Always in Need of Grace: December 2008

How we spent Christmas...

On Monday, the 22nd, we set out for Houston....we try to make it a habit to stop at the Czech Kolache Depot in Ennis....mmmmmm.

When we left, it was very early so Peter just stayed in jammies.

We spent Monday through Wednesday with the Osterbergs. We loved getting to know Chrystal more and meeting little baby Calynn. :) L - R: Doug, Tyler, Chrystal, and Heath

On Christmas Eve we all gathered as usual to share what God has done in our lives over the past year and to sing and pray together. L-R: Gramma, Courtney, Marty and Buddy

We also sang the "Twelve Days of Christmas" with everyone singing a solo...always a laugh!

L - R: Elizabeth, Nancy, Keri & Calynn, Brent, and Rhonwyn.

Peter received the coolest vacuum cleaner from Aunt Rhonwyn and Uncle Buddy...he's still playing with it!

Peter loves to give kisses! Awww!

Aunt Corutney is helping Peter open his stocking from Nana and Pa.

Doug put Peter's fire hat over Courtney's head......

.....he sure thought he was funny! :)

On Christmas Day we went over to my Aunt Diane and Uncle Larry's house. The Aragons (my cousin) were there too. The kids had a great time playing outside. Here is Peter with Simeon and Moriah.

Peter got to help with our tradition of making Christmas cookies! My mom made him a little apron with his name on it and everything...so cute!

My cousin Sara is expecting baby #4 in early January and our baby #2 will come in July!

Peter and Grandma...he is trying to show off his new boots, but Harvey walked in the way...oh well!

Peter really got into the present opening this year...he liked to put the bows on his head...silly boy!

The Butchers! Peter was all about his Auntie Jessica...he wouldn't smile at the camera, but he would smile at her!

My parents have passes to Moody Gardens and we went down there to see the aquarium. This has to be one of my most favorite places on Earth!

In the aquarium tunnel...so cool!

While in Galveston, we had to stop and see the water!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope this finds you celebrating the birth of Jesus, the one and only hope of true happiness and eternal salvation. May Christ and His glory be at the heart of everything you do, think, and say this holiday season. He alone is worthy and we will never be satisfied unless we put Him above all things. Christ the baby was born to become Christ the sinless man and die for the sins of God's people. Trust in Him and He alone can heal, guide, protect, lead and save you. Glory to God in the highest!!

We took Peter dowtown to see the big Christmas tree and decorations. He loved it and keep running up to the huge ornament set out for display. :)

It was so C..........O...........L............D!!!!

We had our quiet little family Christmas on Sunday night before we left for Houston. We read the Christmas story, exchanged gifts and then got some Starbucks and went to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

This past week we got the Christmas decorations out of the attic...well, Brent did. :) I love to decorate for Christmas!

Peter was very excited to see what Brent was bringing down...

This year, Peter is old enough to appreciate the lights and all of the colors. He kept saying "Oh, wow!"

I just love this picture! He really wanted to touch the tree, but was a good boy and just looked. :)

We went to the seminary campus last Monday to take a family picture. The staged pictures didn't come out that well, but these two are a few of the cute ones that were spontaneous.

Expecting Baby O...

Okay, for real this time!! We have doctor confirmation that we are indeed pregnant again! Praise the Lord! I am six weeks along and we had our first sonogram today. We got to hear the little heart beat of the baby that is about the size of a grain of rice. :) We are so excited! The nurse said that the heart probably started beating yesterday or early this morning - the 3rd.

After the appointment we went to Pizza Hut (what I happen to be craving today) to celebrate.

Praise the Lord for the life He has created!

So much to be thankful for...

This holiday season I am remineded again of all the things that I have to be thankful for. I don't want to type out a huge paragraph that most people will just skip over (come on...be honest! :) So here are a few, but not all the things that I am giving thanks for.

1) My salvation in Jesus Christ that I did nothing to earn, but cling to with all of my hope.
2) My husband that loves me more than I deserve.
3) My adorable son that God has used to sanctify me and bring me closer to the image of Christ.
4) My family, immediate and extened, that is always there praying for and encouraging me.
5) My church that preaches the Word and exalts Christ above all else.
6) My friends that love me, encourage me, and keep me accountable to a life that only follows Christ.

For Thanksgiving, we actually went to the Osterberg's house first, but the pics uploaded backwards....oh well. Here is turkey with the Butchers, Murrells and Aragons...

My Aunt and Uncle live on a culdesac that is perfect for kids who want to expell some energy. :) Elijah pulled Moriah and Peter in the wagon...so sweet!