Advent Begins

Yesterday was the first day of advent... the time of year when we count down in anticipation of the coming celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year I made advent stockings to help the kids get an idea that this time of year is extra special. There is a "special treat", as Ben calls them, in each stocking and every night after dinner he gets to pick the appropriate stocking and dig out his treat. In addition, we are also doing an advent tree and a bit of liturgy each night. We're hoping it will be a lot of fun for the kids each year. I, personally, am already getting really excited for Christmas and all it's festivities this year.

“When I think of Christmas Eves, Christmas feasts, Christmas songs, and Christmas stories, I know that they do not represent a short or transient gladness. Instead, they speak of a joy unspeakable and full of glory. God loved the world and sent His Son. Whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. That is Christmas joy. That is the Christmas spirit.” Corrie ten Boom

“It is in the old Christmas carols, hymns, and traditions—those which date from the Middle Ages—that we find not only what makes Christmas poetic and soothing and stately, but first and foremost what makes Christmas exciting. The exciting quality of Christmas rests on an ancient and admitted paradox. It rests upon the paradox that the power and center of the whole universe may be found in some seemingly small matter, that the stars in their courses may move like a moving wheel around the neglected outhouse of an inn.” G. K. Chesterton

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

This Thanksgiving we were planning on driving over to Helena to spend the holiday with Grandma and Grandpa G. (as the kids call them) but due to all the snow, cold, and bad roads we decided to play it safe and stay home. So Brian stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few things so we could throw together a last minute Thanksgiving dinner; which, to our pleasant surprise, turned out rather nice. Of course we missed spending the day with our family, but thankfully they were able to come into our neck of the woods to visit on Friday. Uncle Chris and Aunt Aubrey (as the kids call them) were also in town for the weekend so we tried to spend as much time with them as we could. In addition to all this, my mom had us over on Friday night for a delicious turkey dinner. And to top it all off, Brian got 4 days off work which we've all enjoyed very much. We couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend!

Here are a few shots of all the festivities:

This young owl was perched just outside our house.

It was quite beautiful and fearless.

Our little bundle of lovins... Don't those cheeks look so kissable?!

OK - maybe it's just a mother's thing.

Our neighbor's family was in town for the holiday so we went to visit for a bit. Ricky really enjoyed Darwin the dog - he was all smiles and giggles.

While we were visiting our friends, Ben decorated cookies with Tjabe.

He had fun with the gum-drops!

We also decorated some cookies at home for something to do on a cold wintery day.

As they were playing with a new craft Ben got, he spilled the so called "spill-proof" water cup all over, which promptly gave Auntie the giggles.

"Auntie, you have no idea how crazy my mom is?!" Ben says seriously.

"Oh! Yes I do!" She replies with a smirk.

The whole gang

A Birthday Weekend

This weekend we celebrated Ben's 2nd Birthday. Because of this, we have been particularly reminded of what an incredible blessing he is to our family. We are so thankful that God gave him to us and for the sweet, smart, and gentle yet spirited boy God has molded him into. It's been so much fun watching him learn and grow and change these last couple years and we eagerly look forward to seeing what's in store for him this coming year and the years to follow.

Ben's actual birthday was on Friday but because of the way things worked out, the festivities lasted through Saturday night... he had quite a lot of fun I would say! Instead of trying to tell you about it in words, here are pictures to summarize the last couple days.

Yummy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting!

This year, Papa didn't have to help much when it came time to open gifts. Ben figured it out rather quickly.

"Come on... Let me at it! It's my turn to open a present."

The Koenen Family gave Ben a train set - he LOVES it to say the least. We had to get it out right away to play with.

Pizza for dinner... no complaints from the kids.

"Mmmm... I can taste it already!"

Ben and Maggie were quite the pair at the table. When one would do something silly the other would copy and they would both giggle... it made for an interesting meal!

It's a little hard to believe that two 2 year olds would sit still together for the reading of a book. Guess Grandpa has the magic touch!

A complete set of brand new snow duds - pretty schnazzy if you ask me.

Down the hill and under the Papa-made bridge.

(It's a good thing Ben's not any taller!)

Ben and Papa had fun exploring.

"Weeeee... This is so much fun!"

"One more time." he kept saying.

It's especially nice when other people will do all the work of pulling you up hill. Judging by the smile on his face, even that was a lot of fun for him!

"Thanks, Papa. This was fun. We should definitely do it again some time... SOON!"

4 Years and Counting!

On Friday, Brian and I celebrated our 4th anniversary! Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy and for blessing us so abundantly.

I surprised Brian on Thursday night with some fresh homemade Butterscotch Sticky Buns. I was quite pleased with how they turned out as I had never made them before and they were quite pleasing to the eye so I couldn't resist taking a couple pics to share with you. Friday afternoon we drove over to Butte so his folks could watch the boys while Brian took me to "the Uptown" for dinner. Going to this restaurant has become our annual anniversary tradition - it was quite wonderful. We were able to sit and have an uninterrupted conversation and treat our taste buds to an absolutely delicious full course meal and a bottle of Chianti! To top it off, we went back to the house and finished our evening by soaking in the hot tub before crawling into bed. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Ricky Rides Lester

A week or so ago Ricky took his turn riding on Lester the Lion for the first time. Ben was a helpful big brother, shared his treasured toy very well, and enjoyed "scooting" Ricky around. Here's a video of the fun and also a couple cute photos:

"Hey! This is fun!"

It's Already Started...

Cedric: "Ooooh... what's that?"

Cedric: "Whatever it is, I want it! Please brother, can I have some?"

Benjamin: "Hmmm... let me think about that... No."