"His mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
A New Little Blessing in the New Year!
Expecting our third little blessing 7/7/13!
"His mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
"His mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Our White Christmas
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas Traditions
I don't spend a lot of time blogging about Advent because there are moms out there far more creative than me who can offer so many more resources for those searching for ideas. And maybe it's because I get slightly cynical about how much emphasis we put on Christmas, when Easter often gets swept under the rug. But, living in the culture we live in, Christmas is going to be a big deal to our kids whether it's because of Jesus or all the many other things the world says Christmas is about.
This is our first year to actually celebrate Christmas in our own home with only our immediate family, which means it was the first year we have actually really looked at what we wanted Christmas to look like for us. Thanks to those super crafty, creative moms out there who take the time to blog and share about what they do, this is what we've come up with....
We kicked off Advent (Dec. 1) this year by putting a new Christmas DVD in the kids' stockings. We gave them "Why do we call it Christmas?" by Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer. It is such a neat video! It explains so simply where so many of our Christmas traditions come from (Santa, trees, presents, stockings, ect)and how each one points back to Jesus. I, personally, learned so much! :)
http://truthinthetinsel.com
This is a link to 25 days of printable devotionals designed for toddlers through early elementary kids. It has scripture each day that takes you through a small part of the events leading up to Christ's birth. It also has an ornament to make each day to accompany the devotionals. You have the option to purchase printable ornaments if you don't think you're organized enough to keep up with all the supplies (which is what we did.) Grayson has LOVED this and it has been so perfect for him. He can't wait each morning to make that day's ornament to put on his little Christmas tree he has. It is well worth the few dollars it costs and can be used again year after year!
I also wrap 12 children's Christmas books about Jesus' birth or the Christian message about Christmas. Grayson and Camdyn open one each day during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Many moms do 25 books, but instead of trying to keep up with library books and such, I've just slowly been adding to our permanent collection. This is a really fun tradition because Camdyn can also participate, and let's face it, kids LOVE to open presents!
Tonight, I wrapped the kids' Christmas presents. They will each have three presents to open Christmas morning, which we've explained to Grayson that they will receive only three because that is how many presents Jesus got (of course this does not count presents from grandparents and aunts and uncles who insist on spoiling them rotten :). When the materialism of Christmas creeps in (which of course it's bound to), we respond simply with, "It's not your birthday!" :)
http://bradandhaleysmith.blogspot.com/2011/12/is-santa-coming-to-town.html
This is a post from last year about how we've chosen to handle Santa in our family.
Our prayer is that the Christmas traditions that we are starting now with our children would be something that instills in them at a young age a lasting love for our Lord and Savior!
Merry Christmas to our amazing family and friends! Thank you for the way you bless our lives!
This is our first year to actually celebrate Christmas in our own home with only our immediate family, which means it was the first year we have actually really looked at what we wanted Christmas to look like for us. Thanks to those super crafty, creative moms out there who take the time to blog and share about what they do, this is what we've come up with....
We kicked off Advent (Dec. 1) this year by putting a new Christmas DVD in the kids' stockings. We gave them "Why do we call it Christmas?" by Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer. It is such a neat video! It explains so simply where so many of our Christmas traditions come from (Santa, trees, presents, stockings, ect)and how each one points back to Jesus. I, personally, learned so much! :)
http://truthinthetinsel.com
This is a link to 25 days of printable devotionals designed for toddlers through early elementary kids. It has scripture each day that takes you through a small part of the events leading up to Christ's birth. It also has an ornament to make each day to accompany the devotionals. You have the option to purchase printable ornaments if you don't think you're organized enough to keep up with all the supplies (which is what we did.) Grayson has LOVED this and it has been so perfect for him. He can't wait each morning to make that day's ornament to put on his little Christmas tree he has. It is well worth the few dollars it costs and can be used again year after year!
I also wrap 12 children's Christmas books about Jesus' birth or the Christian message about Christmas. Grayson and Camdyn open one each day during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Many moms do 25 books, but instead of trying to keep up with library books and such, I've just slowly been adding to our permanent collection. This is a really fun tradition because Camdyn can also participate, and let's face it, kids LOVE to open presents!
Tonight, I wrapped the kids' Christmas presents. They will each have three presents to open Christmas morning, which we've explained to Grayson that they will receive only three because that is how many presents Jesus got (of course this does not count presents from grandparents and aunts and uncles who insist on spoiling them rotten :). When the materialism of Christmas creeps in (which of course it's bound to), we respond simply with, "It's not your birthday!" :)
http://bradandhaleysmith.blogspot.com/2011/12/is-santa-coming-to-town.html
This is a post from last year about how we've chosen to handle Santa in our family.
Our prayer is that the Christmas traditions that we are starting now with our children would be something that instills in them at a young age a lasting love for our Lord and Savior!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Is Santa Coming to Town?
To do Santa or not to do Santa? That is the question.
Brad and I have struggled with how we would handle Santa with our children pretty much since we first got married and first started talking about it. We know families who we love and respect on both sides of the Santa argument. The reasons we've heard for not doing it have ranged from not wanting to lie to their kids, not wanting kids to confuse the myth of Santa with the truth of Jesus, ect. ect. ect.
We both grew up doing Santa and loved it, so we definitely don't see anything wrong with it. But the question is, what is right for our family and what do we want our own Christmas traditions to look like? In asking ourselves that question, we both admit that in general, there is a strong focus on presents, decorating, shopping, ect, when it comes to Christmas. And maybe even for us (people who know and celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ), that the real meaning of Christmas gets a little overshadowed by these other things. So, the one thing we're sure of is that we really want Christmas to be about CHRIST for us and our children. So, the question is, how do we do that?
So, we've tried really hard to make sure everything we do points back to Jesus. For example, this year, as we decorated our house with Christmas lights, we talked with Grayson about how Jesus is the light the world. And every time he receives a present, we talk with him about how Christmas is Jesus' birthday and that's why we give and receive gifts. And how Jesus is God's gift to us!!!
Grayson is all about Christmas this year, which has made it a very special Christmas so far to watch it all through is eyes. He just lights up at the tree and the lights and it is so fun to watch his amazement of it all. And he is very aware of Santa (which is why this year, we've had to actually make a decision). I mean, Santa is everywhere! TV, store windows, in front of our neighbor's house, and every waiter and store clerk asks Grayson what Santa is bringing him. We certainly are not trying to eliminate Santa from Christmas, and we couldn't even if we tried. But, we're trying not to focus on him. Every time Santa comes up, just like everything else, we try and point him back to Jesus. Who does Santa love? "Jesus!" And why did Santa give presents to boys and girls who didn't have anything? "Because he loves Jesus!" With every question Grayson has about Santa, we try and answer with the truth of who Saint Nicholas really was (a generous man who loved the Lord and should be recognized). Now, lucky for us, a three-year-old doesn't know the difference between past and present tense nor really the difference between pretend and reality, so we're not too worried about him going to church or pre-school and blabbing to his friends about how Santa isn't real. And we're not sitting down and having a heart to heart with him about how he's just a myth. But like everything else, we're trying to emphasize Jesus and point everything back to him!
I for one questioned if by not "doing the whole Santa thing" if we were in some way taking away some of the magic of Christmas from our children. But, as I've sat and read book after book this year about the birth of Jesus to Grayson, I've been reminded of the magic of the REAL Christmas story. To see his eyes light up every time he sees the stable with all the animals who watched as Mary and Joseph brought a baby into this world, who came to this world to save it. In telling him THAT story, and seeing the magic of that story through his eyes, I wonder if for the first time, if a story I've heard my whole life is penetrating my heart in a new way. And I realize how silly it might have been for me to wonder if the real meaning of Christmas in and of itself wasn't enough. Because Jesus is always enough! And I find myself praying that my children cling to that truth all the days of their life!
Brad and I have struggled with how we would handle Santa with our children pretty much since we first got married and first started talking about it. We know families who we love and respect on both sides of the Santa argument. The reasons we've heard for not doing it have ranged from not wanting to lie to their kids, not wanting kids to confuse the myth of Santa with the truth of Jesus, ect. ect. ect.
We both grew up doing Santa and loved it, so we definitely don't see anything wrong with it. But the question is, what is right for our family and what do we want our own Christmas traditions to look like? In asking ourselves that question, we both admit that in general, there is a strong focus on presents, decorating, shopping, ect, when it comes to Christmas. And maybe even for us (people who know and celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ), that the real meaning of Christmas gets a little overshadowed by these other things. So, the one thing we're sure of is that we really want Christmas to be about CHRIST for us and our children. So, the question is, how do we do that?
So, we've tried really hard to make sure everything we do points back to Jesus. For example, this year, as we decorated our house with Christmas lights, we talked with Grayson about how Jesus is the light the world. And every time he receives a present, we talk with him about how Christmas is Jesus' birthday and that's why we give and receive gifts. And how Jesus is God's gift to us!!!
Grayson is all about Christmas this year, which has made it a very special Christmas so far to watch it all through is eyes. He just lights up at the tree and the lights and it is so fun to watch his amazement of it all. And he is very aware of Santa (which is why this year, we've had to actually make a decision). I mean, Santa is everywhere! TV, store windows, in front of our neighbor's house, and every waiter and store clerk asks Grayson what Santa is bringing him. We certainly are not trying to eliminate Santa from Christmas, and we couldn't even if we tried. But, we're trying not to focus on him. Every time Santa comes up, just like everything else, we try and point him back to Jesus. Who does Santa love? "Jesus!" And why did Santa give presents to boys and girls who didn't have anything? "Because he loves Jesus!" With every question Grayson has about Santa, we try and answer with the truth of who Saint Nicholas really was (a generous man who loved the Lord and should be recognized). Now, lucky for us, a three-year-old doesn't know the difference between past and present tense nor really the difference between pretend and reality, so we're not too worried about him going to church or pre-school and blabbing to his friends about how Santa isn't real. And we're not sitting down and having a heart to heart with him about how he's just a myth. But like everything else, we're trying to emphasize Jesus and point everything back to him!
I for one questioned if by not "doing the whole Santa thing" if we were in some way taking away some of the magic of Christmas from our children. But, as I've sat and read book after book this year about the birth of Jesus to Grayson, I've been reminded of the magic of the REAL Christmas story. To see his eyes light up every time he sees the stable with all the animals who watched as Mary and Joseph brought a baby into this world, who came to this world to save it. In telling him THAT story, and seeing the magic of that story through his eyes, I wonder if for the first time, if a story I've heard my whole life is penetrating my heart in a new way. And I realize how silly it might have been for me to wonder if the real meaning of Christmas in and of itself wasn't enough. Because Jesus is always enough! And I find myself praying that my children cling to that truth all the days of their life!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween....and such
Since I'm averaging a blog about every two months right now, I thought I'd just throw out a couple cute stories and photos of our kiddos taken since Camdyn was born (along with our Halloween pics.)
Grayson entered his "why" phase early in the summer which has made for some pretty interesting conversations. We've also been realizing that 3 must be a lot like raising a teenager with the exception that he's still somewhat snugly and we can still put him over our knee and spank him. But, he recently learned the phrase, "It's not fair" (which we have no idea where he picked that up) and he's quick to grunt as he reluctantly walks off to follow whatever instructions we give him. And when I ask him about his day after pre-school, after answering a question or two, he is quick to say, "Okay, Mommy, I'm not going to answer any more questions." (3 going on 13....Lord help us!)
The other day we were at Chick-Fil-A and Brad said...
Brad: "Okay, buddy, I need you to eat two more chicken nuggets before you go play."
(Grayson then slams his head on the table in defeat)
Gray: "I have no choices!" (in the saddest, most pathetic voice you've ever heard)
Another day, I was changing Camdyn's diaper when Grayson said...
Gray: "I'm going to teach her to go potty on the big "boy" potty when she gets bigger."
Me: "That's a great idea buddy. Mommy would love for you to teach her that."
Gray: "I'm going to teach her to push her "tee tee" down so she doesn't spray."
Me: "Actually, buddy, she doesn't have a "tee tee" because she's a girl."
Gray: "She's going to grow a "tee tee" tomorrow???" (Oh my, I hope not)
Me: "No buddy, only boys have "tee tees." (Thankfully, that was the end of that conversation.)
And some cute pics of our kiddos....
Grayson entered his "why" phase early in the summer which has made for some pretty interesting conversations. We've also been realizing that 3 must be a lot like raising a teenager with the exception that he's still somewhat snugly and we can still put him over our knee and spank him. But, he recently learned the phrase, "It's not fair" (which we have no idea where he picked that up) and he's quick to grunt as he reluctantly walks off to follow whatever instructions we give him. And when I ask him about his day after pre-school, after answering a question or two, he is quick to say, "Okay, Mommy, I'm not going to answer any more questions." (3 going on 13....Lord help us!)
The other day we were at Chick-Fil-A and Brad said...
Brad: "Okay, buddy, I need you to eat two more chicken nuggets before you go play."
(Grayson then slams his head on the table in defeat)
Gray: "I have no choices!" (in the saddest, most pathetic voice you've ever heard)
Another day, I was changing Camdyn's diaper when Grayson said...
Gray: "I'm going to teach her to go potty on the big "boy" potty when she gets bigger."
Me: "That's a great idea buddy. Mommy would love for you to teach her that."
Gray: "I'm going to teach her to push her "tee tee" down so she doesn't spray."
Me: "Actually, buddy, she doesn't have a "tee tee" because she's a girl."
Gray: "She's going to grow a "tee tee" tomorrow???" (Oh my, I hope not)
Me: "No buddy, only boys have "tee tees." (Thankfully, that was the end of that conversation.)
And some cute pics of our kiddos....
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Easter-Ness
Our Easter Weekend
Helping Daddy wash the car
Thought I'd throw in a pregnant pic...my friend Melissa is about two months ahead of me in this process
The "famous" tree at Pappasitos (story below)
Just a couple weekend stories from our little boy...
As I was getting ready for dinner Friday night, I was trying to decide between a couple pairs of shoes. I'm standing in front of the mirror when Grayson walked in and says, "Oh yes, Mommy, that looks cute, you look cute!" -- It's his new catch phrase which has also been used recently for his baby sister's sonogram pictures and fabric at Hobby Lobby. When I showed him a little dress that my Grandpa already purchased for his little sister, he said "Mommy, that's beautiful. That's a princess dress." (You think he spends enough time hanging out with little girls?)
We also spent time leading up to Easter trying to focus and teach Grayson the real meaning of Easter. We read the story of Jesus' death and resurrection over and over again in his children's Bible at his request. When we dropped him off in his class at church on Sunday, before we could even get out the door, he told his teacher, "Hey, Jesus died, he got dead (very matter of factly)." (Apparantly we fixated a little too much on Jesus' death on the cross and not enough on his resurrection. Maybe that part will click next year?)
And the best for last...we were at dinner Friday night with our good friends the Shearers. After dinner, we were hanging out on the outdoor patio of Pappasitos when we look over just in time to see Grayson pull down his pants and begin peeing on the tree planted in the middle of the restraunt's patio. (Granted, we have allowed him to go on a couple trees at the park when a bathroom wasn't accessible, but apparently in his mind, all trees are fair game.) Guard your plants!
Helping Daddy wash the car
Thought I'd throw in a pregnant pic...my friend Melissa is about two months ahead of me in this process
The "famous" tree at Pappasitos (story below)
Just a couple weekend stories from our little boy...
As I was getting ready for dinner Friday night, I was trying to decide between a couple pairs of shoes. I'm standing in front of the mirror when Grayson walked in and says, "Oh yes, Mommy, that looks cute, you look cute!" -- It's his new catch phrase which has also been used recently for his baby sister's sonogram pictures and fabric at Hobby Lobby. When I showed him a little dress that my Grandpa already purchased for his little sister, he said "Mommy, that's beautiful. That's a princess dress." (You think he spends enough time hanging out with little girls?)
We also spent time leading up to Easter trying to focus and teach Grayson the real meaning of Easter. We read the story of Jesus' death and resurrection over and over again in his children's Bible at his request. When we dropped him off in his class at church on Sunday, before we could even get out the door, he told his teacher, "Hey, Jesus died, he got dead (very matter of factly)." (Apparantly we fixated a little too much on Jesus' death on the cross and not enough on his resurrection. Maybe that part will click next year?)
And the best for last...we were at dinner Friday night with our good friends the Shearers. After dinner, we were hanging out on the outdoor patio of Pappasitos when we look over just in time to see Grayson pull down his pants and begin peeing on the tree planted in the middle of the restraunt's patio. (Granted, we have allowed him to go on a couple trees at the park when a bathroom wasn't accessible, but apparently in his mind, all trees are fair game.) Guard your plants!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Some Final Pics from 2010
"Happy Birthday Jesus Baby!"
Please forgive my horrible singing in the background!
CHRISTMAS DAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
What "adults" do after all the kids go to bed
"Messy Kisses" for Gam-Ma
Christmas 101 Dalmations McDonalds Happy Meal Toys, my sister and I collected years ago
An Aggie Uniform...this gift got the best reaction
No, he didn't get an iphone for Christmas, he's just obsessed with my sister's, and sadly can operate it much better than either of his parents
His First Wish Bone
Christmas Light Looking
Grayson & Grandpa
Christmas with the Smiths -- Me Maw, Gramps, Aunt Barbara and new baby cousin Annabel (Brad's cousin Natalie's daughter)
Grayson with Great Me Maw & Gramps
AMY'S WEDDING!!! & My favorite girls (plus Brad)...there's just something about being with old friends!
JUST A RANDOM ONE
To avoid going down for a nap, Grayson says, "But, I wanna watch football with Daddy!" Way to know your audience, my friend!
Getting ready for Christmas! This is a ski slope that used to be my grandparents that my sister and I would enjoy watching for hours, and now Grayson is doing the same!
THANKSGIVING in Round Rock at Elaine and Josh's new home (Brad's parents always seem to avoid making it in our pics...I think it's a conspiracy)
Uncle Blake and Gray have the same "I just woke up from my nap" look (or the same "I'm on drugs" look)
Gray's new Drum Sticks from Uncle Josh and Aunt Elaine (Thanks alot guys!)
The Silly Smith Kids
Grayson is seriously focused on beating Uncle Josh at video games
I don't know what Elaine is doing here...but it's a funny pic
We got to meet Elliot Roberts (Josh & Courtney's new baby) while we were in Austin
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Thanks for keeping up with us in 2010!!!
Please forgive my horrible singing in the background!
CHRISTMAS DAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
What "adults" do after all the kids go to bed
"Messy Kisses" for Gam-Ma
Christmas 101 Dalmations McDonalds Happy Meal Toys, my sister and I collected years ago
An Aggie Uniform...this gift got the best reaction
No, he didn't get an iphone for Christmas, he's just obsessed with my sister's, and sadly can operate it much better than either of his parents
His First Wish Bone
Christmas Light Looking
Grayson & Grandpa
Christmas with the Smiths -- Me Maw, Gramps, Aunt Barbara and new baby cousin Annabel (Brad's cousin Natalie's daughter)
Grayson with Great Me Maw & Gramps
AMY'S WEDDING!!! & My favorite girls (plus Brad)...there's just something about being with old friends!
JUST A RANDOM ONE
To avoid going down for a nap, Grayson says, "But, I wanna watch football with Daddy!" Way to know your audience, my friend!
Getting ready for Christmas! This is a ski slope that used to be my grandparents that my sister and I would enjoy watching for hours, and now Grayson is doing the same!
THANKSGIVING in Round Rock at Elaine and Josh's new home (Brad's parents always seem to avoid making it in our pics...I think it's a conspiracy)
Uncle Blake and Gray have the same "I just woke up from my nap" look (or the same "I'm on drugs" look)
Gray's new Drum Sticks from Uncle Josh and Aunt Elaine (Thanks alot guys!)
The Silly Smith Kids
Grayson is seriously focused on beating Uncle Josh at video games
I don't know what Elaine is doing here...but it's a funny pic
We got to meet Elliot Roberts (Josh & Courtney's new baby) while we were in Austin
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Thanks for keeping up with us in 2010!!!
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