside themselves when they see it!

Tomorrow, the girls are doing some things at our church, and there is to be a song played by Faith on the piano. All the girls are to be angels in the little Christmas program. And, in the morning service, my Children's Church group is to sing a couple of songs for the big people. How fun!

Well, I hope you all are staying warm... don't forget to visit the post below to view the girls' recital!

Hope to get some recent pics on here soon of recent happenings! Stay tuned!

Wanna watch the girls' recital?

This was Faith's second recital and Charity's first.
Faith was confused at one point because she thought she was supposed to go ahead and play her second song. Faith has a gift of playing by ear... there are several songs she has messed around with and learned by ear. She is supposed to play at least one of these our church on Sunday. The songs she plays here are very short and simple, but she can do more... but, she needs to pay attention to her music more often.
Charity only plays one song on here, and she was so intimidated by the crowd.
I think you will enjoy this.
www.franklinbmc.org
It's archived there!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Hope Christiana!

Gone are those baby days! Bittersweet. Does anyone remember what happened to the little girl here? I am having trouble remembering... I am thinking she fell off my bed, is that right? Pitiful picture... but I love those eyes! Well, if they weren't red.

This might be here 1 year pic.

Oh, look at that squishy baby!

Safe in Mama's carrier. A warm place to be when it is so cold outside.

Newborn.

If you want to see newer pics, just scroll down to a couple of posts ago... she's a cutie!

Well, our little Hope is now 3. She had her birthday yesterday. I made her and her doll matching gowns and Ron bought her a pack of big girl underclothes... she was so excited! I made her a cake, and her grandparents called to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. She was beaming! Her excitement was so precious. I'll have to take pictures of her gown later.

Today is a busy day again, as the Faith and Charity have their piano recital tonight. They are only playing tiny pieces, but it is still exciting for them.

I feel so very tired today... I have much to do, but I am sooo tired.

But, while I am still awake (as I have been dozing), let me tell you three things that I appreciate about Hope.

1. She is a symbol in our family. She came in a time when we definitely needed "hope". She brought joy in time of sorrow... a gift from God, reminding us He is with us. She lessened my grief when we were dealing with Ron's diagnosis, craniotomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. I had a tiny, squishy, little gift to cuddle and squeeze. So much better than any teddy bear! For sure!

2. She is a comedian at heart, I do believe! She loves to be silly and make people laugh!

3. She is a little version of Ron... well, except she is a girl. But, she seems to act the way I imagine he did at a young age. This plays on my patience, but she has a strong personality, and I can see her doing great things. She is busy... to the extreme! I need hidden alarms all over the house warning me what part of the house is being terrorized next. She really loves the refrigerator. I am so glad to have her, and be her Mama! Even if she is a bit hyperactive. :-)

'Tis the season for fighting illnesses!

We were battling Strep here... well, the kids are passed the contagious stage, since we've had had antibiotics going since Wednesday night. So, now we can step outside... yeah! I am ready to get our of hibernation. We have a busy weekend scheduled, so I am glad the contagious part is over, and the younger girls are very busy being busy.
Now, I would ask for y'all's prayer for Faith. She also has a UTI that needs to be re-evaluated this week. I think she seems to be improving. Amoxicillin, pushing the fluids, and cranberry juice seems to be helping. Please, pray it clears up before she goes back to the doctor! Thanks!

25 days... 25 thanks !

FOR THE 25 DAYS IN DECEMBER LEADING UP TO THE BIG DAY!
GOD HAS GIVEN US SO MUCH!
1. Cute little, hyperactive girls.
2. My wonderful, handsome man.
3. Our warm, snug mobile home.
4. A Christ-centered home.
5. For the talents making themselves quite evident in my children. Hard part is that I am not talented in some of the things they are, and it poses a challenge to help develop those gifts.
6. For my husband's state of remission.
7. For the health of all of us.
8. For a nice church family.
9. For my parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended family.
10. For clothes, shoes, food, and that all our needs are supplied.
11. For the exciting Christmas presents that I know Grandparents have purchased for our children.
12. For my children's laughter.
13. That I have the freedom to home school with my own style... so fun listening to Faith read so well.
14. For books and website resources that help teach me how to be a better mama and wife.
15. For nice neighbors.
16. That we are involved with ministries... not that we are full-time, but being able to do anything for the Lord is a privilege.
17. For my husband's job.
18. For Christmas music.
19. For medicine.
20. For a telephone and Internet, so I can talk to loved ones who are far away.
21. For warm blankets.
22. For the big things!!! God's Word, salvation, peace, and the riches of God's grace.
23. For my sewing machine.
24. For hot, homemade, rich, delicious hot chocolate.
25. That we have survived this world so far.