December's 10 on 10

10 pictures on the 10th day (Friday) of the month! 

{Document a snapshot of your life...find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!}

Short and sweet workout, but for another day, I was stronger than my excuses.

Its often a little harried, but Shaun and I are almost always able to see the kids off to the bus at 7am. As I watch the them get on the bus, I pray for them. I've also been processing that in a couple weeks Avery will most likely be driving herself to school and it'll be just two of them at the bus stop.

Very pretty view out of my current and temporary office window.

I'm thankful for never-ending work, a reflection of healthy businesses and my education, experience and skill set.

I picked up Avery from school (on pj day) for her salon appointment. I realized it could be the last time I pick her up from school. She'll be driving this very car, all on her own and won't need me. 

While she was there I visited another one of our offices. A friend/co-worker is going through some difficult things. Life...its hard.

Back at my place to check on things and wrap up for the day. So happy with our front entrance and new siding!

Also, its fun to have my nephew Nathanael kicking around. He's a reliable, trustworthy, diligent worker and enjoys learning new things.

We're running a business and we also have a construction site.

Back at home, the kids had taken over my bathroom making preparations for their big night.

I showed Aiden how to start the car and warm it up for his sisters. This picture cracks me up. Soon. So soon.

The kids were so excited to be all dressed up and together. Such a great group!

As excited as they were about the party, Shaun and I were excited about an evening home alone.

Afterwards, we got to chat with the kids, hearing the recap and talking about big life things too...it is a great honor to be the one to hear their hearts. 

 

Project 365, Week 50

It was a fun week of cousins and shopping and parties and shows and serving and growing opportunities. We are blessed, in abundance.

December 6

My return home from work was met with nerf bullets and squeals.

December 7

This day had been scheduled for a while for Amanda to get three baby teeth pulled so the orthodontic work can continue. She was quite nervous about it, understandably. She handled it bravely and the whole process took less than 30 minutes. She spent the rest of the day watching Disney and sipping smoothies, with her Christmas lights twinkling. 

December 8

The first snow of the season and my favorite kind. It was so pretty coming down and dusting all the trees, and then it was gone.

December 9

Amanda woke up with a sore throat so I kept her home from school. We did a rigamarole to get her tested but then she also spent some time helping Mr. Lucia...they get along famously. 

Aiden and I went antique shopping for frames and furniture and swords. 

And then, twice in one week, I was back at the mall, looking for dresses. The girls and I didn't find anything but we tried out the new Chick-fil-A and brought some to the boys at church, who were rehearsing the Christmas program.

The girls ended up staying to help (aka hang out with friends) set up for the youth group Christmas party the following night.

December 10

A much anticipated night!

Cousins!!

Da boys...

...and sweet friends

December 11

We did respite just for the afternoon/evening and it was one of those days where you grab some food in the church cafe. It was show #1 of 3 at our main campus. 

I have heard the Christmas story read and sung about my entire life. I've seen versions of this show. I wasn't even fully engrossed in the show because I was the photographer. But seeing it live on stage, I was transported back to that time...the events leading up to Jesus' birth, the involvement of lowly shepherds, the faith of those present to believe that this baby was the long awaited Messiah. It all stunned me in a new and fresh way. 

Nathanael took Aiden under his wing and showed him the ropes of lighting. 

December 12

Two more shows, so much emotion knowing it was the last show with Brent. He's been doing shows at our church for 16 years. What a gift to have had our kids grow up around theater! And we were always able to do it as a family. They've learned roles on and off the stage, we traveled to many different states and even Italy. We were able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, sharing the good news that Jesus came to rescue us and give us abundant life.

Brent is an exceptional writer and a dear and faithful friend. He will be missed as they take their ministry to Sioux Falls, SD where they have a full-time theater.

In their processing and mourning, the kids binge-watched Lights Up Productions shows and clips. I'm just so thankful we had these years. 

TBQ Christmas event. We did a gingerbread house decorating competition. They were all so different, it was hard to choose! I love this crew and the time we have together. 

Project 365, Week 49

It started to feel a lot like Christmas! Lights and shopping and Advent reading...yay for the most wonderful time of the year!

November 29

Avery took on the outside lights project.

November 30

Shaun took the kids to the mall and I had such a special time at home, alone. As I was working on things, Christmas music was playing and really, it was a holy night.

December 1

No picture

December 2

Finally, the new windows came in, so Shaun and Jason took advantage of a mild and dry day.

This was my dad's 70th birthday! To celebrate, we went to a restaurant in downtown Providence, an area with special memories for him. Maybe the first time with just the adults...so fun!

All 21 (!!) of his grandkids made a little video of favorite memories they have of Pop. He and Kiki have intentionally and consistently invested in the kids' lives over many years. Bedtime stories, donuts for dinner, bike rides...fun little things that grow with meaning over time. I'm so thankful for the voice and influence they've had in my children's lives. And I'm incredibly grateful to have had this guy for my dad. He's one of the good ones.

December 3

The girls came to help after school. :)

December 4

A sweet set of notes to greet me in the morning. :)

The girls each had a friend over and they ended up roller skating.

One of the neighbors hosted an outdoor Christmas party in their backyard. It was a first for me to do a December party outside, but they had heaters and a couple fires going. It was so great to catch up with people. I took a blurry picture as I was walking back home, but also it looks kind of cool.

December 5

First of four shows, this one at our second campus. None of the kids were in the cast, but Aiden and Shaun were on the technical crew. It was an explosion of emotions....seeing the new campus packed with people, having Brent here for his final show in CT, being immersed in the story of that holy night, God's extravagant love story...so much to take in.

From there, Amanda and I went with our friends to look for a Christmas party dress for the girls. Even though it was at the mall (blech!), we had a special time and both girls found something suitable. But also, why is it so hard to find dresses that are in between trashy and grandma??

This was the scene that greeted me when I walked in the door. Aiden and a couple friends had clearly been having fun.

Avery had a homework buddy. :)