Christgiving or Thanksmus?

by Charis

That’s right.  We rolled two holidays in one this year with the Brown family.  Nineteen people, three days, one roof…organized chaos.

This year was marked by William’s nephew, Sam, joining us for his 1^st Christmas; Grammy’s Pumpkin Pecan Pie (that we devoured!); sharing scripture and thanksgivings around the table; and watching Feven understand more about these special times.

Although there was sickness, it wasn’t the plague that spread like wildfire last year.  I have mentioned the possibility of face masks next year!  I think it’s a great idea!

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Fall Fun 2011

by Charis

In know it’s really late, but I couldn’t resist sharing about our fall fun.  Feven’s costume was inspired by her hair. There are just some days the girl wakes up with the best ‘fro!  So, we used it, and made her an 1980’s work out girl. She loved the idea (even though she had no clue what it really meant), and she still thinks she is a work out girl.

We got to go with Chris and Mathew Gilmore to Boo at the Zoo.  Feven and Mathew were so excited they giggled and acted so silly as we walked into the park.  We saw lots of cartoon characters.  Feven was excited to see them but wanted nothing to do with them!  It was as if she knew they were dressed up.  Throughout the park, candy was passed out at booths for the kids.  Now, Feven associates candy with the zoo.  I think she is going to be disappointed the next time we visit.

Fall Festival at our church is always a fun event.  This year, however, it rained cats and dogs.  So, it was moved to one of the church’s other campuses.  LOTS of people came out (as you can tell from the pictures).  I really didn’t take many that night because we were trying to survive the crowd.  Feven did win a stamp that night.  She still loves it and calls it her “snap”.  You would have thought it was gold.  The girl is really easy to please.

Lastly, we had our 2^nd annual Trick or Treat with the Schadts.  We had fun as always.  Feven RAN from door to door getting candy.  She picked up quickly on the strategy.  She was determined to carry her own pumpkin and ran with the best of them.  So funny!  I just remember her running hard in her leotards and leggings.  Go Feven Go!

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Christ-Centered Christmas

by Charis

As you may have seen on our blog in previous years, I have been researching ways to help our family keep Christ the central focus of Christmas.  With all the commercialism, gift giving, stressful hustle and bustle, etc, I want to help us slow down and focus on Christ.  I often find this season to be a whirlwind. It’s crazy.  And by the end, you are ready for it to be over.  I don’t want to celebrate my Savior’s birth in that fashion, and I don’t want Feven to grow up with this mentality.

Recently, a friend mentioned that The Villiage Church has created an Advent guide and shared it on their website.  This is so worth it!  William and I have really enjoyed the individual and family devotions together.  It has helped us keep our focus on celebrating our Savior coming and looking forward to His returning!  Love it!  I am confident this will become a tradition in our home.

Feven is a little young for this type of devotion.  So, I have looked at the ideas for Advent on Focus on the Family’s website.  I will definitely incorporate some of these wonderful ideas as she gets older.

Preparing for the Holidays with Paula

by Charis

A few weeks ago, Paula Evans and I decided to start making stuff for the holidays.  (Paula is a dear friend and mentor.)  We made White Cran-Nut Cookies in a jar, and I hope it was the first of many projects to come!  Paula was gracious in letting Feven and I crash her lovely home and make these fun gifts for teachers and friends.  We loved spending time with her, learning and growing from her sweet spirit and crafty skills!  We’ve already started brain storming for this months project!

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A Weekend with Family

by Charis

A couple weeks ago we visited family in the western part of Kentucky. First, we dropped by to see my Granddaddy Harris in Murray. It meant so much to spend some time with him.

Feven quickly took to him (and several of the other residence at the assisted living facility). We had the best visit, watching and laughing at Feven. She loved trying on his shoes and belt. The girl will entertain herself anywhere! It was a sweet visit. Glad we had the camera to help us remember.

Our next stop was the Stiver’s house in Paducah. We love going to visit them! We were just in time to celebrate their good news of receiving a referral for a baby girl from Ethiopia! We are so excited for them.  This is #2 from Ethiopia and #6 total kiddos!  It was great catching up and spending some time just being together.

The rest of our family clan came the following day for a cookout, outside games, and to watch A.J. climb trees! (Yep…the boy is from Africa! He also climbed their house columns.) Thanks again, Stivers! Loved being with you and family! Already looking forward to next time!

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