Date Night!

My parents watched the kids so Jake and I, along with some friends, could go out and enjoy dinner and bowling together one night.  Dates are such a rare blessing!  :)  Even with my goofy husband...

Celebrating Mom & Dad's 60th Birthdays!

I can't believe my parents are 60!  Haha... okay, now this sounds like birthday posts for my kids, but it is true.  I suppose I will always just think of them as Mom and Dad.  Age really doesn't matter.

While they were visiting for the holidays Jake and I took them out to Josephine's for an adult celebration dinner.  We had a wonderful time eating delicious food and chatting at our table by the fireplace!

And, to Payson for Christmas Day!

After a cozy morning at home, we all piled into the van (I'm still so thankful for our van!) and headed to Payson to spend the day and night with our family there.  Jamie and Derek put out a yummy dinner for the clan and we, of course, enjoyed some more present opening time.

Bubba, Patty & Wyatt

Granddaddy, Nana & Karlynn

Jamie, Bryce, Derek, Nate

Brian & Donna

Grandkid pile!

Bubba pile!

Someone got a big gift!

Christmas Morning at Home

As just about always, we got to enjoy Christmas morning at home this year.  While very little is ever quiet in our house, it was a peaceful and fun morning.  Everyone was excited about their gifts and we even got to try out a new recipe for Gluten Free French Toast Casserole which was pretty excellent!

Simple Christmas Eve

A whole bunch of snow rushed in on Christmas Eve which trapped us at home.  We were sad to miss Christmas Eve service at church, but still enjoyed a yummy homemade dinner and some good family time.  As always, everyone got to open "just one" present before bed.

He's cute, but he's crazy!

Yes, this is my husband outside washing the cars.  In the winter.  In the snow.  In MY flipflops.  With socks.

Does my heart so good!

This was a Christmas-themed assignment Micah completed at school this month.  Gotta say that I was so proud of my sweet boy!  Way to go, buddy!  100%!!! 

**In case you can't read the pic, the question is... What do you think the meaning of Christmas is?  Write and illustrate below.  (Micah wrote "Jesus!" and drew a baby in a cradle.  The candy cane is his teacher's stamp.)

Time for a snowman!

 

Thanksgiving at home!

This year is the first year that we had the chance to host our family Thanksgiving meal.  If you recall, last year we stayed home and had a private celebration since much of our family was sick.  But, this year the Shreiner's and Patty, Bubba and Wyatt joined us for the meal and a "fun" evening of early Black Friday shopping (is it Grey Thursday shopping?).  The food was delicious and the shopping actually was fun because it was with a few girls that I love and enjoy immensely!

Awesome Biblical Perspective on the Election

I really love Facebook (well, most of the time).  I know this might sound like a bizarre thing to say, especially since this post is about last night's election, but it is true.  While some people take the election as an opportunity to go off on ridiculous political rants (this would be the part I dislike, clearly), many actually use FB as a forum to spread truth and shed light on significant events for our country.  This doesn't really have to do with what party or candidates you support, but more about trusting the Lord with what is His and a reminder for all of us to let God be in control.  I don't always understand why God makes the decisions that He does (and I will not be so prideful as to presume it is for one reason or another), but what I do know is that God is God and I will trust Him.  So... back to FB.  After the election came to a close last night, many of my friends began to post awesome biblical perspective on trusting in the Lord.  Here are some of my favorites... definitely worth a read, ponder and prayer.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

So we can confidently say,
"The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?"
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(Hebrews 13: 6)

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. (Psalm 118: 8)

Psalm 2
1 Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron;

you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.   
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 

Micah's 7th Birthday Party!

Micah had a Diamondbacks baseball party this year!  Thankfully, the weather cooperated and let us do some baseball party activities outside.  It was a gorgeous and fun day.  And, as always, how is it that my baby boy is already SEVEN!!??!!

How Great is Our God with Louie Giglio

How Great is Our God with Louie Giglio

We watched this video at the end of Bible study this morning.  It was truly awe-inspiring.  Forty minutes may sound like a long time, but I promise you will not only thoroughly enjoy the video, but you will also be amazed by the perspective of God's greatness it supplies.  God loves us though, truly, we are nothing but a vapor in comparison to Him!  Humbling, humbling, humbling!

Micah's first quarter 1st Grade Report Card

Here are the teacher comments from Micah's first quarter 1st Grade report card.  It does a mama-heart good!

Micah is an absolute joy to have in my class.  He is eager to learn and this is evident in all subject areas.  He works hard to complete assignments and always does his best.  He is reading fluently and above grade level.  He has started AR (Accelerated Reader) and will be encouraged to practice independent reading.  He will also be encouraged to take AR tests which measure his comprehension.  He is also  being challenged during guided reading grops, FLEX groups, and during center time.  I look forward to sharing these with you during our conferences.  Micah is sweet, kind, polite and friendly and I am so happy to have him in my class!

Grandma Lois' Surprise 80th Birthday Party

We had a great time visiting Jake's side of the family in California last weekend.  The highlight of the visit was celebrating Grandma Lois' upcoming 80th birthday!  I am not sure how old is too old for a surprise party, but Lois is a young 80 and handled the party and fesitivities with grace! (Thanks for taking so many great pictures, Sandy!  I snagged a few for this post.)

The birthday girl and her seven children.

Boys will be boys.

Awww...

Patty & Wyatt

Little Ada holding Trigger

Trevor & Heather

The lovely Shreiner family

My new Labradoodle nephew, Trigger.

Donna, Karlynn & Jake

Karlynn having a blast!

Love these boys!

Jake and his cousin, Sandy.

Karlynn & Daddy

Brian & Jake

Our little dancing queen!

Jamie getting swung around by her dad.

Three generations

Semi-family pic

Most of the Fielden extended clan, but not all!  It is a big family!