Finding Jesus

While covering a picture he was making with Nativity stickers . . .
(Thank you, Patty Ingold)
Ian decided it was time to bring the Nativity set down from the attic.

Much rejoicing ensued when said Nativity was located and presented to Ian and Lilly. In fact, Ian broke into song, belting out a vein-popping rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
(Thank you, A Charlie Brown Christmas)

Ian proceeded to set up the Nativity, neatly arranging the shepherds with their sheep and the wise men together. Lilly was taking the donkey on a journey to Bethlehem.
(Thank you, Picture Bible)


The peace and excitement of that night in Bethlehem seemed to be playing out perfectly in my living room.

There was only one problem.

Jesus was missing.

Ian and Lilly would not rest until baby Jesus was found. We began our search, first ransacking the "stuff" tub, then Ian's closet and under beds, until baby Jesus was finally located at the bottom of a toy tub in Lilly's room.

And when he was found amidst much shouting and jumping, everything changed.

Appropriately, Jesus became the central figure in their play.

He was kissed

and showered with sweetness.

Everyone came to visit him.

It all reminded me, as Christmas approaches, may we keep Christ in it, at the center--of our holiday and our home.
(Thank you, God, for Jesus)

Merry (almost) Christmas.

Artist?

It's exciting to see your child grow and develop and watch his strengths come to light.
Nathan always loves it when Ian draws because Nathan is a designer/Creative Director and it means Ian has some of daddy's gifts.
What do you think?

Pretty great for a four year old?

Today we'll be battling sweet Lill's nasty cold. Bless her heart.
And tonight . . . Book club!! Since it's at my house this month, think I'll force them to pose for a group photo. :)

Soccer Star

Sheer delight to watch this little man play soccer.
Loving the two thumbs up he does to us with a huge grin after every play.
Proud of his hustle and the way he anticipates where that ball will go.
Amazed at how being a parent is so infinitely special, even (especially!) during a simple pre-K soccer game.





Daddy brought home a brand new, official youth soccer ball for this little man tonight.
Joy.

Also brought home by daddy tonight?
"Up"--out on DVD today:

Ian still says the highlight of Disney World for him was meeting Mr. Fredricksen. Ian has an old soul.

Love. That.

He empathizes with Mr. F, and like him, Ian is kind and seems to possess compassion beyond his years.

We surprised Ian with an "Up" watch party. Grandma and grandpa showed up with a bouquet of helium balloons to celebrate the event.

Loved Nathan's tweet: "Ian watched "Up" tonight. We watched Ian."
He acted out every scene as he watched. He doesn't play the child, Russell's part. He plays--you guessed it--Mr. F.

I think he and Mr. F are kindred spirits. (Have I mentioned I love Mr. Fredricksen?)

Have you seen Up? What did you think?
What recent moments have made parenting extra special for you?

No Girls Allowed

Annual breakfast for dads and granddads at Ian's preschool.
Nathan looks forward to it all year.

Oh Happy Day

With temperatures in the 30s, frost on the ground, the furnace and fireplace full speed ahead, and these two snuggling in front of the television, it feels as if fall has finally arrived.


The weather promises 65 degrees and sunny today. We'll see.

Wishing you all a day this happy:

I can't look at it without smiling. Can I just say, Lilly LOVES stickers?
We find them everywhere--the hardwood floors, the dresser, the piano, my hair . . .

How's the weather in your neck of the woods? Has fall arrived, or do you even have seasons where you live?

I get a KICK out of you

Ian's first ever soccer game was tonight. The game opened with him kicking the ball from mid-court that scored a goal. He was good, really good!!!

On the way home: "Mama, I want to wear these special socks (shin guard socks) forever. Are you gonna make me take them off?"

There is that whole "bathing" thing, so, yes, we eventually took them off.

He absolutely LOVED soccer. Grandpa got some great iPhone shots/videos and I'll definitely bring my camera next week.

And just like that, I'm a soccer mom.

Immensely enjoyed hanging out with the Segars boys today. Seriously. Great. Kids.

The best part? My parents and their grandparents (Van and Jean Segars) are lifelong BFFs, and their dad (Shane) and my bro (John 2)/I were buds growing up, and today our children were having a blast together. Catch all that?

Anywho, it's just special to see a bond continuing for three generations. Nice. So glad to have them in town for a visit.

Thanks for the tree climbing, football throwing, leaf pile jumping, trampoline flipping, rock band playing, rowdy day, guys. Ian was in heaven. See you soon.

Oh, and I'm completely amazed no injuries were sustained in all the craziness. Whew.

Looking forward to you all moving here in January. See you then, friends.

Happy Halloween

Our weekend is shaping up to be frighteningly fun . . .

Question: What's a kid to be on Halloween when he's a superhero everyday?
Answer: The Ultimate Superhero!
Spider Man mask
Captain America suit
Superman cape

Way creative, yeah?

The annual trick-or-treating at daddy's work:


Ms. Angela always has a haul of treats and toys for the kiddos.

Someone commented, "This coffee table is like a little stage for them."
Well, what isn't, really?


Making Crescent Mummy Dogs with grandma--I highly recommend this recipe. Both Ian and Lilly could participate, and they were way yummilicious. Everyone needs a hot dog for dinner once in awhile, right?

Ian and mama mummifying together:

While our mummies were in the oven, grandpa read to us from our favorite book of late, "Where's My Mummy?" Ian had to help grandpa with the spooky voices.



Oh, here is said book--the inspiration for all our mummy cooking this weekend. We've read it so many times, Ian can now sit and "read" it to Lilly. I love to hear him do the voices of Drac, Glob and BONES!:

These Mummy Cookies were a major hit this morning. Don't judge me, Ian did have oatmeal and milk for breakfast. (tip: Forget the cocoa; also, use gum drops instead of jelly beans for eyes--they're only 99 cents. We cut little bits off the tops and they stick fine.)


Daddy's cookies always look the coolest.

After losing its head and most of its extremities, this cookie was afraid. VERY. Afraid.

More Halloween pics to follow. Ian has two parties tonight. He's quite the social gadfly, you know . . .
(hopefully he won't mind his nerdy parents tagging along)