Teaching Our Children...

"I still want to protect my children from so much. . . I want to shield them from the realities of the effects of sin in the world. And yet if they must learn about the brokenness of the world — and they must — I want them to learn about it in the context of God’s redemptive plans. I want them to see hope and healing. I want them to internalize that what Christ has done is real, and will really impact their lives. And yet. . . we still suffer the effects of sin, we still see persecution, and we still know that God will triumph over all. " from www.tulipgirl.com

I had a comment on my blog from someone so I thought I would take a look at her sight. This was listed in one of her posts and I thought it was amazing. I have been thinking about this a lot lately with all the trash that is everywhere. What a beautiful way to teach our children...

My first loaf of bread!

Or at least my first successful loaf of bread! I don't know why I have not been able to bake one before...

We were given a bread machine as a wedding gift and I tried it once 5 years ago with some friends but it didn't turn out. Then a week or two ago I tried two different bread mixes I had in the cupboard. I put one in the bread machine (just dough cycle) and it never rose. Then the second box I mixed and kneaded myself and it never rose either! Frustrating!

But today my wonderful mother-in-law came over with her recipe and it worked! It is so delicious! Thanks Kathy!

Twinkies!

So I am an absolute sucker for matching outfits! When Levi, Luke's cousin, came over this morning wearing his brown thermal and bibs I had to dress Luke in it too!
This was from yesterday for a little get together for Luke's birthday with my extended family. My cousin's little boy, Andrew, put his matching sweatshirt on also.

Although I definitely get this honest! My mom gave Levi the brown thermal and Andrew the jacket!

Pride and Prejudice

Rachel and I watched Pride and Prejudice last night and I loved it! I am excited to finish the book. Only 53 more chapters to go!

Luke's Birthday Cake!

I wanted to post a before and after picture of Luke's birthday cake. Rachel and I worked on his cake until 11:30pm Friday night. It was worth it. I loved making my little boy a John Deere 1st Birthday Cake. And he looked so cute eating his piece!

Happy Birthday Luke!

Our baby is 1 year old today! Luke can't believe it either!

My 2 Favorite Men!

I FINALLY talked Matt into wearing his jacket the same day Luke wore his! I always loved Matt's jacket so I was so excited when I saw one in the clothes Amy D. let me borrow!

Movie Day

Luke has the flu this week so he pretty much just wants to be held or be right beside me. So I actually watched a movie today! A real treat for me, because I rarely take the time to do that. I watched The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. I loved it!!!! Such a good movie. I think I'll try and read the book this year.

Luke's cast is off

Luke had his cast cut off yesterday morning. Overall he did pretty good. The nurse said that there are some 6 year olds that cry and fight a lot more than he did. He is crawling a little funny on it and they said he might favor it for a couple weeks.
Matt gave him a bath yesterday afternoon which he definitely enjoyed! And he just seems so much cleaner than a sponge bath could do.
Three weeks went by fast!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year!
Well Matt and I fall into the "old" category now. We were home by 11:15 last night. And Luke wasn't even with us! He spent the night with Granny and Grampy. We did have a wonderful time at the Phillips though. Thanks Scott and Marcia!