River of Lights 2010

A less-seasoned parent might wonder why we bother to enjoy the River of Lights.  Hats and scarves and mittens many times over....oh, so cold weather....babies bundled tightly while Mommy and Daddy hope they make it through the tour....long lines to get in....prayers that the many-layered cutie pies won't ask the dreaded question, "Where's the bathroom?"

But after all the frustration and cries and preparation, we always have a good time.  And, it's just another tradition that wraps up the year.

Can you find the world's cutest pink marshmallow? 

(Hint...her name rhymes with pear.:)

One of the favorite attractions.....the Slide!

Now that's a potato for Queen Mom.  Lots of butter, please.

He was cozy warm and didn't cry a bit!

Suspended

This morning.........

Mashoonga!

In a house with a few men, swords are always a hit.  Enter Mashoonga.

These were a gift for Reaches Up since Scribe's swords are still too big for him to use (and a bit too real....).

Mountain Man and Scribe went at it last night.  You would have wanted front row seats to that match.

I admit I asked more than once, "Scribe, doesn't that hurt?!"  Not cool to do that to your 15 year old son.

This smaller version has sold out until Spring, but you can still order a slightly

bigger one.

Tough swords and lots of fun.  Great outlet for all that boy (and man) energy!

Christmas Day~Part 2

 Look...Jedediah already knows a good book when he sees it!  Am I going to have to fight him for this one?

 Book in front of the face....part of that whole mystery surrounding "Scribe"

See, just a few books.  Just a few.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my cousin's spouse, David, who has been admitted to the hospital with pancreatitis and gall bladder problems.  He has recently been moved to ICU, and my cousin, the one who has been bravely fighting cancer for over 5 years now, is not allowed to stay overnight with him.  It's very unsettling to have to leave him, wondering if he's going to be okay through the night.

Please pray for strength and healing and for much comfort for their entire family.  Pray that even when apart, each of them would know sweet sleep and that fear would not overwhelm them.  Pray that my cousin would not suffer any sickness from being at the hospital and that God would preserve her health that she might be a strong source of comfort to her Beloved.

With many, many thanks,

A Sweeter, Better Life

God never places us in any position in which we cannot grow. We may imagine that He does. We may fear we are so impeded by fretting petty cares that we are gaining nothing; but when we are not sending any branches upward, we may be sending roots downward. Perhaps in the time of our humiliation, when everything seems a failure, we are making the best kind of progress. Look on and look up. Lay hold on Christ with both your poor, empty hands. Let Him do with you what seems good to Him. Though He slay you, still trust in Him, and I dare in His name to promise you a sweeter, better life than you could have ever known, had He left you to 

drink of the full dangerous cups of unmingled prosperity.

~Elizabeth Prentiss, Thoughts Concerning the King

Christmas Day~Part 1

Because we took lots of photos, here's part 1.  You'll notice books were popular gifts...well, we just got a few of them.  Really, just a few.