Zoom zoom!

Luke is four and has finally expressed some interest in riding a bike. I don’t like to compare my children but, since Andrew began riding a bike with training wheels at age two and then aced riding without training wheels at age three, I was beginning to think that Luke might never want to learn to ride a bike.

It’s so much fun to watch Luke ride his neon yellow and blue bike! He smiles the entire time his legs are moving, enjoys riding down hills, and likes having control over the steering while sitting high. Our only struggle has been his lack of desire to wear his helmet! I think he especially likes riding side by side with his big brother and being able to look down upon Abigail as he rides past her….zoom zoom!

handmade ornament & gift

We often bring home to reuse those plastic cups given to kids with their kid’s meal at various restaurants, including the lids. Those lids have been sitting in one of the kitchen drawers for a long time just waiting to be tossed or used for something purposeful. Then, I saw this blog with pictures of Delaney’s creations and I just knew what I was going to do with those plastic round things….so I did!

I used gross-grain ribbon instead of yarn. The only other items I used were a hot glue gun, additional ribbon, and some tight wound twine for embellishment.

Also, since my oldest niece is going off to school in May and will have her first apartment to herself, I decided to make her a lap desk. It will come in handy when she wants to do homework, write letters, etc, in front of the TV or on her bed.

I used a thin piece of wood, sanded it down on one side, and then smeared Mod Podge in sections to adhere various pictures, letters, words, and phrases pertaining to my niece. She loved it!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas in Dixie…just kiddin’

Abigail has enjoyed many moments sitting on her great-grandmother’s lap.

She grabbed her aunt’s glasses and decided to try them on her own eyes. She’s so smart and we know that all people that wear glasses are smart!

Luke asked for the game Hi Ho Cherrio for Christmas and he was delighted when he saw it underneath the torn wrapping paper.

Buddies!

Gami (AKA – grandmother) tells the children how gift distribution will work.

She fell asleep at the small table in the living area. That’s never happened before.

The grandchildren gather around MeMe and Pop.

Our family got bigger this past summer when my brother got married to my wonderful sister-in-law…this means that there is less sleeping space for us all at Mom’s house. The kids fit perfectly on the floor, warm, side by side.

She’s not into the princess thing nor has she seen the movie Peter Pan. I don’t know where her obsession with Tinkerbell came from but she’s in love with that cute little green pixie.

Again, Tinkerbell made an appearance (in the form of a puzzle).

It’s only a 2.5 hour drive to my mother’s house and the younger two children slept the entire drive. Andrew was the only kid awake to keep us company. He is always making conversation, believe me!

See, here’s the proof!

playing "dress-up"

One of Abigail’s favorite gifts she received for Christmas was her dress-up outfit. She loves the high heels the best.

Merry Christmas

Enjoy this free download of my new favorite Christmas hymn, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent (it runs a tight race with O Come, O Come, Emanuel). This version is arranged and sung by the musicians of Red Mtn. Presbyterian Church, PCA, in Birmingham, AL.

HT: Justin Taylor

Just a little "Cowan" teaser

Remind me.

The kids are out of school for 2 weeks and that means that, with much rain this month, we are staring at four walls most of the day. This does not have to be a burden! I’ve found many things for us to do together….painting, watching movies with popcorn, visiting friends, building tents, baking, crafting, taking walks, etc.

Now, it’s lunchtime. I’m making sandwiches with fruit and chips for the kiddos. Right now, they are actually having a good time playing in the makeshift tent I put up in the boys’ room. Let’s hope it doesn’t get torn down soon. They’ve been fighting all morning (no kidding) over their toys, their space, their words. It’s breaking my heart. I was telling a friend yesterday that I sometimes tire of telling them the gospel over and over and over and over and over. I fear they are not “getting it”. It hurts to see them act so flippantly about the truth that we share with them, in times of praise and in times of discipline. Is it penetrating their hearts? Are they resentful? My dirty heart has shone brightly today and I hate that my sin has been so vivid to their little eyes. But, I’m thankful that I was able to sit down with my child and talk about our wrongs, pray to the Father, forgive and receive forgiveness, and move on. Being a parent is such great joy but belonging to the Father brings far more delight to my heart.

I know God is faithful. His word is living and active and it WILL change their hearts. Oh, forgive my doubt and unbelief, Lord. I need you desperately. I pray your gospel stays in front of me constantly, in my head and in my heart. You make perfect sense, Jesus.

Remind me.

Wordless Wednesday

Make ahead casserole

I plan on making this casserole a tradition each Christmas morning. It’s a recipe that allows for you to prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and then bake on Christmas morning while gifts are being opened. It will be nice to have something warm and ready to eat coming out of the oven mid-morning this Friday! Yeah, that’s right….my kids sleep late!

Instead of white bread, I’m going to use crescent rolls. Some might want to add onions, peppers, pepper, dry mustard, tomatoes, cottage cheese, or mushrooms…..but not this family!

DO AHEAD BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

8 slices trimmed white bread 6 eggs Layer bread in bottom of 9 x 13 buttered pan. Beat eggs with a little milk; pour over bread. Refrigerate until next step is completed. 1 lb. sausage, fried, drained and cooled (chopped ham, bologna, hamburger, etc, could be used) 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese Sprinkle meat over eggs. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top. Refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Variations: You could saute some fresh or canned mushrooms, green pepper or use pepperoni instead of or in addition to other meat. Use your imagination! Serves 2 to 4 (depending upon your appetite) !