I've been tagged

Jeanie "tagged" me on her blog...to post the 6th picture in the 6th folder on my computer, and then to tell about the picture. This is a picture of my niece Bethany holding Kathryn at the Outer Banks in 2007. Kathryn was 5 months old at the time, and Bethany was very eager to help with everything she could. Kathryn is quite excited to see her big cousin "Beh-Beh" next week at Nana and Papa's house!

Contentment

"A Christian comes to contentment,

not so much by way of addition,
as by way of subtraction...
not so much by adding to what he would have, or to what he has,
not by adding more to his condition;
but rather by subtracting from his desires,
so as to make his desires and his circumstances even and equal."

I've recently been re-reading "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs, which is so full of treasures like this quote. What a wonderful reminder, especially this time of year, that changing/increasing my circumstances won't bring contentment. Rather, when I lower my desires to my current circumstance, I experience contentment in all the blessings God has given me already.

It's Beginnig to Look A Lot Like Christmas

I have really been enjoying this Christmas season, way more than the last few years. I think it's helped that Kathryn is old enough to start noticing the decorations up and grasp a basic excitement for the Christmas story. Every morning we read from our Advent book, which is Luke 2 broken up into 25 passages, each one a door flap to lift up. It is really perfect (thanks, Nancy, for foreseeing my appreciation of this book!) Then we "act" out the story with Kathryn's Little People Manger set. She gets really excited pointing out all the decorations around the house: "Angels," "Tee" (Christmas Tree) "Doll" (my caroler dolls), "Dada's" (Nick's Nativity Display), "Angel on top!" (points to the Angel on the top of the tree), "Tocking" (stockings). I just love it.

After being inspired from some ladies at church, I decided to try and get as much shopping done early this year, which has been a huge blessing. I remember this time last year feeling very frantic, which is why we booked a last minute flight instead of driving for Christmas. But this week's agenda is pretty calm, which is amazing for leaving on Monday. I'm thankful that I've been able to slow down this month, enjoy meditating on the story of our Lord's birth, as well as enjoying some quality time with Kathryn. What a difference it has made!

Park Outing

I have been loving this warm weather, even though it's been pretty rainy the last few days. Nick and I took a little excursion to the park on Monday to enjoy some fresh air and give Kathryn some exercise. I've been slacking on my posting, so here are some pictures...

I love life through a toddler's eyes...everything is fascinating, including a plane in the sky, which is what she was pointing at in this picture.

Sittin' like a lady

Thanksgiving in Hilton Head

We just got back from a lovely weekend in Hilton Head at Gram's house (my mom's mom). We met up with my parents, my sister Margaret and her husband Josh, and my mom's sister Becky and her family. It was so fun being with extended family for Thanksgiving...lots of cooking, which is exactly what I was wanting. We actually had Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday AND Thursday to accommodate the different people coming and going. I contributed corn casserole, pumpkin bread, an egg and goat cheese fritatta, and sweet potato casserole. Can you tell I like comfort foods? :)

4 Generations- Mom, Kathryn, Me, Gram

Dad carving the turkey

"The Ladies:" Gram, Lauren (my cousin David's fiance), Lisa (cousin Jordan's wife), my mom, Becky (my mom's sister), and me. We threw a little bridal shower for Lauren on Thanksgiving morning.

Dad and Bill trimming the trees outside Gram's house so we could see the beautiful view of the golf course pond.

Here are some shots of the Salt Lake Marshes, part of the neighborhood that Gram lives in. It is just beautiful.

Gram (or "Gam", as Kathryn called her) and kathryn playing

Our 2008 Christmas picture