And To All A Good Night

We had a really nice Christmas this year. It was nice to have our good friends over on Christmas Eve. We had a simple meal together, played games, went to church, played more games, ate yummy treats. I am so thankful for our friends.

These girls light up my life.

I have my knees bent to lower myself at least a half of a foot so that I don't tower over them in our picture like I really do. I stick out like a sore thumb with these two petite brunettes!

Here we are at our friends' church ...someone forgot to tell The Prairie Daddy to smile.

We wore The Prairie Kid out so much that he slept until after 9 on Christmas morning. It was nice to be able to wake up and get ready for the morning before he was up. He sleepily came up the stairs and we had to remind him it was Christmas morning and that there was something waiting at the tree for him. We got out the cameras and he wandered in.

A new sled!

And a slinky works like this, Mom!

Fun stocking stuffer

...your turn Dad...

...and your turn Mom!

Trying on Daddy's new mask

I love my boy...even if he's goofy and silly!

Over at Grandma and Grandpa's The Prairie Kid got a Thomas the Train set. It was a group
effort to try to put it together. Auntie and Daddy were brave enough to work on it.

And Grandpa wouldn't let The Prairie Kid win Tic-Tac-Toe. But he patiently tried to teach a 4 year old the strategy.

The Prairie Kid didn't want to give in and go to bed...but he didn't win. He tried to stay awake and play with his new race track. I think we can all see who won.

And it's all over. I was just as anxious as I told you I would be to put EVERYTHING away this morning. I couldn't pull decorations down fast enough! I feel like a new woman with a simple, spacious house. Ahhhh. And now for a movie with the hubby.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.

Big Adventure

In the beginning of the fall we learned that our Assistant Pastor was stepping out from our church to start a ministry in a community of great need in our area. Part of his role with our church is as pastor over the children's ministries. In October our Senior Pastor asked to have a meeting with me and extended an invitation to prayerfully consider becoming the new Director of Children's Ministry at our church. It would be a half-time position on the pastoral staff.

Wow. I was in awe. I was a bit overwhelmed by the decision. I analyzed, processed, dialogued with The Prairie Daddy, and prayed. And prayed. And prayed. The Lord was faithful in giving me a clear answer despite all of my hesitations. I was so thankful for His clarity. Even though I am still struggling quite a bit with my health, the Lord said "yes" and "trust Me."

And I said "yes." And I am trusting Him.

The final signatures were put on paper just a few short weeks ago. And last week I attended my first staff meeting. I am excited, scared, eager, hesitant, energized, and exhausted all at the same time. It is a bit of a roller coaster with my body getting worn out long before my spirit and my mind. I will have to learn to balance, plan ahead and be careful not to over do it.

God has blessed me greatly with the encouragement and support of my church family. This has been an awesome season in my walk despite my physical circumstances. God reminds me often "You are who I say you are" and "You can do all things through Christ." I can only accomplish the things that are now my responsibilities through Christ's strength and I am soberly thankful for His reminder of this to me on the rough days.

The Prairie Daddy and I will venture to Nashville after Christmas to take a few days of vacation and then attend a conference for children's ministry. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get training right off the bat.

So, here I go! It will be quite an adventure I am sure! Lord, thank You for letting me be a part of what You plan to do.

'Tis The Season

of busyness and more busyness. I thought it was due time for a blog update.

We have been busy. Some days too busy, other days recouping from the "too busy" days. I don't know anyone who isn't busy this time of year. And if we don't have Christmas programs, bake sales, parties, and the like, we fill our plates with baking, decorating, and more of the like. I fit into both categories this year. As if The Prairie Kid's Christmas program, school party, the Moms Together Bake Sale, the church caroling night, and the Community Christmas Dinner wasn't enough. I decided I should coordinate sponsors for 20 kids that I knew were from families in need. And then there is the offer to host Christmas Eve with our friends. Oh, and as if that all isn't enough, why not start a job?

Now see the next post. : )

Better Off

Well, he finally did it. The Prairie Daddy had been talking about putting an ad in the paper for Jack to find a new home. I didn't know if he would do it or not since we've had Jack with us for 9 months and it hadn't happened yet. But Jack has been continually causing problems, including for our brother's dog, enticing him to run off with him and be naughty.

The Prairie Daddy had a good talk with The Prairie Kid about it. He did an awesome job of including his son in the decision, knowing that a 4 year old might not quite understand. But The Prairie Kid agreed and is looking forward to finding a dog that fits ranch life a little better in the future.

I think the ad went out in the paper Friday. There was a call that day from some ladies who used to have a dog of that same mixed breed and were very interested. They seemed to be the types that spend much time with their animals and even take on rescue dogs. They came to meet Jack yesterday morning and took him home with them. I wasn't around for the "transaction" and I think that was a blessing because I might have been a bit emotional. The Prairie Kid didn't seem to care to much and I think we all know that Jack will probably be better off.

Christmas Treats You Shouldn't Eat

Last night was The Prairie Kid's first Christmas program. Every year the local K-12 school includes the preschoolers in their program. They sang 3 songs and then gave a little Christmas "blessing" in song. The Prairie Kid looked so nervous at the beginning but then it seemed like after they were going a bit he relaxed. I was surprised he was looking around at the big audience the way he was too! They were SO cute! And I would be saying that whether my little man was up there or not! Check them out for yourselves!

You'd Better Watch Out

The Prairie Kid's belt buckle looks so big but it is the special one Grandpa got him and it meant a lot for him to wear it. At least he can grow into it and wear it forever!

Rudolph

S-A-N-T-A

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

It was so nice for Grandma, Grandpa, Aunties and a family friend to come down to watch The Prairie Kid and his cousin, who is a great saxophone player at age 13, in the program. Afterward we were able to spend some time at our house with everyone and enjoy Christmas treats.

Back Tracking

Did I ever tell you that I was gone for 10 days over Thanksgiving? The Prairie Kid and I took off early to visit some college friends and their 3 adorable kiddos. It was a nice time. I wish we lived closer. And then we headed to my moms where both my sisters and their families joined up with us. The Prairie Daddy came in the day before Thanksgiving. We all had a great time together. Other than wanting my own bed and a little more space I didn't really want to come home. Here are some fun pics of our trip:

My sister being a Super Toddler's Mom

My mom and all her grandsons!
Matching PJ's from Abuelita!

My sister's "helpers"

The little guy has big shoes to fill! (Literally!)

Miss you all already. Had a great time!

Final Touches...Minus The Big Tree

The Prairie Kid was surprised when he got home. He is having fun playing with this singing sheep dog that a boss of mine gave me years ago. It is one of those gifts that annoys the heck out of you but you love it. : )

I don't know if I like the look on The Prairie Kid's face or The Prairie Daddy's in this picture better. They are both fun!

And we put the nativity out.
It is up high on a shelf because I think within arms reach would be too tempting to play with.

I just love this scene. Although we know the wise men weren't really there until Jesus was a bit older. I wonder when they ended up in the nativity scene. Hmmm. Anyways, I can't imagine the awe in the eyes of Joseph and Mary. And the sheperds, who were likely just young men. Imagine this group of young teens staring in the face of God in a babe knowing that everything was about to change. I think it will be wonderful if God shows us the "video" of this night in heaven some day.

And then The Prairie Kid got to put the mouse on the right day of the calendar. Last year this wasn't an interest to him but I think this year it will be a highlight.

It is fun to create traditions for our children. It almost makes me feel like a child again myself.