happy times...

really did happen around here this month. And although I am saddened for those of us left behind, I am rejoicing for my aunt, my dad and many other loved ones who will celebrate Christmas with the Holy One.

We went to a Christmas parade early in the month that my nephew was in with his cub scout troop. Unfortunately I didn't get a single unfuzzy picture of him, but we sure had fun while we watched and waited. The kids collected more candy than at halloween.



We also celebrated Elijah's 7th birthday. We had his first sleep over. We had pizza, popcorn and cake {of course}! Elijah and I had a date during the day on his birthday {Burger and strolling at Eastchase by his request}. Here's a cool picture he took:
Miles "helped" me make the cake. And helped me lick the bowl! Yummy!
The cake was decorated to Elijah's specifications.
I can hardly believe he's seven.
Then, just last week, Miles and Ella had their preschool Christmas pageant. Here's Miles with his beloved Miss Sally {I want to hire her at our homeschool!} dressed as a handsome shepherd. He even sang the songs, because he'll do anything for Miss Sally!
Ella on the other hand, loves the spot light. She was too cute on stage with her little friends. It was so precious to hear them sing:

Bells are ringing, Children singing
Christmas is here! Christmas is here!
Happy birthday Jesus! Happy birthday Jesus!
We love you! We love you!

And then to awake the next day to her singing that.

And this last one is here just because I love it. It was taken at Thanksgiving. After the tough year that we've had {with this economy and losing my aunt}, I am amazed and grateful that God gave this wonderful man to me to walk beside. God has brought us through so much, has taught us new lessons, has strengthened our faith, has brought us nearer to Him while promising to never let us go. We are in awe of His great love for us.Read from Romans 8:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^k]"> have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. {28-29}

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? {31-32}

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^m]">neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. {37-39}

We wish all of you a very merry Christmas! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13