The Kiser Family

A Picture Challenge and Update

2012-01-31T15:55:00.000-06:00

My friend, Annalee, shared about a photo challenge on her blog. It's a challenge to gives you a specific thing to take a pic of each day. I've gotten so lazy at both taking pics. But I always love a challenge, so I'm joining in for the February Photo a Day Challenge at Fat Mum Slim.

And just for fun, I thought I'd upload some fun pics from January.

Last Wed during accountability we heard the rain pouring down outside. Y'all it was calling my name. As a young child if it rained we didn't stay in, we went out. I have such fun memories as a little girl running up and down our streets dancing in the rain and splashing the puddles. So I was so eager to do this with Karis and some of her favorite friends.

Note to self: January (even a warm January) isn't the best month to do that in. She loved it when I was spinning her around but didn't love it just dripping on her. And she was cold. Nice one mom. ;)

My friend, Erin Stearns, let Karis try on her wedding ring. Y'all can see (and if you follow me on Facebook, have seen again and again) that my girl is obsessed with jewelry.

It's so fun that Karis loves bows now. She used to rip them off as soon as I put them on. But then we did "Bow Boot Camp." Basically Karis responds really well to positive reinforcement. So for weeks and weeks I over positively reinforced the bows. And it worked.

Well the other day I put her sparkle headband on her (her favorite) and she started grunting and point at the pink poof one. So I switched. Then she started grunting and pointing at the silver one, so I switched. After a few rounds of this, I realized she wanted both. Once I put them both on she smiled and then walked away.

We've been working on feeding herself with silverware and sandwiches that are like real sandwiches (instead of each item torn up on her tray). It has been very messy and very fun!

Karis really loves it when she can help me unload the dishwasher. And when I say help, I mean "help." Because let's be honest it takes 10 times longer, but is also 10 times more fun this way.

Such a cuddle bug with her favorite.

This is a mix of her stink face and kissy face. Isn't it hilarious?

It has been a very interesting week and a half. She broke a bottom K9 tooth last week, and this week the the top 2 are breaking through and the other one is swollen (so about to break). I feel like I'm living with a 13 year old PMSing for the first time, but really she's just 17 months. Wow. You can pray for an abundance of compassion for me.

We almost called the Fire Department one night last week. We came home to our kitchen full of smoke because the dishwasher was smoking. We decided to call 24 maintenance instead of the Fire Department. Good call. Since when the maintenance man came, it ended up being a plastic item had fallen on the heater thing in the dishwasher and melted it. (P.S. I love not owning a home and when things like that happen someone else comes and fixes it and you don't owe them a dime!)

On laundry day Karis took over my hamper. She wanted herself and her fav toys in with her. And loved being pulled all over the house.

I'm so ready for her to have hair. So ready. But until then, I will keep playing and seeing. Each week I try to see if she can do pigtails. This has been our most recent attempt. It's ok to laugh.

And that is all I have for you today my friends.

Like I said random. So looking forward to the photo challenge! Let me know if you are going to do it too!

One of those days

2012-01-23T13:32:00.001-06:00

Not to get on here to complain. But I know I tend to only share the good moments. The moments of total joy. The moments after the lesson has been learned. And hardly ever the moments where there is still a lesson to be learned.

Today has been one of those days.

The kind where you didn't mean to but you pressed snooze for 30 minutes. Thankful for the Hello Mornings challenge or else I would've forgone the (much needed for the day ahead) time with the Lord for a shower. Thank God for dry shampoo. Can I get an "amen" on that one? My personal favorite is the Suave brand. Works great, doesn't show up white on my new brown locks, and smells lovely. But I digress...

The kind where your tenacious 17 month old is already in timeout and she hasn't even been awake 30 minutes.

The kind where that same tenacious toddler through the fit of her life at Mommy & Me music time. The kind of fit where we had to go in the hallway so she could finish her meltdown privately.

The kind where you have to rock that same sweet girl extra long before nap time to apologize for your grumpy mood. And then you remind yourself you are the grown up and don't need to pout just because your child is.

The kind that requires a second cup of coffee with (praise the Lord it's back at HEB) Almond Joy creamer (my daily guilty pleasure).

The kind where you are back in front of that same journal and Bible a second time because that's how much you need it.

It's 1:27pm.

How's your day going? (she asks with a genuine smile on her face)

February Series coming... in February

2012-01-20T11:21:00.000-06:00

Y'all, I am SO excited to share a little about a series on the blog for the month of February.

I heard SO much good feedback from you all on all the Christmas posts (thank you by the way). And I got to thinking, this would be fun to do every so often when there are other appropriate themes. So you can be looking forward to that. I am a huge believer in learning from others. Why reinvent the wheel if you don't have to, right?

Some posts you can look forward too come February...

*Singles writing to marrieds
*Marrieds writing to singles
*Men writing to women
*Women writing to men

And of course, it wouldn't be February without the most famous post of all time on this blog...

The Dating, Marriage & Sex Talk (because "The" deserves a capital "T"). (If you didn't catch last years, here is the link.) Be thinking of any questions you have that you'd like to get some feedback on. Anything goes here, I'll post the rules with the post.

Oh it's going to be oh so fun! I can't wait to hear all your comments to these posts. You will def have the opportunity to comment, ask questions, debate, etc. whatever you hear after each of the posts.

Are there any other topics you'd like to hear about? Or any people you'd like me to try to contact for this series? No guarantees other than I'll ask and we will see if they say yes. :)

Guest Post: How to Use Facebook and not be Used by Facebook

2012-01-20T09:04:00.003-06:00

So this guy is no stranger on this blog. But Nils isn't just my brother and a guy I totally look up to. He also happens to be a leader in the social media field, particularly in the church realm. Nils writes regular columns for My San Antonio and has been interviewed again and again in other publications wanting to pick his brain. I feel like I don't need to say much else about Nils because I've written about him here (and here and here and here and well you get the point). I asked Nils to give us some insight on Facebook because I've heard so many people complain about what a waste of time Facebook is and we should just quit the whole thing... and yet we are always sucked right back into it. So I hope this helps you find some balance.

Over the past few years I have heard a lot of negative things about Facebook and why Christians should not use this site. Some say it is a waste of time with no value and others go as far as to say it is the cause of affairs and other horrible things. As the New Year has hit I have heard many people who have made it their resolution to quit or take a break from Facebook.

It seems to me that the problem isn’t Facebook itself though, but how people are using the Social Media platform.

Facebook is simply a tool to help people stay connected. That’s it! It is a FREE platform that allows you to post pictures, videos, announcements, send messages, video chat, and so much more. You can share this with whoever you want (your choosing) and befriend who you want connecting with them.   It’s much like a telephone many years ago except in my opinion it’s way better!

Just recently my sister-in-law had her first baby and it was so fun to watch her share this experience with her friends and family from all over the country. She gave updates from the moment her water broke to a picture of the baby just minutes after she was born. It was a beautiful moment for her and amazing for her friends and family members to all feel apart thanks to Facebook.

No that I have given my sales pitch for Facebook, I have to admit that there is a dark side. Many many extra marital affairs have been initiated on Facebook, bullying has occurred, identities have been stolen, and many people are spending way too much time on the site and disconnecting from their every day activities continues to occur.

Despite all of the negative things that have occurred through Facebook, I still believe that it is an incredible tool to connect people and the problem is not the site but those using it. These things will probably not stop happening on Facebook as they have not stopped happening using telephones or email. You can though do a few things to help prevent them from happening to you. Here are my suggestions:

1) Accountability. Have some accountability when using Facebook and have 1 or 2 people that have your login information and can randomly just check your messages and activity on the site.     If you are married I can’t find one good reason why your spouse should not have your login information. Even if you’re single I encourage you to do the same in finding 1 or 2 people who you can share this information with and can hold you accountable to both your in person relationships as well as online interactions.

2) Privacy. Understand the security/privacy features that are available on Facebook and set them to a level that you are comfortable with. You don’t have to share with you pictures and information with anyone that you don’t want to. Here’s a link where you can get more information about Privacy settings: http://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=privacy.

3) Schedule. I’m a big Dave Ramsey fan and he often talks about telling your money where it’s going to go instead of your money telling you where you’re going to go. We should do the same with our time. We can often think that we are going to login to Facebook for 5 minutes and an hour has passed us before we go. Try deciding what times and for how long you will login to Facebook in advance and see how much better you maximize your time on the site.

Nils Smith is the Social Media Pastor at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX overseeing the online community of CBC Online. He is also a husband, father, sports fan, blogger, and has an amazing sister (OK, I, Becky, added that). If you want to know more about Nils and his ministry you can visit his website at http://NilsSmith.com.

What have you already done in your every day life so you aren't USED BY Facebook but instead USE IT? I'll share my thoughts in comments too.

Some truthfilled thoughts on friendship

2012-01-16T09:12:00.001-06:00

The other day I was having a really honest journaling time with the Lord about friendships. I feel like this is something I've struggled with for so long. How to have healthy, genuine, consistent relationships with other women (I feel like each of those descriptive words deserved their own line, but I refrained). I know for some girls it comes really easy. But not for me.

Anyway, I decided to look at every instance of the word friend, friends, friendship, etc. Most were found in Proverbs and the first one cut me like a knife...

Proverbs 16:28, "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."

When I first read it I read just "whisper" and I agreed. But when I re-read it I noticed it was "whisperER." It is the person whispering that separates friends not what was whispered.

I have been the girl that was been whispered about. And it hurts.
And I have been the girl that has whispered. And it hurt others... and me.

Because a simple whisperER can easily separate close friends. Once trust is shattered it is really hard to be repaired. I've experienced this too many times and I know for a fact I'm not alone on this one.

Then I kept reading, it was if the order (even though out of order) was specifically ordained just for my time...

Proverbs 22:11, "He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend."

I'm a grown up now and don't really care about the popular crowd (what always seemed to be the king friends I guess). But now, to me, a king friend is the best kind of friend you could imagine. So to achieve that kind of friendship requires purity of heart and gracious speech. Well that is what I want to give... and receive in a friendship.

And then the next one surprised me a little...

Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."

This one stumped me a little. How could that be? Wounds from a friend? But as I looked at the commentary it said that when we have a genuine friend they will be honest enough to hurt us at times. But how often do I settle for the flattery of others (really enemies who aren't out for my good). When instead what is best is to, at times, be so wounded because I am so loved. To have someone be honest with you even though it doesn't feel good. And to give that in friendship. To intentionally wound friends to bring about healing (obviously this should be done in love and grace and not maliciously).

Ready for the next one?

Proverbs 22:24-25, "Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare."

There are times relationships should end because it brings you down to a place that is harmful for you. And I think that is OK.

But...

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

That when it gets rough, that is where real friendship develops. Where a real friend proves themself faithful. We don't just stay friends when it feels good or as beneficial to us... but all the time, "in sickness and health."

In knowing that though, friendship goes two ways. Yes you are to love at all times, but that friend should love you back at all times. If you find that a friendship is one-sided then it might be time for a serious talk with that friend or time to realize the friendship isn't as deep as you might think.

And finally...

Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

We all at times are given to pride when we look at our blog stats or Facebook friend number or how many Christmas cards are hanging in our homes. But, what I'm realizing now just months before I turn 30, is that the breadth of my friends should be nothing compared to the depth. I know what you are thinking, "She's just now getting that?" No, but yes.

So a summary, how to be a better friend, be...
One that doesn't whisper.
One that doesn't listen to whispering.
One who seeks purity of heart.
One who gives grace with my words.
One who is willing to wound if it means to love.
One who is willing to be wounded if it means to be loved.
One who is not tempted by the pretentious conversation of others.
One who steps away when the friendship is harmful.
One who stays when the friendship is hard.
One who sticks close to the few, instead of pursuing the many.

Here is a really amazing article: "What is a godly friend" by Grace Driscoll (Mark Driscoll's wife). This is one of the best articles I've ever read on what it looks like to have a godly friendship with others.

What do you do with your kids all day?

2012-01-12T10:33:00.002-06:00

Is it just me?

When we have no errands or no place to be there are so many days I feel at a loss.

It's just me, Karis honestly is fine. But I feel like I need more activity ideas or something.

We have a 1 media thing a day rule (usually Veggie Tales, because she's obsessed, or Seasame street). But for the other hours of the day she's up, there are so many times I feel like we are doing the same thing all the time. Again, she's fine, I just feel like I need some variety. And I do think she would like to try some new things.

Is it just me?

My daugther is 17 months so it's not like I want a preschool structured program or anything, but I feel like I need some new ideas. Often times I think I just don't realize what all she can do. Does that make sense?

Anyway, please feel free to share what your daily schedule looks like and/or what are some fun activities that you like to do with your toddler (whether its yours, your niece/nephew or your student or you heard of a friend of a friend of a friends kid who...).

Thanks friends!

Manicures and Sassy Face

2012-01-12T08:00:00.001-06:00

Every Monday since Karis was born we do manicures. Some kids can go weeks without having to cut their nails, not Karis. It must be done every week or she will scratch herself up and everyone around her.

But this past week y'all, guess what I got to add into manicure time???

Look at these sweet sparkly toes!!!

And these sweet sparkly fingers!!!

And this girl doesn't sit still for much of anything these days. Taking pictures is a near impossible task. BUT this girl LOVES all things girly. I mean truly loves them with no prompting from us. So when I pulled out the nail polish and started putting it on she sat so still and just put her hands out. She watched me blow on them and she started blowing on them. And then I showed her how to look at them by holding her hands out. She was in total love.

And just for fun I thought I'd include this picture. We've been playing at home with facial expressions. "What's a happy face?" "Can you do a sad face?" "What about a kissy face?"

But this face is her favorite to do. It's called the "stink face."

She looks like a total mobster here but I promise she is sweet as can be. Sweet and oh so sassy!

Needed: New Year's Resolution

2011-12-29T21:42:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's 9:41pm on Dec 29th and I still don't have a new year's resolution.

So I'm looking for ideas, what are you doing?

Christmas Interview: Raegan Hodges

2011-12-21T11:15:00.001-06:00

I just met Raegan in the past couple of months as her hubby is our new Married Young Adults pastor at our church. My favorite thing about Raegan has got to be that you feel like you are best friends one second into your first conversation. She claims to be an outgoing introvert, but you would never guess it! Seriously, she will have you laughing and gabbing in two seconds flat. One of the things that has made Chris and I so quickly respect and love the Hodges is how genuine they not just appear, but truly are. They are committed to following Jesus, love their family well, get a total kick out of each other and laugh a lot along the way. They have been so intentional at connecting with so many young families so quickly at our church. I can't wait to get to know this family more in the years to come!

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?
1. We always do Christmas Eve service as a family and then we have breakfast for supper. We have started doing a Waffle bar which the girls love!! We of course read the Christmas story. Brad is adding some reading of Old Testament passages this year to help the girls to see how amazing the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled are! We then watch the very spiritual "Muppets Christmas Carol" (I watched growing up on Christmas Eve too!!)

2. We also don't travel during Christmas. We decided long ago this was what was right for our family. Our house is open and anyone is welcome to come visit but we don't travel. So we do "Thankmas" (thanksgiving and Christmas) during the week of Thanksgiving and literally relax at home in our jammies Christmas day! It is such a blessing each year to relax and hang out withe the girls and Brad and play games, do crafts, eat candy until we are sick, and just be!!

3. One idea that I am stealing from a friend and starting this year is a Christmas Eve Eve night slumber party to watch old Christmas movies on blankets by the Christmas tree...we will see if we make it all night on the floor!

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?
It always goes by so quickly and I feel like it gets short changed at home sometime due to church/work events. Also even though we love the not traveling, it is sad not to be with extended family on the holidays as well!

Do/did you do Santa? Share reasons and what you'd do different. If you didn't, how did you explain it to your kid so they weren't "that kid?" If you did, how did you explain that Santa wasn't real and did it break their trust in you?
This has always been a great debate at our house and required many heated discussions as a young married couple! HA!HA! Brad came from the house were Santa never was done and I came from a house where it was done but not overly so. Brad loves to say if you rearrange the letters of Santa it spells Satan. He loves to use that one to push my buttons! We do have Santa at our house but we don't make it a big deal at all. We celebrate more the spirit of Christmas. We leave out cookies and they get stockings and usually one gift that is from "Santa". But no letters or visiting Santa or elf on the shelf or anything like that. Brad and I agreed early on though once they actually start asking point blank questions...no lying. So our oldest asked last year (in kindergarten) and we sat her down and talked to her about it. It didn't hurt her trust in us at all. We explained it was something fun the parents do giving gifts like St. Nicholas and then showed her the Veggie tale video on him. The thing we keep reminding her is she is not to tell anyone else there is no Santa because we believe it is up to each parent to decide when to tell their own kids.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?
We keep it pretty minimal on our end...grandparents are a different story though!! : ) We definitely lean towards only a few more meaningful gifts as opposed to lots of small gifts or really large gifts. Our girls really are great in that they don't really ask for much and they seem pretty grateful no matter what they get! We do try to give something to those people who help us through out the year to let them know that they are appreciated...teachers, church worker, post man. Just usually a small bag of candy but something to remind the girls about how many people help us throughout our weeks. We also usually adopt a family and bring the girls to help us shop for them. Letting them see they are asking for basics not even the fun stuff and let them see how blessed they are.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I always have to make sure I am not holding myself up to too high a standard about not doing enough with the girls during the Holidays. Traditions very rarely just happen...it must be intentional. It is a new year every year though and never too late to start a new tradition. One I want to start is taking one Christmas card a night and praying specifically for that family and explain the part that family has played in our life through the years. Most importantly constantly bring you, your spouse, and your kids back to the manager that night so many years ago when the ultimate gift was born! All the other Christmas things will then fall into place!

Raegan Hodges is the wife of Brad, Married Young Adults Pastor at Houston's First, and mom of 3 beautiful girls, Callie (7), Reese (4), and Jordan (11 months). You can friend her on Facebook here.

For more information on the Christmas Interviews click here. And keep checking back in with the blog this month as interviews will be posted every day or so. All interviews: Amber Burger, Raegan Hodges, Christine Hoover, Jaye Martin, Carolyn O'Neal, Paige Swiggart, and Nancy Taylor.

Pintrest Project: My Hair

2011-12-21T11:05:00.003-06:00

I've been wanting to do something with my hair for a while now. When we first got married I was still doing the highlight thing and had gotten a shorter style with bangs (after the wedding grow out).

That was 4 years ago.

Since then I've grown out all my highlights and went totally natural. And just kept it long and grew out the bangs. But it's been a long time with the same style. Too long.

If we weren't friends in high school or college, one thing you should know about me is I love change (much to Chris' dismay). And an easy change for a girl is your hair style. So literally each month I would do something new-- color and/or cut. My hair has been every shade of the rainbow (nearly): blonde blonde to black... even some blue streaks for fun one time.

So I have been itching to do something. Well the other day I saw this picture on Pintrest and I decided not to make a rash decision and if I was still thinking about it in a couple of weeks, I'd go for it.

Well I decided to do the cut, but not the color. So I made an appointment at my favorite salon in Houston (Josephine's), and had some bangs cut and more long layers added.

But driving home I just couldn't get the idea of the brown color out of my head. Thankfully there is a Walgreens right next door to us and I pulled in grabbed a box of medium brown and headed home.

This was the results:

I love it. I know most prefer blonde on me (so don't feel bad if you don't like it), but I just love brown so much more!

But y'all I had to share with you what Chris said about it: "Mysterious... and not in a good way!"My favorite things and least favorite thing about Chris is his honesty. You can ALWAYS count on him to tell it to you straight. I will give it to him that he has totally warmed up to it and has even said he really likes it now (still prefers blonde though, but likes the price tag of this color more). Like I said, he doesn't do well with change.

P.S. Is it a little weird that I got all sentimental when I smelt the hair dye. It brought back so many fun memories of high school and college with some of my best friends. I smiled a lot during that 25 minute process time.

Christmas Interview: Amber Burger

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-06:00

I was so thrilled that Amber agreed to participate in this interview. Amber always challenges me to look at things from a different perspective. One of my favorite things about Amber is she doesn't just do what's always been done just to do what's always been done. She researches and prays about what is best for her family. She is super intentional in how she loves and leads her kiddos and I love that. I have known Amber since I was 18 years old. She is someone I've never gotten to spend a ton of time with (total bummer), but there has always been an instant connection when I'm with her. She has this contagious passion and joy about her, you feel like a changed person after being with her. So I pray that some of her ideas encourage you to try a few new things.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?
We try to make a big deal of out Advent by building up the anticipation that surrounds Christmas Day and all of its fun. Through out this season of Advent we talk a lot about the feeling of anticipation and what it means to wait. We talk to the boys about how many emotions Israel must have felt as the waited for their King. Each morning during Advent we light a candle adding one a week. This is a visual reminder of the nearness of Christmas. We also open an Advent Calendar number each morning of December. In the calendar are ornaments that have a name of Jesus on them. We read the passage of scripture where the name is found and talk about Jesus and how the Israelites waited and waited for God to fulfill His promises to Israel through the coming Messiah. About mid month we turn the anticipation towards the second coming of Christ to renew all things!! This brings it more in to perspective for the boys as we talk about the awaited return of Jesus they begin to understand the waiting and longing Israel had for their coming King, Jesus.

Along with Advent at the beginning of December the boys both get a “Shepherd’s Pouch” (I got this idea from Noel Piper’s book Treasuring God in Our Traditions and adapted it to our family). They have all month to learn & save as much money as they can to give away at Christmas. We talk all month about how the Bible teaches us that Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least of these you do unto me.” So the way to give to Jesus on His birthday is to give to others. So they collect all month. On Christmas Eve before they go to bed we do the Christmas Story reading then talk about what we would like to give Jesus for His birthday. They leave their pouches underneath the tree and go to bed. The next morning when they wake up the pouches are gone and I have set up a display of all the thing we were able to purchase for others with the money they raised. Here is an example :

We got some kids in Sudan school supplies and PE equipment.

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?
When Titus was very young, he would fly through his present opening in about 5 minutes:: All this build up for about 5 minutes of opening and 40 minutes of play. A very dear friend of mine (who has 5 kids who are older than my children) told me that they have always let their kids take as long as they want with each thing they open and make a big deal of each thing, treasuring it, taking it out of the box, letting them play with it as much as they wanted before moving on to the next gift. She said some years it has taken up to 12 days for all the gifts to be opened. She taught her kids to be grateful for each thing. I loved this! Now, I have boys and they are very “in” to opening presents but it has been so great slowing down the process. I feel like through it they have become more grateful.

Another regret is that we have waited until the last year or so to have the boys become involved with the local poor and down trodden during the holidays. Doing what we do and being around the world and seeing the worlds poorest of the poor, I feel like we haven’t done a great job of helping the boys know that there are people in our neighborhood that need help too. This year has had a different feel because of this realization for our oldest son already.

Do/did you do Santa? Share reasons and what you'd do different. If you didn't, how did you explain it to your kid so they weren't "that kid?" If you did, how did you explain that Santa wasn't real and did it break their trust in you?
Personally, We, as parents, decided not to major on Santa Claus during the Christmas season, but to major on Jesus. While we major on Jesus, we still find it fit, since we live in a culture that does celebrate the story of Santa Claus, to teach the boys about Saint Nicholas and how and why people came to know him as Santa Claus, the man who flies a sled and gives out gifts. Now I realize that the original story behind Ol' St. Nick has been twisted into an over commercialized craze that drives millions of dollars towards over indulged consumerism, we still find the redemptive story behind the life of St. Nicholas and see beautifully how it can teach our children The Gospel, as they learn how to give and receive. We, however, have SOO many friends and a majority of our family, who do celebrate Santa Claus by teaching them about a man in a red suit who sees them and knows if they are bad and good, etc. We, as a family, want to respect them by not blowing their traditions in to shambles by our child blurting out "Don't you know Santa is not real." So we choose to teach them who Santa REALLY was. This way if someone asks them about Santa, in their mind they think a real man, a real story. Now that Titus is older, we joke around and play with his imagination by reading the Christmas stories of Santa Clause, and pretend to hear reindeer on the roof. This is all in good fun, a magical kid like fun, that he knows and can distinguish. In no way do we or will we look DOWN on any family who chooses differently. To each its own. We feel strongly that the Lord will guide you in your holiday traditions and will let you know how to celebrate Him, if you just seek Him about it.

Here are a few reasons we landed on NOT majoring on Santa:
1.) Christ is NOT Boring:: often adults think, because of childhood experience, that the story of Christ is boring and not amazing. This is SO FALSE. What could be more EXCITING and FULL of WONDER than GOD becoming MAN! Seriously.

2). Lying:: honestly this would have made our decision. We both felt strongly about not lying to the boys. So in this we decided to tell the Truth, both about JESUS mainly and then about the life of the REAL Saint Nicholas. (in as best we know)

3.) Confusion: we thought it was a bit confusing for the boys to distinguish between a God who knows all we do, is always there and always giving good gifts to His Children and a Man who knows if we are bad or good and gives us gifts accordingly. This seemed to be hard to communicate the difference as adults so we thought it would be hard to explain to kids.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?
We are givers. We love giving things to our kiddos and other members of our family. We don’t want to draw a very distinct line between giving to each other and giving to the poor. We want the boys to grow up doing both. Both are good and both are people who God loves and we can show His love to! Since we don’t do electronics (i.e. gaming systems etc) it frees up a lot of money to get the boys other things. We also do homemade gifts for each other. This is big for Titus (our oldest who is 7). He loves making things for people and LOVES getting homemade things. It is fun for us.

As I spoke above, the boys work all month on getting money for their shepherd’s pouch to give away. Since they see physically what they were able to give to others with such a small amount of money and work before they open all their gifts, our hope is that over the years they will value more and more giving over receiving.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Our kids still have hearts that are filled with greed, our family still struggles with the pull of consumerism but our advice is: Seek Christ, Honor Him and He will guide you in your Holiday Traditions.

Amber has written a few other blog posts on Christmas Traditions here. Reading these posts over the years is what first got me thinking about making holidays more intentional.

Amber Burger is married to Vernon, founder of His VoiceGlobal, and they have two boys, Titus and Justus. Amber homeschools, is the Networking Director for HVG, She is a secret nerd as she loves to research and study AND most importantly she likes to have a lot of fun in the process....which requires a lot of coffee.

Christmas Interview: Carolyn O'Neal

2011-12-19T09:34:00.000-06:00

Carolyn isn't a stranger to you on this blog. You've heard me talk about her here (directly) and here (indirectly). If you go to Houston's First you know her well as your Women's Director. Carolyn is someone I had an instant connection with. She is someone that I take note of what she says and does every time I am around her. I look for every opportunity I can to volunteer with her so I can just be around her more. A few of my favorite things about Carolyn: she doesn't take life too seriously (she knows how to laugh and laugh hard), she does take her faith seriously (we talk all the time about how we both have a very strong sense of right and wrong and discernment), and she loves her family more than anything else... and they love her. And of course the other thing I love about her is that she'd take a chance on a girl like me. She has pushed me into leadership, service and teaching and I am forever thankful for her belief in me... and her belief in others. Basically I hope I challenge myself to always be as purposeful and present as she is. You will adore her.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?

As a child we would go to Lufkin and spend the night with my grandparents and we slept on the floor in front of the fireplace in anticipation of Santa coming down the chimney.

When Allen and Dana first married they would spend the night with us on Christmas eve. Of course when Hailey came along they wanted to be home. We wanted them to start their own traditions as a family so for several years we would then we could go to their house for breakfast.

Les, Allen and I were always involved in the Christmas music and serving together during the holidays was a lot of fun and purposeful. Kept us focused on the purpose of the Holidays.

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?

A big regret is that we’ve not traveled to have Christmas with aunts and uncles in another state. They always came here.

I’ve regretted so many times over purchasing the “perfect gift.”

We did Santa. I was brought up with the tradition, but it was not the focus. It was just the fun of the holiday. We did the same thing with Allen too. Church activities, i.e., music programs were such a part of our holiday activities we kept our focus on birth of Christ.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?

Having an only child it was tempting to give him everything he wanted, but we didn’t want him to think he got everything. I love what Allen and Dana have done regarding Hailey’s Christmas gifts. They give her 3 gifts because that’s what the wise men brought to the baby.

Carolyn is the Women's Director at Houston's First Baptist Church.

Happy 16 Month Birthday Karis!

2011-12-17T08:26:00.000-06:00

I had planned on posting every 3 months after her 1st Birthday but life is flying by these days and not only have I not sat down to do this, but she didn't have her 15 month appointment till her 16 month Birthday. But I do want to record all of these moments so I will delay no longer.

Some pictures:

I'm going to have to skip this part... life is crazy and I just don't have the time to post these right now. Get ready for a picture catch up soon though!

Some updates on our big girl:

Development:

Physically: Height - 32" (83 percentile), Weight 22lbs 8oz (62 percentile) and Head 18.5" (79 percentile). She went up by 30 percentile in both height and weight... but thankfully her head didn't get any bigger. Everything else our pediatrician said she is right on track, nothing to worry about! So we are very thankful for that. Things to start working on is to start using her own spoon and fork when she eats and find ways to get some meat in her (she is pretty much a vegetarian).

Personality: Oh this age is too much fun! Don't get me wrong, it has never been more challenging, but we'll get to that. The word I would use to best describe Karis' personality is intense-- intensely happy, intensely serious, intensely focused/serious, intensely determined... intense. She is super affectionate but not cuddly. She loves giving kisses, but doesn't cuddle or hug too much. She will kiss anything she loves-- us, friends, the fish bowl, her book, and just this morning the ornaments on the tree. I can't figure out if she is a total introvert or if she is a little actress (or if you can be both). When I observe her with other kids she is often pretty quite and reserved and takes a while to warm up. But when we are together and around other adults she is constantly working for smiles and waves and laughs.

Verbal: She is finally talking all the time-- lots of intentional and conversational gabber (she's always been such a nonvocal child, so it's fun to finally hear some noise). Of course she is still not saying "Mama." Yep, when we try to encourage her to say "Mama" she either stares at us blank face or looks at me and says, "Dada." Nice. Other words she says pretty regularly: "Dada," "uuhhhpp" (up), "doh-doh" (dog), "na-na-na-na-na" (no), "yah-yah" (yes), "feesshhhh" (fish), "taa-uuuu" (thank you), "bee-ball" (Bible), "hel-hel" (help help... usually when she wants her bow back on), "buh-bol" (bubble), "mo-mo" (more more), "peese" (please), "uuuhh-ooooo" (uh-oh), "na-na" (with hand wave, for night night or bye bye), "bum" (fist bump, "fiii" (five), "ha-eeee" (happy... for when we sing "Happy Birthday Jesus") and "ha-ha-ha-ha" (for hot, when she sees my coffee cup she whispers this).

Favorite Things: Men are still her favorite with Daddy being the most favorite (I have to worn ladies every time to not take it personally, she will just always prefer a man and go right to him), accessories of all kind (loves wearing necklaces, bracelets, glasses, hats and purses), Mothers Day Out (remember when she hated this? So glad that passed this semester!), blowing kisses (she's into blowing 5 kisses at once, her way of saying I really mean it), singing songs (favs: "Happy Birthday Jesus," "Jingle Bells" and "Head Shoulders Knees & Toes"), blowing bubbles, being outside, being with one of her big sisters (a lot of friends and Emery are older than her, and she loves following them around now), Veggie Tales & Sesame Street (loves Bob the Tomato and Elmo, I think because they look a like), Christmas trees, eating (she's sporting a very full Buddha belly these days) and her sleep slack blankie (we figured out she loves it because it was her lovie, so we took her out of it and let her sleep with it like a blankie).

Least Favorite Things: Getting woken up or off schedule (she's always loved her sleep), too many errands because she hates getting in & out of car-seat, strangers (a new round of stranger anxiety has set in for sure), teething (she is working on breaking her 13th tooth!), being told "no" (she's getting better, but she doesn't like it and will still throw tantrums... guessing that's life for the next few years), getting checked out at the doctor (we have to pin her down to get her ears checked, it's bad), being held when she wants to walk and meat (she loves fruit, veggies, dairy and bread).

To see how she has grown, check out past months here: Birthday (and here and here) & Birth Story, 1 Month, 2 Months, 3 Months, 4 Months, 5 Months, 6 Months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, and 12 months.

Christmas Interview: Paige Swiggart

2011-12-16T07:28:00.001-06:00

Let me count the ways I love the Swiggart family. One of the things I think of first when I think of them is how they are a family. How being a family and loving one another matters most to them. I think of Paige and this sweet as sugar woman surrounded by all boys (they better, one day far from now, give her lots of girl grandbabies!). This family enjoys life and one another. You would never know by meeting them that Jason is on the head leadership team at our church, no pretension in this family! You will feel so loved by them the minute you meet them, like you've always been a part of the family. I have loved over the years hearing each of them share stories and learning how you can be intentional with your family without being over-intentional. Do you know what I mean? where you miss what you are doing because you are so focused on doing it. Meet the woman of the family, Paige Swiggart.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?

1. "S'mores @ the Swiggarts:" We started doing this years ago when we moved to a new house and wanted to reach out to our neighbors on a cul de sac and thought Christmas was the perfect time! We made invitations and the boys (we have 3 sons) delivered them to all the houses on the street. We picked a night and had a fire pit in front of our house and everyone came over and roasted s'mores, had hot chocolate, the kids ran and played and we loved on our neighbors.

2. The Houston's First Christmas store! What an awesome thing to experience as a family and neat to stand back and watch our boys over the years... letting them pick which area to serve in... we are always MOST blessed!

3. Christmas baking day... YES, even boys love to bake! :) And since I love baking much more than cooking dinner that's a really fun thing for this mama. It always involves sugar cookies, lots of icing, lots of sprinkles, and my guys are REALLY creative. doing a gingerbread house as well is always a hit. We have loved taking cookies to our local fire department and blessing those we are so, so gateful for! We make a Christmas Breakfast Ring every year that you put together Christmas Eve right before bedtime and it is ready to bake in the morning. It is so yummy and a fav of the Swiggart men :)

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?

Being too busy and not slowing down. Attempting to balance lots of fun really great activities with being intentional in what we choose... unfortunately busyness wins out more than we would like it to. We have learned busyness does not allow for spontaneity!

Do/did you do Santa? Share reasons and what you'd do different. If you didn't, how did you explain it to your kid so they weren't "that kid?" If you did, how did you explain that Santa wasn't real and did it break their trust in you?
As children, Jason and i both grew up in homes that Santa came down the chimney every year. So out of our own experiences, we also "do santa"! Our kids have just naturally found out and it has been a non-issue. It has not caused mistrust and has not affected our relationships at all or in any other areas of their lives. (shhhhhhh our youngest might still possibly 'believe.') While we feel it is a fun, whimsical PART of Christmas, it has never been our focus and we have been very intentional in keeping that balanced.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?

With gifts we are intentional as well trying to pass on to our boys the great joy and blessing of being "givers". This is best done again by focusing on the greatest Gift ever given and we pray an overflow of our hearts to find ways to love, serve and give to others and those the Lord impresses on us individually or as a family. We have a large extended family so years ago we went to a family "draw" for gifts and then several years later decided to just do a kid/cousin gift draw- which the kids love (even a white elephant with the whole family one year- what a blast). And then we do gifts for our immediate family and jason and I love doing each others stockings.

Anything else?

The first gift Jason gave me when we were dating was a nativity so when we got married I decided I would love to collect nativities. It has been very special to enjoy them as a family and share with others in our home as some have been gifts from friends and some from other countries. We also get a Christmas ornament when we go on a trip and each year as we decorate the tree it is fun to reminisce on sweet memories... the first one was from our honeymoon.

Being together as a family is the greatest gift in the world and we cherish the time He gives us. As the boys have gotten older it has been neat to ask them what has been most special and memorable for them at Christmas. And we love letting them be involved in deciding on ways to give and share Christ. Sometimes as parents I think we can force our desires, traditions on our children and the biggest joy and blessing is learning from THEM!

Have a very merry Christmas!

Paige and Jason Swiggart live in Houston with their 3 boys: Chambers, Preston and Harrison. They both work at their church, Houston's First. (Paige isn't on Facebook, but if you'd like to contact her just email me and I'll get y'all connected.)

Christmas Interview: Jaye Martin

2011-12-14T07:38:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to introduce y'all to Jaye Martin, if you don't already know and love her. One of my favorite things about Jaye is her desire to pour into young women. She truly desires to live her life to pour into others. I am so personally challenged and inspired that my life would have the same kind of impact. That I would be as willing to say yes. Jaye has always held some sort of leadership position that has coincided with her passion for equipping women. But my very favorite thing is that even in a busy schedule she doesn't miss the opportunity to say yes to lunch with a young girl hungry for wisdom on first steps in ministry (yes, me). But my very favorite thing about Jaye is that her favorite young woman to pour into his her daughter, Kelli. It is so sweet to watch and makes me giddy over my future with Karis! Jaye has encouraged me more than she will ever know in pursuing God's call on my life. And I know she will encourage you too.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?

1. We love going to a Christmas Eve service together. Our extended family tries to all go to the same service at one our churches.

2. On Christmas day, we all stay together. Stockings come first. We snack for breakfast and open immediate family gifts. Other family members come for lunch. We eat then open presents from each other. Then, we do dessert later in the day. We love spending time together and we put the cell phones away for the day. If we really are in the mood to get out, we drive around and look at Christmas lights.

3. Travel has also been a huge part of our Christmases. We go see the ones who can’t come. We love those trips right after Christmas when all the stores have sales. For us, we love to hit the Barnes & Noble and get the half price moleskin calendars.

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?

I hate to spend money to buy more things that no one wants or needs. I hate to get things that cost a lot that I will not use…what a waste.

I regret having to throw away the food that nobody ate and I try to remember that it is worse if I try to eat all the leftovers!

As a kindergartener, I learned there was no Santa. I felt as if my parents had lied to me. As an adult, we agreed to play the game with stuffed stockings showing up on the mantle and cookies being eaten. We never said it was Santa but we did have fun with how he got in and out of the house. As a child, Santa brought the big gifts but at our house, he just did the stockings and a few other things. We spent more time on sharing the family gifts and being excited about what each person gave and why. We left big hints about Santa and tried to keep the focus on the birth of Christ. Some Christmases, Santa even had to come early because of the travel schedule so it was fairly obvious that the whole thing was a game. Just like playing dress up, we pretended some funny Santa stories.

I personally could never tell a child that there was a Santa. I’m sure it is just me but I always felt it would compromise my integrity. :)

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?

We do too much. I admit it. We have always tried to keep within our budget. Some years it was slim and we just explained what was happening and how we wished it could be more. Some years my husband and I decided not to do gifts for each other so we would have more to spend on others. I LOVE what I learned from Harvey and Charlene Kneisel. They said to add up what we spend on all that gifts and then give the same amount to missions. We do that and more and it has always been a huge blessing knowing that we were giving to missions and evangelism causes through our church.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I wish I had time to share all the things I’ve learned about Christmas but one I will share is this: Be calm. When you are calm, it calms others. So what if the rolls burn, or if you left the gift cards out of the stockings. It doesn’t matter if the house isn’t perfect or if someone spills cranberry juice on your ivory tablecloth right before the guests arrive.

I remember the year my cousin’s 4 year old climbed up on the chair and grabbed a handful of the beautiful uncut chocolate cake before lunch was served. It was hilarious! Everyone laughed and no one got upset about the cake that was now missing a fist-full. We have great photos of the event and it has been a fun thing to remember for years.

Keep it all in perspective. ENJOY the Christmas season and give the gift of the love of Jesus in all you say and do. Keep the people the main things and don’t let little things bother you. Keep Christ the central focus and live in out. You will have great memories to share! I always say that we need to have a “Mary” Christmas and take our tips for behavior from Mary, the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine the scorn she went through that first Christmas? And yet, she made wise choices and knew in her heart that God had a plan and it would all work together for good!

Jaye is an inspiration speaker, author, and consultant in the area of women’s creative evangelistic leadership. She is the Director of Women’s Leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY where she has served for seven years as a director and professor. She is married to Dana and they have one daughter, Kelli, who is a graduating Masters student at Southern Seminary. They live in Houston and are active members at Houston’s First Baptist Church where Jaye serves on Sunday mornings at the preschool welcome desk and Dana teaches Life Bible Study and serves as a deacon. You can connect more with Jaye through her blog (jayemartine.com), Twitter, and Facebook.

Christmas Interview: Nancy Taylor

2011-12-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

Before I really even knew Nancy I knew her husband. He was my boss at Houston's First and is one of the people I respect most in the entire world. And when he spoke of Nancy his whole face changed. This man I respected so much respected her so much. He adores her and that is clear. As I got to know Nancy I saw a woman who was incredibly genuine and really passionate about her life having meaning. If we are being honest, which you know I always am, she is one of those women that is so nice you wonder if it is real. Well, I promise you, it's real. She speaks the truth but always in love. I went on a trip with her and a few women from our church recently. I was preparing a lesson and had left my concordance at home. No worries though, Nancy quickly became my personal concordance. She has worked hard at memorizing scripture (and even published a book on it-- see below). So if you hadn't already met Nancy, now you have. I know you will love her too.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?
1. We started preparing for Christmas on Halloween, as we didn’t celebrate “Halloween,” so we would take the kids to the mall on Halloween and they could shop and make a Christmas wish list. We lived in a small town in Missouri and so going into the “city” was really big for the kids!
2. When the kids were young – actually through high school- we would watch “It’s a wonderful life” on Christmas Eve as a family and drink hot chocolate. We would turn all the lights out, except the Christmas tree lights and make it like we were at the movie theater.
3. We always had the manger scene out and put Baby Jesus in on Christmas morning and then read the Christmas story.

What has been some of your biggest regrets about the holidays?
Wish we would have adopted a family each year to provide for. We gave toys and such to different ministries, but I think it would have been a powerful thing to have adopted a family and taken them the gifts.

Did you do Santa? Share reasons and what you'd do different. If you didn't, how did you explain it to your kid so they weren't "that kid?" If you did, how did you explain that Santa wasn't real and did it break their trust in you?
1. We did not do Santa in a traditional way. We told the kids the story of how Santa came to be and that parents now carry on the tradition by providing special gifts for their children on Christmas morning. We didn’t make a big deal of it, but did tell them that some kids really believed in a real Santa and that it was up to their parents to tell them the truth some day. Hopefully, they weren’t “that” kid!
2. We had to be a buffer sometimes between what “Grandparents” wanted to do and what we were trying to teach our kids. My go to quote was – choose your battles! So, I did not want to dishonor my parents by acting like my way of parenting was the “better way.” So, I learned to compromise when my kids were with their grandparents (we lived far away from both until they were in middle school) and just let them enjoy their grandkids and talk about Santa if they wanted. I don’t think Santa is evil – the idea is a good idea, but it is not the main idea of Christmas. It is up to us as parents to teach them that Jesus is the main idea.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?
We made a huge deal about the kid’s birthdays. I would decorate after they went to bed the night before their birthday. I would decorate the entire house with banners on their bedroom doors, over the dining table and down the hall with balloons and streamers. The decorations would stay up for an entire week and they got their meal served on the “special plate.” Then when Christmas came around they realized it was not “their” holiday, but Jesus’ birthday – deserving more decorations and up for an entire month! As they got older we would give them one really nice gift and always fill their stockings – even now and they are 24 and 26! It amazes me that they really never begged for a lot of toys and things at Christmas, they came to realize that Christmas wasn’t about them, but about Jesus- just like their birthdays were about them.

Anything else you'd like to share?
One thing I did last year was really special – now my kids are older and they never ask for anything for Christmas, so I gave them each, including my daughter-in-law, a gift with the purpose of building communication and relationship. So, I gave will a journal and wrote him a card asking him to write poems, songs or prose and to share them with me as he did throughout the year. I gave my daughter-in-law a Bible study by Beth Moore and told her we would go to Bible study together and dinner. I gave my daughter a movie pass and told her she could use it only if she asked me to go with her! Sometimes it gets harder to buy for your kids as they become adults and so putting the emphasis on relationship rather than “stuff” really makes the gifts more meaningful and more about eternal things rather than the material.

Nancy and her husband, William, live in Houston. If you'd like to learn more from Nancy and you live in Houston, check out her Sunday School class, The Heights (women only), at Houston's First Baptist You can follow Nancy on Facebook and check out her blog, provetheword.blogspot.com. And if you want a good read that could improve your life, buy Nancy's book Taking the Word to Heart here.

Haven't started shopping yet

2011-12-11T20:14:00.001-06:00

Please tell me there is another person out there who hasn't started shopping yet.

Anyone?

I wish I was joking, but I haven't bought a single present yet. Nope, not one.

But tomorrow I will go to our 8th and 9th Christmas party for the year. It's getting a little out of control because it's only the 11th of December.

What about you? How's your shopping list? How many parties have you been to? What's been your favorite party and why this year?

Christmas Interivew: Christine Hoover

2011-12-07T15:54:00.001-06:00

I first met Christine when I went to Texas A&M. She was my college pastor's wife, but more than that she was just flat out so fun to be around. I admired her instantly. After that I got to know her a little bit better when I was chaplain for my sorority and she was the alumni adviser. When I think of Christine I think of someone who who really loves the Lord and wants her life to mean something for His glory, truly... yet she doesn't get stuck up by that pursuit. She flat out enjoys life and has a very contagious smile. I have loved getting to stay up with her by blog stalking her constantly, she is a fabulous writer. You feel like you are sitting at her breakfast table and she is talking just to you. I know you will love her.

My philosophy about Christmas and, really, anything in life is:

Keep it simple.
I’ve found what works for me and my family instead of trying to do everything suggested by friends, blogs, Pinterest, Facebook, church, invitations, etc. I don’t try to do it all. In fact, when I’ve tried to do it all or attend every Christmas party or make cookies for everyone I know, I am so distracted by the busyness of the season that I miss Jesus entirely. I don’t want my kids to grow up missing Jesus in Christmas.

Make it purposeful.
I have chosen family traditions that center around Jesus and giving to others in His name. Because the season provides countless opportunities to talk about Jesus and why He came and why that’s important and our response to that, I try to take advantage of that.

Remember grace.
Traditions can provoke guilt if we let them. We feel like we have to create the perfect traditions to have the perfect Christmas. I remember feeling pressure to have our family’s traditions perfectly in place when my first child had his first Christmas at 8 months old! I’ve since learned that traditions are fluid: some are added accidentally, some are better when kids are older, and then some need to be changed when they are even older still. Traditions are not god, traditions should help us treasure God.

What has been 1-3 of your favorite Christmas traditions as a family?
My boys are 8, 6, and 3. In place of our normal family devotional, we use a daily Advent calendar and reading after breakfast each morning (we use Noel Piper’s calendar that is no longer available, but you can email me at christinehoover98@gmail.com for the reading). We sing songs, often using accompanying books that illustrate the nativity. We watch The First Noel movie together a lot during December. And, finally, we buy a new Christmas book each year. In each book, I write each child’s name and age. We read through these books often during December.

What has been 1-3 of your biggest regrets about the holidays?
That I have allowed myself to get too busy to reflect on and celebrate Christmas in my own heart.

Do/did you do Santa? If you didn't, how did you explain it to your kid(s) so they weren't "that kid?" If you did, how did you explain that Santa wasn't real and did it break their trust in you?
We don’t emphasize Santa, but we have conversations about him. Our culture is amazingly inundated with worldly representations of Christmas and so it is definitely something we talk about. However, I don’t want my children to see Santa as evil and I don’t portray Santa as evil. Really, I believe that when we explain Jesus well, there is no need to portray Santa as evil; he is around but a non-factor. This year, my 8 year old asked me if Santa was real. I said, “No.” We discussed why we celebrate Christmas and that Santa has nothing to do with that. We also discussed what to say to other children in his class (other kids were discussing whether Santa was real, which is what led to our conversation), that he shouldn’t argue with them, but that he has an opportunity to share that he celebrates Christmas as Jesus’ birthday. I want my children to be loving and gracious to outsiders.

How do you do gifts for your kids? Others?
Each of my children get 1-2 gifts and a few stocking stuffers, such as candy.

Now that my children are getting older and wiser, giving to others is a tradition that I want to add more and more. One of our Christmas books has a line that I love: “We give gifts at Christmas to show our love and to say Happy Birthday, baby Jesus.”

Already in our giving traditions, we adopt a student through our child’s school who needs clothes, shoes, and a coat for the winter months. My boys help me shop and, as always, we discuss that we’re giving to people in need because we love Jesus. The boys also help me make cookies and deliver them to friends, neighbors, and teachers.

This year, for the first time, I’m going to help them give gifts to each other and to us, something they make or write that is meant as a blessing to the recipient.

Christine Hoover is a pastor’s wife, mom, and writer who is learning to live and lead from grace. You can find her at www.gracecoversme.com. You can follow Christine on Twitter and Facebook.

The Christmas Debate - Interviews Coming Soon!

2011-12-07T07:34:00.001-06:00

Good morning sweet bloggy friend!

Every time Christmas comes around I feel like I've done a horrible job preparing for it. Not just the presents (although each year I promise myself I'll have it all done before December even hits), but with the actually preparation of Christmas. As a Christian I want it to mean more than just presents and events. Yet at this same time I feel pulled to want to participate in the magic and giddiness of the holidays and Santa and mistletoe (you know I had to go there).

I feel totally torn. I have resolved that this whole thing will be a lifelong journey to figuring out what is best for our family. That it will look different than anyone else's because our family is different than anyone else's (so is yours-- whether your family is just you or you have 10 kids).

I've decided to do some blog interviews with some women that I highly respect to get their insights on Christmas. I'm expecting to hear some different answers because these women are all different, except they all will come from a Christian perspective.

I'm also going to interview a couple of people who don't follow Christianity to get their perspective of Christians during the holidays.

Won't this be fun??

But I want your help! I will be emailing all the interviewees the questions over the next week, and I wanted you to help with the list!

So please comment with any questions you might have!

I do have my list started for ladies to ask, but if there are any other ladies out there, I'm not afraid to ask, so feel free to send me their names!

Picture: Happy (Girly) Monday

2011-12-05T08:02:00.001-06:00

Karis cracks me up with her love for accessories. It is really getting hilarious. She's been loving wearing my necklaces and bracelets for a while (first thing she puts on after she is done with breakfast).

A couple of weeks ago I let her start playing with my makeup. She will sit on the floor, still for the entire time (gasp!), and play with my brushes. She is totally mesmerized by it all.

Well this past weekend when I was getting ready for a Christmas party I let her try on my fancy headband and clip on earrings (aren't they stunning? $15 at a antique store!).

The funny thing is she was just like this for at least 5 minutes-- she could not stop staring at herself in the mirror and was really still. Well after 5 minutes I wanted to take off the earrings because they don't have the pads on them yet and actually hurt to wear. But when I took off the earrings and headband she screamed. I'm all about choosing battles right now and since there was no reason to take them away I gave them back. She immediately got quite and went back to staring at herself.

I hope she gives you a nice little chuckle this morning. Oh my girl is so full of personality!

Thankful no.30 This Blog Series

2011-11-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

I have really enjoyed this past 30 days of this series, so it's only appropriate that it would be the final thing I'm thankful for.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Of all the things I listed (you can see them below), which one(s) do you find yourself really thankful for too? If you could add just one more, what would you add?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

no.25 Intentional Encouragement

no. 26 Video Monitor

no.27 Karis' Teachers at Church

no.28 Gut Laughter

no.29 Jeans that fit

Thankful no.29 Jeans that fit

2011-11-29T12:50:00.000-06:00

Can I get an amen?

There are two things that can be incredibly depressing: swimsuit shopping and jean shopping. Because every single woman has a different body type, there are about 10,000 types of jeans out in the world. And to find that kind that looks good on your body takes some work.

Anyway, the other day I went to TJ Max and found, not one, but two pairs of jeans that fit me pretty good. At the very least they look pretty cute and are actually comfortable! What in the world did women do before they add stretch to jeans? No matter if you are a size 0 or 20, stretch makes everyone look better in jeans.

What's your favorite brand and cut of jeans?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

no.25 Intentional Encouragement

no. 26 Video Monitor

no.27 Karis' Teachers at Church

no.28 Gut Laughter

Thankful no.28 Gut Laughter

2011-11-28T12:44:00.000-06:00

There are few things I love more than laughing deeply.

I love laughing till my cheeks are sore.
I love laughing till my sides ache.
I love laughing till tears come pouring down my face.

When was the last time you laughed till your sides hurt? Please share!

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

no.25 Intentional Encouragement

no. 26 Video Monitor

no.27 Karis' Teachers at Church

Thankful no.27 Karis' Teachers at Church

2011-11-27T08:22:00.000-06:00

This one is a biggie. To be able to trust your child with another person who isn't family or one of your best friends.

I have been so very overwhelmed with gratitude by all of Karis' teachers at our church. Both on Sunday mornings and when she has been there either when I was in Bible study or during Mother's Day Out.

So many different seasons they've walked through with us...

I remember being that apprehensive new mom. Leaving a thousand steps of instructions and 12 numbers just in case. Only half exagerating.

I remember the days of dropping off a screaming, totally afraid of strangers baby. Those were actually more torturous for Chris than for Karis.

But now we've finally gotten to the point where when we walk up to the door she actually lunges forward and reaches out for her sweet teachers.

I love how they tell me how easy my baby is to love. How they tell me fun stories of what she did when I pick her up. I love how when they see her in the halls when they aren't working they still stop and talk to her. I love that they seem to really enjoy just about every moment with my baby girl.

I love how they teach her (and me) new things. I didn't even know she could color until they handed me her art project. Or go down a slide. And I love that when she fell down the slide they went down again and again with her in their laps so she wouldn't be afraid.

Anyway, I'm pretty thankful for teachers we can trust and love and that love us.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

no.25 Intentional Encouragement

no. 26 Video Monitor

Thankful no.26 Video Monitors

2011-11-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

Right now I am watching Karis on our monitor talking to herself and cracking herself up. Right now she finds hitting things hilarious. I'm trying to break it but it really is funny. She loves hitting herself on the top of her head (horrible I know). Thankfully it is just playful hitting (more like patting), but we are trying to break it before she starts hitting other things than herself and tables.

When I was pregnant Chris and I agreed we'd splurge on a video monitor. And we have not regretted that investment one bit!

When she was itty bitty it was so helpful to let us see that she was in fact still breathing and moving. Something you fear about 100 times a day as a new parent.

When she was crying it out and getting into her sleep cycle, it was so helpful to see that she really was fine and just needed to go back to sleep.

When she woke up in the middle of the night crying one time with a stomach bug it allowed us to see that there really was something wrong and we got to rush in there immediately instead of see if she'd cry herself back to sleep.

And now that she is so full of personality it is just a total blast to see what she does in there before we go get her up.

Nearly every night before we go to bed Chris and I turn on the monitor and just stare at her and say to one another how much we love her. We could just burst.

So I'm thankful for the video monitor. They may cost a whole lot more than just a sound monitor, but it was worth every single penny.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

no.25 Intentional Encouragement

Thankful no.25 Intentional Encouragement

2011-11-25T08:18:00.000-06:00

The past couple of weeks I've been pretty overwhelmed by encouragement.

Like any other girl, I hate the following: (hear in a really high pitched voice with a plastered on smile) "Hey girl! You did so good at _____" ... or "I just love your ___________." If I'm being totally honest I have a hard time responding well in those moments. I try. I really do.

But those times when someone takes a moment and gives you a genuine, specific and intentional piece of encouragement, well that can change your day... and maybe your life.

A handful of women these past few weeks have really surprised me with speaking some specific encouragement and belief over me. The creepiest (read sweetest) part of all was that their words were almost identical (and most of them don't even know each other).

Each of them happened at events where I would've had something "greater" to share with Chris. Yet when I walked in the door and he asked me how it was, the first thing I shared was what they shared.

Words have the power to change our lives.

When was the last time someone said something like this to you? Do you want to share what they said? Or at least how it impacted you? When was the last time you took a moment to intentionally encourage? Trust me, it's not wasted.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

no.24 4 Years of Marriage today!

Thankful no.24 4 Years of Marriage Today!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving but today is also Chris and I's 4th anniversary.

I know this is like the standard thing to say, but I find it so hard to believe that it is only 4 years. I look at that number and compare that to all we've gone through and all the ways we've grown and how our lives have changed, and I wonder how all of that living can cram into just 4 years?

I look at that number and think... what else could come? What will the next 4, 14, 24, 34, and Lord willing, even more, hold for us?

For our wedding day we had the word "ahavah" engraved in Chris' ring. It is the Hebrew word for a strong version of the word love. It literally means that no matter what I'm not leaving. Chris and I, and I say this with a strong love and respect for our parents, both come from divorced homes. We saw love give up. In fact when we were engaged our pre-marital counselor told us that we were at the highest of odds for divorce since we both came from divorced homes. We looked at her and said, we totally disagree. Because we know what it is like to have a broken family. Yes, we love our families and now our step families (which the word step just feels weird because it is family). But we also know that it took lots of years to get to this point of peace due to the consequence of a love abandoned.

So we chose the word "ahavah" because we wanted the other to know that we will never give up. Never.

I bring this up because when I look back on the past 4 years, this has undeniably been the hardest.

Karis has added so much joy to our lives we could burst, literally it feels that way. But having a baby changes things. On top of a baby we also decided to sell our house, change our plan and start with Apartment Life (adding a part time job to our plate).

This year has been so sweet. We have grown so much.

But it has been very trying. It is the first year we have really had to fight for our marriage.

So Chris thank you for fighting for and with me.

Thank you for being an incomparable man. I can honestly say I have never wished once for you to be someone else. Never. You are the man that I respect most in this world. You are the man that I hope Karis can find a carbon copy of to marry.

I prayed for so many years to find someone that had just 4 qualities:
1. Loved Jesus in his own way but at the same pace as me. Check.
2. Someone who was a strong enough leader that I could follow. Check. Check.
3. Someone who wasn't trying to be something else (genuine). Check. Check. Check
4. And, finally, I didn't care if that person had a past, just prayed they weren't handicapped by it. Check. Check. Check. Check

You surpassed all those requests. The Lord surprised me with the interpretation of some of them. But as Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "His ways are better... His thoughts are higher."

I am so challenged by how you live your life. When we dated and were engaged we talked so often about how our differences can balance us. I think we've seen how when we aren't intentional they can hurt us. But we are learning, more every day, that the differences have a crazy good balance. I love how you have balanced me out. I love how the Lord knew I needed you.

Finally, this past year watching how you love Karis, I could just sob. Last night I was watching your perfect man hands on her tiny back and how gently you are with her. How tenderly you love her. I can't wait to see y'alls relationship grow. I love that she is a Daddy's girl. I want her to love you deeply and compare every other guy out there to you. Because I want her to have the kind of marriage we have-- not perfect, but fighting for love and for a life together that means something for God.

I love you. A lot a lot.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

no.23 Rainy Days

Thankful no.23 Rainy Days

2011-11-23T08:55:00.000-06:00

This past year we haven't had many of them, but oh I just (literally) soak it all in when we do.

Things I love to do when it rains:

*Run and play. As a kid we did this nearly every time it rained. I can remember throwing my shoes off and running up and down the sidewalk. I still love it. I took Karis out and did this for the first time the other day. First of many.
*Stare out the window and day dream. I love getting lost in the drop... drop... drop...
*Drive. I know most don't love it, but oh it is so soothing to hear the water pounding on the rooftop. Best nap I've ever had was on a cold winter day, I turned my heater on and let the rain soothe me away. Not the safest thing to do in your car in random parking lot. But it all worked out.
*Read a book. I feel like that is a given.
*Watch movies. See Thankful no.22.

What about you... what's your favorite weather? Or what is your favorite thing to do when it rains?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

no.22 Stupid TV Movies

Video: Karis cracks herself up!

2011-11-22T21:04:00.001-06:00

There are no words to describe how much I love this little girl. She makes me laugh so hard every day.

One of Karis' new favorite things to do is make videos. We just upgraded our iPhones to the 4S so we can take video with the screen facing us. She loves it!

Hang in there till the end if you have time. If not, the first minute and last minute are the best (it's 3 minutes total)! Lots of giggles and cuteness coming your way!

Did you notice how when Chris asked her to say "Mama" she lost all expressions? Crazy girl refuses to say Mama still!!

And does she look like her Daddy or what?!

Thankful no.22 Stupid TV Movies

2011-11-22T14:04:00.001-06:00

Promise not to judge me?

Because you really are going to want to, so promise! OK?

I really love stupid TV movies. I mean really love. I am such a sucker for anything Hallmark, Lifetime or ABC Family movie related. And I can easily get suckered into those back to back to back to back movie marathons they do.

You know how some people if they've had a really bad day they want a massage or a glass of wine or to go shopping or to eat a gallon of ice cream. For me, Chris can always tell if I've had a hard week when all I want to do is lay on the couch and watch those movie marathons.

Is there anyone else out there with this problem?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

no.21 My Morning Time

Thankful no.21 My Morning Time

2011-11-21T20:48:00.001-06:00

I'm not a morning person. Not even sort of. My family wouldn't even try to talk to me in the mornings when I was growing up. Give me 30 minutes to an hour and I'm great. But every little thing before that moment just irritates me so bad. I don't know why. On top of that I always stay up reading so I'm always exhausted and could easily press snooze for an hour every morning.

However, after I got married I knew if I wanted to consistently spend time with the Lord alone in prayer, journaling and reading the Bible or whatever else I came up with to connect with God, it would have to happen in the morning.

A sweet mentor and friend recommended coffee. I hated coffee, but I genuinely love spending time with Jesus and hated how my consistency with Him was wobbling. So I gave coffee another try and found my way into loving it.

So now each morning I get out of bed and make a cup of coffee, grab a throw blanket, my journal and my Bible and head to the couch. I love that time. It is the most peaceful moment of my day. I love processing things with the Lord as I write. I love reading His Word and seeing how something written so long ago can speak directly to me now. I love the conviction it brings. I love the encouragement I get. I love the instruction I receive.

There have been so many days where I didn't have warm fuzzies. Where my heart was aching over whatever was going on in my life at the time. But coming to that place and making Him a first priority for me, changed my focus. It made the hurts sting less. And it made me notice the joys and blessings along the way.

What are your mornings like? Or do you have another time you refocus?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

no.20 Red Velvet Seats

Thankful no.20 Red Velvet Seats

2011-11-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

Red, squeaky velvet seats. They are my ebenezer, the symbolism of God's great help to me.

I can remember the first time I sat in them. I hardly even noticed them. I had no clue what would happen in the decade and a half to come.

But I can remember a few years later I would say words that would forever change my life sitting on that squeaky red velvet chair. I had gone to Metro Bible Study that night only to spend time with my brother. However, the speaker held my attention because he was so funny. But it was at the end of that night that my life would start to change. He lead a prayer for those that wanted to become Christians right then. No thank you is what I thought. Then he said something along the lines of, "If you aren't a Christian and not sure if you want to be..." ("Yes that's me," I thought)... "then pray, 'Lord make me willing to be willing to give you my life, because right now I'm not." So I prayed. What could it hurt.

A couple more years later, I had believe that Jesus was who He said He was. And I found myself back in those chairs furiously taking notes for every teacher that cross the stage. I remember falling on my knees in front of them often during worship so in awe of how God could change a life. Not just any life but mine. I sat next to friends who weren't just looking for a good time, but were looking to do good with their lives.

A few years later, out of college and in a job that many would be envious of, I sat again in those chairs. While it was my dream job, I knew there had to be more, something different for me. I felt an urge to go back into ministry. I took my last vacation days and spent every afternoon in that sanctuary for hours praying that the Lord would give me an answer before the week was up. He not only gave me the answer to leave my job but He had given me a job (that I hadn't even applied for) at that church.

For the next year nearly every morning I'd walk into that sanctuary before going to my desk. I sit and look around. Taking in the sanctity of that place. I'd journal. I'd read my Bible. I'd listen. And He spoke.

Just a year later I sat next to the man that I would one day marry. I had no clue all those times of worshiping next to him that our lives would one day become one. My life changed again in those seats.

And when they announced that they'd be renovating the worship center at Houston's First I was so heartbroken. So many of my milestone moments were soaked into those seats. They held a place of security for me. A place I could always come back to for clarity. I remember the day before they were to be pulled up sneaking back into that place I'd come so many times before. And sitting there. I wept over what God had done in my life in those chairs.

Do you have that place? A place you go when life changes. A place that brings you clarity. A place where you hear God speaking a little clearer than usual.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

no.19 Forever Friends

Thankful no.19 Forever Friends

2011-11-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

If you are a girl you've been there. You've had friends that you thought would be forever friends and it turned out to be different. There was hurt, there was confusion and it was over.

We've all had that disappointment. But that disappointment makes this next friend so much sweeter.

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness today for my forever friends.
Some I talk to every day. Some I talk to once a year.
Some we have everything in common. Some we couldn't be more different.

I am thankful for girlfriends who laugh at themselves and me. Because I really like to laugh. And I love it when we don't take life to seriously.

I am thankful for girlfriends who aren't afraid of conflict. Who don't see it as drama, but see it is a chance for growth for both of us. Who don't run away or avoid the situation when it comes up. And when we've made it through that, oh it is so sweet.

I am thankful for girlfriends who see who I could be and believe in that and push me towards that.

I am thankful for girlfriends who I can trust. Knowing what I say to them is in confidence. Not because it's gossip (they'd call me on that). But because it is something personal.

I am thankful for girlfriends who pursue fulfilling their true identity in Jesus. When I look at them and the way they live their lives it inspires me to keep fighting too.

I am thankful for girlfriends who insist on the friendship being two ways. I am a master at turning the conversation back around so I don't have to talk about me. And I love those girlfriends who don't let me get away with it.

I am thankful for girlfriends who aren't trying to be something they aren't. Pretension is my biggest pet peeve. So I love seeing the tears, the dirty dishes, the 4 day old hair, the screaming baby... because some days we are just a mess.

I could go on and on.

So if you are one of those girlfriends for me, and you know who you are, thank you. I love you so. Truly I could've gone on and on.

What are you thankful for in your girlfriends?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

no.18 Decorating for Christmas

Thankful no.18 Decorating for Christmas

2011-11-18T08:21:00.000-06:00

I know this tends to be a big item of debate. Those with opinions hold fast to their position and tend to be quite passionate about it. Seriously, some take it too far and you'd think this was a presidential debate.

Anyway...

I love Christmas time. Truly love it. AND I also really love Thanksgiving. To me they just overlap and that is what is so sweet about it. I don't think decorating for Christmas takes away from Thanksgiving. I think it enhances the whole holiday season. This whole time of year just makes me giddy.

When Chris and I first got married we decorated our house on November 1st.

Wait, before you judge us, hear me out. We both come from divorced families so the holidays were like we were going on tour. Those first 2 years (pre-baby or pregnancy) we were gone 3 of 5 weeks. So if I was even going to see a lit tree, we had to start early. If it makes you feel better we didn't do the outside till after Thanksgiving. And by outside I mean the lone wreath hanging on the door.

We've pushed back decorating the last few years to the week before Thanksgiving. So that way the house is all done when we come home.

Last night we made a trip to Garden Ridge to get a few more things. Karis even got a mini hot pink tree for her room (I couldn't resist). When we got home we made hot chocolate and put on It's a Wonderful Life.

Anyone else on Pintrest? I keep telling Chris how much money we are saving by all this Pintrest projects. He keeps reminding me that it's not money saved when you are spending money. But they have so many great ideas!!!

One more fun decoration I got this year: A custom wreath by Erin DuBroc with Sassy Sparrow. Here is the link one she did last year. As soon as I saw it I told Chris, create a separate budget category for me for next year, because I have to have one!

OK, so when do you decorate? What is your logic behind that date?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

no.17 The Blue Blazer

Thankful no.17 The Blue Blazer

2011-11-17T08:07:00.001-06:00

My brother used to take me to and from school every day. Nils is two years older than me and someone I've always looked up to more than he will ever know.

You've heard me talk about him here and here and here... So I won't go on about him today.

But I talk about those times in the Blue Blazer.

I remember how we would make up motions to songs... although he'd deny it now. Don't judge, you've done it too.

The first memory is the breakfast. Some how my brother, always the entrepreneur, had convinced me that it was my duty to buy him breakfast since he was so generous to take me to school. Truthfully I didn't care and it didn't take much persuading. When McDonalds had their Monopoly game going on we were faithful to play. When Denny's had there $1.99 special, we took part. We loved going to breakfast. And I loved getting that time with my bro.

I remember how we would fake fight to freak out the people behind us on the HOV lane. That was probably pushing the lines.

I remember how when his horn broke he got one of those horns that make 75 noises. So we had a blast making people think a cow or chicken was behind them at the bus stop.

I remember the time Nils didn't know I still had the door open and backed out of his spot and the door caught on the car next to us and actually fell off. Oops.

But the thing I remember most is the time he took to talk to me. His senior year and my sophomore year our lifestyles couldn't have been more different. He had become a Christian that summer and I was not exactly living that same lifestyle. There was never a hint of judgement. Nils just shared his life with me. He talked about his new way of friendships. The things he was finding fun now. The peace he was feeling. He shared it all. Not in a way to trick me into believing or make me feel less than for not believing. He cared enough about me to not force me into Christianity but just to be Jesus to me. And the week before he left for college, all those hours logged in the Blue Blazer paid off... I finally chose to follow Jesus.

I loved that Blue Blazer and am so thankful for that time we shared.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

no.16 Cash Envelope System

Thankful no.16 Cash Envelope System

2011-11-15T08:52:00.001-06:00

No this isn't Chris doing a guest post. This is in fact Becky Kiser typing words like "thankful" and "cash system" in the same sentence.

I know it took me a while to get over the shock too.

Chris and I have been trying for the past four years to find a system that works for both of us. Fun times I tell you. Fun times. (If you didn't, go back and read those last two sentences very sarcastically.)

Something you should know about us when we met:
-Chris: Not just ridiculously good with money, but ridiculously meticulous with money. He never did the whole Dave Ramsey thing, he just was Dave Ramsey. He didn't just put his money into Quicken, he would put in every detail from the receipt including the place's phone and address just in case. He loved being organized and planned out with his money.
-Me: Well let's just say that I was making near minimum wage when you worked it all out, at my job at the church (which is fine because I loved my job). I had just started to really get a good handle on managing my finances when we met. My philosophy before that, and I wish I was joking, was literally swipe the debit card till the place told me it wouldn't work.

So those are the two backgrounds we were coming from. We couldn't have been more extreme with our money management and history.

So finally after nearly 4 years of trying every which way, we finally decided to try cash.

And guess what? I really and truly love it. I wish I would've started this when I was 16.

We don't ever go over our budget and often have plenty left over to put towards savings or something fun (guilt free). We hardly fight over money now too because you can only spend what's there and what you've already agreed to spend. Chris is way less stressed and consumed with managing things. And I feel like I get to have some control over things too.

How do you manage your money? Is it working for you? Have you ever tried going all cash?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

no.15 Being a Tea-aholic

Thankful no.15 Being a Tea-Aholic

2011-11-15T08:42:00.001-06:00

My name is Becky Kiser and I am addicted to tea.

No really I have a problem. I could drink an entire pitcher of ice tea a day. No joke. Some days I have two.

I justify it by saying that it is just water with herbs, so really I am getting more than my 8 cups of water a day plus some nutrients! (Erin DuBroc, please don't tell me my nutritional thoughts on this is off.)

One way Chris really loves me is when we go out to eat and he orders me tea. Me loving tea so much has been a hard thing on our marriage and eating out. Chris just does not see the need to pay someone $3 for a glass of flavored water. During our first year of marriage I gave him the gift of not ordering tea. So ever since then any time he orders it for me, it warms my heart to him because I know he sees it is being so ridiculous. The problem is now I want to show him that it's not a waste of money and end up drinking like 6 glasses at a meal.

What's your favorite thing to drink?Do you think you have a problem too?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

Thankful no.14 A Mother-in-Law I truly love

2011-11-14T08:19:00.000-06:00

I've heard stories from friends and acquaintances about how bad it can be. And I mean this in all honesty, I totally hit the jack pot when it comes to Mother-in-Laws. When she comes in town I get so excited. And when we go to their place there is not dread, it really feels like a vacation.

A few of the things I'm thankful for about her...

She is up, and up early, every morning. Not just most mornings. Every morning. She has her coffee and her Precepts Bible study open. She still gets giddy over new things she discovers in the Bible. She doesn't spend time with God because she should. It's not a check list to her. It brings her much delight!

Her heart is tender for her family. I have seen tears stream down her face as she speaks over the prayers she has lifted for each of us in her family. She wants each of us to love God and follow Him. She hurts for our hurts and our struggles. She defines compassion.

She always has room for dessert. Y'all she is just the skinniest person you have ever seen, but I love that she can hardly ever say no to the dessert tray.

She and her hubby are the most generous people I've ever known. There are no guilt trips associated with their gifts. There are no strings associated with their generosity. When they pray at meals they say, "Lord thank you for what is before us, it's yours to begin with. Thanks for sharing it with us." They don't see what they have is theirs, so they want to give things away.

Another thing I love about her and Larry, I love how often they laugh with each other and at each other. Most of my memories with them involve lots of laughter. They don't take life too seriously.

She has never been handicap by her past. She didn't know a life of luxury growing up. She had a family she loved and that was enough. And in her adulthood her story wasn't as she dreamed. But you know what? She persevered. She worked hard and fought hard and loved hard. And I would guess she would be pretty happy with how things turned out so far.

Her boys adore her. That says a lot when your kids feel that way. Jason and Chris both call her an angel. There is a tenderness both of them show her. A respect that is deeply rooted.

She lets me be me. She has never tried to step into my place. She doesn't offer advice unless asked. She lets me be the wife to Chris and the Mom to Karis that I was created to be. She doesn't try to step into my role (which makes me want to invite her in to our lives).

And you know what is a total bonus? She loves me too! And she was so excited to have not just another girl join her family of all boys, but to have me join her family. She speaks belief over me. She speaks her admiration over me. She speaks so much encouragement over me. She speaks so many prayers and scriptures over me. She loves me in every language.

What about you? What's your favorite thing about your Mother-in-Law? OR what is one thing you'd really like to have in a Mother-In-Law one day?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

no.13 Big Talk

Thankful no.13 Big Talk

2011-11-13T14:36:00.000-06:00

Just typing those words "Big Talk" in the title made me smile and laugh a little.

This is what my Papaw (Dad's dad) calls family discussion. We are guaranteed to have at least one Big Talk session every time we are with my Papaw. The truth is, since I was a little girl this was one of my favorite parts of our trips together.

We gather around the table. Papaw always at the head either with a cup of coffee or a "papaw drink" in hand. Mamaw will sit to his left or busy herself with dinner or dishes (she's always listening and will speak her mind too when she doesn't agree). And then the rest of us squeeze around the table. We are certain to have a bowl of ice cream in front of us (my Mamaw and Papaw fulfill their grand parent duty of having at least 10 flavors in the freezer). And you can find us there for hours. We talk. We laugh. We discuss strongly. Then when conversation gets too strong someone is bound to start telling jokes to break the ice. Then we get going again.

But, whether Papaw or Mamaw know it or not, we are all taking notes. I've taken notes on what their advice has been. I've taken notes of how they makes our family their top priority-- they deeply care about our lives. I've taken notes when they speak of being proud of us (neither are the kind to flatter you just for flattery sake, so if they say they are proud of you, they mean it). And I've taken notes that, for the majority of our conversations, they have been right. I heard a speaker this past week say, once you reach a certain age you can speak with authority because you know what you are talking about.

My Papaw doesn't hold back his opinion (that must be where I get it from). He always has a solution to any problem (another trait I picked up). And he doesn't mess around with fluffy conversation, just gets straight to business. Maybe you can see why I've been nick named after him. I nick named him Boss-Boss as a little girl because he was the boss at his work and the boss of our family. In turned I got nick named Boss Boss Jr. I'll let you guess why. ;)

I love that the holidays are just around the corner because I know that some Big Talk is coming right along with it.

Do you have a Papaw in your family? What's your favorite thing you do as a family to talk?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

no.12 Great & Nanny

Thankful no.12 Great & Nanny

2011-11-12T13:40:00.000-06:00

I had the honor of knowing four of my great grandmothers. And I had the honor of living close enough to be close to two of them: Great (my dad's dad's mom) and Nanny (my mom's dad's mom).

They were both so special to me.

Great, I've written about here before.

And Nanny...

*sorry for the really bad quality... took a picture of a picture on my iPhone.

Nanny is who Karis and I both get our middle names Jannette from. Jannette means, "God is gracious."

Sometimes we think God is gracious when life is easy or "good." But God has given us Jannettes (my great grandmother, my mom, myself and, I feel certain, Karis too), a life of struggle to display His grace.

He was gracious in that He gave us each other, the four of us teach one another across generational differences. With each generation the struggle seems less. We learn from each other. We extend a hand of love down to the next generation to pull one another through.

He was gracious in giving me a woman who defined strength. For Karis' first birthday my mom has put together an entire document telling the story of this woman. A woman who met every trial you could imagine and persevered.

Karis and I come from a long legacy of women who took unlikely odds, and not just survived it but made something out of it.

Great and Nanny were both fighters. Even into the length of their lives-- Nanny lived to be over 100 and Great well into her 90s.

My family line may not look story book, but it is a family line I am proud of. A family line I am thankful to have. A true legacy.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

Thankful no.11 Sunday Morning Dance Parties

2011-11-11T13:23:00.000-06:00

Since I can remember in our marriage Chris and I have had a dance party going on nearly every Sunday morning as we are getting ready for church.

I know maybe the "good Christian" thing to do would be to wake up early and read some passages from the King James Bible, have only Praise & Worship music playing, take family communion and pray for 3 hours.

But Chris and I don't really believe in being "good Christians."

Instead we wake up on Sundays so looking forward to a fresh dose of community at our church. We look forward to some good, honest, introspective, heart changing teaching. We look forward to getting to sing songs to and about God with others who want their lives to mean something for Jesus.

And because of that we dance.

Now you should know that neither Chris or I are dancers. Which makes it even more fun because we are laughing so hysterically the whole time. No one has ever seen this. No one ever will. There is a laugh that we both have when laughing at ourselves and each other that hard. It is one of my favorite family traditions we have. I can't wait for Karis to join in!

What about you, do you have secret dance parties?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

no.10 "Me too!"

Thankful no.10 "Me too!"

2011-11-10T11:41:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I taught in a women's class my church and before we went into a discussion question, I encouraged the ladies to vocalize their "me too."

What I mean by that is that we all need to share our life-- the joys and the struggles. Because when we do that others can feel and say, "me too." It is good for us to learn that we aren't alone in our struggles. It is good for us to share so others who have been there can guide us. It is good to share our joys so those who are struggling can hear the hope.

When we say "me too" we are able to build genuine community. That's when we get real. That's when we finally stop acting like we have it together.

Yes, there are certain stories, the really personal ones, that need to just be shared with some. I'm not saying start blogging and Facebooking and Tweeting all your personal stuff. Maybe for somethings you should. But maybe for some you just need to share with some of your good friends. Or maybe you share with some that aren't in that circle, because it will grow your relationship with you are vulnerable.

Being vulnerable is scary. But when we are vulnerable we become mo

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

no.9 Double Extend Mascara

Thankful no.9 Double Extend Mascara

2011-11-09T11:33:00.000-06:00

I have used the same mascara since high school. Yes, I've tried others and have liked a few. But none compare to this wonder:

Loreal Double Extend Mascara (in Blackest Black)

Every person has their body part that is just great and they don't have confidence issues with. For some it's their calves or hair or tush or abs... but for me it is my lashes. I inherited long lashes. My dad's lashes reach his eyebrows (with no mascara of course) and my brother's make mine look puny.

What's your body part that, if you are honest, you kinda love?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:
30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

Thankful no.8 Popsicle Sticks & Popcorn Bags

2011-11-08T23:00:00.000-06:00

For some reason when I am not at home for a meal Chris forgets every cooking skill he has ever acquired. So I usually come home to a coffee table full of popsicle sticks and popcorn bags... and, if we had them in our house, fruit snack wrappers.

I always ask him, "Honey, why? There is ____ in the fridge to heat up."

He never has an answer. He is always just as baffled by it.

When we were dating I used to be so impressed by his fridge because he wasn't the typical bachelor. He grilled up chicken and made veggies often for himself. But now, that he has me as his personal chef, he has forgotten totally how to take care of himself.

It cracks me up. And if I'm honest, it makes me feel a little good.

But y'all, I leave for Nashville this week and will be gone for 4 days. And him and Karis just can't survive on popsicles and popcorn. So will you check in on him every so often for me? You can find him here on Facebook and here on Twitter.

Thanks friends!

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:

30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

no.7 My Accountability Girls

Thankful no.7 My Accountability Girls

2011-11-07T19:26:00.002-06:00

We couldn't be more different, yet it works. Beautifully I might add.

We started as a group of 3 and there was a certain gap. We even did the Myers-Briggs training and Steve told us, you really need someone with this personality to be your balance and overlap you 3. And there was one girl who had almost joined our group, but didn't. The next week she called and asked if there was still space. I told her, that her application was to take the Myers-Briggs. I was joking, but interested. And wouldn't you know, she was the specific personality that had been missing. We are now complete.

Some make fun of accountability.
Some love it.
Some it gives them flash backs to high school youth group days of singing "friends are friends forever...".
Some it makes them scared of the change it might bring.
Some feel like it might be a waste of time.
Some feel like it is just a big gossip or self help fest.

And the truth is, for some it might be.

But I've experienced something quite different. I've experienced change.

Because I know they are going to ask.
I know they are going to challenge.
I know they are going to pray.
I know they are going to encourage.

We are intentional to not waste each others time.

It never fails that each week I walk away having seen my life from a different perspective.
And it never fails that I see God from a different perspective.

I am different because of these 3: Annalee, Jen and Kelley.

And can I say I have never laughed so hard. The things that we say. The things we do. There's no pretension or walls or should's in our group. We come as we really are unapologetically but yearning to be better, more like Jesus.

P.S. Happy Birthday Kelley! I can honestly say you are one of the most intentional friends I've ever known. The way you mean what you say. The way you truly care for others. The way you wait for an answer to, "So, how are you?" The way you don't let me defer the question back. And you just make me giddy every time I get to hang with you. You are a forever friend. I am quite certain of this.

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:

30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach

no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

Trick or Treating Fun

2011-11-07T07:21:00.003-06:00

I was so excited for Halloween this year with Karis. You all know it is one of my very favorite holidays. And since Karis is usually pretty expressive about what she likes and doesn't like, I couldn't wait to see what her thoughts were about Halloween.

Disclaimer: Nearly every picture is blurry. This girl is so on the move it is near impossible to get a non-blurry picture snapped of her.

We have a tradition of spending Halloween with our favorite fun house, The Skaggs.

Meet Miss Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany' (sans the boos and cigarette... wink). Had to do this costume. My girl likes all things accessories too much right now. So we had to go all out for Halloween.

She was so excited to get in her wagon and head out. Does this excited face she has just make you giggle or what? It still hasn't gotten old for me.

And while she wasn't showing it here, she was really excited to have her pretend big sister, Ella aka Strawberry Shortcake, with her. Don't you love how Ella is forcing her to be happy.

Of course they have neighborhood parades lead by firetrucks in Katy. Truly everything is a little too Leave it to Beaver in Katy. One day we might make it out there.... one day...

I love that Karis so wanted to walk with the big kids. I love how Seth cheered her on. I love how she looks like a drunken sailor when she gets going. I love that she did a pretty good job keeping up. And I love when you get a natural sun flare in the lens.

And there are no words to adequately describe our love for these five.

My heart could burst talking about how proud I was of Ella girl. Her friends were a good block ahead and she patiently waited for Karis to catch up to her. She wanted so badly to walk and hold hands with her. At the end of the night she said, "I wish Karis was really a sister in our family." Melt my heart.

Yes, I think she likes Halloween.

My future son in law. Emily and I told Ella that Kyle and Karis were going to get married one day. Ella said, "When's the wedding?" She was totally on board. When we told her that if they did get married then we'd get to spend every holiday together her eyes got so wide with excitement. Could you imagine what Karis and Kyle's kids eyes could look like?

You know we used her purse as her trick or treat bag. Karis' sweet Daddy had gone to Tiffany's that morning to see if they'd give us a bag to go with the costume and it was against company policy. So Chris bought me a new diamond bracelet so we could have a bag. Totally kidding. We went with Karis' favorite purse to carry around (my Grandma's from the 50s).

She held her own purse when the door opened. And you know every person could've eaten her up!

How was your Halloween? What were your favorite costumes you saw? What was your favorite piece of candy to eat?

Thankful no.6 "Adopted" Big Sisters and Moms

2011-11-06T20:50:00.001-06:00

You would think a girl that has truly the best big brother in the world and not just one mom, but two (my stepmom, Robin), that I'd be set. That my family would be full.

But I am thankful it wasn't.

Today the thing I am so thankful for is the women the Lord has given me in my life that are a year older to, let's say, many many many decades older that have been like a big sister or mom to me.

I think of the things I've learned from them and truly it makes me want to sob hysterically and laugh uncontrollable. I don't know where I'd be without them. I wouldn't know how to study the Word or pray. I wouldn't have known what to do on my wedding night. Or how to teach a Sunday School lesson. I wouldn't have known what to do when I thought I was miscarrying. I wouldn't have known what to do when I brought that newborn home... or when a friend hurt me so deeply... or when I felt calloused to the Lord... or when I... you get the point.

These women have changed me. They have bettered me.

They may never know how much. I try from time to time to let them know. Their investment in me pushes me because I don't want to waste it. I am so thankful they shared their time with me. I'm so thankful they shared their lives with me.

Because it wasn't just meeting every other week over a cup of coffee for 30 minutes. They invited me into their lives. Into their marriage problems. Into their busy work meetings. Into their stinky diapers. Into their dishes piled high. Into reality.

Do you have an "adopted" big sister or mom? What are some things you've learned?

Past blogs with the Thankful Series:

30 Days of Thankfulness... Starting Now

no.1 My Little Girl's Personality

no.2 Ranch Dressing

no. 3 Good Sales

no.4 Being Outside

no.5 Preparing to Teach