Christmas Eve at Grandma's

It's a tradition every year that we spend Christmas Eve at David's parents' home. This year was especially memorable as we enjoyed time in worship and sharing our stories of the amazing work the Lord has done in each of our lives. I know it will always be a very special Christmas in my heart.

 

Christmas Crazies

We opened our family gifts on Christmas Eve morning this year, so save our Sunday for our normal Lord's Day worship.  Changing the day didn't deter the fun, that's for sure!!

Daddy's Ultimate Cookie Treat!

A set of number cards made especially by Susannah Joy - age 5 (for all those Daddy Date Night games ;)

A horse stable and barn for Bettsy hand crafted by her brothers.

Matching shawls for the girlies made with love by Big Sister Bettsy

Water bottle holders for the boys made by Big Sis

 A collection of beautiful rice bags for hot or cold sewn with love by...you guessed it...Elizabeth Anne!

Super cool headbands sent from Auntie Paula

 Enjoying the P.J. snuggles after the wrapping paper flies!

Ruth and Bettsy both got dolls for Christmas. The dolls became instant best friends. ;)

We wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!

Life...It Is A-Changin'

My handsome, hardworking husband.  Isn't he dreamy?? *swoon*

Well, this dreamboat of mine has just been extremely blessed!!  Last week, after 2 interviews, David was offered the position of full-time Staff Accountant at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts Professional Association, CPA.   Beginning on January 3rd, we will move from the life of self-employed to the other world of team member and employee. 

David has spent the last year working part-time for Carri-Pelletier Financial Services.  During this time, David began studying to pass the CPA exam. Though he began that journey many years ago after graduating from college, the Lord gave us a detour for the last 10+ years as he operated our family business, Menard Painting. So, this year was spent hitting the books while he continued to run Menard Painting and work part time with Carri-Pelletier.

If you've been reading our blog at all in the past year, you know we've celebrated the Lord's favor as we've watched David pass 3 of the 4 parts of the CPA exam. We are thrilled!!  With only 1 exam left, we were eager to see what the Lord had in mind for the next step for our family. It was a bit of a surprise to find that He had a full-time accounting position waiting for us with a fair commute to our own little town. With the painting jobs being lean in the past few years, we are so grateful for the opportunity to see David use his skills, education, and determination to begin a new career at this point in life.  His love for accounting and his family are being well matched with this new position.

We hope you will join us in rejoicing over the Lord's provision.  Please keep us in your prayers in the coming months as we transition to the new changes ahead. It's going to be a challenging, but wonderful new adventure!

"'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 

Journey To Bethlehem

To Bethlehem is a great new game we picked up at our fall homeschool convention this year.  It was developed by Todd Wilson as a way to enjoy the precious advent season while having some crazy fun at the same time!

One thing I loved about the game was that he included enough playing pieces for a decently sized family to play together. 

So, most of us gathered around the board ready for some new adventure and hoping to be the one with the most shekels at the end of the game. ;-)

It didn't take long before the fun set in and the silliness began. 

 If you want to have some great laughs with the fam, this game will certainly help you do just that!

This game is definitely being added to our Christmas Favorites list.  It's a great follow-up to our time of lighting the advent wreath on Sunday evenings.  Click on the link above if you'd like to learn more about the specifics on the game. I promise you, your family will enjoy the fun. :-D