Fair Warning at Christmas time!

It is inevitable, every year at this time of year the kids get the question, "What are you going to ask Santa to bring you for Christmas?" or "You better behave because Santa is watching you!"

If you are inclined to ask my kids something involving Santa, just be prepared for the answer. 

Our family has made a choice not to involve Santa in our celebration.  Rather, we center our holiday on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We want our kids to understand the true meaning behind Christmas which is a Savior who humbled himself to be born in the form of a man, live a sinless life, and die on the cross for the forgiveness of MY sin. 

"Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."  

Luke 2:10-11

So, we have chosen as a family to remain focused on the One who saves.  That is the best Christmas gift. Ever.

So, my kids will tell you that we have chosen not to believe in Santa. We are focused on our Savior.

Happy Birthday, Kaleb Chandler Louis Gumbs!

On Monday, we welcomed this sweet guy into our extended family!  Austin's brother, Steven, and his wife, April, experienced the joy of the birth of their first child, Kaleb! 

Even on his first day, Kaleb has been held by the hand of God and bathed in prayer!  We are grateful to the doctors and nurses who knew exactly what to do at the exact moment needed. 

We are so thankful for you, Kaleb, and look forward to watching you grow.  Your mommy and daddy already love you to the core of who they are!  Know that you are loved deeply by the rest of us, as well! 

"For I know the plans I have for you,"  declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11  

What happened?

I had it all planned out.  Remember that series on parenting in the public schools?  Then it happened...writer's block, homesickness, life.  Oh well.  Maybe next year! 

We have been busy in the silence of my blog.  In the silence, I have realized that I have strayed from the original purpose of this space.  It became about me and not about chronicling the goings on with the boys.  So with renewed focus...they're back.

Here are some of the things they have been up to.

Soccer, soccer and more soccer.

Halloween.  With these two to protect us, who needs a home security system?

The picture of Tegan was taken at the local senior center.  Kids from our Mom's Club put on a costume parade for the residents.  Tegan played balloon with the three ladies on the couch for about 30 minutes!  So cute!

Davian had a jog-a-thon to raise money for his school.  He had so much fun!  And he was the top money raiser for his class.  As a reward, he had a special pizza lunch with his teacher!

We were blessed by a visit by our dear, dear friends Julie, Will and Henry.  We have missed them so much and were so thankful to see them and get a chance to play! 

We are so incredibly blessed!