Thanksgiving Day

Grateful.  For family.  For delicious food.  For laughter.  For hope.  

Sam camped out on my brother's lap most of the afternoon.

 Giggle box.

 And he moved to his shoulder when they got up to Skype our Alaskans.

 The kids played some Turkey Paper Football when they were waiting for the rest of the family to arrive.

 Sweet and beautiful Grandma Ruth.

 Watching football.

Carter started walking since the last time we saw him.  Benjamin loved building block towers for Carter to knock over.

Oh that lip.  We had Stephanie, a conductor at Sara's Garden, join us for Thanksgiving.  Poor Steph got this look from Stella every time they made eye contact.  Such a stinker.

 That's better...

 And this lip...

 Carter and Stella share a love of Big Baby.

 Mother and Daughter.

 Isa spent a good hour crafting once the table was cleared of food.

 And now I owe my mom two rolls of tape.

 "Bird with girl on a swing"

 Stella tucked the babies/animals in for a nap on the sofa.  Tuck me in, please.

 My lovely mother.  Thankful for her life, her example, her service, her faith....and on and on.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Did It

First year ever that I have decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving.  It was hard to get in the mood but looking ahead, Drew and I realized we didn't have a free day for awhile.  The kids remembered their annual ornament and I had to dig around for awhile in the attic before I found them.  

The boys were a bit excited about their little nutcrackers and both ornaments are currently sitting beside me on the desk waiting for a superglue fix.

 The bottom of the tree is very ornament heavy thanks to this helpful one.

 This is her face and stance telling me 'no' when she realized I was trying to get a photo of her.

 No matter what I had the white balance set to on my camera, the pictures came out yellow.  Brittney, help.

We had our pizza picnic under the lights.  I told Drew the star looks like it's upside down.  He asked, "What's wrong with it?"  Sam said, "Yeah, Daddy, it looks weird from back here."  Ha.  Thanks, Sam.  Sam also said after dinner, "Thanks, Mom.  You have good ideas for Christmas."  Woo.  He has it.

Baptism

I am sorry for the terrible iPhone quality photos.

Benjamin was baptized on Sunday!  He has been thinking about it for a few months and he told Drew last Sunday when they went out to eat that he was ready to make this public statement of faith.  He was so excited all week.  Afterwards, when he was in the back changing clothes, he kept jumping up and down and hugging Drew.  Pure joy.  I am so thankful for the work the Lord is doing in his young heart.  

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

We met with our pastor earlier in the week and he answered any questions Benjamin had and explained the significance of baptism.  It was a beautiful and simple explanation.  Benjamin wrote out his statement of faith and was all set for Sunday.

In the same way, count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11

A video of the dunk:

IMG 3897 from drewandbekah on Vimeo.

We went out to eat at Cracker Barrel with the grandparents afterwards and he got a few little gifts to remember the day.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always even to the very end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-20 

Rock Star Party

Isa was Queen for a day.  Her dream come true.  She requested a rock star party.  We made the fireplace her stage.  This was the night before her party.  The kids helped us get everything set up.  The boys made the signs "Eloisa and the Single Ladies" which is taken from a song she loves to sing from Alvin and the Chipmunks.  

Isa made her disco ball pinata with a little assistance from Drew and me.  It turned out really well despite being weak at the top.  Nothing a little duct tape can't help.  It survived one hit per child and then on Isa's second turn up all the birthday stars aligned and she hit it down.  Perfect.

 Party cake.

 VIP passes for her guests.  Ah, if only I had graphic design gifts and a working printer.

 7 years old!  Wowzers.

 Birthday girls.

 Swiss water. :)

 She blew out her candles so fast I missed it.  Big lungs.

 Laynie and her press on nails.

 Charlotte and Stella rocking their shades.

 Eloisa and the Single ladies and their managers, Benjamin and Samuel.

 It was dark but I got a few photos of the performance.

 Guitar solo.

I put glow sticks in the pinata because we need more candy like we need a hole in our heads.  The kids loved this.  Thank you, Target and your $1 glow sticks.  Benjamin was awesome at spinning his glowing hoop.  It never gets old.

Thankful for another year with this diva.  We are all recovering today and adjusting to the queen stepping down from her throne.  It's hard when the world doesn't revolve around you.  I get it.  We love you, Eloisa Joy.  Rock on.