Sorry Lady... And a Christmas Prayer funny

I think we bothered a lady at the store today...

She was a nice, grandmotherly type, and she asked my kids if Santa was going to visit our house very soon.  Kiera told her right up front "Santa's not real!" 

I tried to soften it a little by saying "But Mommy and Daddy put presents under the tree..."  But she was already disturbed.  She said "Oh, well... Happy Holidays," with a not-so-happy look on her face.   I made sure to say "Merry Christmas!" as she walked away.

Just another moment feeling awkward because we choose to do our parenting thing differently.  

Oh well~  Merry Christmas!!  *grin*
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The other night, while praying...
Melia:  "And Jesus, thank you that we just don't celebrate a tree at Christmas, or presents, or Rudolph, or Santa, or Satan, but we celebrate how you came to earth to die for our sins..."

And Kiera:  "Jesus, thank you that you came and died for our sins on Christmas..."

We were really having to hold in the giggles that night!  But at least they're getting it, right?!!

Isaac's first Christmas, Sick- 2011

I thought I would photograph Isaac opening his gifts from the Elliott side so everyone can see how he loved his presents :-)

 Wooden sound puzzle from Great-Gma Elliott

Tool set from Ken and Brenda

 Buildable Big Truck from Sissy (part of the kids' exchange)

Fire Truck Track Puzzle from Roy and Lois

Adventurer Rig from Great-Gma Elliott



Video Game Portraits

Isaac did this all on his own... Which was hilarious because he looked so much like his Daddy with the headphones and video game controller (except, Gabe pointed out when I posted it on FB, that Gabe does NOT sit on the couch in his underwear- Just clarifying!)

And of course, when I HAD to take his picture, then I absolutely HAD to take everyone else's picture too.

And I'm glad I did, cause they turned out pretty cute too!

My Decorator

Kiera decorated the house for me yesterday.  She was giggling to herself, and I asked her what was so funny... this is what I found...

She said something along the lines of "it already feels like a party!" 

"I think it's time to break out those Christmas decorations Gabe!  Gabe?  Gabe...  Hon, where is it in the barn that you stashed those??"

Isaac's Artistic Talent

I am thankful the toothpaste is peppermint flavored... otherwise who knows how much he'd have eaten!  But he came running to me saying his tongue was "HOT!"

Isaac, practicing his cutting skills with monkey scissors :-)

A little mixin' in the kitchen...Edited...

I finally got around to remembering to buy the ingredients for Russian Tea, which Mom and Dad introduced the kids to while they were camping and we were in Utah!  I happened to have a little jar at home, but that was QUICKLY emptied by my two little addicts!

We seriously laughed at Melia's goofy head tilt in this shot!

And Kiera was adamant that I show her Wenatchee Wild tattoo in this one... SO attractive, I know!  ;-)

Added Note:  For the record, Isaac loves it too.  This morning I found him dipping a spoon into the jar and licking off the powder.  He's pretty hardcore.  :-)

I found the lair of Thomas and Friends....

 Look closely.... Need it closer?  See below...

One guess who's lair this really is...  ;-)

30 days of Thanksgiving: Part One

I really enjoy doing this every year, even if I only do it in my head!  So this year I though I would write down 30 days worth in 3 days, if I can find the time *sigh* But I'll give it a shot... and include some verses I've been thankful for as well.

1.  I am so thankful for God's provision.  Even when I stress, He always takes care of us and reminds me that I need not worry.  "Be still, and know that I am God.." (Psa 46:10)

2.  I am so thankful for God's faithfulness.  Even now I have a couple "thoughts" about some scripture that I've been pondering for nearly a year, but my faith does not waver because I know that if He brought something to my attention, it's because He has a treasure for me at the end.  "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter."  (Pro 25:2)

3.  I am so thankful for God's sanctifying lessons.  Though often uncomfortable, I can look back and see the walk He's led me on and appreciate the person He is molding me into in place of the one I once was.  "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ..." (Phil 1:6)

4.  I am so thankful for God's people.  I am learning to appreciate that we are all on different walks with Him, and each is unique.  While we may not agree or understand the priorities or callings of others, we are still one body.  "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."  (1 John 1:7)

5.  I am thankful for God's comfort.  Life hurts.  It just plain does.  People can be so hurtful and have no idea of their actions or words.  I know I am the same way.  But when we abide in Him, we can know that His opinion is the only one that matters in the end, and it is He who we must follow.  "This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life."  (Ps 119:50)

6.  I am thankful for God's peace.  Depending upon your perspective, the world is on a variety of perilous paths.  But I know that He is in control, no matter how out-of-control everything appears.  "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?" (Ps 2:1)

7.  I am thankful of God's sovereignty.  He knows all and sees all.  No action or thought passes by Him, and all will pay the price or reap the rewards of their earthly existence.  "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgements."  (Rev 16:7)

8.  I am SO thankful for God's Redeemer!  "..Behold!  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)

9.  I am thankful for God's love.  I don't think there are words to describe His love... but many grateful tears.

10.  I am thankful for God's victory.  We have hope; not in this life, but in our Savior and our future with Him.  "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "That I will raise to David a branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and righteousness in the earth."  (Jer 23:5)

Kiera's Breakfast

Two small corn tortillas
olives
brocolli (raw)

Hmmmm...  But she said "YUM!"

A few Kiera nuggets...

While we were shopping the other day, Kiera was going nuts over all the "stuff" she was seeing and wanting.  Finally I just spit out "Kiera!  Why do you want SO much stuff?"  She replies back, matter-of-factly, "Mommy!  I am just a little girl with big dreams!" 


This week, on our way up to Gma Nae's house... Kiera pipes up from her seat, "Mom, could you pick it up to Kangaroo Speed?"  (Which, for the record, is up to 50 mph...  I was only doing 40.   Not nearly fast enough for her...)