2 is better than 1

My mother- in- law had grand visions of a beautiful Christmas tree at the lake. She imagined us trolloping through the woods as a giant family, all grand kids in tow, to choose a tree.

However, it really turned out more along the lines of Pa cutting down the tree he chose, sans kids. No worries, it is an East Texas tree, the Clampetts still live.

The Clampetts also have handy, young men who can tie 2 trees together to become one. Two is better than one anyway. :)

The 2 trees or the big kids' enthusiasm scared Larson.

He was lucky to go to bed before the Christmas pageant. I had a few thoughts of the Herdmans, but there was no foul language, just lots of giggles. They traded roles over and over. I think the fact that the tv is ON adds flair as well!

Here are some more pics of the kids exchanging roles. I doubt the real Darth Vadar is this handsome.

Like father, like son. I guess we need a Skywalker costume.

The week before the Christmas break was Open House at dance, I adore watching my pretty girls! It is amazing to me that they are 7 and 9! Where does the time go? Don't answer that.

My sweet, sweet babies. I pray you will learn to walk in the way of the Lord, in His laws. Dear Lord, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isa 26:8

As we bend and grow, mold us more like You. Make our hearts teachable so that we may glorify Your name through our small, small world. I thank you for my family. I pray my children will learn to encourage one another in the Word as they walk with Our Faithful Redeemer. It is a blessing to have one another, let us never take a day of it for granted. 2 is better than 1.

Happy 7th B-day Claire!

Dearest Claire,

I cannot believe you are 7, dear heaven! I am so proud of my sweet, dear girl! I pray this year brings you the richest blessing within God's will. I pray your tender heart remains close to King Jesus as you rest as His sweet princess. May you keep your eyes on Him of everlasting faith. I love you precious girl!

This pic exemplifies your fantastic, funny character!

This pic is from your SISTER's open house dance class, not yours! However, somehow you still managed to perform?!?!?

We are so grateful for YOU and your brother and sister!

A little crafty

I was invited to a cookie exchange and I found an easy way to make 4 dozen cookies. You don't have to make cookies, you just roll marshmallows in Ghirardelli chocolate, Heath bar & candy sprinkles. Amen & Amen!

Cute candle holders: Epson salt or sand with votives. The white candles look neat too!

At school, Claire made clove oranges. I love the way they smell so the kids made a few more today. They look festive with the advent wreath greenery.

My next project is tin can candles, I snatched that idea from a blog link to Nester. Too bad I did not bookmark the link, there are only hundreds to choose from! Maybe next year?

Traditions

Advent is one of our favorite traditions. I have been following some of these posts as well, great ideas for daily advent readings.

We love to make Paula's Cookie Cutouts. I got tired of waiting for her to show up, so I decided to do them myself like last year and the year before that!

I just love to clean up the mess and sweep up every last candy sprinkle known to man.

The best part is sharing them with others!

The lights on our tree

I wish I could see, I wish it everyday.... not really. I get so annoyed trying to get the true effect of the lit tree with my camera. This has been a yearly issue, year after year.

Anyway, it is a senseless complaint since it is only once a year!

As directed by my sister, I used mesh instead of ribbon. However, I only decided to try the mesh after the tree was decorated. I broke a few ornaments so I plan to "switcharoo" next year.

The kids had a blast decorating the kid tree. The pencil tree will not hold many more kiddo ornaments, one can only hang so many hand prints. But thank you Jesus for those little hands!

I spy our elf, Nick Jr., up there too. I bet he gets a daily eye & earful. I am glad the walls don't talk!

Manic Monday

Back to the grind this week, I kinda feel like Claire. I wish someone would carry me!

Is it Fall or just a farce?

With a touch of Fall this week, we busted out the winter clothes. Rain for 2 days allowed for rain boots, really cute ones!

Will even scored a pair of WalMart cowboy boots. They are cowboy/gangsta/superhero boots, what a mix!

I hope they last as long as the cool spell.