Kindergarten Christmas Party

Brendan's class had a Christmas party of the last day of school before Christmas Break. They bought and exchanged gifts, played some games and had yummy Christmas cookies and finger jell-o for a snack. What a great way to end school before we celebrated Christmas and the Birth of Jesus.

Gingerbread Train

Brendan is always wanted to help out in the kitchen when I am cooking and baking. And I will be honest, I really don't have the patience for him to always help me. I let him when I am making cut out cookies and just a few other things.

So to help pass the time during Christmas Break, I picked up a gingerbread Train Kit. Everything was in the box and just needed to be put together. I think Brendan had a lot of fun.

Aunt Jodi's Donkey

The Wednesday after Christmas, I took Brendan and Austin to see Aunt Jodi's donkey. Lucas
really had no interest and preferred to go to Grama's house. I couldn't believe how well trained this donkey was. I was amazed that neither of the boys got kicked as many times as the run right behind the donkey and as loud as they were.

The Legend of the Donkey's Cross

One story tells how Joseph purchased the small donkey several months
before the trip to Bethlehem so Mary could become accustomed to the animal.
A great bond grew between the pair as Mary took care of the donkey and
nightly covered him with her robe. However, at the start of the trip the donkey
picked up a thorn in one of his front feet which caused him to go lame.
Every step was painful, but he knew how important it was for him to carry Mary
carefully. With great patience and will power the donkey struggled along the trail
carefully, being sure not to limp for fear it would make Mary uncomfortable. So
careful he was that neither Mary nor Joseph knew the donkey was in great pain.
Finally the trip ended in Bethlehem. The little donkey was able to lie down and
sleep in the hay, covered with Mary's robe. Later that night an angel came and
lifted the robe from his back and said "Among the beasts thou alone always shall
be blessed, for in another's time of need you bore your cross of pain in silence, and
all men shall know you for the greatness of your heart. Your children and your
children's children forever more shall bear your mark of honor among the beasts."
When Mary's robe was removed from the donkey the next morning,
she and Joseph saw something that had never been seen there before:
A cross on his back. And every small donkey has since borne the
cross on his back as a reward for his work.

Jamming at the school chapel

Last night, the song "Wizards in Winter" came on the radio and Brendan said that he saw a video in chapel with that song and lots of lights. So this morning we went searching for the video and here it is. Enjoy!!! And turn up your volume if you like the song.


Wizards Of Winter - The most amazing home videos are here

Quote of the Day by Brendan

"My brain is out of control and making me do it."

That is the answer I got when I asked Brendan why he was swinging the chandelier.

Happy 6th Birthday Brendan!!!!

It was 6 years ago on a Sunday morning that we welcomed Brendan into our family. About 5:30a.m. my water must have broke into a very small trickle. So I called the doctor, we had breakfast and then headed to the hospital. Brendan was born just before noon. What a joy he has brought to our family.

It amazes me how fast the years have gone. All the memories we have shared. The laughs we have laughed and the tears I shed when he was so bad I did know what to do. I hope the other 3 will someday say that Brendan is the best big brother anyone could have.

A Boy and his Blanket

It's called Christmas

Early Morning Shopping

Okay, so I confess that I was up at 4:00am this morning to fight the black friday crowds. My first stop was Kohl's. I walked into the store and walked right back out. I could not believe how long the lines were, no deal was worth that. I also made stops at Toys R Us, JoAnn's, Target and then back to Toys R Us. My best deal was a camera for Brendan's christmas or birthday present.

Did anyone else go? What deals did you get???

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving, a day to give thanks for every that God has given us.

So here are my top 10 things I am thankful for.

10. Our house: with the weather starting to get cold.

I am super thankful for the ability to

heat our house warm and comfort on this snowy morning.

9. Food: we have so much, that sometime we don't know what to eat first.

8. Car: I am grateful for my van and especially for the DVD player inside of it.

7. Clothes: I have so much even when I sometimes think I have nothing to wear.

6. Friends: We have friends who have been around for many years,

and newer friends that we have meet in the last few

years since moving to Freeport.

We love getting to knew each and everyone of you.

Each one of you are special to us.

5. Family: Mike and I both have wonderful immediate families.

Great Parents who are godly and have taught us

so much about how to live our lives centered around God.

4. Church: Caledonia CRC has become a true blessing for us.

3. Brendan, Austin, Lucas, Connor- my boys:

I can't imagine my life without my childs.

I am so thankful for all the joys

that they bring to my life.

2. Mike - my husband: I love my husband

and am so thankful for all that

he does for our family.

He is amazing and so helpful.

1. God: need I say more.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.