Upon our arrival home into the Philadelphia airport last week, we immediately heard Christmas music! Yup, we went straight from relaxing Aruba to the busy Christmas season. School functions, a brunch, an evening tea, candy making day, family get togethers are all on December's calendar. Add to that the other traditions i hope to do with the boys, like making cookies, a trip to the food bank, and our Samaritans Purse donations. And Christmas shopping? Well that hasn't even taken place yet. But we're pacing ourselves :) I'm enjoying our advent series this year, one i hadn't heard of but a friend recommended it, called 'Truth in the Tinsel'. We are totally not doing an ornament each day, but reading and discussing the given text has been great. My prayer has been that the boys would learn something new and grow in their knowledge surrounding Jesus birth.

I put colored lights up this year and told the boys it's just for them, since noone from the road can see them! Last week the Freed's came here to live in our apartment for the month. They've gone to our church, but the past 4 years have been living in Guatemala serving the children down there. So good to be with them and hear more about what they are doing. I have to put leashes on the boys and tie them up so they stop going downstairs! They love them, especially the "tickle monster", Mr. Denny. Love what they are doing in Guat and excited for them as they switch missions and begin a new location of serving.

An added bonus of the weekend was Krista came to town and also stayed here! (We did the math, there were 6 boys and 6 girls in our house over that time!) Clay really warmed up to her this time. He used to pretend not to like her :) Oh how we missed this girl!

Today's advent focused on Mary and her encounter with Gabriel. I told the boys how surprised i was to find out i was having twins, i can't imagine how surprised Mary must have been when finding out she'll be having God's son!!! her response: "I am the Lord's servant." wow. I am challenged. (My response was: "This can't be! I already have another baby at home!") There is some growing to be had in that area :)

Speaking of twins, tomorrow i find out if Nadene is having 2 boys, or 2 girls, or 1 of each! So excited to share in this whole 'twin parenting thing' with her. These babies are blessed to have Bob and Nadene for parents.

Back to Christmas... I'm inspired to learn more, reflect more, and at the same time see it through my children's eyes. Adam's love language is gifts, so look out, he's wrapping gifts (junk around the house) for anyone and everyone. He just wants to give (and receive). It's an exciting time for him and i enjoy watching his enthusiam. This time of year is a good excuse for him to use his love language. And it's an open door for me to emphasize that all those years ago God gave us the greatest Gift!

Blessings this Christmas...