Finding Our Cheer

All day I have had different combinations of words streaming through my head...fragments of songs, parts of scripture, my own voice. Christmas feels different this year, but the magic doesn't have to be absent.

Today I set out to create some Christmas cheer for my little crew. I remember the feelings I had as a child this time of year and I want those same feelings for them. Regardless of current circumstances that weigh heavy on our hearts, they are only little once. We only get so many Christmases with them under our roof.

Starting with some sibling pictures down at the beach.

I am still undecided on sending out Christmas cards this year, but I wanted to have these for us.

After climbing on the Lifeguard tower, throwing rocks in the ocean and collecting toys left behind by other beach goers we headed home to get a little school done. While they worked I dusted off the ole' sugar cookie recipe, a family favorite for all seasons.

{the. best.}

 {master cookie decorator}

{snowman soup}

{brother/sister inside jokes}

Today marks the nineteenth anniversary of when my grandma died. My heart still aches to have her with us. I want so desperately for her to know Drake and our children. Like Juliana and my mom, we were close. If given the option to hang out with friends or spend the night with Grandma, I always chose the latter. I will never forget the day she died, when my Pop saw me for the first time he pulled me close and cried, "we lost her little Lis, we lost her." I was thirteen. My mom is one of my best friends, and her mom was one of hers. I can only hope my girls and I will be close like that. 

We headed back to the beach tonight with my mom in tow. Starbucks plus a sunset will never disappoint. 

{treasures}

{two of my girls}

{sand angels}

{too much beauty}

{group selfie}

Despite the current tears streaming down my face , the Christmas cheer is overwhelming me. The line in Joy to the World that says, "let earth receive her King" keeps echoing in my mind. My heart is so soft toward my King right now. Christ, the hope of glory, came to our world to redeem and restore our relationship with the unseen God. Are we actively receiving our King? Crucifying our own wills so that we can receive His love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Talk about a win win. Talk about cheer...

Praying that regardless of circumstances all of you are finding cheer this season and above all receiving our merciful Savior.

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his

shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of 

Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Joy to the world the Lord has come. Receive Him.

Feeling all the Feels

"I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world

you will have trouble. But take heart!!! I have overcome the world"

John 16:33

(photo circa november 2012)

When Sammy was a toddler we would read this book over and over again. Each page offered a different tactile experience. She loved it. She's always been our feeler. Whether it be physical touch or emotion, sister feels more intensely than most...she feels all the feels. 

Lately we have all been feeling all the feels. With Grammy's passing, the holiday season and family stuff that is unchartered water for us, emotions have run deeper and stronger. Both tears and laughter are reaching new places in our souls. We have drawn closer to each other. Hugging and holding often.

The kids have each responded differently. Drake and I are praying diligently for wisdom and grace. Lots of questions, more tummy aches, heightened behavioral inclinations...God has been faithful to come along side us. Through Him we have felt increased love and patience for our children and each other. 

The tree is up, gifts have been purchased, Silver Bells is playing. Christmas will be different this year, but we will be together supporting one another as we feel all the feels. 

Grammy

Grammy

March 9, 1951 - November 11, 2015

It's been quiet on the blog lately. On Veteran's Day Grammy woke up in heaven. We spent the morning with her the day before. Over breakfast we laughed and talked about the upcoming holiday season. Little did we all know Grammy would be spending Christmas face to face with our Savior, no doubt this will be her most glorious Christmas yet. We rejoice knowing that she is in heaven and that we will see her again one day, but we also miss her so much it hurts. Even though we are confused and shocked, we trust the Lord and His plan. His ways are not our ways and we are thankful for the comfort He provides. 

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain...

I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far."

Phillipians 1:21, 23

Fall Vibes (plus Christmas teasing)

Friends, it has FINALLY happened. The temperature has dropped, cue the Christmas music and crockpot meals. But seriously, Michael Buble' is crooning "I'll be Home for Christmas" right now and chili is simmering. We love this time of year around our house.

{scarf, yes please}

Red cups have made their appearance at Starbucks and it's the only time of year I stray from my beloved black coffee. Triple tall with whip, no nutmeg eggnog latte, delish.  

I've ordered the kid's Christmas jammie's they get to open on Thanksgiving and my itch to cook and bake is overwhelming. While my Sammy snuggled with popcorn midmorning, I pieced together enough ingredients to bake chocolate chip cookies, and my other two learned how to multiply two digit numbers at the breakfast bar. 

Don't be deceived all this coziness isn't absent of bickering, spills and messes. We keep it pretty real over here, even so I'm thankful for these morning of togetherness. The learning and the growing, the challenges and the creativity all woven together strengthening the fabric of our family. 

Fall has arrived, Christmas is around the corner and right now, in this moment, we are good.

Thankful

We are four days into my most favorite month of the year. Since we last "spoke", my boy has turned seven, Drake and I went to Cabo, we celebrated Halloween and there's been thousands of "I can't believe this is my life" moments both good and bad.

Honestly, this has been a tough year. We have learned firsthand that sad things happen. In the midst though God continues to prove that He is faithful and that in every hard thing there is an opportunity to draw us closer to Him and closer to each other. While there has been hurt there has also been immense joy and much to be thankful for.

 {backyard picnics on homeschooling days}

 {God's artwork}

 {coffee mornings with my shadow}

 {salted caramel sundae}

{disney with grandma: my most favorite lady ever}

 {this boy}

 {time away with my honey}

 {poolside champagne and great friends}

{nobody puts baby in a corner}

 {our favorite restaurant, EVER}

{pumpkin carving}

 {best daddy}

 {matt kemp, minnie the witch and wonder woman}

 {happy halloween}

{strong coffee + matching nightgowns}

Each of these photos could be there own blog post, there's so much behind all of them. I mean that salted caramel sundae...mom and I decided to split it, I think after one bite we both were wishing we got our own. My sweet boy who I blinked and now he is seven, SEVEN!!! Don't even get me started on Drake and I thinking we could reenact that Dirty Dancing move in a pool. I am so thankful for all the memories behind all these photos and the people that share them with me.

We have been having a lot of dialogue in our family about those who are less fortunate than us. Doing our best to explain that God loves us all even though our circumstances are different than other's. It can be just as difficult to wrap your brain around that at 32 let alone 4. "Why doesn't God give them a house like us?" when she sees the mom and her daughter asking for money outside of Target. These are hard questions. "Sammy, I don't know, but that doesn't mean that God loves them less." 

I am approaching this holiday season being thankful for a God that has the answers when I don't and trusting Him. I am practicing living in contentment in hopes that our children will glean from it. Happy November friends.

Balancing Act

It has finally cooled off some. If given the choice I would have curled up in this spot all weekend. I treated myself to a new book on my last trip to Target and the temptation to cancel all plans, make a pot of coffee and let the kids run amuck while I read was enticing. However, there was a best friend to celebrate, soccer games to attend and a sweet sixteen party to get dolled up for.

Our weekend in a nutshell...

{cat ear headband to accessorize her outfit for school}

{spoooooky}

{surprise!! dessert+vino for Amanda's 27th}

{love these girls}

 {sideline snuggles with grandma}

 {happy sweet 16 Lani Rose}

{pre-church monopoly}

 {fall tradition at grandma's}

The weekend was full. While that helps pass the time while Drake is away, downtime is what rejuvenates our bodies and minds. The Lord most have known we needed a slow day because Sammy woke up with a fever early this morning. I am praying it's just a fever and passes soon. In the meantime, soup is simmering, laundry is going and daddy is somewhere between here and Wisconsin. We can't wait to see him tonight!

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