It's SNOT nice...

My kids are all snotting. Not snotty. But snotting.

Ruth has been enjoying her new game of sneaking up on mommy, giving a sweet hug and quickly wiping her nose on mommy's shirt or skirt. Because of this, she looks rather normal, and I run when I see her coming.

Rebecca looks a little less spiffy. She uses a more reliable object for a hankie. Her shirt. And not that often. Her face is slimey and her shirt is crusty.

The youngest is the saddest sight. Her prefered method for snot removal is to mash her hair around until the biggest globs are collected by the strands hanging in her face. Now the hair is spiking on the top of her head with dubious looking kebobbs attached to the spikes. The skin of her face has that peculure tight shiney look. And she comes up with her lips in a purse expecting a kiss. Who can refuse? I CAN! Horrors.

My Christmas Thoughts

Here's a blurry picture of our cute little tree. We broke down and got a fake for the first time.


Blessed Christmas! Have a wonderful HOLYday tomorrow! As I meditate on the story of Christ's coming, I am continually amazed by the beautiful, humble way the Creator came to earth to do His greatest work. It is something we do not understand, but imagine how His mother and Joseph must have felt!

If it was me, I would have thought something had gone terribly wrong! I would have been feeling very sorry for myself, having barely escaped giving birth in the street. And I would probably not be feeling much gratitude for the provision of a barn. (I've been in those things before. They do not smell like "traditional Christmas!")

However, Mary had a very special faith to be in the state of mind that she could ponder all the events. The Bible says she did. Not fret, stew, or worry. That is faith. To have faith that ponders every thing that happens, even when it hurts or is frightening, wondering, "What is God's plan? What does He want to do with this?"

Joseph was also amazing. Many people after going through an uncomfortable or painful event following obedience to God hesitate to obey Him fully again. Yet about two years after this, his family was visited by the wise men. They were given wonderful gifts, and could look forward to a comfortable life, but in the middle of the night, Joseph was told to pick everyone up and flee to Egypt. Joseph didn't hesitate. He obeyed. That is faith in action!

These are the people God chose for the family of His Son. They were not sinless, but they were people of extraordinary faith, in that they trusted God that He would have a plan in every circumstance, and they obeyed Him explicitly. What could God do with my life if I trusted Him like that?

Baby burrito! (and others)

This is my little wrapped package!! He loves it.



This is the girls all wearing Grandpa's jacket while singing songs with daddy.

Some new pictures

Rebecca always finds a unique way to do things. This is her version of an umbrella.
The next picture is an example of Rebecca and Elisabeth entertaining their new brother--Rebecca is drawing pictures for him and Elisabeth is rocking him. He can only take a little of this attention at a time, but they sure love to give it! The next picture is the tail end of a smile. He's been smiling since the first week!

Ok, everyone, all together now, "AAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!"

Today's Pet

Today the pet that accompanied my daughters was a stuffed cow. Ruth and Rebecca are both caretaking this one, and it is always trailing after someone. The ribbon is tied around the cows tail, however. When I asked Ruth why the ribbon is on the tail and not the neck, she said, "Mom, you told us not to put ribbons around our neck!"

So I did. Doesn't that make perfect sense?

So Cow has to be dragged backwards...

Strange children...

Rebecca has been leading her shoe about the house on a leash made from a hair ribbon. I don't know why.