HOT enough for the sprinkler

WOW....it is hot outside! I love it, even though I am still one that prefers cold weather to the summer heat. The boys got to play outside for about an hour this afternoon. Andrew's favorite activity is to either ride his bike or play in water. The spinkler (and sudden coldness of the water) scares Luke so he likes to watch Andrew run through it and scream in delight. Andrew also likes bugs!

Recognize this?

Crissy, do you recognize this outfit? I think it started with an unknown person who passed it to John Wilkes, then to Brody, then to Andrew, and now to Luke. What a great little outfit to have withstood all those rough boys. I wonder who I'll pass it on to.....

The Trinity Hymnal

Our bedtime routine starts with two books, a few songs, prayer and then lights out. When Mitch arrived home from work tonight, he brought five copies of The Trinity Hymnal with him. We sat on the floor and sang five or six hymns together as a family. I wish I knew more of the original tunes to the old hymns but we did our best at sight reading. For the most part, we sang the RUF versions of the songs since we have all their albums and are familiar with their versions of the hymns to new arrangements. I think I'd like making the nightly song-singing a part of our bedtime routine. If you're willing to share, I'm interested to hear what your bedtime routine is with your children.

Dustin is with the Lord

Dustin Salter is now with the Lord. He passed away yesterday afternoon, March 19. Please pray for his wife, Leigh Ann, and their three young children.

Pray for the Salter family

Dustin Salter is a pastor who, until last November, was a campus minister with Reformed University Fellowship at Furman University. He was taking a bike ride with two of his children when he hit a bump, wrecked, and suffered severe brain injuries. You can read about his health updates on the blog that his wife updates regularly.

Thank you, Laura, for reminding me to spread the word to pray.

FREEBIE @ Dunkin' Donuts

Looks like Dunkin' Donuts is trying to compete with Starbucks. Here's another Freebie coming at 'cha. On Wednesday, March 21, Dunkin' Donuts is giving one free iced coffee per customer. Click here for proof.

A Sweet Retreat

It was nice to sit around a table with delicious food and encouraging conversation while at Marannook. Even though many people were invited, only five of us attended. I actually prefer the slim crowd...makes the prayer/meal times, events, and conversation more intimate.


Pictured above: Mr. Charles K-H, Mrs. Barbara K-H, Jef Fleming, Mitch and me, and Paul & Christi (Fleming) Thompson.

A night away

Mitch and I are on our way to a short weekend retreat at Camp Marannook. We are only going to be away one night but we are looking forward to the time alone (even though we will have to stay in the cabins on twin beds!). The boys are staying with their grandparents, which is exciting for many reasons but especially since they just got a new puppy. Andrew likes to help Pop and MeMe take Prissy, the puppy, outside to potty. He is still learning how to gently hold the puppy without tossing it about. It's a good thing Prissy tolerates children well. Luke could care less about the dog at times. He just wants to be outside, climbing over couches, wrestling on the floor, or running around the house naked after a bath.

Andrew is definitely the quiet and affectionate son. Luke is undeniably the loud and independent son.....hmmm.....makes me wonder what kind of personality Abigail will have.

FREE Starbucks

Thursday, March 15, treat yourself to a free cup of java at your local Starbucks -only good from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Click here to read more about it.

My husband

I am so in love. We've been married 7.5 years and it just keeps getting better (can you believe that Andrew took this picture?). I love you, Mitch, and I thank you for pointing me to the Gospel.

D. Webb & S. McCracken

We went with our small group this past Sunday night to attend a small concert by Derek Webb and his (pregnant) wife, Sandra McCracken. It was so good! This is an awful picture taken on Mitch's cell phone but at least it's a good one for memory.

Why Parents REALLY Need God

Once again, the GirlTalk blog has made me laugh....

A boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper.
"Hello?" "Is your daddy home?" he asked. "Yes," whispered the small voice. May I talk with him?" The child whispered, "No." Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?" "Yes" "May I talk with her?" Again the small voice whispered, "No." Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, "Is anybody else there?" "Yes ," whispered the child, "a policeman".
Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?" "No, he's busy", whispered the child. "Busy doing what?" "Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman," came the whispered answer.
Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, "What is that noise?" "A helicopter" answered the whispering voice. "What is going on there?" demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. Again, whispering, the child answered, "The search team just landed a helicopter."
Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, "What are they searching for?" Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle... "ME."

Adam Wright

I went to Moody this past weekend to sing at my old church's WIC spring banquet. It was loads of fun to see many sweet friends. They even had a surprise "baby shower" for me - got lots of pink and green stuff!

I had the honor of singing along with Adam Wright during the morning assembly and luncheon times of the banquet. Call this a plug if you want (and it is - I'm good at doing this sort of thing), but Adam is one of the most talented people I know. He doesn't give himself enough credit for the arrangements he composes of various Trinity and Gadsby hymns nor does he realize that he is gifted when it comes to writing lyrics to songs; but I like him that way - humble. He's written several songs and put them together on two albums. I've linked his MySpace page here if you'd like to read about him, his band, or hear a few audio clips. He's an excellent piano, guitar and mandoline player. You'll be impressed.

Amy's Humble Musings

I don't know her but I am impressed and touched by her writings. She has made me laugh out loud, cry tears of sorrow and joy, and encouraged me with Scripture. Check out Amy's blog here. (I have also added her blog as a link on my site.)

What a massive storm!

This is the tornado that ripped through

our town and by our house last week.

Potty Training 101

Andrew is ALMOST officially potty trained. He wears UnderRoos all day long! He has been dry the past three mornings in a row and has also been dry in the afternoons when waking up from his nap. He likes to read a book while "concentrating" - if you know what I mean. The monkey hat is nothing special....he just likes to wear it every now and then (part of last year's Halloween costume).

Firehouse Subs

We love to eat at Firehouse Subs. Can't get enough of it. They have a birthday club now where they mail you a certificate for a free sub of your choice on or around your special day. You can find out if there is a shop in your city as well as signing up for the birthday club by clicking here. Just wanted to share the love.

Sunday nap & bath

Sunday afternoons are full of napping. I had the pleasure of taking a two hour delicious nap today. When I awoke, I found my boys fast asleep on the couch. Bathtime came a few hours later. Luke and Andrew love the bubbles and water.

Pictures of Damage

Visit this site to see more detailed pictures of the damage done to the northside of Columbus. These places of businesses are only a mile away from our house!

Tornado

Little did I know that yesterday's rain would lead to a tornado that passed directly by our house. The damage done to our neighborhood is horrible. I was home alone with the boys, huddled together on the floor of the master bath shower, in the dark as we had no power....only candles and flashlights. It was scary. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths in the community. It seems everyone is out in their yards picking up limbs, throwing away debris, replacing roofs, cranes picking up trees on houses, BellSouth repairing power lines, cops directing traffic, helicopters surveying the damage, and kids everywhere since schools are closed. We are so thankful no one was hurt. Here are a few pictures of the damage done to a nearby church, school, and houses.

It's raining

I like rainy days, except that it means my boys can't go outside to play on their bikes or in the grass. Boys need to be outside. Oh well....I'll just pull the car out of the garage and let them ride around in there. The good thing is that I can see the garage from my stove so I can still get supper ready while they play. The sound of rain is relaxing. I want so badly to go lay down right now (both boys just went down for their nap which usually lasts two hours) but I have too much to do. I usually wake up from a nap feeling worse than I did before I laid down so sometimes it's not worth it. I'll tell myself that I'll just go to bed earlier tonight than usual but I know that that won't happen either.

Tired of....

....the presidential commercials for an election that's 21 months away.

Flipping Out

Luke has learned how to turn a flip.

How funny!

Find Andrew

A few of the students at Andrew's school got the opportunity to tour a school bus. Since we're a private school, many of the kids have never been inside of a bus before so this was very exciting for them. Can you spot Andrew? (He's the blonde on the far right near the edge of the picture.)

Clouds

It was so warm outside today! Beautiful. We didn't even need jackets. I enjoy wearing short sleeve shirts. Andrew and I laid in the grass in the backyard and looked up at the clouds.

Andrew: "Where they going, Mom?"
Me: "They're just moving on, I guess"
Andrew: "I know....they going to the moon! See!" (pointing to the moon)

So cute!

Proof

Just wanted to show you the picture of proof.

Deadlines

So many deadlines to meet....so much to get done:

1. Finish the yearbook by Thursday so it can be mailed and received in Illinois by Monday
2. Pre-register child #2 for Fall MMO this week
3. Sort through clothes and tag them for the city-wide spring consignment sale by next week
4. Design school and MOPS newsletters by tomorrow night
5. Continue unpacking boxes
6. Buy a wedding shower gift by Saturday
7. Paint bedroom and living room
8. Pass out Mission Project to child #1 class in next two weeks
9. Complete art lesson plans for the next month
10. Camp reunion coming up and need to find a babysitter

So much more but no one really cares about this list....it's just another place for me to look and "check-off" for that time when I lose my first list.

To God be the Glory

To God be the glory......may his praise be forever on my lips, in my heart, and on my mind. A dear sweet friend called me this week with tragic news. How heartbreaking to hear her sorrow....oh, but how encouraging to hear that she is praising God through it all. I weep with her. I scream with her. I wonder with her. Along with her, I don't know WHY. But I DO know that God never makes a mistake...and He never will.

Just typing....

I'm not feeling well today....have a headache and have been sneezing alot. Don't know if it's related to the pregnancy, a change in cold to warm weather, withdrawal from watching 24, or a new house with new germs. Who knows.....

Everyone keeps telling me to be prepared to spend more money on this little girl than I've spent combined on my two boys. I've not spent a penny so far but it's only been six days since we found out. Fortunately, I have lots of friends with little girls who have offered to hand down plenty of cute pink clothes. It's almost like having a first child all over again....not really, but kind of.

Here's a picture of Luke strolling along with his cousin, Ella (Valerie and Tyler's second daughter).

Baby McGinnis is a boy or girl?

A GIRL!

100% positive as the ultrasound pictures were VERY clear.

Boxes, Boxes, Boxes

There are boxes everywhere! We have officially made the move from one house to the next. We still don't have our cable hooked up yet so we have a sweet friend taping 24 for us tonight. Since we don't have our cable yet, we are also without Internet access....which is probably a good thing since it's a distraction for me. I need to be spending what little time I have unpacking boxes and organizing rooms.

My friend, Crissy, is a wonderful writer and extremely transparent in her words. She shoots straight from the heart. I wish everyone knew this friend of mine. She's an amazing godly woman. Click on her name above to access her blog.

Ridin' in my car

It was pleasant yesterday....warmer than usual. We ventured outside for some play time. Luke decided it was his turn to take his older brother for a spin.

I Hate the Moving Process

I hate the moving process. Packing up so many boxes, not knowing where to put certain items, finding items you thought you lost, dusting in areas never gone before, deciding what to sell, keep, toss or give-away, wondering how you accumulated so much stuff (junk, actually), finding the time to get it all done, etc. AHHHHHHH! I hope we don't do this again for a really long time.

Reading Time

We went to Andrew's class today to have a pizza party. Afterwards, most of the kids gravitated toward Mitch because he had a book in his hand. I like this picture because Ansley, the only girl in the class of 12 boys, wanted to sit in Mitch's lap. I think she loves books more than my own kids.

Luke in tub & Andrew's new PJs

Bathtime is always fun. The boys usually take one together but Luke got his own bathwater tonight. He likes to imitate....just watch!



Andrew got a new pair of PJs tonight. It's so cold in our house at night that I purchased a cute two piece fleece PJ set for him. He looks so grown up!

My two sons

Our ninth move

We've been married seven and a half years and have managed to have nine different physical addresses (not completely in order):

Hoover, AL
Homewood, AL
Moody, AL (x2)
Thomasville, GA
Columbus, GA (x4)

Finally, we've found a house we love and are excited about settling into and raising our family. We'll move into it in two weeks, just days before finding out the gender of baby #3. Funny how everything is thought of in relation to the pregnancy. I guess that's my timetable now. Speaking of pregnancy, I don't feel pregnant. Maybe it's because this is my third child and my body is so drastically different this go 'round. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'm trying to keep up with two toddlers all day long that I don't have time to think about it. I haven't felt the baby move yet (I'm 17 weeks) but sometimes I'm not really sure what I'm feeling. "Was that a kick or was that Mitch's elbow in my side (in bed)?"

I'll email our new mailing information next week so get that white out or label printer ready! A friend commented to me last week that my spot in her address book was the messiest due to all our addresses changes. Hopefully this is the last one for a good while.

Biker Mania

Andrew got a bike for Christmas and wants to ride it everyday. I wish our driveway wasn't such a steep hill and was flat instead. He likes practicing his turns in the driveway under the carport. Sometimes he gets too fast and falls over. We need to buy him a new helmet (the one he's wearing in the picture is a hand-me-down from a neighborhood girl - it was free!) and knee/elbow pads. He's showing off his steering and speed skills to his Pop in this picture.

Amy Carmichael CD

Click here to read what JT had to say about the new CD of songs from the writings and poetry of Amy Carmichael. I love her story.

Liquid damage

After dealing with a great cell phone that all of a sudden started powering down on me after just being charged all night, I took it to the store to see what the trouble was. Liquid damage. I guess I let Luke play with it too much and it accumulated all of his slobber. So, I've got a new phone now (same cell number, though) but am frustrated that I have to pay $10 to have my contacts transferred from the old to the new. There's a fee for everything......

Boys for the weak?

The guy in the middle is our pastor in Birmingham, Burt Boykin, at Community PCA. His wife, Anita, is a very good friend of mine. Burt and Anita are the proud, and patient, parents of seven children...all boys. They range from 8 years old to 21 years old. Their two oldest sons are Dane and Addison. Dane is a sophomore at Covenant College in Lookout Mtn, GA, and Addison, their second born, is doing an internship at a church in New Zealand, having taken a year off between high school graduation and starting college this fall. I have watched Burt and Anita raise their boys and I am encouraged.

It looks like Mitch and I might be close behind them with our two boys and possibly another male on the way. Maybe we're closing the gap, although it will take a while longer for us to do just that. I guess pastors are good at making boys to carry on their name. Burt likes to think that God gives sons to weak men. I guess he doesn't think he would be strong enough to raise a girl, much less seven of them. He always jokes about that. I snapped this picture last week when Mitch and I were in Birmingham visiting the Boykins for a few days.

Moody visit

We've been in the Birmingham area for a few days and I'm loving every minute of it. Can't wait til tomorrow when I get some more time with friends. I love friends. They are good. They cook for me, make me feel welcome in their home, laugh with (and at) me, share crazy kid stories with me, sit on the floor with me, stay up late to talk to me, let me sleep in their basement, etc, etc.....great friends are hard to find. God's blessed me with many.

Here are a few pictures of Andrew with his Boykin pal, Griff. Also, Luke loved walking at the Boykin house on the hardwood foors, barefoot.

As promised

We took Andrew to Chuck-E-Cheese last night in celebration of his potty achievement. He rode almost every ride there and redeemed his game tickets for a tootsie roll. All the characters were there and he had no fear....he just walked straight up to them, waved, and gave out hugs. Chuck-E-Cheese was spotted immediately so we had to snap this picture for the scrapbook.

He did it

He's two years and nine months old......he finally did it.

ME: "Andrew, what are you doing in the bathroom?"

ANDREW: "Pooping."

ME: "No way, really (as I open the door)?"

ANDREW: (holding his small potty up so I can see his trophy) "Yep!"

That's when I started dancing and singing wildly in the hallway, congratulating him on his accomplishment (which he did on his own with no prompting from me). He was a little scared of all my excitment, as well as a little embarrassed, but he was thrilled that I was so happy. We immediately called Daddy to share the good news. We're taking him to Chuck-E-Cheese's tomorrow as promised.

Brotherly Love

Andrew loves to hold Luke. Luke usually doesn't allow it

but this time he didn't budge.

"Splish! Splash! I was taking a bath....'long about Saturday morning!"

Just thought this was funny.....MEN!

Men Are Just Happier People
What do you expect?

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President.
You can never be pregnant.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental $100.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks. A
five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You can play with toys all your life.
One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

HT: GIRLTALK

Bibles Unbound

I've read up on the ministry, Bibles Unbound, and think that their mission is amazing. I take it for granted that I have access to four Bibles. I can buy any translation I want, when I want, however thin or thick I want, bound how I want. The people in these countries just want ONE each.

The Polar Express

I cannot count how many times I've watched the movie The Polar Express. We gave Andrew the DVD for Christmas and it's all he cares to watch. We have had to limit him to a few minutes of it a day instead of it running non-stop. He's watching it now while sipping on some juice. I've memorized every line of it. I think he has, too. Anyone else's kid have a favorite movie...memorized it yet?

Kiss my feet

Silly me...when teaching my 3rd grade art class last week, one of the boys asked me who was gonna win the BCS Championship game. I am a SEC fan, but a huge Gator hater so I didn't hesitate to say, "Ohio State will win for sure!". He disagreed with me and we joked about it for a few minutes. Finally, I said, "Tell you what - if Ohio State beats UF then you have to kiss my feet with my shoes on (that was the smart part of the deal) and if UF beats Ohio State, then I'll kiss your feet with your shoes on". The entire class laughed and we shook on it. Today at school, the young man approached me and said, "You better get that pucker ready, Mrs. McGinnis, 'cause you're gonna have to do some feet kissin' when we come to your class!" I laughed and told him that I would be sure to bring my camera so I could capture him eating his words while having to bow to kiss my clean feet.

Guess I better get my pucker ready 'cause UF just beat Ohio State, 41-14. It is sometimes best to go with the UNDERDOG.

Hockey

We took the boys to go see the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team play the Richmond Renegades this past Thursday night. They had a blast! Andrew wanted to chase the mascot, Boomer, around everywhere he went. We managed to find him and pose for a picture. Luke loved hearing the loud music and danced like crazy....especially when they scored. The Cottonmouths won in overtime 4-3.

Heartbeat heard today

I heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time today. Funny.....according to the rate (it was in the 140s), my midwife thinks it's another boy. Then, after laughing out loud at her prediction, the heart rate jumped immediately up to the 160s - she said she might be changing her mind. We'll find out the gender on Valentines Day.

A REAL letter

A real letter from a real Marine serving in Iraq.

Weird milk theory

Heard a weird theory the other day. I'm trying to wean Luke totally....now that's he's almost 13 months. I'm tired, pregnant, and not enjoying it anymore. I realize it's not about me but he is slowly losing interest anyway. I'm already down to one feeding a day. Some might say that shouldn't be burdensome but it is when it's always at 4 a.m. Did I mention I was pregnant? Oh yeah..... Anyway, I called my lactation consultant last week (is that too much information for some of you?) to get some advice as to how to wean this child. After giving me much encouragement NOT to wean him, she told me to offer him SOY milk (I've tried whole milk from the cow but even a little dab of OVALTINE hasn't done the trick to get him hooked). She then said, "You know, don't you think it strange that we're the only mammals on the face of the earth that drink the milk of another mammal?". I've never been asked that question, thus have never given it any thought. I didn't have to think long for my answer (I didn't voice it to her, however). God created man and called him VERY GOOD. We are his most valuable creation. A soul has been given to us so that we might know and ENJOY him here on earth and in heaven. Therefore, I have no problem drinking cow's milk. He created the cow for various purposes (I'm not a vegetarian) such as for meat, for milk, and even as pasture trimmers. So, when I drink cow's milk, I drink to the glory of God. I thank God that He chose to create and give us an animal that we can enjoy. That might sound weird to some. Oh well.....SOY milk stinks, anyway.

Peek-a-Boo!

Luke loved climbing through the tunnels on the playground! No peeking!

Tree Time

No, they're not "tree huggers" but it's a tradition to take pictures of all the kids that have climbed the tree in Mom's front yard. I even have a few pictures of my 38 year old sister in the tree......I need to find those! Here, Andrew climbs high with his cousin, Emily.

I don't want to share!

Brothers who love each other but have a difficult time sharing.

Traveling

Luke is such a good rider. He often falls asleep best when riding in the car...especially long distances like the trips we take at Christmas. SNORE!

Attempt to take THE PICTURE

This is the attempt Mitch's parents made to have their picture taken with their four grandchildren. It makes me laugh.

If Jesus Hadn't Been Born

If Jesus had not been born:

• This would not be the year of our Lord 2006.
• We would never hear a single Christmas carol or Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.
• No city would be named St. Paul or St. Petersburg or Corpus Christi.
• We would have never heard of William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, John Knox, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, John Hus, Billy Graham, Elizabeth Elliot, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, Fanny Crosby, Alexander Solzenitzen, C.S. Lewis, Chuck Swindoll, C.J. Mahaney, John Piper, or… make a list of your own.
• There would be no organizations such as Wycliffe Bible Translators, Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Navigators, Bethel University, KTIS, The Red Cross, Methodist Hospital, The Salvation Army, Christian Book Sellers Association, National Association of Evangelicals, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Purdue, and countless others.
• We would have no such books as Tale of Two Cities, Dickens’s Christmas Carol, or even The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
• We have no movies such as Ben Hur, The Cross and the Switchblade, Chariots of Fire, Narnia, and scores of others.
• We would never ever had heard such songs as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” “Fairest Lord Jesus,” “Joy to the World.”
• Idioms would never have been brought into our language such as the Good Samaritan, the prodigal son, lost sheep, or any of Jesus’ other parables.
• We would not have teachings that have entered our every day speech such as turn the other cheek, go the second mile, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and love your enemies.
• It’s unlikely that this continent would have seen the arrival of the Pilgrims, and if they had come by some other name, years later President Washington could have been King George instead.
• It could be easily argued that the United States Founding documents would not be what they are.
• The Wuaorani Indians of Ecuador would still kill white men instead of baptizing their children.
• The Arawakan Indians of the Caribbean would still be cannibals.
• Descendents of the Mayans in Chiapas, Mexico, would still sacrifice their children instead of teaching them to praise the true Creator.
• Prophecies would remain unfulfilled, the serpent would not be crushed, we would not be delivered, and God would be a liar. Death would not be conquered.
• The New Testament would never have been written.
• There would be no mediator between God and man, for the man Christ Jesus would not have been born. We would remain dead in our trespasses and sins, the veil not yet rent.

HT: desiringgod.org

Haircuts for the boys

Both boys were long overdue for a haircut. It was Luke's first cut in his life and he did extremely well. He started out in Daddy's lap and then moved to mine. Andrew is a pro...this was his fifth cut, I think. Aren't they handsome?

Wish I had a Harley....

Luke and Andrew's Christmas wish....to each have their own motorcycle.

Ten Great Questions to Ask During Christmas meals

Ever have that moment of awkward silence among family (and sometimes strangers) during a meal...especially during the holidays? Here are a few great thinking questions to ask during those times.

1. What's the best thing that's happened to you since last Christmas?
2. What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
3. What's the most meaningful Christmas gift you've ever received?
4. What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you've ever given?
5. What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
6. What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
7. What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
8. Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus?
9. Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly worldwide celebration?
10. Why do you think Jesus came to earth?

HT: Girltalk

Callaway Gardens

We took the boys to Callaway Gardens to enjoy Fantasy in Lights this past Monday night. They both liked riding the trolley but Luke fell asleep halfway through the five mile journey. Andrew liked singing the Christmas carols along the way but was ready to get out on the last leg of the path. We went with our small group from church so we took up half the front trolley car. If you haven't experienced Fantasy in Lights, you should before you die.

Candy, candy, candy

Does anyone else have a child that constantly begs for candy? Andrew thinks that he can have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We're good at saying no but it drives me crazy! Of course, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups do provide a little bit of protein....Frosted Flakes never did that.

Luke's Day

Even though we celebrated two weeks ago so family could all be present, tomorrow is actually Luke's first birthday. We plan on giving him a cupcake with lots of icing for him to dig into and smear all over his face. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and share them soon. He's feeling much better than he did the weekend of his party so I'm hoping that he'll enjoy tomorrow.

I can't believe that it's already been a year since he came into this world. What a wonderful year it has been. I was thinking the other day that I've been pregnant the past three out of four Christmas seasons. I wonder what next year will hold (stop holding your breath, Mom!).

Pope's Farm with our small group

Tonight, we took the boys to Pope's Farm to partake in the hayride along with our friends in our small group from church. It wasn't terribly cold and the boys really seemed to enjoy it, despite the fact that they were up way past their bedtime. We sat around the bonfire and chatted while sipping on some hot chocolate. Andrew especially loved seeing the Christmas characters such as Frosty, The Gingerbread Man, and Santa.

Top left to right: Seth, Elizabeth, Santa with Andrew, Chad and Chrissy.
Bottom left to right: Ira, Jennifer with Amelia, me with Luke, and Mitch.

Hot, Hot, Hot - Hot Chocolate!

Thanks to my sweet friends, Erick and Christy, for this delicious recipe!

1 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk (never evaporated)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
6 1/2 cups skim milk, heated

Whisk together the first four over medium heat until thoroughly blended. Add the milk. Whisk together well. Pour. Drink. Enjoy.

Andrew's Christmas program

Here's a picture of Andrew participating in his school's Christmas program last Thursday night. He's the one in the middle at the top without his hat on. He was very excited to be singing, shaking his noise maker, and wearing his hat.... even though this picture isn't the best in the world. We were very proud of him!

Gift ideas for kids

In need of some good gospel-soaked gifts for a child in your life? Click here to read about some good ideas, suggested by Nicole Whitaker on the GIRLTALK blog. You can click on any item description title to read more about the item.

Luke's first birthday celebration

The party was short and sweet. Wish I had known that he wasn't feeling good. His birthday isn't actually for ten more days but we chose to celebrate early since it falls so close to Christmas and other committments. Can you tell how red his eyes are? Poor baby. He didn't really enjoy digging in and eating his first cake. We'll do it again on his actual birthday, just for the fun of it (and for better pictures!).

4:15 a.m.

I've been up for two hours....so has Mitch. Listening to a baby cry is not fun. I turned the monitors off but still felt like Luke was screaming in my ear. After Mitch tried to comfort him for over an hour, I finally relented. We're now in the high chair eating some cheese grits and cereal. Anyway, here's a more pleasant picture of our lives here on the "ranch". Andrew loves climbing high and looking down at the valley below.

Need a hand? I'm here to help!

Brother to brother. Luke ventured over to the climbing wall in our backyard and Andrew decided to help him "get a leg up". Luke wasn't very happy with the help but it made for a cute picture.