Birthday Fun

This past Saturday we headed over to an adorable indoor play gym for our friend's son's birthday party, Mikko, and Max.  This kids had a splendid time, and frankly so did PJ and I since we weren't so paranoid of not knowing exactly where they were or cautious of strangers.  Although we did not know everyone at the party, it still was a small gathering and it was in one big room.  PJ, and I think we'd like to have both Key and Rock's birthday here.  It would be nice.

Rock was SO excited with his Spiderman tattoo.

One of the birthday boys-Mikko

Rainy day schedule calls for...

the family taking a morning walk, to be happily greeted by rain, in which mommy stands in the middle of it, and beckons for the fam to join and enjoy!

a trip to the library...in our pj's :)

some prep for crafting...

Rock building a monumental home out of anything he can find.

Rain is just grand.  According to my mother, I was born when it was raining, that's why I think I was born for it ; )

Grandma Time

Spending time with my mom is always a blessing.  She is kind to show God's love to us.  Still missing PJ bear :)

December Wedding

How time flies...we were excited to see Jan get married on December 18th.  It's always a lovely time to be at a wedding.  It was great catching up with a few old friends we haven't seen in a while.  PJ and I couldn't stop thinking of our kids (Lord willing) making a covenant to their future spouse and to The Lord...How time will fly.

Building Blocks

This year my hubby and I want to be mindful of our mindset behind raising and disciplining our kids. I was recently reading "Age of Opportunity" and it was so insightful, and really a kick in the butt of what our goals as parents should be. Sometimes our focus can be so much on the external behavior (wanting our children to just obey), but the reality is that they are not just going to obey, but we as parents need to help them learn how to repent and ask for forgiveness (get to the heart issues). As I see my children disobeying, I need to see it as a gospel opportunity and know this is a prime way, and time to show them and teach them how to get out of their sinful behavior. What a relief...I know this stuff but it's so easy to forget! Now, I am able to tell Rock, that he will make mistakes and sin but we need to learn from them.

I'm currently helping one of my family members with a sin issue, and I'm reminded again at how important parenting in a, gospel-graceful-way is extremely important. I get scared at times with Rock, and Key, and knowing there will be rebellious times, and blatantly sinful actions, but what can I expect, they're two people that are sinners, just like me. I do a whole lot of hurt to God and others because of my sinful actions and attitudes. All I know, and pray for now, is GRACE to get us through those tough situations.

Counting Down

We were able to hang out with family for dinner, but we headed home early. We were able to count down with the kids.

Rock was excited to see the ball fall. It's so weird that all of the televised count down parties were pre-recorded and in New York! LA really needs to get on the ball (no pun intended).

What goals, aspirations, hopes do you have for the new year? My Lovely posed a couple of questions (for us both) before we rang in the new year. I pray those goals will continue throughout the year, and bear much fruit :)