Nose Scrunch

Despite some subtle differences, there is no doubt that my kids are related. They look so much alike, and even make similar facial expressions. Here is one of my favorites: the nose scrunch.

Ella: 

 

Troy: 

 

Luke:

I Heart Faces: Best Face Photo from 2013

Though I have many photos I could choose, I knew immediately which photo I wanted to use this year. I love Troy’s personality showing through in this photo!

Here’s my photos from 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Top 13 of 2013

I always love this time of year because it reminds me to reflect on the past. Here are my top 13 photos of the kids from 2013 (in no particular order because it is too hard to put them in order!).

Top `12 of 2012

Top 11 of 2011

Top 10 of 2010

Christmas 2013

First, our Christmas.

Then, Christmas at Rhu-Rhu’s.

Finally, Christmas at Gigi and Pop-pa’s.

Christmas 2012

Christmas 2011

Goofy did it!

Troy is always saying things that surprise me. His creativity always makes me smile even when it shouldn’t. For example, a few months ago I told Troy to stop doing something (I don’t even remember now what it was) he said, “But Goofy did it!'” At the time Troy was holding his stuffed Goofy animal, and Troy was using Goofy to perform the action that I asked him to stop doing. Troy thought he had the best of both worlds: getting to do what I told him not to do and passing the blame to someone else.

I think that we can easily fall into this way of thinking as well: doing things that go against God’s will and then passing the blame to someone or something else. What about the woman who dresses inadequately and inappropriately, but blames the man for looking? Or the parents who fail to teach their children about God at home, but blame the Bible class program? What about the Christian who fails to give to God, but blames the economy?  Or the countless other ways that we try to push our faults to someone or something else? Brushing the burden of sin off to someone or something else may ease our conscience, but it will not cleanse sin off our record to God. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), even if we try to push the responsibility of our actions off of ourselves. Consider 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” We must be careful not to fall into the dangerous trap that removes personal responsibility for the sin in our lives.

And, considering my role and responsibility as a parent, I must teach my children that they must take ownership of their actions rather than passing the blame off to something else.  Sometimes I think our instincts as parents may encourage us to make excuses for our children, thinking that we are protecting them in some way. However, I think that when we consistently make excuses for our children we do them a great disservice because we don’t teach them the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. Though no parent wants their child to do wrong, we must realize that our children will be better off in the long run if they are held accountable for their actions, ultimately so that they will understand the severity of sin and the importance of obedience to God.

Pickin’ Pumpkins

Yesterday we took the kids to the local pumpkin patch. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and they had a great time. We let Ella and Troy each pick a pumpkin. Troy picked his right away; Ella took her time, searching for the smallest pumpkin she could find in the pumpkin patch. Luke slept the entire time. : )

Last year’s pumpkin patch trip

Troy’s 3rd Birthday Interview

Troy is officially three which means it is time for his first birthday interview!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. What is your favorite toy? car
3. What is your favorite fruit? Oranges
4. What is your favorite TV show? Team Umizoomi
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Chicken nuggets and Fruit Loops
6. What is your favorite outfit? Tie / tie shirt
7. What is your favorite game? play
8. What is your favorite snack? Fruit Loops
9. What is your favorite animal? Alligator
10. What is your favorite song? Simba song [I want to be a mighty king]
11. What is your favorite book? Little books and number book [They have these “little” board books that they use as bibles and songbooks]
12. Who is your best friend? Karsyn
13. What is your favorite cereal? My cereal
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Share toys
15. What is your favorite drink? Sweet tea
16. What is your favorite holiday? Easter, I want to hunt 
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Mickey Mouse, puppy pillow
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Mickey mouse yogurt
19. What is your favorite thing for dinner? Chicken nuggets
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a Christian {check this link}
21. What is your favorite movie? Panda [Kung Fu Panda]
22. Where is your favorite place to go? Chick fil a cow
23. What is your favorite Bible story? Zaccheaus
24. What is your favorite memory verse? shall be saved  [Mark 16:16]
25. What is your favorite letter? T