and the word became flesh........

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:1-5

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of hi government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this." Isaiah 10:10

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right "to become children of God, who "were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:10-13

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of his kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1:31-33

"And the angel said to them, "Fear not for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.......and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Luke 2:10-14

my right hand helper.....and thoughts on gift giving

I love to give gifts, but the wrapping part has never been my most favorite....Gift bags in my estimation were a great invention! I was not a super mom who spent a lot of time wrapping with my kids....and really didn't do a great job early on with helping them shop for other people. Merl has always been lovingly willing to do most of the wrapping if I do the shopping. Works for me. Though he doesn't have a ton of time on his hands.

Thankfully, we have been blessed with a gifted daughter who seems to really shine in this area! This year Madison has done a fabulous job encouraging the other kids in their gift giving and packaging. She has been especially helpful in working with Allison and Jonathan to make ornaments, tags, and cards to give away.

A week or so ago when I became frustrated with tripping over wrapping and tissue paper, scissors, etc. I suggested that she help me set up a temporary wrapping area in our spare room. "Oh! I will do it all, don't even worry about it!" Worry about it I did not - and went on my way. Later in the day this is what I found.......

On the door.....

the view from the door....

let there be no question of what the instructions are.....

so many options!

organization......

this girl is hired!.....

I know there are many families who are trying to take the emphasis of gift giving away on Christmas and on the most important: Jesus Christ. We are attempting to do that too in various ways.....

But I will say - I do love seeing our kids get so excited about giving to one another - even when it is simply a pack of gum or box of crayons. It is a spirit I am hoping to bottle up and promote after December 25th.....

As for the wrapping of the gifts.....I think we are in good hands and I doubt I'll have to wrap a single package!!!!!

grandmas are for sugar and spice and everything nice

Last year it seems I baked myself into oblivion during the Christmas season. This year has been much different since I've been struggling with my health a little. Seems survival mode has been the only "mode" here. This weekend I thought to myself: this year there will be no cookies and no Christmas cards going out........disappointing, but reality of the situation. The world wouldn't end I told myself.....but then mom offered to come the other day and bake with the kids - something I just hadn't had the energy to do.

In actuality it is a better scenario.... Grandma has more patience, kind words, and a fresh outlook on baking with four helpers! Flour on the floor is not near as catastrophic to her......licking fingers and spilling frosting less terrible. What a blessing to have a momma that can drive across town to give her little girl a rest and at the same time enjoy her grandchildren! Thanks, mommy - love you....

Curious George

Helpful Henry and Henrietta

Outstanding big sister

Persistent Allie

Gentle encouragement

Concentration

Seriously.....

Pure dickens......!

Careful concentration!

Mix up with the mixer!

What an excellent teacher.....

Would you like some cookie with those sprinkles?

Finished products......lots of cookies and happy hearts!