The Zoo

Saturday we went to the Zoo. I love going at this time of the year. The weather was perfect for walking around and the animals were up and about.

Lincoln's first trip to the Zoo. He is the best accessory!

Pete the Cat even made the trip:)

Lincoln did great! He loved looking at animals through the glass. As we would go past animals he would kick his legs and scream.

Jackson said his favorite animals today were the monkeys with blue and red faces and rear ends. The male one decided to mate with the female one while we were there. Jackson laughed and asked why they were fighting each other! I think I am still traumatized!

Silly boys!

Having a great time together!

Brian and Jackson watched Ice Age Christmas 4D.

The boys were all smiles when left. I call that a successful day!

What a fun family day!

Thankful

I am so thankful to have spent the last 16 days at home with my little guys. We enjoy the Christmas festivities, a few play dates, Target trips, but mainly hung out together at home. 

I love having no agenda but playing! 

(And being able to do the laundry and have a somewhat clean house during the week.)

Here are a few iPhone pics from our time together:

Playing at the park

Early morning cartoons and playing

 Playing in our pajamas

Mommy working out, brothers playing

 Story time

 Craft time

Movie nights and snuggles

I tried to savor each moment and be present with my boys. I rocked Lincoln to nap each time and held him for a long time, slept a night in Jackson's bed, and did only what needed to be done for school. I know tomorrow my heart will hurt when I drop my boys off at school. How many days until summer?:)

The New Year

2013 was a year I will not forget! God's faithfulness, protection, healing, and love were wildly evident in our life this year. May was the biggest month of the year for us. Brian went to the ER, spent a night in the hospital, and a few days later Lincoln joined our family 3 weeks early. The peace and strength I had during that time only comes from the One who is worthy. 

We celebrated the end of the year with friends and fireworks.

Jackson said the fireworks were the best thing of the whole year, ha! 

New Year's Day was spent as a family. I love our little family and our time together.

It was a beautiful day! We spent some time outside playing at the park.

We also did some bowling. These boys make everything so much more fun and challenging.:)

LOVE

I am praying for complete healing for Brian's body and that God's plan is done in our lives this year. 

And, because Jackson is such a challenge I am claiming the verse below as my verse for the year. I am praying that Jackson will grow in the Lord, his heart will be transformed, and my boys will see more of Him in me.

Hello 2014!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning started at 6:45 when Jackson climbed in our bed. He was excited and wanted to open presents right away. 

We made him wait for presents until Lincoln got up at 7:30. He was content to look through his stocking and eat a few goodies. 

Daddy read the Christmas story and then we opened presents. Jackson is the best to give anything to. He reaction to presents is priceless. He said multiple times, "I've wanted this for years and years!"

Lincoln was pretty content with just the wrapping paper! Jackson made sure he was right there to help Lincoln do it right.:)

After presents we ate breakfast and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. We continued the tradition of monkey bread and added an egg casserole to balance out all the sugar.

Jackson got Daddy the Duck Commander Hunting game. It was all his idea! Smart boy! They spent some time on Christmas hunting ducks, frogs, and beavers.

Christmas morning pic

It was a great day celebrating all the Savior has done for us and hanging out with the two best gifts money can't buy: 

#1

#2

 “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. " Luke 2:10-11

Christmas Eve

Brian had to work during the day on Christmas Eve. The boys and I had a lazy morning at home. 

Jackson and I did some snow painting. He loves to create!

We enjoyed the weather outside and spent some time walking and playing soccer.

We got ready for the Christmas Eve church service.

First Christmas with the four of us!

After a great message on JOY, we came home and Jackson opened up his pajamas. He was so disappointed when he opened up his present and it was a box of granola bars. He really thought that was what it was! We ate pizza and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Then Jackson left Santa cookies, milk, and some candy and sprinkled out his Reindeer food.

It was my turn to lay with Jackson at bedtime. He was so excited to go to bed. Normally he wants me to rub his back and talk to him, but not this night. He kept saying, "I'm trying to go to sleep. Let me sleep Mom, please!"

I laid out the presents and stuffed the stockings and then went to bed just as excited as Jackson.

Such a fun day of family and traditions!

Merry Christmas!

I love the Christmas story. It IS the best story in all of history!! Without it life is impossible and worthless, but God sent His son and because of that the battle has been won. He is love and because of Him we are not consumed. Let us worship him today (and everyday)!

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psalm 95:6

More Holiday Spirit

We have been busy enjoying this holiday season as a family. Jackson's excitement is contagious!

We hosted our Sunday school Christmas Party again this year.

 Girls vs Boys in Christmas lights scavenger hunt; it was a lot of fun!

It is better to give than receive!  

 Christmas baking and delivering goodies to our neighbors and teachers. 

 I love seeing FOUR stocking hung on the fireplace. Lincoln is our best gift this year!

 Some Christmas art

 Who doesn't love red and green pancakes?

Just some of my gifts from my students. They were so good to me!

Enjoying the Crazy Christmas Show in their pajamas!

 Lots of puppets, singing, and the message of Jesus

Santa Cow

Only three more links left on our Christmas chain!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."