Christmas Fun

December is my favorite month of the year! I love all the Christmas decorations and festivities that go along with this season. And Micah has come to love them all too. The day after Thanksgiving, he was the one pushing me to do 2 things - "Mama, we have to decorate the house!" and "Mama, we need to watch White Christmas." It's so fun to have him at this age where he enjoys all of this as much as I do. We had so much fun enjoying it all together. And in the midst of our busy schedule, it was a joy to help him focus on the fact that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. This year he could recite the Christmas story to us and made sure that we followed through on those daily things that point us to Christ as the gift given to us so many years ago. We praise God for the gift of our gracious Savior!

Micah had fun decorating the tree this year

Micah loves feeding his little sis

Micah remembered that last year we made a chain to count the days til Christmas, so he wanted to do the same again this year. But forget red and green links... he wanted to use Bronco colors. This kid loves blue and orange!

And walking through Costco, Micah was the one to notice the cool looking gingerbread house. Here's his completed house. He was so proud of it!

Lots of fun with glitter! Glad it wasn't at my house!!

On December 14 we participated in the parent/child dedication at our church, as we committed before our church body, to raise Ashlyn in the fear and admonition of our Lord.

Ashlyn was the only baby girl up front, and amazingly, all of the babies were quiet!

This year we went down to Griffith Park to chekc out the light festival. It was beautiful! Here's a few of our favorite light displays...

November

Ashlyn sporting her Bronco colors (at Micah's request)

Micah helped me make 11 dozen gingercream cookies for a cookie party that I went to

Ashlyn turned 8 months old!

In Faith Kids this month, Micah was the Star Student!!

The Faith Kids also had a little Thanksgiving play enacting the story of the pilgrims and the indians

Daddy and his little indian

During the week of Thanksgiving, Josiah came to stay with us for several days. The boys kept me very busy so I didn't have much time for pcitures. But I did manage to get them with their little turkeys that they made. They had a great time together. Thanks for coming to stay with us Josiah! We loved having you!

Ashlyn is sitting on her own now so she enjoyed a little spin in the laundry basket.

For Thanksgiving this year we went up to Pine Mountain Club to join the Thomas' at Uncle Micah's sister's cabin. We were hoping we might see a little snow there, but the boys founds plenty to keep them entertained, even though there was no snow. We had a wonderful time, and a yummy meal. We are so thankful for the blessing of family and friends that the Lord has given us. Thanks for inviting us to your cabin Warren and Amy!

The boys had fun sledding... in the mud!!!

Ashlyn got her first taste of fruit for Thanksgiving ~ peaches

Ashlyn and Joshua... sitting together

and falling together

and falling some more.

Micah loved climbing the ladder up to the loft

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remembering My Grandpa

Maurice Russell Truax

August 25, 1927 - November 5, 2008

In early November we were saddened to receive a call with news that my Grandpa had passed away. Although it wasn't completely unexpected, it's still hard to say good-bye to someone that you love. I am so thankful for all the wonderful memories I have with my Grandpa over the years and it was a blessing to be able to attend his memorial service in Oregon. His full obituary can be seen at http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/News/Obituaries/Obituaries-for-the-day-of-November-7-2008

I am so grateful that both of my children were able to meet my Grandfather and that we were able to get pictures of each of them with him.

My grandparents celebrated 60 years of marriage in June of this year!!

Bonnie and I decided to take a road trip to travel to the memorial service. It's the first "sister road trip" we've taken in about 4 years. Since it was such a long drive in just a few short days, we only took the babies with us. Here's Ashlyn and Joshua, ready for a long drive.

Our family with Grandma

The pallbearers were Doug, Rod, Russell, Don, Robert, and Kelly

Bobby conducted the memorial service, recalling some of his special memories of Grandpa and testifying of the hope that can be found in Jesus Christ.

Bonnie sang Grandpa's favorite hymn, In the Garden

A flag was presented to Grandma in honor of Grandpa's service in the Navy during World War II

Following the memorial service we went over to the radiator shop that Grandpa and Grandma owned for over 40 years.

The current owners closed the shop for the day and left a few pictures and a note remembering Grandpa.

Grandma with her 3 children

Grandma with 5 of her 7 grandchildren (and Jasmine too)

It was a beautiful time to be in Oregon! There was so much color on all the trees.

Ashlyn enjoyed a dip at the hotel pool with Aunt Joy

It was a long drive from California to Idaho and back in 4 days, but Bonnie and I were so glad that we were able to be there. The babies both did wonderful in the car, although by the time we started traveling back they were on to the fact that getting put into the carseat meant they would be there for a few hours til getting out again. We had some great "sister time" catching up on all the things that we don't get to talk about with little ones around.

Grandma with her 2 grandbabies

Papa and Nana with 3 of their 5 grandchildren