Little eyes watching

Yesterday was Sunday, a day always looked forward to in our home by everyone. Drakeford is either talking about getting dressed like pastor Ferebee or playing drums like J. C. or guitar (sometimes notes as violin but we are working on that). I love to hear the times when, out of the blue, he describes the whole process of communion and what it means. He asks at the dinner table to do his catechism.
One of the first things I noticed when we first attended this particular fellowship was the behavior the older boys had towards the younger children. You can tell the ones who have younger siblings at home. They are always keeping an eye out for their safety - making sure a little one gets through the door way, picking them up if someone is about to knock them over on accident, or just getting on their level and saying "how are you today? I like your cowboy boots!"
Younger children naturally imitate the older ones, whether good or bad. What a joy is in my heart when my children are not only hearing God's word and seeing mommy and daddy worship God through life and at church, but then to sees others doing the same and is joyful to partake.
During the time of judging in service, a young boy carries a microphone to the person who has a comment/question about the sermon. When we were getting ready for bed, Drakeford puts the tennis ball he was playing with in front of my mouth and says "mommy, I'm the boy. Now say something." So I would and then he would go stand by the wall for a few minutes and come back and repeat.
I got to thinking about behaviors that children imitate and how very blessed we are to be in a community of believers that I am not afraid of him being influenced by - because he obviously is watching everything! Yes we are all sinners! But sin is not celebrated and openly accepted as "adolescent behavior", where bad attitudes go unchecked or justified by a label - teenager, hyper active, strong willed. We all have a specific inclination to sin in different areas. Our job is to identify it and give it to The Lord. To be conformed to His image in all areas of life, at all stages of life.
It is wonderful to come home from church and see my children throughout the week display good habits they picked up like serving others, not bickering attitudes or self centered play.

Silly faces!

Fun to be inside

Nini's Visit

We didn't snap as many photos as we should but we had great fun with Nini while she was with us! She knows so many bible songs and stories ad loves to read books (so do my children). Kevin and Ryan went in together to bring her up from Texas for Christmas and we were thrilled to have her. So was Bev!

My 22nd Birthday!

We had a wonderful time! My sweet husband took me out for breakfast while my loving in laws watched the children. Then we went to see the Hobbit HFR. Very fun story! Wish there were more songs in the LOTR trilogy. It adds so much to the folklore feel.
Then off to Chinese restaurant and gifts at my parents. I was given a canning pot, cast iron skillet, reusable shopping bags, a beautiful double cross necklace and earrings, a crock pot, and some other fun items! What a blessing it all is!
Looking back on this year, there has been so much growth as a wife and mother but looking ahead, there is still so much to learn! I thank God that sanctification is a journey through life with Him, submitting to suffering every day, in little and big ways. Our body and soul are His to purge and cleans. There is a lot of dross to scrape away!! I am filled with hope and joy for all that is to come in the next year and where He will bring our family. Happy new year!

Christmas shots

Tea stealer!

If I leave a cup of tea out, marlow will ask for a sip always! She usually ends up drinking all of it :)

Tea towel Maiden