Wednesday, November 30, 2011

1st Corinthians 13: Christmas Style

"First Corinthians 13 : The Christmas Version"

"If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. 
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child; Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse; Love is kind, even when harried and tired. 
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of LOVE will endure." 
(Thanks to Amy Barnes at Land of Fluff for reminding me of this awesome poem!)

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Music that Moves my Heart

Nothing quite moves my heart the way my boy does when he strums on his acoustic guitar...
Instead of his usual practice in his room, he decided to casually play at the fireplace this day...which attracted a little sister to his feet
and made for a very happy Momma cooking in the kitchen across the way 
So thankful for his dedication to learn this amazing instrument!
(stay tuned...he is also taking piano now!)

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving I, II & III

What a BLESSED Thanksgiving we had this year!
Began with me and the Abby Lou getting a yummy lunch together on Wednesday
Then our Family Festivities begin Wednesday night! 
Mimi's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
That is actually Aunt Cindy you are seeing below. Having her in our life is like having a 5th G'ma...oh how my kids are LOVED.
Then there's "Uncle" Cal. 
One Word: Keeper.   We adore him.
The ladies in leopard
Our Hostess(es) w/ the Mostess
Uncle Bob & Aunt Gayle
They Rocked!! 
Greg, Uncle Brad, & his 13 yr old son Zach - who I affectionately refer to as Greg's "Mini Me" 
Strangely enough, I met my Honey just 1 yr from this stage...23 years ago!!
Our *Guests of Honors* arrive ~ John, Stephanie, Hudson & Lily 
Gather together for prayer before feasting
Girl table
Boy Table
Hungry Hungry Boy!
Sleeping Beauty exemplifies what we all felt like doing :-)
Will shows Hudson the features of the Theater Room
Thursday Morning
Nana & Grandad's Annual Thanksgiving Brunch
Will loading up on pancakes, pigs in a blanket, and bacon!
 Pinterest *Thanksgiving Blessing Mix*
Time to Dine!
Kids escape upstairs for some Wii time!
Will requests for his cube to be "mixed up"
and proceeds to show off his skills...and the boy's got 'em!
Grandkids gather for pic
girly grands
Thursday afternoon
Head to mid-town to visit one of my BF's from HS ~  Jolene
She welcomed me to sample her family's Lebanese Smorgasbord!
And oh did I ever!! 
Thursday Evening
Oma & Grandpa's Thanksgiving Dinner
Oma showing off her youngest grand (Tanner) to Mimi
The three youngest g-daughters ~ Emma, Abby & Ella
The Whole Gang
(annual King Christmas pic)
Time to Eat!!!!
line 'er up...and Oma serves you up!
kid table
Two lil' dudes dine at the island
Friday Night
Mi Cocina with another one of my BF's from High School ~ Ashley
So much Fun!
It was an eventful few days full of family, friends & fellowship!!
No stress, no gifts...just wholesome FUN!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Indians, Pilgrims and 5th Graders...Oh My!

My littlest guy's very last ELP Pow Wow
His Pre K 5 Class
preparing to beat that drum
The festivities commence
my lil' Indian
 Next Stop...JSE for Ella's 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Play
They all did such a GREAT job!!
My lil' Pilgrim
So proud of my quietest one coming out of her shell!
Next Stop (and yes...all in one day)
JEI 5th Grade Colonial Days
Abby learned how to churn butter, have afternoon tea etiquette 
and make a homemade game out of string.
It was a wild & wonderful day to be a Mom! 
Just missed seeing my 7th grader - no more invites after 6th grade :-(

Saturday, November 19, 2011

*We Haz Jazz*

Monday night we had the pleasure of experiencing the fabulous Jenks Intermediate 5th grade production ~ *We Haz Jazz!
Abby played the role of "Cindy"

Jazz hands of course :-)
a lil' dancin
The Blues


swaying
dance #
speaking role


Taking a bow
Grandad & Nana
Grandpa, Mimi & Oma
Her biggest fans of all :-)
had to get a shot of these two in their matching purple shirts
Abby, Savannah & Katie
Jazzy goofballs