Tis the Season!

Well the time has come...stockings are hung by the chimney with care (yes, even in November), the twinkle of Christmas lights reflect off the carefully placed ornaments on the tree (well, those that haven't been knocked off by tiny hands), a variety of Christmas albums are on perpetual play on the radio & my iPod (okay, so I only hear them in between Veggie Tales & High School Musical 2 which make the "Most Played" list in my car thanks to Carter), Christmas movies and specials can be seen most any night of the week (or thanks to the miracle of Tivo, any hour of the day and commercial free!), and Santa has found his throne at the mall (which he's been sitting on since Halloween).  

That's right, it's finally the best season of the year...CHRISTMAS fills the air!  While I know not everyone agrees with the focus on Santa, presents, and the "gimme" attitude it can foster, I pray that we can ALL enjoy both the magic of stepping into a child's view of Christmas--enjoying the break from reality and into the wonder of it all--and the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  It is so sweet to see and experience this season through Carter's eyes.  His excitement and thrill at the slightest hint of Christmas...from every Christmas light to every giant lawn ornament...it is all so new and wondrous to him.  

Of course, we are teaching him that Christmas isn't all about Santa and lights--but is about the birth of our Savior and the greatest gift we can ever receive...salvation through Christ.  

If you have never experienced a real, meaningful relationship with God, or if you're feeling distant in your relationship with him, I pray that this season might re-ignite in your heart the passion to pursue a relationship with Him.  May the same overwhelming excitement fill your heart each time you see Christmas lights and giant snowmen lawn ornaments as it does for our 2 year old---not because this is a season of giving, but rather that it is a season of receiving not just any gift...THE GIFT....JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!

May the Lord bless you and keep you... Numbers 6:24

Love to all~Sarah

Carter Quotes...

Being the mom of a toddler is both challenging and amazing all at the same time.  The precious moments spent singing, praying, and snuggling together make up for every moment of temper tantrums--by far.

Carter has begun saying thank you prayers to God, sings Jesus loves me (but apparently "Bobby told [him] so" instead of the Bible), and is unafraid to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "Ring the Bells" at the top of his lungs while strolling through the mall or grocery.  

Because these moments are so priceless, I want to share some of them with you.  I have started a journal of cute quotes from Carter to give him when he graduates high school (sigh).  In the meantime, I thought it'd be fun to include some here for you to enjoy, giggle at, and sometimes tear up to as well!

That said, here's the first of our "Carter Quotes:"

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, 

How I wonder what you are.

Up a BUBBA world so high..."   

You're smiling already, aren't you? :)

Love to all~Sarah

Giving thanks...

So, obviously I'm already a big slacker.  I honestly forgot that I'd created this blog until I was just checking my email and saw my confirmation email that it had been created!  

But, since it's here, I think I'll share! :)

In this season of Thanksgiving and gearing up for the coming hustle and bustle of Christmas, I am reminded of just how much I have to be grateful for.  To list all the ways God has blessed me could take an immeasurable amount of time (and space).  That doesn't, however, mean that I can't still offer some words of thanks...

I am grateful for my family, for God's provision in meeting our needs (and often our wants), for good health, a place to call home, and His gentle (okay, sometimes rather blunt) reminders that He is a faithful, Sovereign, and omnipotent God.  

In the beginning...

Hi friends and family!

I have decided that it's finally time to join the blog-o-lution (Well, at least that's how it was described by Google!)

I'm hoping this can be a way to  communicate better about what's going on in our lives, but since I've not ever been that great at journaling, I'm not making any promises!  

Already, I have to take a quick pause from writing b/c Carter is running around me! :)  I will share more soon...

Love to all,

Sarah