We celebrated a small family Christmas here at home, just us and the kids. It was an enjoyable day with the kids falling asleep in the living room after watching "It's a Wonderful Life" to waking up with still NO PRESENTS anywhere! They ate breakfast, dressed and cleaned up and when they returned to the living room, there was a table full of gifts!


"Where'd these come from?!?"

"Andrew, don't miss out on the fun!"

'Cars' toothpaste, specially requested (ain't Faith so sweet in the background?)

"Football!!!! 'ere, Catch!"


"Joystick? What's this for?"

"Oh, a V-Smile!"

And games to go with it!

Of course, we couldn't leave Faith out:

She was content playing with her fingers...

...until we gave her something new to play with.

She loves her little rattle, it makes funny noises and lights up!

Matthew with his new (much needed) winter coat.

Birthday Girl!

Charis turned 6 years old on Friday, the 21st (amazing how fast time flies!) and we let her choose what she wanted to do for the evening. She decided on eating at McDonald's and playing on the playground. So that's what we did. Then we stopped by Bruster's and got her an ice cream cake. After coming back home, we popped some popcorn, sliced the cake and all sat down to watch "Ratatouille." But just before the movie, we pulled out her presents: A few dresses and outfits I picked out for her with Mawmawnee's help while in North Carolina.

And since I mentioned Mawmawnee, here's a picture of her and Faith.

They took to each other like a bear to honey!

Christmas singing

Well, I finally was able to get a clip of Charis and Matthew singing at our church's Christmas program. This was on Sunday night, Dec. 23. Matthew seemed more interested in being able to see Charis than singing, but at least he was singing and doing some of the motions! You can also view the complete videos by clicking here and then click on "preschool" or "combined" children's choir. (As of this morning, the combined wasn't available yet, but it should be before the week is over.

Pastor likes to speak to the children and commend them on their singing. Of couse, the children loves this small interaction with him as they don't get to see him very often (age 4 and younger anyway).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Twas the week before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

Sunday was a big day for Charis and Matthew both. They participated in the Preschool Children's Christmas program. This is the entire group of children ages 3-5; about 50-60 children. It was fun to watch the actions of the different children, even my own! Matthew seemed fascinated with his ears and decided he wanted to plug them up for a unique sound to the singing, but at least he was singing! Charis did a great job singing as well. The video is a bit long to watch, but I hope you enjoy the concert, and yes, of course I focused on my two "angels."

Also, here are a few other pictures of Charis and Matthew as well as the group picture again.

Saturday, Charis had her first violin recital at a local nursing home. She did well, even though I was nervous for her. Here she is playing "Away in a Manger." She also played two other songs, one was a solo called "Andantino" and the second was a combination of "Twinkle Little Star" versions done as a group with her teacher and other students.

We started with about 18 residents and had several more come in during the recital. I think total we had 24 besides the families of our violinists.

Enjoy the pictures and concert of my sweet little musician!

My Papa Elbert. I didn't know him very well and wish I could have changed that somehow, but I thank the Lord for the time He allowed for us to know him and treasure the memories I have. He won his battle with cancer on Friday night and went to be at Home with Jesus. He'll get to spend this Christmas in Heaven. When I see him again, I want to hug his neck and tell him I love him very much.

Growing like a weed (only purtier!)

Faith is enjoying a step of progress on her growth chart; she is now eating solids. I tried starting her on cereal and she didn't seem to be overjoyed, so I gave her some applesauce. I became her very best friend! After a week of that once a day, I allowed her a taste of pureed bananas. Another hit with her! So, the second try I added cereal to it. She squinted her nose (well, the best she could anyway) and tried to push it back out of her mouth. Realizing she wasn't winning, she accepted it. Now, she enjoys it near as much as straight banana.

Other than a little raspy cough, she and all the rest of us are doing well. I know, I know, I am supposed to have updated pictures and/or videos instead of just a bunch of words to read. Sorry, not this time. But that means you'll come back to read again soon and see if I have updated with pictures. Well, I will.... Charis has a violin recital at a nursing home this Saturday, so I am going to at least have pictures, if not a video clip to share.

Good News, Bad News

Seriously, but not, I have some good news and bad news...

The good news is Faith is babbling more and putting consonants with vowels... the bad news is: she is saying "Dada" along with "lala" and "baba" (why don't they ever say "Mama" first?!?)

The good news is she also has reached a milestone --> she can now roll from tummy to back! The bad news is: it startles her when she's asleep and wakes up on her back, she loves to sleep on her tummy. The good news is, I got her on video and can share it with you! More bad news is: I will be getting up in the middle of the night to calm her down when she is awakened by rolling over!




Charis is still doing well with school and she loves to read. Here are a couple of pictures of her reading Bambi to Faith.

Andrew is still cute as a button. He's learning his manners well and using them too! I can call him and he'll come a-runnin' saying, " 'am?" (ma'am) and if we ask him a yes or no question, his typical reply is, " 'essir!" (said with enthusiasm too!) I enjoy hearing his vocabulary grow day by day. He likes to holler out "I done!" when he finished eating his meals and wants down from his high chair. He has gone from calling Matthew "Datoo" to "Ma-hew", Faith is "Faify" and Charis is "yes." He says his own name as "Ah-dew."

He and Faith favor alot in their baby pictures.

In fact, Charis also can be mistaken for either one,

if we don't pay attention to the dates on the pictures!

Matthew is the only one who looks much different

with his blond hair and blue eyes.

I still think Andrew has his Papa Leake's eyes:

Reflections

It's been awhile since I published and figure it's about time again. Looking back over yesterday being Thanksgiving, I just want to stop here and thank the Lord for His many blessings on me. He's first of all loved me with an everlasting love and saved my soul.

And then, I have my family: a wonderful loving husband and four precious children. Each one makes my heart expand with more love than I thought I could hold. I can't forget my parents; Mom and Dad, I love you both very much! And Papa Elbert. Shawn and his family, Ryan and his family and Jared and his family. And of course, my in-laws. I am truly surrounded by love and blessings.

We had a great time Thursday as friends from the church came over for some deep fried turkey and fellowship. And in the midst of it all, Jared and Amy stopped in for a few minutes as they traveled to see her brother. We had not seen Jared since Mother's Day, so it was nice to visit with him again.

Going back in time... last weekend, Dennis decided it was time to paint Charis' room to cover the artwork she and Matthew drew early in the summer. So, he got some paint and got to work. Here's what we had to cover:

See the beautiful smiley faces, even complete with mustaches! They had pretty much covered the entire corner with stars, faces houses and flowers.

We worked well into Friday night and started back up on it again Saturday morning. The hallway and front bathroom were painted as well as Charis' room. Just a plain off-white semi-gloss, but it makes such a difference compared to the flat eggshell it was originally painted. And easier to clean off, although I certainly hope I won't be having to do so anytime real soon, especially pen or pencil markings!All this hard work sure wore someone out:

Yes, Andrew is now in a toddler bed as we have moved Faith into the crib. He likes it since he can now get up and down as he pleases. I noticed that he was very quiet as Matthew and Charis were playing one afternoon. I walked back to find he had crashed, not even attempting to lay on the bed, but kneeling instead; he was sound asleep.

On November 6th, I stepped outside early in the morning to see a beautiful sight. I had read that the ISS and Discovery were to be crossing the skies at exactly 6:13am and they could be seen as bright points of light for a full 5 minutes. Also, the moon was a lovely crescent with the shadow of the darkened portion clearly seen. So, I was armed with the camera and ready for action. Sure enough, Dennis and I were able to watch as the spaceships floated like falling stars, moving from southwest to northeast. My camera wasn't able to pick up the view, but it was certainly breathtaking! But I was able to get a few shots of the moon. Nowhere near what it really looked like, but I love to see our God's creation!

Faith continues to grow and charm everyone. Here she was stirring up a ruckus wanting attention. She's teething as well and likes to blow raspberries.

She is nearly 5 months old, but on her 4-month checkup, she weighed 17lb., 10 oz, which puts her in the "95th percentile" and 5% on her height at 22 1/2 inches. Short and fat, she's my sweet li'l butterball.

Another milestone!

Faith is now 4 months old today! She's chubby as ever and such a giggle box.

I love to hear her giggle, especially at the older kids. And they love to make her laugh! It's neat to watch what different ways each one will make her laugh. For instance, earlier this evening, Matthew was tickling her feet and she would chuckle every time. I tried it, and she just looked at me. (Hmmm....) Charis can jump right in her face and say something and she grins and squirms.

Andrew, well, she can just look at him and

start laughing sometimes.

'Course, he's so cute, he'll make anyone grin:

You grinnin'?

Here, he was "talking" on the phone. Daddy had called and just as I hung up, Andrew wanted to talk to Daddy, so I handed him the phone. He chatted for a bit and then handed me the phone back, saying, " 'ere!"

Here's another of him just after he woke up from his afternoon nap:

And then, here's a couple more pictures of Faith to make you smile...

Check out my Slide Show!

Matthew is now old enough to sing in the Preschool choir along with Charis. The choir is for ages 3-5. So, both of them were singing on Monday night of the Mission Conference. This was Matthew's first time in front of the congregation, so I was a bit nervous how he would do. But, I think he did a fine job! He never saw me, although he looked hard. Charis did a great job as well, but then, she is an old pro by now.

Our mission conference started with a Banquet on Saturday night and ran through Wednesday night. We had Dr. Charles Keen as a speaker, along with Bro. Leroy Pennell from Canada and Bro. Victor Rouse, who is now leading our Spanish speaking ministry. Each night before the services began, we were encouraged to enter the college campus to "tour the world for a taste adventure;" cuisines from 6 different countries of the world. A wide variety of meals and desserts and good cooking! After eating, we took the kids around to the different countries to get their passports stamped as they entered each set up. Alot of work involved and a job well done.

The Lanham's Visit

About 2 weeks ago, we were able to again spend some time with dear friends of ours. Rob and Taunya Lanham moved to Alaska back in February of last year to pastor King Cove Bible Chapel. They came back to the lower 48 for a missions conference in Georgia and took a few weeks as well to visit with friends and family before heading back. I am so glad we were able to make it on that list, even if it was just over dinner. The kids had a blast with Kelsie and Whitnie. Faith got spoiled by Chan quite a bit! Charis was silly as usual and Matthew decided to crawl into the highchair after Andrew finished eating. Andrew ate so much he nearly "busted a gut!" He sat with his mouth filled like a chipmunk and then complained: "Hurts!" while rubbing his tummy. I wish I had taken a picture of it to show you WHY his tummy would hurt! LOL! Bro. Rob and Dennis enjoyed discussing numerous topics while the rest of us just relaxed and had fun at our all-time favorite place to eat: CiCi's Pizza parlor.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!

Today is a special day for someone I love very much! I won't say how old she is, but Mom knows.

She is now taking care of Papa Elbert 24/7 as he has metastatic melanoma which has affected his stomach, right lung and his brain. At this point, he no longer has function of his motor skills to walk around. Things have become difficult for both him and her, but God gives grace in time of need.

I don't know what Mom is going through, but I know that she was a wonderful mom to me and my brothers. And I know that she loves her daddy enough to do the right thing for him. And I admire her for that. So, I want to tell her today, "I love you, Mom and I hope you have a very special and wonderful birthday. I pray for God's blessings on you today and always."

3 Months Already?!!

This past Tuesday, Faith turned 3 months old. I can hardly believe the time has just flown by! I don't take her for a checkup any time real soon, but I think she is weighing about 16 lbs. now. Definitely a chubby little baby. But, the more rolls they have, the more adorable they are, I think!
She is laughing alot, but not quite giggling just yet. She loves the ceiling fans, and the deer head mounted on our living room wall. She also love a teddy bear that sits atop my dresser mirror. Many times she has been irritable and fussy and I have taken her to my bedroom and stood in front of the mirror. She always looks up and sees that bear. Her tears disappear and she starts smiling and laughing; "talking" to the bear.

She is also looking more and more like her big sister, don't you think?

The quilt she is laying on was made by a new friend I recently made. She lives in Canada and I met her online through a chat forum I am part of. I have known her for close to a year, if I recall correctly. Anyway, she makes quilts and does a beautiful job. I commented on her handiwork one day, shortly before the birth of my baby girl. She offered to make a quilt for Faith. I was stunned! She did it as a gift for her, although I offered to pay for it. I have no idea how much it costs to get started on a quilt, much less the time and materials and thought and love that goes into its shape. I accepted her offer and was surprised to find that the quilt was complete and ready to be delivered to me about 2 weeks ago. A few days later, I got a knock on the door. The mail lady was standing at the door with a package for me. Seeing who it was from, I ripped into it like a child at Christmas time. I found wrapping like a birthday present. Pulling that off, I found a black garbage back which was squished like shrink wrap and tied off with a rubber band. I unwound the band and pulled out this beautiful quilt.

Faith seems to enjoy it as well: