No Nativity?

I spent a good chunk of time today looking for small nativity sets. I thought that I would easily find some small inexpensive sets that children could play with. As my search wore on I became more and more disillusioned by the commercialness of Christmas. Not one store had any Nativity scenes in stock...not only were they not in stock, but most stores NEVER had any in stock. WHAT!?!? We have snowmen, reindeer, dogs in santa hats, but no Christ child? In my frustration, it hit me what this really meant. Each year we are losing a bit of truth and replacing it with what I call fluff.

I want to scream from the rooftops the true meaning of this season. I'm all about fun, but there is soooooo much more. How do I teach my children that it isn't about presents and parties, but about Jesus Christ? I hope that we all have a few moments of peace and reflection as we celebrate the most significant birth.

Husbands get the short end of the stick!

So my poor husband spends most of his nights on the FLOOR! Why you ask? Well, because the baby and myself take up most the bed! I ran down and snagged a picture of him just now and it made me remember how grateful I am for him. He continues to work and sacrafice for our family.

LUCKY ME! I hope he can hold out a few months longer til things get a bit back to normal. Love ya Stuey!!

Baby Baby!

I don't remember what it was like without Jilly! Isn't it a bit strange that one minute you only have 4 kids and the next you have 5? I can't put into words what it is like to add to your family. The love multiplies and I can't imagine what we ever did without her!

This is for you SarJuh!!

My brother has commented many times how lame I am that I haven't posted kids in costumes yet so here you go Joe...

Dancing Bear, Zorro, Caveman football, and Officer Squires!
Oh yeah Sarah...Here is a Twilight Pumpkin for you! SOOOO COOOL. Our neighbors carved 51 pumpkins and had them all lit. It was amazing!