December Photo-A-Day 31

"Fun"

We:

 1. ate homemade chili

2. watched wrasslin 

3. played Wii

4. stuffed our faces with ooey gooey goodness

5. watched the ball drop 

6. toasted in the New Year

7. poured ourselves into bed

Nehemiah - Story of a Name

When I was 16 years old I had started going back to church with my uncle and his family.
I was read my bible and notes daily. I remember one day when I read the book of Nehemiah.

At that moment I decided I really loved the name. The name belonged to strong, hardworking man of the bible. From that day on I knew that name was going to be the name of my first born son. 

Fast forward two years later, I am pregnant with my first child. I had already told JD that I had a boy name picked out if it so happened we would have a boy. Well, God blessed us with a beautiful little girl instead.

Now fast forward 12 more years, I am pregnant with my third child. I had a feeling in my heart that it was to be a boy and reminded JD of the name I had picked out. Not knowing that pregnancy was not going to end well.

A few days after delivering my stillborn baby boy, Nehemiah, I was reading my bible. I went to the book of Nehemiah again and was skimming through when I noticed the verse that in chapter 8 verse 10 that reads:

"Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

The Hebrew meaning of Nehemiah is: "Comforted by Yahweh"

This afternoon I was looking through the add for the LifeWay Christian Store and in the add is a book called "The Living Room Series NEHEMIAH a heart that can break" by Kelly Minter. This is how the description of the book read:

"Nehemiah is a call to let God break your heart for a hurting lost world and move you to lead people to Christ. Nehemiah the man was so broken-hearted for those in need that he gave up the comforts of his Persian palace to meet their needs. This Bible study features video sessions, solid teaching of the Bible, music selections, and a relational approach you'll love."

It amazes me how many things we have read, seen, heard and spoken in our lifetime that we never really paid attention to. I feel like I made the right choice in selecting Nehemiah's name. That it was meant to be for me to be broken-hearted so that I may be able to get closer to God. That this little baby I was never meant to hold here on earth, would build me up to be a better person. Wow!

I love you my precious baby. Sleep tight in Jesus' loving arms.

December Photo-A-Day 30

"Your Winter Wonderland"

This was actually the snow we got on Christmas!! Yes, we had a white Christmas!

December Photo-A-Day 29

"Sky View"

Amarillo has the best sunsets!

December Photo-A-Day 28

"Words"

 

December Photo-A-Day 27

"Night Time"

 

December Photo-A-Day 26

"Grateful"

I have 3 beautiful, healthy, lively children. For that I am truly grateful!

December Photo-A-Day 25

"Morning"

This was Christmas morning...kids opening presents & catching their faces!

New Traditions

So I was watching Sister Wives, before anyone judges, this is a very interesting show. On the show one of the wives made all the children pj's to open on Christmas Eve.

I thought that would be the coolest, easiest gift to make for my kiddos. In the future I hope to make them for my niece & nephews as well. 

Anyway, I let the kids pick out the design they wanted & set to Googling the easiest way to make these & looked at countless YouTube videos. Finally getting my nerve up to make them.The whole time Makaila thought I was making them blankets...hehehe
 
My original plan was to let the kids open them at my mom's on Christmas Eve & let them try them on for everyone. Except something came over me last night & I thought I had better let them open them now. Everyone will see them on Christmas morning anyway.

Oh, thank you baby Jesus that I did. Because the ones I made for Makaila & Crispin where both snug in the waist area & Makaila's were too short. 

You can't really tell here because KK is sitting, but they are short..

So, I got up early this morning to make them each another pair. My only dilemma was I did not have anymore of the cute pink material Makaila had picked out.

Now I think KK's look like "skinny jean" style lounge pants...lol

December Photo-A-Day 24

"Favorite Part of Christmas Eve"

Watching my children spend time with their grandparents would be my number 1. 

Spending time with my family would be a close 2nd. I forgot about this project for the day & did not take a bunch of group pictures.

December Photo-A-Day 23

"Scarf"


This is my daughter's scarf that I just L.O.V.E.! We found it at a second-hand store & it is such a beauty..

December Photo-A-Day 22

"Tradition"

Every year we make & decorate sugar cookies while listening to Christmas music or stories. This year was definitely no different. 

December Photo-A-Day 21

"Peace"

December Photo-A-Day 20

"Tree Topper"

We have had this topper about 8 years now. Isn't she lovely? 

December Photo-A-Day 19

"Candy Cane"

Our family really enjoys the different flavors of candy canes. We usually do a different flavor than original.

December Photo-A-Day 18

"Stockings"

December Photo-A-Day 17

"Presents"

I love giving more than receiving. I especially like seeing my children's faces light up when they see what they are given!

December Photo-A-Day 16

"Outside Christmas Lights"

Decemeber Photo-A-Day 15

"Favorite Holiday Song"

This is my most favorite song to sing at Christmas time!

Decemeber Photo-A-Day 14

"Christmas Tree"

December Photo-A-Day 13

"Family"

December Photo-A-Day 12

"A Beautiful Sight"

I could only imagine being one of the first people to lay my eyes upon the newly born Messiah.

December Photo-A-Day 11

                           

"Green"

I love this shiny green Christmas tree I received from a co-worker years ago.

December Photo-A-Day 10

     

 

"Wrapping Paper"

These are the 3 types we are using...I love wrapping gifts
 

December Photo-A-Day 9

"Something You're Reading"

I just finished reading the Hunger Games series & have not started anything knew. So, I do not have anything to post here today...

December Photo-A-Day 8

"Ornaments"

Every year we take the kids & let them pick out the ornament of their choice. JD & I pick out one for Nehemiah. It took us 3 stores to find "the one".

December Photo-A-Day 7

"Bright"

December Photo-A-Day 5

"Today's Temperature"

                                     
 

December Photo-A-Day 4

"Joyous"

These little people bring joy to my life!

December Photo-A-Day 3

            "Red"
This hangs on our door

December Photo-A-Day 2

"Favorite Holiday Movie"

My children & I love this movie! I personally like this one better than the Jim Carrey version.

December Photo-A-Day 1

"Your View"

This is what I saw first thing Saturday morning in my living room.

Crazy Boys!!