Happy New Year Time Together!

Oh, did we have a great time together last week for New Year's. We decided that since it would be our last time to celebrate in our home, we might as well go out with a huge bang! Here's a little bit of what we all did. A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm so glad everyone came and surely did MISS those who were not able to. We are planning to do it again when we get moved. I loved it! I am officially "OUT OF MY BOX!" Thank you Pastor! Thank you Bro I! Thank you Bro JL! And thank you to my SISTERS in the Lord! I love you! Kimi

Good Morning!

God is doing something very powerful for this family! I just have to tell it. We are selling our home! We put our home on the market to sell, several months ago and now have someone interested...I believe they will be making an offer. PRAY THEY MAKE AN OFFER. We have a great place to move into and are already packed and ready to go. I haven't mentioned it on any posts because of it being Christmas, but we have been in the middle of it all this time and decided to just 'move forward' anyway. The children need to see that no matter what, God is always in control and HE will provide for his people in a perfect way...His timing is perfect, isn't it! So that is what we are doing...but I am asking for your prayers on this. For our family. For our situation. Thank you so, so much! I hope you have a great day and I will keep you all posted on the progress. Much love to you! Kimi

A Walk & My Violet (Photo proj-Day 21)

In our small town, we have a nice little park that has picnic tables, pavilions, a playground and gazebos, just like any other park. But we also have a very old church, the very first school in our town and some cool, main street (antique) stores. They have been moved to our park and are always on display. Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays, the little buildings are open and anyone can stroll through them and make purchases and see how it may have looked many years ago. They even have wares you can buy. It's really neat. Every year, the town 'department' decorates the entire park up for Christmas. Lights, candles, huge lighted-stars, lighted-banners, and all sorts of decor go up. It literally takes them several months to finish. They start in August to be done by November when they have the "Official Lighting of the Park" opening for all to see. It is alot of fun! And the only reason they do it is to make our town HAPPY.

It is such a fun time. On Friday & Saturday they have a concession stand up and sell hot cocoa, popcorn balls, and other treats for the kids (and anyone else :0) This is a photo of the big gazebo near the front of the park. We make sure to go every year so we can look for any new decorations that might be up. If you get the chance, come on over and we'll go to the park for a walk.

In the midst of all this cold weather, it is quite a job keeping my indoor plants looking good and thriving. I enjoy taking care of little plants and seeing them grow. I especially like variegated Spider plants. I also have just started learning about African Violets. This one was given to me a few months ago and it was only about as big as the first ring of leaves (from the center outward). I guess I must have placed it in the right spot on my window sill and it has been growing very well. I moved it to my little plant cart with my Spider plants and it is still thriving. They seem to get just the right amount of sunlight there in the sunroom. I think having a bit of LIVE greenery in my home is essential. It's one of the staples of decor I like to use when making up a design element. It works for me.

The Nativity-(day 19)

We all love to get out the Nativity Set. Ever since the children were very, very little they have played with it and I don't know how many pieces have been broken and replaced over the years. We set it up and place a little decorated tree next to it and then put lights all around too. The light at the top is supposed to be the star. We've had it set up all month, but I thought it was a perfect thing to share. ***Do you guys have any pics of your Nativity Sets?***I'd like to see them. :)

Favorite Reads & Yummie Treats (Day 17)

Most of the time we are pretty much a 'healthy food' family. Most of the time. B-U-T, we are in the month of December and we do enjoy having a variety of goodies to choose from. Sooooo...Even though I prefer NOT to use refrigerated type biscuits, I made this little treat for the kids and they just loved it...so did I! It is so simple too!

Here's the recipe:

• 1 can Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (frig dept @ grocer)
• 1/2 pkg cream cheese
• 3 T real butter
• 1 C confection sugar
• 1/2 t vanilla

*Lay cinnamon rolls on stone or cookie sheet, CUT INTO FOURTHS, this is an important part because it makes it more fun for the kids and you don't really eat as much as you would if they were whole. Then you can put extra icing on the top and that is what really counts! Right!! Bake as directed on pkg. *While they're baking, place cream cheese, butter & vanilla in medium sized bowl. Using hand mixer, blend well. (until softened) Add sugar and blend until smooth. *When rolls are finished baking, immediately spread the icing over them and serve with hot cocoa or coffee. Enjoy!!

We just finished, 'The Long Winter', by Laura Ingalls Wilder and have started 'Little Town on the Prairie'. I get done with my breakfast a little faster than them and so I will read to the children while they finish theirs. It's one of the ways we like to start our mornings. It's just part of our December days.

photo project-day 14

Wow!! Has this been an exciting day! A great day that started at chuch this morning with a powerful message about "Change". Then this evening's events were superb! We actually have our OWN TSO--Transiberian Orchestra that is. Did they ever out do themselves tonight. Here is Bro I with some of the members...Bro Greg is in the drum booth.(not :( pictured) Camille is playing next to Bro I. They gave praises to God in a special way with those instruments!

Anthony & Austin were the king and drummer boy.

This was the manger scene. Donte', Hunter and James were the wisemen. Makenzie was Mary and Adam was Joseph. See Austin grinning-isn't he cute!

Drake and Garrett are singing in the kids choral. Drake and Garrett are good buds! How cool is that!

Micaylah is singing her verse as the 'nightwind'. This was the best part of all! Here is a picture of Bridget's sister-in-law getting baptized in Jesus Name! The only name given among men where by we must be saved. She was so excited and she came out so happy! WE all are! That's what Christmas is all about! New life in Jesus! Afterall, that's why He came.