a long post

This week has been a very big week for all of us. 

     Tanner has been going to Taekwondo everynight (for 2 weeks...whew), working on testing for his YELLOW belt.  Friday night, my parents watched Sam while we took Tanner to the testing results program.  Pure joy was oozing from Tanner while he waited for his named to be called. He was first, which I know thrilled him!  We stayed the whole time, over an hour, while he sat on the loor watching without ever moving an inch.  When we got in the car, he talked about what he had to do to get his next belt...Tanner is one focused little boy! A few years ago, I did not see the word "focused" in our future but here I am using "Tanner and focused" in the same sentence.

     Sam got his first black eye, to accompany the knot on his head and the giant busted lip! Sorry no photo.

    

The emotional roller coaster...thank you for all of your sweet words over the last month.

     Chris' work has been a little slow. After he finished the zoo and the U of M in mid-November...there was not another project for him to supervise. I was a nervous wreck...dividing our savings mentally in my head to see how long we could last, calculating tuitions for next year, considering working extra hours, you get the picture! Chris was really calm, we spent a lot of time praying about the plans for our family and considering the change that might occur. We canceled a planned vacation, shaved our Christmas budget and went back to living. Within a few days of "no job", I had 2 flat tires (at the same time), it literally "rained" in our house during a hard rain (new roof...coming) and my faborite jeans finally "bit the dust". Ok God...ok God...ok God...I know you have a plan.
     The boys and I loved having Chris around a little more. I have to come clean though...I have come to realize that our house is definitely "my domain" from 7am-4pm...does that sound crazy?? I mean the first few days, I was like this is so fun Daddy is home but then I realized I am very TYPE A about "how we roll" all day. A FUNNY...one day we dropped Tanner off at EUMK. The plan was to run by the bank and the post office and then head to Pinocchio's for story time. Chris passed 3 of our banks and 2 post offices to head to the ones past our house...WHAT...seeing as we then had to go back for story time...I was so confused but took a deep breath...thanked God for a day with Chris and Sam...and told myself to GET IN THE DRIVERS SEAT when we left the bookstore!!! See...really TYPE A! A happy note...I will say, Chris took note of the work done in the hours he is absent.  On date night, he took the time to say that he did not say thank you enough for all the work it takes to get everything done...noting that since he doesn't see it all, he never thought about it! Love a little appreciation:)

An answered prayer...

     Chris was called this week and given 2 projects...a church and more at the U of M. The best part of all of it...the U of M job will last at least a year...WOO-HOO!!
     Our pantry door is covered in chalkboard paint...It always has a scripture on it. When the job uncertainty began, I wrote Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Tonight, at the dinner table Tanner was reading it. It the brief uncertainty of Chris job, we really re-evaluated what needs are. My list of wants is long but even in this stressful season of our lives, there are so many people who can not meet the basic needs of their family. I am very greatful that for a husband who saves and has created a "no debt" policy in our home.
     So in the end...I am thankful for a faithful God who provides, a husband who is willing to wait on God's timing (a struggle for me), great communication about our finance and children who are so resilient....they just love the little bits of life. 

a favorite tradition

ALPINE VILLAGE

This is one of our favorite

Christmas traditions.  A sweet little church has this amazing Christmas Village evey year.  You can see Santa, a puppet show, a nativity play and go through these adorable houses making different Christmasy things.

Waiting to make ornaments.

Always silly...our little "elf".

Christmas cards...I can't believe Sam was big enough to do most of the houses himself.

Tanner really takes his time making his "things"...Sam took a nano second...so we had to work on "waiting"...FUN!

Cookies...the helper made it and he licked his fingers:)

Tops!

Candy at 7:30...awesome!

Santa...this is a little classier than our Bass Pro shot.

Rarely happens.

Christmas program, taekwondo testing, and Alpine village...busy day

This always happens...Sam has learned the art of a cat nap while attempting to forgo the long afternoon nap...Mommy is not so thrilled.

"wise men"

 "We have been following His star."

This was Tanner's line in his Kindergarten Christmas musical. He was one of the Wise Men. It was more precious than I expected.  How can 14 Kindergarteners re-inacting the Christmas story and singing not be?  I can not believe my BABY is 1/2 way through Kindergarten:(

When we picked him up from school, he was reminding us that the Shepards were the first ones the Angel told the good news of the Jesus' birth. It was such a great opportunity to talk about how God choose ordinary Shepards to hear the Good News first not someone with riches, fancy cars or the best toys. We talked about how in our relationship with Christ, He is the Shepard and he watches after HIs flock(us). It is amazing to me how much a 5 year old can comprehend about God's unconditional love for us. Praying that the Holy Spirit will continue to work on his little heart. I love these moments when I can share God's love with the boys:)

 

gingerbread houses

We make Gingerbread Houses every year.
 It is one of my favorite traditions...maybe it's the candy and the icing! This is it went along with our ADVENT.  Tonight we talked about how Jesus is our "Rock" when we trust and obey him. Since we talking about "building" a solid rock with our faith, tonight was the perfect night to build our Gingerbread Houses. 
Chris was on "SAM PATROL". His job was to monitor Sams candy intake...it's a big job! Tanner built a village not just a house. He spent alot of time...over an 1 1/2 on his.  He laid nerds 1 by 1 on the sides, and pez 1 by1 on the roofs.

Advent reading Matthew 4:24-27

To make these EASY Gingerbread Houses you NEED:
a glue gun
graham crakers(generic works best)
your husband's candy stash
icing

...Hot glue graham crackers 1/2's (when you get the one big sheet break it...this is my 1/2) in PAIRS
...hold up for a few seconds when glueing to get right angle
...glue 2 pairs to make square for house
...add a pair on top for the roof

2011...st. jude marathon

I am proud to say I was a "spectator" only at the marathon this year.  After running it for 2 years, it was nice to watch Chris throughout his race! Tanner came with us...he loved every minute. He almost fell asleep on the way to lunch after the race...it may sound crazy but being a "spectator" is hard work. Driving or walking to different mile markers in time to see Chris was lots of work!

I loved getting to see so many good friends, friends from high school and college during the race.

So proud...full marathon #3.

Finish Time: 4:39

Best Part...he feels great! No aches or pains.

He definitely thinks road races are harder on your body than trail races...wonder what he will do next??

I know we are doing the Germantown 1/2 together...nothing to him him though for me it will be months of training...ha!

That is Brad with Chris.  They trained together.  Every Saturday morning they have been running with the Breakaway running group.  I think Chris really enjoyed the benefits of running with a friend.

So proud of his daddy.  Parents lead by example and I hope that the boys will love running as much as we do.  Tanner already loves a 5k...maybe it's the T-shirt!!

See.."spectating" is very hard work. I'm a big yeller too...having run several 1/2's, I know how it feels when you want to stop and a random person from the crowd throws out a "woo-hoo...go runners"!

cupid is back

This is Cupid...our Elf on the Shelf.

He arrived this morning.

He brought these:)

I think he may have seen the idea here via Pinterest...of course!

Mommy note:

In our effort to "simplify" the holidays, I was not particularly looking forward to this tradition we started last year.  Tanner, of course, has been anticipating Cupid's arrival for a month now. Seeing the joy in the boys eyes this morning reminded me that some traditions are worth keeping!



cookies

I love cooking with Tanner. 

 He has always been so very patient in the kitchen despite how very busy he is. He loves choosing a recipe, reading it and helping to make it.  He doesn't mind waiting while it cooks.

Sam is not so patient and would prefer to just run to Muddy's to get a cupcake. He would be an excellent food critic.

The other night we made a big batch of sugar cookie dough.  The boys love using the rolling pins and cookies cutters.  I'm not sure if Sam made cookies or just sprinkle mountains!