Merry Christmas!

Unto you is born this day, A Savior, which is Christ the Lord!

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! (Not to forget Happy Hanukkah to several of my friends who also celebrate that special holiday!)

I have Christmas cards in hand that I may still send out (we've had a CRAZY two weeks), so as to prolong the holiday celebration... ;)

'Tis the Season!

I absolutely love this time of year! I can hardly wait for Thanksgiving to come (football, family, food), and I immediately want to get started on decorating for Christmas! Ok, I confess that I actually try to begin decorating prior to Thanksgiving. I had our "Mis-mas" tree up before, but for the sake of principle, I waited to decorate it until after... :) (That's Anna's name for the tree.)

I love making everything about Christmas celebrations intentional. After all, the reason for this season is the birth of Jesus. No other event has ever brought as much hope or promise into this world full of darkness and sin.

Over the past several years, I've either collected or received nativity scenes to display in our house. I now have one for each room of the house! :) Several of them are toy-type sets, so you can be sure to hear things like:

That's MY baby Jesus!

Don't throw the sheep.

Baby Jesus can't leave Caleb's room. Take him back there right now.

Don't press on the Star of Bethlehem so much.

Those peas are dressed up as sheep. (VeggieTales!) Yes, mama. They're CUUUUTE.

Why isn't baby Jesus in the manger, Mama?

That's not a king, it's Larry. (VeggieTales again)

You can't walk around the house with Baby Jesus. He'll get lost.

I like to be as biblically accurate as possible, so we put the wise men literally to the east of the manger scene! Corny, I know, but actually, they probably didn't arrive until Jesus was a toddler.

We also have a cool Advent house with 25 doors that we use to count down to Christmas day! (Thanks, Mimi!) I searched long and hard that last year we were in Missouri, and managed to find or make enough things from the Bible Story to fill all 25 spaces. Are you curious?



Here's the lineup I have from Matthew 1 and 2 and Luke 1 and 2(don't tell Caleb and spoil the surprise) ;) We read little bits of the story every couple of days...

1 Angel Gabriel
2 Mary
3 Joseph
4 wooden stool (Joseph was a carpenter) Matthew 13:55
5 Caesar's decree (I typed a random decree about a census and tax)
6 play money to symbolize a tax
7 a donkey for the trip
8 a map (made from a computer printout of their journey and crumbled to look weathered)
9 signs from "inns" saying No Room Here, etc., and I used Scott's Hebrew Bible program to "trans-literate" it into Hebrew at the bottom. (Cheesy but Cool)
10 a little wooden birdhouse made to look like a stable using a sharpie, etc.
11 a shepherd
12 a sheep the shepherd was watching
13 an angel
14 a wad of gauze (this is supposed to be swaddling clothes)
15 straw that would line a manger
16 several more angels (theoretically singing)
17 BABY JESUS! I had to be chronological, even though it would seem to work best for Christmas day.
18 A sparkly star of Bethlehem
19 a picture (from the web) of a man (read: wise man) pointing at the star
20 a camel for the wise men's long journey
21 a picture (web again) of a star over a town "Bethlehem"
22 Wise man #1 bringing Gold, which may have been symbolic of being a ruler
23 Wise man #2 bringing frankincense, the only incense permitted on the altar, representing
Jesus' priesthood.
24 Wise man #3 bringing Myrrh, which was a spice/sap used for many things, including for burial, possibly symbolic of Christ's purpose for coming - death to take the penalty for our sin
so we can be reconciled to God
25 In keeping with the other 3 gifts, this is something each of us can give Jesus: The mirror behind the door shows us ourselves!

Most of them are ornaments made for mini-trees that I found in Hobby Lobby!

So, I'm curious too! I want to know how you celebrate with your family! Do you have any special traditions? Please post a comment!

Something's missing...

Caleb's tooth has been loose for a little under a week. Last night at soccer camp, he looked at us and yelled, "My tooth!!!" I held a cute little tooth for an hour and a half so that we could get it home to have our first tooth fairy experience. Then Scott and I had to figure out what an acceptable rate for the tooth would be! (in secret, of course!)

Anna's Unabridged Dictionary

Hangaber: n. (HANG-ga-bur) A yummy bread-and-meat treat from a place like Wendy's or Whataburger.

Bumpybee: n. insect that makes honey and buzzes while flying.

Baniwa: adj. (buh-NIH-wah) Descriptive of a certain flavor of soft-serve confection that must be consumed slowly by licking, with certain protest if Mama asks to lick off the drips to avert an ice cream catastrophe. also: Vanillllllla, Maniwa, Manilla, Banilllllllla; pronounced most effectively by overemphasizing the /ell/s; Usage must be inconsistent and rotate between the versions with great excitement.

foand: n. ringing gadget that must be answered, or at least brought to the attention of the parent who is not moving fast enough to get it.

Ooo: pronoun (ooo) any person whom Anna addresses directly.

Ah maynemer moch inna hammer: rhythmic phrase; To be repeated consistently over and over. Only understandable when followed by "I'm inna Lord's ahmee...Yes sir!"
(This took me all day to figure out. I'm just glad I knew the song to begin with.)

"I ate it." : response immediately following hiding something under her shirt and exclaiming "Where is it?"

Road Trip for the Guys!

Caleb, Scott, Pawpaw, and their friend Ricky got away to College Station for one of the first game weekends, and what would be Caleb's second football game ever! It was definitely the first that he'll be able to remember... the actual first one was at five months!

Caleb learned to whoop, yell, and Gig 'Em








as well as saw Varsity's horns off--Aaaay!


Thanks, Mr. Ricky for driving them safely! Thanks Pawpaw for the tickets!

Early end to Summer, AKA Kindergarten!

I can't believe that my oldest is now in Kindergarten! We started sooner than we expected, as a nearby school district (which is on a different schedule) permitted Caleb to transfer in. It maintains small classes, and that was a great alternative to the jam-packed (although decent) school in our neighborhood.

Caleb, you make me so proud! :)

I didn't think that I'd struggle on that first day! I'd taken him to a 5-day half-day pre-kinder program last year, and dropping him off was no problem at all. Surely this would be the same... right?

I accompanied him to the gym for the first day orientation, and I tagged along as his class went to the room. He was so grown up and observed everything. It didn't phase him that his name had not been called for his class and in lunch count later (late transfer-in, therefore, not everyone had the complete roster), but it phased me! I was fine until I got in my car. Then the silly thoughts flooded in: I'm leaving my sweet boy in the hands of people I don't know! (though they are excellent) He might get overlooked or left out because they don't have his name on all the lists! (I've taught before; I know better.) The growing up process is officially beginning, and there's no way I can slow it down! boo hoo hoo hoo!

Yes, I cried. I got over it, but I cried. Me! The rock, the calm one (ha to both!)...

He looked so grown up when I picked him up that afternoon.

On the fifth day of school, I came and sat with him at lunch. He was a pro at the lunch room! I came again four school days later. It was then that one of the cafeteria aides stopped me and said that he had a tough time every day at lunch. :( ...that he missed me and even cried some.

I realized quickly that lunch was the point that marked the longest time he'd been away from home during the day. We talked that afternoon, and I explained that instead of getting sad at lunch, he could realize that lunch meant it was almost time to see us again! It could be a happy signal, and he wouldn't have to be sad and miss me! He really liked that idea.

The next day, I picked him up and asked how the day (especially lunch) had gone. His answer? "Mama, I didn't miss you at all!" with a big smile.

Rats. I proceeded to tell him it was ok to miss me a little. :)

Heard at the McDonaldSpot

Anna, who has heard the routine of questions for Caleb after his days at school, started the question process on her own after Mother's Day Out one day.

Anna: Good day at school.
Mama: You had a good day at school today?
Anna: Yes. Made crapt.
(my pause...)
Mama: Did you make a craft today?
Anna: Yes. Made colors.

---------------------------------------------------------

Anna, what are you playing with by the refrigerator?

"Maggots." (You know, those things that stick to metal surfaces...)

---------------------------------------------------------
h-i-j-k, n-n-n-op....
tee ooo vee, duddle-you , ex
---------------------------------------------------------

What do you want from Taco Bueno?
"ont Poor-tee-uh" (want tortilla)
"Mmmm... Good portilla!"

****UPDATE -- Camera has been found****** Celebration has commenced

Still here, but exhausted!

Our church has moved out of its old building and into a new one across town. To accomplish this, the staff families and several volunteers worked many hours over the course of 6 days to take everything essential from the old, and get it and new items set up in the new by this past Sunday. That meant workdays from 9am to often 10pm for many of us. On top of that, I have misplaced my camera! :( very sad

I'll get back to updating asap.

Friday Funnies

You'll find yourself singing these cool Kid Songs all day!

Somebody's gotta be the comedian... (Heard at the McDonaldSpot)

We're never short on wit, jocular and jocose phrases, and humor around here. I'm usually responsible for the puns, and Scott handles the outright humor, but we have another player on the scene who is competing for the top spot!

Heard at the McDonaldSpot:

C: Mama, can I play the computer game again tonight?
Me: No, you can play it again tomorrow.
C: You mean today-tomorrow?
Me: No, I mean tomorrow.
C: You mean tonight-tomorrow?
Me: No, I mean tomorrow.
C: (without pause) Well, today is the tomorrow we were waiting for yesterday.


C, A, Mama and Daddy are enjoying some rarely occuring donuts for breakfast.

Me: (to C) Don't wipe your hands on your clothes (today, Spiderman costume).
Me: Your clothes aren't napkins.
C: What if I was Napkin Man?

Tag or Treat?

I've been tagged by Jodi, and I thought as a fall treat that I'd participate. :) Here we go:

Rules: Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people & posts their names, then goes to their blog & leaves them a comment letting them know that they have been tagged & asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

10 YEARS AGO I...
1. was getting ready to student teach Kinder and 4th grade
2. was counting down 7 months until our wedding.
3. was likely at an Aggie Football game during a great year for the Aggies. We had just defeated number 1 Nebraska at home.
4. was very involved serving at my church.
5. had my little sis and my friend Brooke as roomies.


5 THINGS ON TODAY'S TO DO LIST...
1. Go to the gym!
2. Catch up on laundry.
3. Spend a little time at the church to make sure things are ready for the weekend.
4. Clean a little.
5. Take Tigger and SpiderMan to Mimi and Pawpaw's to avoid local trick-or-treaters and have some fun in the country.


5 THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A MILLIONAIRE...
1. Give to our church and to several other ministries I wish I could support.
2. Dump a ton into college funds for the kiddos
3. Pay off our mortgage. ick.
4. Replace our flooring.
5. Take a real vacation.


5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED...
1. Corpus Christi, TX
2. College Station, TX
3. Carrollton, TX
4. Dallas, TX
5. Ozark, Missouri


5 JOBS I HAVE HAD...
1. Tractor Driver/ Heavy Machinery operator / Farm Office Manager
2. I worked in the media center some in college – responsible for setting up microphones, projectors, etc. for professors. Boy, technology has changed in the last 13 years.
3. Taught school: 4th grade, ESL Pre-K (8 languages represented!?! Good thing I only had to understand English), Kindergarten
4. Preschool Ministry Assistant (Assistant Regional Manager -- NO, Assistant (to the) Regional Manager)
5. My fave…a Mommy!!!


Okay, now I’m tagging 5 people…Stacey, Tiffany, Brittany, Kristen, and Mandi

Countdown!

***UPDATE*** Found it on my doorstep tonight when I got home... WOOHOO! Whoop!



I've been waiting for some time for this one... When Scott asked me what I wanted for our anniversary, the answer was EASY. Crossway Publishing is releasing the study Bible version of its new translation of the Bible on October 15th! He pre-ordered a copy, and I can't wait for it to get here!

Why am I so excited?

I love to know the context of Scripture. It shows me exactly what God intended when He inspired what I am reading. I love diving into the context of Scripture by checking out maps, using study materials, understanding the culture and traditions of the time periods, etc. Doing so helps me properly apply Scripture to my own life and truly reminds me how God's Word is living and active.

This Study Bible (in addition to being one of the most closely accurate-to-the-original-language translations) is chock-full of the following:

• Over 200 full-color maps—created with the latest digital technology, satellite images, and archaeological research; printed in full color throughout the Bible.


• 200-plus charts—offering key insights and in-depth analysis in clear, concise outline form; located throughout the Bible.
• 80,000 cross-references—to encourage easy location of important words, passages, and biblical themes.
• 40 all-new illustrations—including full-color renderings and architectural diagrams of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon’s temple, Herod’s temple, the city of Jerusalem in Jesus’ time and throughout the history of Israel, and many more.

Here is a sample image from Crossway's ESV SB website: (click to enlarge)


I respect the attitude of the Godly men and women who have worked hard to put this together. Here is the stated purpose from the Crossway site (Linked to above):

The goal and vision of the ESV Study Bible is, first and foremost, to honor the Lord—in terms of the excellence, beauty, and accuracy of its content and design; and in terms of helping people come to a deeper understanding of the Bible, of the Gospel, and of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Crossway is a not-for-profit publishing ministry and all receipts from the ESV Study Bible go directly toward the support of this ministry goal around the world.

Makin' a splash

We spent a great summer evening over at the Lewters' new home. Lana Kate and Caleb and Anna had a blast in the little pool!

From Summer 2008

From Summer 2008

Screaming contests

From Summer 2008

More screams... all in good fun.

From Summer 2008

Ripe unto Harvest

Grain harvest down here in our neck of the woods begins in late June to early July and lasts about a month, depending on whether there's a storm in the Gulf headed our way. Anna got to take it all in for the first time this year!

From Summer 2008

From Summer 2008

"Cheese!"

From Summer 2008

"Beeeeg Tah-ters"

From Summer 2008

"Dey're Tumin'!"

From Summer 2008

After a fun ride

From Summer 2008

A blurry, bumpy picture in the combine's jumpseat at dusk.

From Summer 2008

Gorgeous sunset.

What color is dirt to you?

Silly question? I think not. When I think of dirt, a definite color (and even texture) comes to mind. Yes, I know that may be because as a farmer's daughter I am well acquainted with it. But I want to pose the question to you. It's not a philosophical or psychological one, but geographical.

When we lived in central-ish Texas for college, the dirt was definitely bright rust-ish colored. In Missouri, it was darker and a little more brown, but still rusty. I got to reacquaint myself with my home dirt this summer during harvest:

Funny how the little things can invoke special memories.

The BigMacs and small fries and a dollar deal

Mid July brought a visit from Nanny, Dandy, Drew, Debbie, Ashley, and Mandy! We had so much fun with them! We traveled to the beach, ate some Snoopy's, and had an all-around good time.


I also found a live sand dollar! That's right, a live one. I had never seen anything but portions of a sand dollar on the beach before. They're bleached white, and they're difficult to find whole. But as I was standing in the waves, I felt something in the sand under my feet. I trapped it and dug it up. Here's what I found:


Notice the dark green color and the hairy fringe (phalanges?) around the edge.

The underside was purple, and covered all over with waving phalanges! They tickled! (Was it trying to eat my hand???) Unfortunately, it didn't live long out of the salty water. Travis informed me that I could soak it in bleach and it would become white like the parts we so often find scattered along the beach. Cool, huh?

Early July Homecoming, or Veggies in Iraq

A couple of years ago, a guy walked into the church here for the first time. My mom just happened to be the one to greet him, and the next week she and Dad invited him to lunch after church. We just happened to be visiting from Springfield at the time, so we got to meet him, snazzy pinstriped slacks and all. :)

Fastforward to this past February. Lots of dinners at Mom and Dad's, game nights, a new-found friendship with my out-of-town sister, dating my sister, proposing to said sister, and lots and lots of flirting from Anna all comprise events that have happened over that time period. Then, Travis, being a civilian engineer for the Army, deployed voluntarily for the second time to Iraq. We knew that the months would be long for him and my sister until he returned in July. Then July came. We were so glad to see T back in the states!

Cheesy pose to show we were waiting anxiously, which was true, but the reality was that we spent a lot of time walking the kids around...

Licia wouldn't let us join her upstairs to meet him (why? Hmmmm... :) ), so we caught him as they came downstairs.

Caleb showed off his sign. Anna had been saying she was going to give T a "beeeeg hug." But she clammed up. I guess she had gone way too long without flirting with Travis.

But he hadn't gone alone! He had two stow-aways, mainly for Caleb and Anna's benefit. We were so excited that Travis took the time to bring a little piece of Iraq back for them. Check these Veggietales out. So brave...

Preparing for the long flight that would eventually end up in the Fertile Crescent, aka area of Ur, aka Babylon.

Hard at work and ready for anything...

Local wildlife.

Heavy Duty set of wheels...

Stylish transport, for sure.

Thanks, "Trav", for taking the time to do something special for our kiddos.

Also, it's T minus 7 days until you officially become Uncle Travis! We can't wait! :)

We're Baa-ack

We made it home last night around 10:45 after a stop in Austin for some Freebirds World Burritos. Mmmm. Even Caleb and Anna love the place! The running from Ike was a much needed personal retreat, and we're immensely thankful that Corpus was spared, especially since we were the target for quite some time in the forecasts. Our prayers go out to those in the Houston area who were affected.

For now, it's back to cleaning, de-boarding the windows (is that a word?), back to school, and back to the everyday grind. I'll get some posts up soon, I hope! Thanks for your thoughts and prayers while we traveled!

Ike's following us?

^^Update 3^^ We tried to make it as far as we could, and stopped at 2 am in Georgetown (N of Austin) for a four hour "nap" at a hotel and a continental breakfast. We hit the road again at 8 am. Currently, I'm "tethering" (see update 2) and we're about 15 minutes outside of our evac destination. Yea! The kids are doing great, and we just found out that our city back home just issued a mandatory evac order, even though we're not in the bulls-eye anymore. Just goes to show how wide the storm's effects will be... I may post again soon. Low battery.


<*UPDATE 2*> We packed up and left our home at 6:30 pm. Before we got on the highway, we checked in with my cousin who lives in town. They were finished boarding up but hadn't left yet. We decided to stay in town longer and help them get out of town sooner. Here's why: He and his wife have five kids. They're all under the age of 4. They have a newly-turned 4 yr old girl, a 2 yr old boy, and 2 month old TRIPLETS! They hadn't eaten supper yet, and neither had we, so we rustled up some Chick fil A and moseyed on over to help out. I can't imagine how long it would have taken for them to ready the house, pack, feed the older kids and themselves, feed the babies, and load the car without help!!! We got everything loaded and done by 9:30 and after dropping their other vehicle off elsewhere, we were on the road by 10. Yippee!! Looks like we'll be stopping somewhere overnight instead of powering through to North TX overnight. Thanks to a cool thing called "tethering" (connecting to the internet using your bluetooth phone as a modem), I'm updating from the road. We're 57 mi. south of San Antonio. Pray we don't get too sleepy. Traffic's light. Kids are sleeping. TTFN.






**UPDATE** I'll post updates by editing this single post: It's Wed. afternoon, and local schools have closed for the next two days at least. We've secured the church building as best as we could. Our home is boarded up thanks to the caravan of staff guys who've made the rounds. Now, I'm double-checking important paperwork that'll travel with us, and we're collecting several days' worth of clothing. We're off to Nanny and Dandy's tonight: seven hours plus depending on how packed the roads are (and we've heard they already are). Please pray for safe travels and for minimal property damage for all those involved!

The good news for our area is that the storm seems to be trending a little north of us. Nobody wants to be on the northeast side of the hurricane. However, it could always come straight over us or even south of us... no forecast is certain. The bad news is that they're thinking it'll be a cat 4 when it hits! That could mean around a 16ft. initial storm surge, winds between 131 and 155 mph and potentially a foot of rain in 4 hours!!! See the updated graphic below:






(previous update)
I still have more posting to do to catch you all up on what's going on at the McDonaldspot, but that'll have to wait for now. It's Ike's fault. He's got his eye on us, as we do on him, so we're doing laundry, collecting important paperwork and pictures, and preparing in case he comes for our area. I'll keep you posted here and on Facebook as to whether we actually have to evacuate on Wed. night or Thurs. morning, but for now, we appreciate your prayers! :)

McNuggets (9/1)

Just in time for Labor Day Grilling
(That is, if you're not on the Gulf Coast) See a unique way to clean your grill without having to use much elbow grease!

Remodeling Time
Check out this CS Lewis illustration about how it is that having a relationship with Christ is not what we expect... and yet is so much better.

Team Hoyt
Whether you've never seen it or have seen it 20 times, it's a moving depiction of a father's love and devotion.

No pockets?
Lots of us love Reef flip flops down here in Texas, but you have to check these out! I wonder if they really work well...

They chose life
I read this when it was posted back in early May. Little did I know that we'd get to know the mom profiled in a much more public way this past week. Also, I thought this photo below was a neat perspective on a historic moment...

only the second woman to be selected as a potential VP, and one who actually has a pretty decent chance of being elected. {Superficial note: Cute shoes!}

side note: Here's a picture prior to an equally timely moment from the Democratic National Convention... One that is interesting, I think, when comparing the I'd-rather-look-powerful-than-feminine image portrayed by their female candidate to the comfortable-looking-feminine image portrayed by the other candidate mentioned above. (Subtle, I know, but still there...)
{Superficial note: When you find a good pantsuit you like, get it in several different colors?}

*nine*

Here I am, two months behind on posting, but I couldn't pass up the momentous occasion that happened on our road trip:

Our 9 year anniversary!

Scott and I got to celebrate by spending the day in Tyler while Nanny and Dandy kept the kids. (This was prior to heading to Missouri). We got to eat good Mexican food at Mercados, and oddly enough, we went shopping so I could have something to wear for the Missouri wedding. How patient of Scott to (suggest that we) spend our time away doing one of the things he least enjoys! I'm grateful! :)

I thank the Lord always for His provision of a husband who has devoted his life to glorify God. He does so in the way he leads our family, the way he parents our kiddos, the way he loves me, and the way he is teachable when the Lord is working on an area of his life. I'm grateful that the Lord is daily shaping us for ministry. I'm looking forward to the many years ahead in which I'm privileged to serve alongside, support, and show love to Scott!

Here are some pre-1999 old-school pics to bring back some memories...