{moments}

Too many pictures to just choose one today, like I often do on Fridays.....

So, I'm sharing bits of our week. 

It's been great to have a slower schedule with school. 

We all desperately need time off just to be .... however it seems I just said that

last month during the Thanksgiving holiday. Hmmmm. 

I hope this is not going to become a pattern:)

The sun has been out a couple of days this week, which is always a plus. 

This time of year, and really throughout the winter, it is somewhat challenging

in regard to the gloomy days. We all feel it. We've been told that

it's really good to get outside, even if for a bit. The fresh air and open

spaces, I assume, help to keep one's spirit's high. So, we've been 

making an effort, especially when it's not raining. I can tell that it helps....

at least it helps me!! It's been pretty cold, in fact Wednesday we had 

some snow. I snapped pictures with my phone, so I'll have to share them 

at a later time. The snow and the white and the light, always help to fight the gloom. 

(Ellie shot the picture above) 

I'm loving this guy's toothless grin!! 

(another one of Ellie's!) 

On Monday, we woke to really cold weather. The skies held off the rain in the morning,

and we encouraged the kids to go out back. The pastor got a little fire going in the pit,

and we encouraged the kids to play creatively. 

Pretty soon they had a full on fort built......

and just in time for the drizzle, mixed with a little snow!! It was freezing,

but the kids dragged blankets and sleeping bags out to their "tent"

and asked for a picnic lunch, of all things. 

Ellie took a few pics of the party inside their tent.

Too cold for me!! 

Even the pup made her way into the fun!! 

Wednesday morning we woke to a blanket of white. 

The kids all bundled up and headed outside. The boys successfully

rolled two huge snow balls down the street, but for some reason

the snow man didn't get made ..... I think it started raining! 

Later that afternoon, some friends from church came over to play with the younger 

girls. I thought it was so cute that they planted themselves under

the Christmas tree to play... 

And we've been having some sweet, sweet family advent times. 

We've been reading Ann Voskamp's A Jesse Tree Journey

for the third year. Last year, I added the wooden candle holder that

her son made ..... I love it, along with the meaningful family times it brings. 

"Wise men are always worshipping, men and women, boys and girls,
who keep their eyes turned towards the heaven for the blazing glory
of God to come down..... sometimes even a gift of baby
come down from the Father of heavenly lights can make
our hearts burn with love.

Lord God, You alone are God. Ignite our hearts!"
(excerpt from A Jesse Tree Journey by Ann Voskamp)