Thanksgiving Chapel

Alex and the Head of School during Thanksgiving prayer

Since he was an infant, we have spoken Ephesians 2:10 over Alex...

You are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.

This year, Alex's kindergarten teacher shared with us that she would like for him to lead the entire student body, faculty, staff and the students' families in a prayer of his own words at the school's Thanksgiving chapel. She asked us if we would talk with him about it and see if he would be willing.

I immediately thought of that verse. And I knew that God was breathing life into it for Alex. 

When we talked to Alex about this opportunity, we wanted to open his eyes to the bigger picture of what we believed was happening. This was about more than a simple prayer. This was something that God had determined long ago and had prepared just for Alex – just like His Word had promised. And that just like Moses, God would equip him with the words and the courage to do this job.

For the last several months, I have been praying for God to help me "build a case" of the evidences of His existence. Not for my own faith, but for the boys'. When they are met with the doubters and unbelievers in this world who will, undoubtedly, question them on their beliefs, I want them to stand firm and know why they believe what they do. Not just that this is what they've been taught to believe. I want them to see where God has been at work, both in the world and in them.

The bible is full of the evidences of God's goodness and faithfulness. I also believe that our faith and relationship with the Lord blossoms when it becomes personal to us. When we see God moving in our own lives in a way that only He can. When He speaks to us one-on-one. With each of those personal experiences, our foundation becomes a little more solid. And so when the questions are flying and the hard times set in, we can reflect back on all He has done for us and be rest assured, that He is faithful to do what He has said He would.

In keeping with His Word, God reached out His hand and presented an opportunity for good works that He had planned for Alex long ago, and Alex took hold. A piece of the foundation set into place.

His tender little heart, both courageous and demure spoke these words at Thanksgiving chapel...

Thank you, God, that the Indians and the Pilgrims helped each other to make it through the winter. And thank you for our friends at Faith Christian School. Amen.

And, thank you, God, for this precious gift. The "evidence," the willing heart, and the work that you are doing to grow Alex. Amen.

He's growing up

Naps come few and far between these days. In hopes of capturing this sweet face resting so peacefully, I tiptoed down our creaky old stairs as quietly as I could to grab my camera and return to snap this moment in time while I had a chance. There won't be too many more like these, I know. He's growing up.

Last spring, Roo started speech therapy at our local elementary school with a wonderful speech therapist. Over the summer, the mispronounced words I regarded as so "him" began to evolve into correctly formed words that even a stranger wouldn't struggle to understand. Another sign of growing up.

I will miss hearing "yes, pa'am" instead of "yes, ma'am."

"So sute" instead of "so cute."

"Pampakes" instead of "pancakes."

"Bekbast" instead of "breakfast."

"Yert" instead of "dessert."

Some of his "signature words" that I had to let go of so that he could move forward. A recurring theme of motherhood, I suppose. Letting go so that they can soar.

I do love what each new season brings. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't also mourn the passing of time. Trying to enjoy the magic of each day...

Snow Day Fun

It was fun while it was here, but I'm glad spring has come. 

Kiwi Chefs

Another successful Kiwi Crate completed – this time, chef style.



Getting their utensils in place...



By the end, my chefs may have transformed into sword spoon fighters.





As big a Kiwi Crate fan as I've ever seen. =)

Snow Day

Not sure that 1/8" of snow that melts by 11a really warrants a day off of school, but, hey, we'll take it. We scraped together what we could for some snowball fights, and then topped off the fun with hot cocoa piled high with whipped cream, marshmallows and sprinkles. #morefunin2015

A Science Experience

A while back I bought a foam and fizz science kit off of Zulily for the boys. Alex LOVES science. The best part of his week is going to science club after school and doing all kinds of "experience" – that's his version of experiments. These pictures pretty much sum up how he feels about the subject as a whole! I love watching him learn. =)

Less is More

My number one focus for this year is to bring more of this back into our home. My heart just delights in the sound of it.

It's been a tough season around here. The last few months have taken more than I have had to give, and my well has run dry. Regrettably, these sweet things have gotten the short-end of the stick from me. Jerry, too, if I'm being completely honest. But I am ready for a season of change.

On the way back from our Texas Christmas Vacation (which I do hope to write about soon), Jerry and I talked about how we want 2015 to be the year of "less is more." Who knows all the different ways that it will ultimately play out, but for now, our goal is fewer commitments to activities and service involvement so that we can focus on more quality time with our family.

The bottom line is this: we want to create more fun for our family this year.

Our first step is to lessen the load on our plate. We are in the process of making that happen. We've long believed that serving has its seasons. Sometimes you go full-throttle and pour into others, other times you need to let off the gas and get filled up yourself. We are choosing to enter into the latter. I already feel a weight lifted.

We've also become intentional about looking for fun things for our family to do together. Some big, some small. Some with the kids, and some just for Jerry and me. My list is ever-growing of ways for our family to create memories this year.

What I know is this. I want our kids to feel like we enjoy them and that we enjoy spending time with them. Because we do. I also want them to see their parents making time for each other. Regularly. So that they know and feel love overflowing in our home.

Admittedly, I wouldn't describe myself as a "fun person," but I'm looking forward to challenging myself this year - haha! So, here's to 2015. And less being more. =)