More Christmas

Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:8-9

As I mentioned in the last post, I am thankful for this verse...it is giving me much to chew on and to think about. God is using to encourage me about the big picture. I am called with a holy calling! And as He helps me understand the specifics of my calling more clearly (His own purpose), He'll supply His own grace, given to [me] in Christ Jesus before time began! Good stuff, good stuff.

My heart and mind and my moments are so very, very full of late. This leaves me a bit unsure of what to write here, and how to write it. I am praying over that one.

So today, I thought I'd share some more Christmas pictures (mostly from Christmas with BB's dad) and a few more mercies. And since I really took very few pictures this Christmas, you can see more photos here showing our time at Gramma's.

Sweet moment at BB's mom's house: cousin MB reads a stack of books to CA.

At BB's dad's house: looking at MB's gift with her - a box of teaching and school supplies for pretending

BB's dad always has a scheme at Christmas time. Without fail, there is a mystery, a game, and/or some other kind of craziness that must occur before we (his adult children and their mates) can open our gifts. This year, each gift was wrapped, put in another box, wrapped, put in another box....till it was five boxes nested, each to unwrap, each with a different person's name on them! It was fun, as always. And BB (the grandma BB) made her usual amazing spread of eats. It's always a family reunion, this get together. (BB's older brother and his wife are at the far left)

The newest member of the crowd - BB's sister with her new baby girl. There were twelve kids present, ages 10 and younger, and for once, none on the way!

Happy cousins, waiting to rip into Grandad and BB's gifts to them

BB's brother's son. Of the 12 children at granddad's, only 3 are boys!

MB, looking pretty

CA lovin' on her present. Turned out to be a Playmobil set. Fun!!

590 Bathroom cabinet doors left hanging open by preschoolers who use the inside of the cabinet as a little step up when using the sink

591 this is true: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

592 MY HERO: my husband, who wisely suggested as we rolled into town at 7pm last night that we unpack our suitcases immediately. We did so. What a relief, a prayed-for-and-answered concern of my heart - getting the trip mess dealt with more quickly!

593 home

594 another smooth, safe, quicker than usual road trip back

595 me: Guys, I need to take a nap. I'm not feeling well. It will help me be a better mother. (this, because I was feeling guilty disappearing on our first day back here)
MK: Mom! You're already a good mother! (this encouraged me so, so much, especially coming from my least expressive child!)

596 this fat, smiling, delightful baby God sent us

597 that MK went to town cleaning up the bedroom she shares with LC - I mean...it's amazing

598 BB's mom opening her home and life to our chaos liveliness