Merry Christmas!!

As Twinkle left us for another year, she left a few presents wrapped up just for us!

Another Snowman?

Twinkle made a snowman out of Logan's cars .

New Heights

I guess Twinkle needed to reach a little higher.

Frozen Treat

We found Twinkle eating all the ice cream this morning! She was a little cold.

Stepping Stones?

A staircase out of toilet paper?? Um, ok Twinkle.

A Ca Rumba

Twinkle bungee jumped from the ceiling fan last night! Looks like fun!

All Wrapped Up

I think the wrapping got a little out of hand for Twinkle last night. LOL

Ugly Sweaters

We had an ugly Christmas sweater party at church last night with the youth. Twinkle thought they were so pretty, she wanted one for herself!

A Christmas Story

Twinkle & Rudolph must have missed Santa last night. They were reading the story about how he got his job.

Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?

I Must-ache You a Question

That's a pretty picture Twinkle. Wait... Did you REALLY draw mustaches & horns on ALL the turtles?!

 

Love You Too

AWWW, what a sweet note!

Sleep Over

I found Twinkle snuggled up in Logan's bed this morning. He spent the night at Nanny's house.

A Festive...Jail?

It was a little hectic when the kids woke up this morning! Twinkle decorated their doors! Logan's reaction.... "HELP, I'm in jail!"

Bad Cookies

I found Twinkle in the dog food this morning. She left a note saying that these were the worst cookies she ever tried & we should not leave them for Santa! 

Bowling Anyone?

Twinkle went bowling with clementines & Pepsi cans. I just don't think she'd going to be able to pick up that 7/10 split!

I Wonder What He's Thinking

Its been far too long. I've had several things on my mind & on my heart, but not the words or the desire to express them.

But tonight, its like a flood gate has been opened up. Its funny. That's how it always comes, when I know that God is using me to tell a story.

I learned something tonight. Well, its not the first time that I've been "taught" this lesson, but it was a gentle reminder that stopped me in my tracks.

While having a discussion with Austin tonight, I was forced to stand my ground. We have always taught our children that when they start something, they will finish it. If, after its over, they never want to do that thing again, then its fine. But we are not quitters. When we make a commitment, we stick to it. Other people are counting on us. We need to be dependable.

Tears were cried, voices were raised, words that weren't meant were said, but when it was all over & done, we were able to hug, apologize, & say I love you.

It was in those moments as I was calling out to God for direction, guidance, & strength that Austin came back to me. I cried even harder as my baby, who is no longer a baby, my baby, who is taller than me now, laid his head on my chest & cried as he hugged me & apologized.

My heart is breaking because he is unhappy, but there's a lesson here for both of us.We both need to learn to stand by what we say. We also need to stop before we act.

I wonder if I break God's heart as often as my children break mine?

I wonder if He cries as many tears over me as I do over them?

I wonder if He questions my love for Him just as I question theirs for me?

I wonder if He wonders if I will ever change/learn/grow up? If He's done the right thing by allowing me to make the choices I do?

I KNOW that God doesn't make mistakes, but a mother's love is the closest thing that compares to God's love so you can't help but think about how His heart aches for us.

Sweet Tooth

It looks like Twinkle threw herself a party last night & she was the guest of honor.

High Roller

It looks like Twinkle has a MONOPOLY on all the money & property!

Spa Day

I guess Twinkle needs to relax every now & then too.

Monster Trucks

Twinkle surprised everyone when she rode in with tickets to see the Monster Jam show in January. 

I sure hope she got a good deal on them!

Elfie Selfies

We FINALLY got around to hanging all the pictures back on the wall tonight. I guess Twinkle wanted to have her picture on the wall too.

And these were just a few of the selfies that Twinkle took on my phone last night!

Need a Mate

No wonder I can never find the mates to all the socks! Twinkle hides them in the couch!

Snow??

I guess Twinkle misses the North Pole. She made us snowflakes.

The Return of Twinkle!

Guess who's BACK??!! Yep, Twinkle the Elf has made her grand appearance for 2014. She usually returns as soon as we put up our Christmas tree. She built her very own igloo when she came too. Oh, & she was munching on a snowball.