Merry Christmas

Immanuel, God with us. In the fullness of time God sent his son born of the virgin Mary. The eternal and almight creator took upon himself the form of his creation. God became man. He dwelt amongst his people. He tabernacled with us. He became the Word of God incarnate, deity with humanity.

He came with a purpose. To set the captives free. He came seeking to save those who were lost. Our creator became our redeemer. He lived the perfect life and died the perfect death for our sakes - that those who believe in him might have everlasting life. That is the true meaning of Christmas.

Hudson "the Polar" Bear

Hudson loved the snow.

Now if he could only move in his snow suit.

A Family Pre-Christmas

Since we won't be able to see Mommom, Poppop, et. al. we went down to DE for an early Christmas. Of course the kids were happy to see their cousins and also to have the oppurtunity to open a hoard of gifts. (parental note: bad Mommom & Poppop, bad!)

Abby's deluxe dollhouse-townhouse was a hit. It also took up about 1/2 of the van on the way home. We almost had to leave one of the kids.

As expected Hudson enjoyed the wrapping paper more than that which was wrapped within.



Uncle Brian helps teach Calvin about the essentials of building and construction. It is Uncle Brian's positive "we can build it - yes we can!" attitude which served as a valuable influence upon Calvin's young and impressionable mind.

Abby ready for her domestic duties.

Santa and his helper.

It is always good to see Mommom and Poppop Harner. (aka Santa and his helper).

O' Christmas Tree!

It is tradition. Today is Hudson's first experience of that sacred tradition which our family has inaugurated. Today is the day where we as a family bundle up and venture out into the freezing cold in the pursuit of the perfect Christmas Tree.

It was to Mack's again. The tree selection process went quicker this year. Probably due to the fact that the temperature was in the teens with a strong wind and we had three young children out there. Maybe...

Well this is the one.

Back home in the warmth and after naps we began to decorate the tree.

Ornaments were placed within reach. Calvin thought they all looked best on this one branch.

This is probably Abby's favorite ornament which is a little book which chronicles her first Christmas.

Every year we have bought ornaments for our children.

And as tradition would have it Abby, our angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), places the star on top of the tree.

Cold Days...

Sometimes it is best to stay inside to play.

Of course Hudson likes the oppurtunity to practice his walking - which he is getting quite good at by the way.

Snow, Snow, Snow...

It won't be long for a little ole' snow shine... (or something like that).

However, this is no white Christmas. It is a white Thanksgiving. Things like this happen here in upstate NY. It was rather cold.

Yet we all enjoyed it.

Especially Calvin!

Thanksgiving

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!

Calvin discovered the finer art of preparing the Turkey for the Thanksgiving meal. As he would say "yucky ooey."

The two Turkeys made a turkey basket.

Mommom and Poppop were up to visit.



The kids even got to see great-gradma Titch.

New Banner

I have been playing with a new paint and graphics program so I figure that we will try out this picture for a banner. What do you think?