Anna is a hard worker.  Whether she’s doing homework, painting, or dancing, she gives it her all.  And we’re so proud of her.  

Recently, parents were finally allowed into the building to view ballet classes.  With a mask, standing outside the studio window, we were able to see Anna dance for the first time this school year.  She is working so hard, learning so much, and is greatly improving.  I couldn’t believe how much of her 75 minute class was devoted to stretching and doing the same exercises and positions over and over and over again.  Her dedication is remarkable and we’re so grateful to God for the gifts He’s given Anna.  

James is rocking sixth grade.  He is so independent (which is hard for mom).  It is remarkable to watch your kids master the things you spent years training them to do.  It is quite another to let go and let them.  I’m learning to do just that.  After spending so many years helping with every little thing, it is quite a shift to being more hands off.  James is handling everything for school pretty much on his own.  While we ask what homework he has each night, he comes homes and just does it.  We’re no longer reminding him about upcoming tests and projects.  He is on it! 

Recently, James created a volcano model for science class and had a plan from the beginning.  He asked me for a birthday party hat, made some salt dough with a little help from Kenny, formed the volcano, painted it a few days later, and added labels.  Incredible.  I’m amazed that he can do things like this on his own now!  We’re so thankful for his responsible attitude and follow through to accomplish all he needs to do.  

“It is a mind-boggling, hard-to-grasp, awesome story unlike any other story every told.  But what makes this story so wonderful and so important is not that its plot is way beyond anything you would’ve ever conceived.  What makes this story vital to know and understand is that it is not a well-crafted fantasy.  The thing that should make you stop in your tracks, activate your heart and mind, and fall to your knees is that this story is real.  It took place in real time at real locations with real people.  All human history was marching to the specific point in time when this story would unfold, and the implications of the events of this story reach to everyone who has lived since.  The Christmas story is the story of stories.”

Come Let Us Adore Him 
A Daily Advent Devotional
by Paul David Tripp

I am LOVING this devotional.  If you’re looking for something specific to read at Christmas, something to center your heart on Jesus, I highly recommend this book.  It is thoughtful, thought-provoking, and stirring.  And, at the end of each day’s short reading, there is a central theme to focus on with your kids, and questions to ask them. 

We’re in full Christmas mode at our house!  We decorated the house the day after Thanksgiving while mom and dad were still here.  They were a huge help!  We all love Christmas decorations so much so we try to enjoy them as long as we can.  

We’re making our way through our list of Christmas movies to watch, I’ve made one batch of cookies so far, and we’re buying gifts and sending cards.    

Ready to walk our neighborhood and look at lights!

Last Saturday while the weather was so beautiful, we enjoyed some local shopping downtown.  Most of our shopping is done online these days (which I don’t mind at all), but it was nice to support our local businesses and get out together.  

Kenny has had two lighting opportunities these last few weeks which has been wonderful.  All of the shows he had scheduled for this year were obviously canceled, so he’s enjoying getting back into it.  Our church filmed the different portions of their Christmas concert, will edit the show together, and then stream it online.  Kenny’s lighting for this show was really beautiful.  

The Advent devotional I mentioned above and the one we do as a family are key this time of year.  Baking, gifts, cards, decorating, etc. can all easily become my focus – our focus – if we’re not careful.  I have to be intentional daily, minute by minute (“Every hour I need Thee…”), reminding myself that all of these preparations are to celebrate Jesus coming to earth to rescue us.  The Christmas story is such an amazing plan to save us.  THAT is the purpose of our busy days – to point and give glory to God for His incredible mercy to save us.  

Another reason it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…it’s supposed to snow this week!  

Praise the Lord!

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied by all who delight in them.

Splendid and majestic is His work, And His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate.

He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.

He has made known to His people the power of His works, In giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are truth and justice;

All His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever;

They are performed in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people;

He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

~Psalm 111