Christmas Quickly Approaching

I can hardly believe Christmas will be here in just 6 days!! At the beginning of the year, it seemed this year would never end. Now, I'm wondering where in the world time went. To think that 2014 is just around the corner is almost overwhelming.
This week, we have been running around trying to finish all of our Christmas shopping. You know how that goes, "oh no, I wonder how much shipping I'll have to pay to get it here in time..." I think we all do it. But it's so easy to get caught in the crazy rat race of the holiday season, that we forget what Christmas is all about. It's not about the bows, stockings, or Santa Claus. It's about celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Instead of spending tons of money on gifts that people don't even need, why not take that money we would have spent, and go spend it for the needy. Buy some warm mittens, hats, or coats and go hand them out on the street. Christmas is not about just keeping the joy of our Saviour to ourselves in our own home. It's about sharing the love of Christ with everyone we meet. We were placed on this earth to share the Gospel.
I challenge you, this Christmas season, to get out of your comfort zone and see what you can do to share the love of Christ.
Here's some ideas of things you could do:
-Give atleast one of your Christmas gifts (that you receive) up to someone who you know that needs it more than yourself.
-Take your money you would have spent on yourself on junk food this month, and buy extra warm coats/hats/gloves and go hand them out on the street where you know homeless people stay
-Make extra Christmas cards with the Gospel on them and pass them out to the first 50 people you see.

I would love to hear other ideas you might have, or even something your family has done before to help others. Please leave your comments below.

God Bless
Erin

Finally-Snow!!!

A few years ago, we had a really bad ice storm that caused us to be without power for quite a while. We've had 2 winters now without much snow, which is sad because I am a wintertime kind of girl :)This morning the heavens opened with huge snowflakes. We received about 3in. Here are a few pics

 

 

While we stopped on the side of the road for pics, we saw this beautiful horse out in the snow. We got out of the car, and she just walked up to the fence to us. She was so sweet, I wanted to take her home with me, but considering she wasn't ours, I decided that probably wasn't best. haha

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

So I would love to hear from everyone about your favorite ways to spend a cold snowy day. :D

 

Focused on Him

Erin



Out With the Old and In With the New

I think I shall begin this post with Christmas and winter fun pics. I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas season.

Below is a Christmas tree skirt that I made for Momma. I took an old skirt we didn't want anymore and just recovered it with ruffles. I really liked the result. :D

Also, since I last posted, my sister Mallory, had a homeschool band concert. It was great. Here are some pics:

I won't bore you with all of our pics of opening presents. Instead, I'll share photos of us going out to shoot with my Uncle Bud who was in town from Michigan. Mind you, I had only shot a rifle before, so shooting this 9mm was a new ballgame for me. :)

Momma and Daddy

My Uncle Bud helping Momma

Daddy

Unlce Bud helping me

Wow has 2012 gone by quickly!! I can't believe in under 8 hours, it will be 2013. This year has definitely had it's ups and downs and I'm sure the same will be said when we see the end of this coming year. This year has brought a few highlights such as: the Homeschool Civil War Ball, attending camp on my 21st birthday at Fort Rock Family Camp, and attending No Greater Joy's first Shindig in Big Sandy, TX.

My goal this year may seem simple but it's very important. I have a really hard time making myself sit down and read my Bible every day. This year, I am going to make sure I am constantly in the Word. I would love to hear everyones new year's resolutions.

 At church yesterday, the pastor pointed out that we're going into the year 2013 and the number 13 is the number of confusion. Hmmmm... Not very comforting, but very true. Look at our government, we are getting ready to reach the fiscal cliff tomorrow. The world has lost the Lord so therefore, we have a very confused and lost society. There are so many new and scary laws being passed. We, as Christians, must stand up for what we believe in and let the world know that we are God's army and will not stop fighting until the world comes to an end.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. God bless!!

Winter/Christmastime 2012

These pics are a combination of winter fun and Christmas preparation. We have been so busy lately with craft shows and so many other things. I can't believe it's already the 10th of December. This year has had it's trials, along with it's glorious wonders. Isn't it funny when you look back, how things change in just 12 months?
I am enjoying our Carhart weather (yes, I said Carhart weather. I love when it's cold enough to wear my Carhart coat. I'm convinced nothing could keep me warmer :D )
This next week, we will be beginning our Christmas baking for friends and family. I have to admit, that is one of my favorite ways to spend these beautifully cold winter days. How about you, what are your favorite things to do this time of year?

Dickens on the Blvd historical street dance

Sissy and I

 

Sissy Dancing

 



Mallory with her friend Ginger

We always eat at Boomerang Diner before the dance

 

Thanksgiving

 

We spent this Thanksgiving at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO

It was a blast

Momma and Daddy

 Where we ate our Thanksgiving Dinner

 

Grandma and Sissy

Daddy and I

 

Getting snacks

It rained on us quite a bit so grandma had to pull out her rain scarf

About to ride Wildfire, our favorite rollercoaster

 



 

 

 

Christmas preparation

Our Old World/Dickens tree

 

Our main tree

 

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

~Erin