Happy New Year

My New Year's Resolutions/Goals....

1. Exercise more. Doesn't everybody have to say that?

2. Eat less. Just trying to stick with the status quo.

3. Blog more. Like at least 3 times a week.

4. Run at least three 5K runs.

5. Get up earlier to spend more time in the Word of God.

6. Take more pictures. And be IN more of those pictures.

7. Get ahead financially by paying a few things off

8. Take our family on some forever-in-your-heart trips.

9. Go out with Ben at least once a week. Even if just for coffee. And even if we don't have any $$.

10. Buy one Christmas present every month.

11. Give each child more one-on-one attention.

12. Thank my in-laws A LOT more.

13. Volunteer and do charity work as a family.

14. Scale down on the birthday celebrations.

15. Get a permanent place/job. Unless God sees otherwise.

16. Put Stone in his own room, and in a crib.

17. Pick an education path for Ellie Kate.

18. Keep my car cleaner.

19. Write a children's book.

20. Enhance my green thumb. Or at least make it yellow instead of brown.

Ok, so what are YOUR New Year's Resolutions. Comment with link to your blog, so we can all read your resolutions too!

A Christmas Recap

Christmas 2010.

Ahhhh, it started out so well....

We all went to our church's Christmas Eve service and had a great time. The kids sat on our laps and enjoyed singing songs, hearing the Christmas story, and holding a candle in honor of Jesus.

It was the beginning of something great. I just knew it....

We came home, had a lovely meal, and got our annual Christmas Eve pajamas.









Even though I don't have him pictured, Stone did indeed get Christmas pajamas. In fact, they are sitting on the coffee table in front of me in the previous picture.

So please don't accuse me of neglecting my third child.

He is only neglected in photo-ops, not in pajama reception. Just so we have that clear.

The kids got all pajama-ed and into bed with visions of what was to come the next morning. I began thinking about their faces and their reactions as they opened the presents that I had so carefully chosen for them over the past few months. All that hard work and preparation was going to be worth it once I saw their sweet smiling faces the next morning.

Too bad all I saw was the inside of a toilet bowl.

You see, it was about the time we got the kiddos in bed that I began to feel a little "uneasy" in my tummy.

"Oh, I just ate too much of that yummy sweet potato casserole," I kept telling myself.

In fact, I told myself that all the way up to the point where I was heaving said casserole into that porcelain bowl that became like a friend to me that night. It was about that time that I surrendered to that fact that I indeed had a stomach bug.

On Christmas Eve.

Oh, the irony.

But I was bound and determined to heave my booty out of bed and onto the couch to at least "observe" Christmas morning.

I even managed to take a few pictures.

The girls had a blast opening everything. I am so blessed by all the people that love my family.

And there is nothing like watching the reaction of a child on Christmas morning. It is priceless.

Some presents were from mommy...

Some presents were from daddy....

Some were from grandma...

And some were from great-grandma...

Some, we were over-the-moon about....

And others, well, maybe not??.....

(I swear, I have no idea what I am going to do with that child!)

Stone finally graced us with his presence at 10:30!

Again, with the irony!

And he opened his presents, but preferred to play king of the mountain, rather than playing with his toys.

It wasn't until about 2:00 that I really started to feel better. We managed to take one decent family shot on Christmas. Of course, I'm a little shiny, but give me a break, I puked for 12 straight hours!


All in all, it was a fabulous Christmas. I love my little family, and I love that God has given me yet another year to enjoy them.

Ben and I spoke often about the possibility of Christmas looking a bit different for us next year. We are so excited about what God has next for us, but we are being careful to relish in these sweet moments surrounded by so many loved ones.

Thank you God, for sending your Son, and thank you for blessing me with a most wonderful Christmas. My heart overflows.

And my stomach no longer gurgles. Praise.The.Lord.

Merrry Christmas

A view from our Christmas morning....

Have a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Remember that He is the reason for the season.

The Great Santa Debate

Well, hello, jolly fat man. This post is dedicated to you.

After my Christmas Questions post, which included this excerpt:

28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I never really remember believing in Santa. My parents did a really good job of telling us the truth while still allowing us to enjoy the imagination of Santa Claus.


I got several responses and replies, asking me to explain further.


I must admit. I have been somewhat (OK, maybe a lot) procrastinating my further explanation of said topic. Not because I don't want to share, and not because I didn't have anything to share - Lord knows THAT is never my problem - but it required me to take some time to think about how to explain our ideas, and I mean, who has time to do that? I know I certainly don't.


But I will try.

Ellie Kate was 10 months old when we celebrated our first Christmas as a family with children. Even though she was obviously too young to understand anything about Christmas, it was the very first season that Ben and I began to discuss our ideas of Santa Claus and how we wanted to go about it with our children.

We didn't know much. But we knew that we didn't want her to turn out like this little girl...

You know, the one who said, "Whatever I want, my mother will buy me."

That just seemed wrong.

But we also didn't want this...

Lord knows, I couldn't handle syrup in my spaghetti.

We wanted something in the middle. Someone like...



We wanted to have children like Linus. Not necessarily a child addicted to his blanket and sucking his fingers - although communication must have gotten a little twisted during that request, because we did indeed GET a child addicted to her blanket and sucking her fingers.



But that's beside the point.

The important part is that wanted a child who thought like Linus. Children who celebrated the season without forgetting the true REASON for the season.

We wanted our kids to grow up with a love of Christmas, a love of presents, and a joyfulness for stocking, Christmas cookies, and yes, even Santa Claus.

We wanted to take our kids shopping, and have them participate in charity toy drives.

We hoped to have nights filled with visiting Santa, falling down on the ice skating rink, and stringing stale popcorn.

We wanted all those things, but we also wanted more...

We wanted a child that truly understood the meaning of Christmas and appreciated the birth of a little baby boy that would change history, and hopefully his/her own life someday.

We wanted to instill a respect for the sacrifice God gave on that fateful night in Bethlehem.

And we wanted to raise a child who could share this amazing story when others were too busy to notice or to those who had simply forgotten.

Sounds simple enough -right?

WRONG-O!

Its hard work to achieve these things in harmony, especially amidst a culture that idolizes Santa Claus, but completely forgets the baby.

Oh, sure, we may light a candle on Christmas Eve and sing "Silent Night," but that isn't the extent that I so desire for my children.

And more can be done.

Yes, our children our young, and yes we are still mastering our explanations to them about all things Christmas, but we ARE raising three children with an understanding of the true meaning of the holiday.

So how do we do it?

Our solution started two years ago, when I began praying about how to adequately explain Santa Claus without being a kill joy and a Christmas Grinch. And God answered my prayers through a Mark Driscoll podcast, in which he explained his theories of Santa with his own children.

He and his wife decided that they had three options when explaining the truth about this Christmas symbol. They could

1. Reject it - They could tell their children he wasn't real, he is only a myth. They would have no Santa decorations, no Santa cookies, no Santa Christmas paper. Santa would be officially banned. Seems pretty unpractical in a culture inundated with this harmless figure.

2. Receive it - They could tell their children that Santa is real. Santa loads up his sleigh, slides down the chimney, and brings all the presents your little heart desires. Driscoll went on to bring up a good point - if we as parents use this option we run a very dangerous risk. If we insist that an unseen figure that we are to trust, although unseen, is 100% reliable, and then are later told that information was just a myth, we run the risk of our children doubting Jesus Christ. A figure we are also asked to trust and have faith in, although unseen. This was a risk Ben and I were not willing to take.

3. Redeem it - They could tell their children that Santa was a real person, with the name St. Nicholas and he did great things for people in need a long long time ago, just as Jesus did. As the years moved on, people have added their own stories (flying reindeer, Frosty, big red suit) and so the story of Santa is a combination of both truth and imagination. Driscoll goes on to say that he explains to his children that people liked to dress up like Santa Claus, for fun, and we can and should use the imagination God has given us. Gift-giving, carol-singing, and cookie-baking can all be a great way to celebrate the birth of Jesus, something that should be celebrated a remembered.

We obviously have chosen the third option.

And so far, there have been no shrieks of horror or emotional stunting due to our desire to go against the status quo. In fact, all of our intentional truth-telling is reaping great rewards. I hear Ellie Kate tell her sweet friends about the birth of "baby Jesus in a barn, sleeping right next to a cow!" I love watching Peyton pick out presents for "the wittle girl who doesn' have any pwesents under her Smismus Twee." And I love watching their little hands play with a plastic nativity, and act out their ideas of what happened on that fateful night.

And who knows? Maybe one day little Stoney will get on that stage and perform a Linus re-enactment.

Whether my kids get the chance to shout it from the rooftops or not, I want them to know it in their hearts. The story of the first Christmas was the first step in a beautiful story of redemption and love, and I hope their knowledge of it is the first step on Ellie Kate, Peyton, and Stone's personal road to salvation.

Peyton-isms

The sights and sounds of Peyton Layne. The 2010 version.

"But, I NEED chocolate!"

"Look, Mommy, a smismus tree!"


"Peace out, girl scout."


"I want to give you a hug, a kiss, and a bonk."

"Stoney Gaboney!"

"Pound it." or "Knuckles"


"Ewwie Kate, you busted."


"You forgot to buckle my crotch!" (on the carseat)


I seriously have no idea where she gets ALLLL that personality.

December 17

Today, I celebrate 5 years of marriage with the most wonderful man on the planet.

He was created by God, just for me.


Our parents faithfully raised us to become the man and woman that would join hands one day and vow to love, honor, cherish, and protect. And I am so thankful that.

In honor of our 5 years of marriage and in honor of our parents dedication to rearing us in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, I thought I would introduce you guys to my dad. The excerpt that follows is from his marriage ministry newsletter, in which he gives readers his perspective of our courtship the day after Ben proposed.

Are you married? If you are, why did you get married? If you are single but making plans or believe that one day you will be married, I want to ask you, why get married? Really now, think about the question. If you are like me, when I proposed to my wife I had reasons like; "we have so much fun together we should always be together", or "we can't stand to be apart", or "we like the same things".

Well, several days ago a remarkable young man named Ben asked my daughter to marry him. He and I had been meeting together for over a year so it was not a surprise when about a month ago he asked for my permission (which I readily gave) to propose marriage to Meredith. What was a surprise to me was that in seeking to protect my daughter I gained a new friend.

Our children have been taught from a very early age that marriage is a life long commitment and that while there may be many very good people, there is only one God chosen match. Look and chose carefully.

At our very first meeting I gave Ben these guidelines for pursuing a relationship with my daughter.

The Ground Rules
Understand my objective: Protect Meredith's heart.


We both must be fully submitted to the Lord


If we cannot reach agreement there will be no pursuit of the relationship/or affections until agreement is again reached.


Our common priorities:
a. Honor God
b. Protect Meredith

i. Short term
ii. Long term

c. Discern God's direction for Ben


Evidence of the commitment to these ground rules
a. Honesty in all things
b. No physical relationship
c. Avoidance of alone times


How will we know when we are done?
a. One (either) can call an end to our meetings which will also mean the relationship with Meredith ceases
b. Each will accept the decision of the other without seeking to proceed outside the bounds of these ground rules.
c. The relationship can progress to marriage


Ben will have to become an Ohio State fan. (just kidding)

Ben and I reviewed these many times and I checked with my daughter for confirmation frequently. While she never saw the list above, she knew my entire purpose was to protect her and help her find God's chosen mate. By the time Ben asked, I was sure.

Mom's and Dad's everywhere (especially Dad's), involve yourselves in the dating life or your children. You can help them make a lifetime decision.

Oh, by the way, Ben still loves Michigan but he did get on his knees near the 50 yard line in the famous Ohio State stadium and pop the question. I guess he at least recognizes the winning percentage on that field.

I am so thankful for a dad that actively and purposely protected my heart and my future and for a mate that was so willing to fight for it. Our exceptional beginning continues to play a vital role in our steadfast marriage.

Happy Anniversary, babe!

Christmas Questions

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. All the way. It is so much more fun watching people rip open the perfectly placed paper and bows! Not to mention they look so much prettier under the tree!

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. Ben is highly allergic to the real deal. Which makes me sad, because it would be so much easier to just throw a tree away every year and not drag out, re-fluff, take down, and store every year.

3. When do you put up the tree? Around Thanksgiving. Sometimes before, sometimes after. Depending on my mood. And sometimes depending on my with-child-ness

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever I am geared up to tackle us. Never before New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? Blech. Enough said.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I got some really great things while growing up, but the first thing that popped into my head is the year my big brother, my two cousins, and I got these giant polar bears. My grandparents hid them in a closet upstairs, and we followed a string around the house until we found them. Good memory.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My Father-in-law

8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Surprisingly, no. I want one of those fisher price ones though. And my mom collects them, so I am sure I will inherit quite a few someday!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Post Office, because it shows you took the time. (although, we do New-Years cards, partially because I am overworked in December, and partially just because. Don't question it.)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A Christmas sweater with the word "blessed" vertically spelled out of Christmas ornaments. And I still have it. Any takers?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoons Christmas Vacation & Home Alone

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I kinda shop all year. I always have my eyes peeled.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Peppermint Bark

16. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? Clear. But my mom put red and white this year, and I really liked it!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We switch every year between Ben's parents and my parents. And we do the same at Thanksgiving. I think once we have our own place, that might come to an end.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I doubt it.

20. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree? Ribbon, at least it is this year.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. Jammies on Christmas Eve!

22. Favorite children's Christmas song? Frosty.

23. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Everyone wishing "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"

24. Favorite ornament theme or color? Every year my MIL buys all of us an ornament that describes our life the past year. Those are usually my favorite.

25. Turkey or ham on Christmas day? Turkey.

26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Uggs. But unless we strike oil, it ain't gonna happen.

27. Does anyone in your family dress up as Santa? No

28. Age you discovered who Santa was? I never really remember believing in Santa. My parents did a really good job of telling us the truth while still allowing us to enjoy the imagination of Santa Clause.

29. Eggnog, hot chocolate, or apple cider? White hot chocolate

30. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors? I usually decorate with the traditional colors, but I love the winter blues.

31. Do you have any Christmas decorations on your roof? Nope.

32. What is your favorite holiday treat? Cracker Toffee

33. How does Santa get into your house? Chimney or magic key? Chimney

34. Do you prefer gifts or gift cards? I like gifts, although I understand the practicality of gift cards. I just like to be surprised on Christmas morning with something tangible.

35. Favorite children's Christmas Cartoon? The Grinch

OK, now its your turn!

Public Service Announcement

Are you are an overworked mom, bogged down by the everyday happenings of a busy household?

Do you sometimes think about listing laundry, dishes, and bill paying as your most frequented past times?

Do you ever feel like you JUST NEED A BREAK?

Ever decide to take that break by taking the time to sleep in just one measly hour longer than usual, and leave your darling children in the loving hands of your capable husband?

Well, tread lightly. Because by doing so, you are running a very high risk of over doughnut consumption.

Yep, the same husband that put newborn clothes on my 11 month old, and the same husband that gave my strictly breastfed baby a Schwans man push-up pop, gives my organically-nourished children their very own package of doughnuts.

That's not to say they didn't enjoy it.

But what kid wouldn't? As a matter of fact, as I am writing this post, EK is sitting on my lap, repeatedly asking for one of those, "awesome muffins."

So watch out all you mommies. With every press of the "snooze," your children's very sugar consumption might very well be at risk.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

For some people its candied yams.

For others, its fruit cake.

Or maybe for you it is that first sip of eggnog.

It may be different for everyone. But it happens to us all.

Everybody has a distinct sign that officially (to them) rings in the holiday season.

That thing that evokes images of joy, family, relaxation, and over-consumption of caloric intake.

For me, its this...


ABC Family's 25 days of Christmas.

They start advertising it like late October, and my hurt begins to pitter-patter just a wee bite faster when I see that jolly old man, list in his hand, and hear the infamous music.

I always tell myself that I am going to watch it Every.Single.Night. But then the Harry Potter marathon comes on, and I just can't handle it. I mean, I understand that Harry Potter is some people's literature god, but to me - snooze-a-rama.

Besides, what big wig at the ABC company decided Harry Potter was a good Christmas movie anyway? I mean, sure, it has snow in a few scenes, but BIG DEAL, so does Scream 3 and I don't see that topping the Christmas movie his list.

I digress.

Some of my personal faves are Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Santa Clause, Frosty the Snowman, The Christmas Story, not to mention all the cheezy ABC original moves. Gotta love 'em.

Well, I had the priviledge of introducing my children to the Grinch a few nights ago. And it was magical.

Any excuse for me to get to watch Christmas movies is good enough for me, but getting to watch it with my whole family - well, thats just icing on the cake. Or icing on the fruit cake. Whatever tickles your fancy.

Turning 1 is so much fun!

Now those of you that know me, or at least those of you who read this blog, know that I enjoy throwing my kiddos an annual birthday party.

However, in recent months, I started to contemplate the silliness in all of that. I mean, who wants all the stress of a making preparations, find the right cake, sending out the cutest invitations, and cleaning up your house - just to be left with a room full of people that would have loved it if it had been at the local McDonald's.

So that was that. I dusted off my hands. Turned a new leaf. And made a conscious choice to just have a simple celebration at home.

Too bad nobody else got the memo.

It all started when people began asking me what I was planning for my baby boy's first birthday.

"Oh, well, it falls on the day after Thanksgiving, and we will be out of town anyway, so I am sure we will just have some cake and ice cream at my parents."

*GASP*

So after much scrutiny, I decided to throw together a little dinner, with a few close friends and family.

Well, 15 presents, one birthday cake, two pots of chili, a dozen cupcakes, and three pies later, we called it a day.

Everyone kept blaming it on this adorable face.


Even when I insisted upon NO PRESENTS from our friends, they all did anyway.

Of course, some of the presents served a dual purpose. They also entertained our guests!

And here is a pic from birthday party #1. This is the crowd of everyone anxiously awaiting Stone to eat his first cupcake.

But he hated it. In fact, I smeared the icing on his face, just to get a decent picture.

He'll thank me someday.

We then traveled to Missouri for Thanksgiving, and had yet another cake.

Of course, he is a little young to blow out his candles, so his cousin and big sister helped with that.

And here is Stone, anxiously awaiting a bite of that yummy looking cake.

I call this the "before picture."

C'mon Stone-y EAT IT, EAT IT! You can almost here them all chanting through the picture, huh?

And this is Stone post-cake. The "after picture."

What can I say, he doesn't like cake. He clearly did not get that from me.

But its ok Stoney Bologna. We love you and all your too cute, loved by everyone, non-cake-eating ways.

I suppose next year, it will be back to the normal Birthday parties. This whole 'not planning one' was too much work.