Prayers for Newtown

Oh, how my heart is broken and aches for the victims, families, and school affected by the shootings in Newtown, CT.  I have held Jude just a little tighter the past few days and not failed to be thankful for the chance to do so.  A lot of emotions have rose up in me since last Friday.  Coming from the mother and teacher part of me, I have felt overwhelmingly sad.  In times like these only God can give the comfort and peace that is needed.  Sending much love, thoughts, and prayers your way, Newtown.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Ooh!

If you happen to be a one-year-old and it happens to be Christmastime, you may find that Christmas lights are pretty neat-o.  Well, at least Jude does.  I mean, every evening when we are outside he adamantly points and excitedly says, "Ooh!"  You don't even need to turn your head to know that Christmas lights are proclaiming cheer.  We took him to see a walk-through light display recently along with some good friends.  It was a C O L D outing, but that was to be expected.  Most of all, it was a great memory to make and keep.

   

Making the Cut

It was another "first" for Jude this weekend...his first haircut.  It turned out being a huge success.  If there is one thing that being parents has taught us it is that children are always unpredictable.  Tip for future parents: be prepared for anything and everything with kids.  Anyhow back to the subject, we went into this venture not knowing if he would be scared, antsy, upset, etc.  We couldn't have more pleased with how much he enjoyed the experience.   Kudos to us for taking him to a kid-friendly place, Cookie Cutters.  They had play equipment to play on while waiting, toy vehicles for seats, and cartoons for entertainment...so basically, the works for kids.  Of course, we took a lot of photos...

I'm not sure if he knew what he was getting himself into with the slide. ;)

A Time to Give

At a time when Christmas lists are being made and keep growing...
At a time when we are busy with parties and events...
At a time when our "to do" list seems to multiply daily...
Let us remember that this is a season of G I V I N G.

As leaders of our church youth, Haven, Matt & I started a giving-focused program a few years ago named, Christmas Reach.  The idea was that the students participate in various acts of kindness at Christmastime, and the hope was that they would lose focus of self and see others' needs.

This year one of our Christmas Reach events was bringing aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey.  Matt took a group to NJ last weekend.  Unfortunately, Jude & I were not able to attend due to sickness.  :(  Nevertheless, the students were able to help reconstruct homes that were completely destroyed by the flooding.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the reports throughout this week.  Most of the students indicated their desire to return and/or continue the relief effort in some way.  Oh my, they are so good at making me proud.    

Yes, I was A LOT jealous of them going to NYC for an evening!

Happy weekend!

Photos Courtesy of myPhone

All the Tinsel and Lights

C H R I S T M A S, the best time of year...the best time of year to decorate!  Am I right, or what?!?!  Our home is looking like Christmas now.  Although I could not capture all of our decor on camera, I did get a few photos.  It has been extra fun setting everything up this year with Jude being older.  The moment he saw the Christmas tree he gasped and said, "Ooooh!"  No joke!  And it was just as adorable as it sounds.  Anyway, here is a peek of Christmas at the Wilson's!

And one of our little guy in his Christmas pj's. :)