Shortbread Cookies

I try to bake with the kids once a week. It's amazing how much smoother it is now that they're better at taking turns, etc. Calvin still has a really hard time keeping his hands out of the dough/ batter but we have fun anyways. I've also learned that giving them each some dough to work with makes the whole thing more enjoyable for everyone. Today we were working on shortbread cookies for daddy.

Voth Family Gathering

Our family (Shari's side) continues to grow. This year Merel joined our family and Lauren was born. Weddings and new life, all so exciting and a testament to God's goodness in our family's life. This year it was fun to see the cousins together.

After a tasty turkey dinner Mom shared the Christmas story from Luke. With short attention spans, we knew that the "talk" had to be short and sweet. I was glad that the kids were able to sit and listen to their Oma/ Grandma share about Christ's birth. These are special times indeed.

As I reflected on the Christmas story and the true meaning of Christmas, I can't help but wonder what Mary was thinking in those quiet moments in the stable. We know that she "gathered up all of these things and pondered them in her heart." With a little one just over a month old, I feel like my heart is also bursting with joy. The wonder, the excitement, and love greater than what's even imaginable. And yet Mary must have had so many questions about how it all came to be and why God chose her. Every time I hear the story, it seems to be more amazing.

Barrie and Merel

Anna

Sarah and Chloe, cousins having fun (thanks uncle Barrie)

Having fun in our family gift exchange.

Ho ho ho uncle Barrie

Mom and her collage frame of our family.

Christmas Morning

Here we are Christmas morning is all our moring glory. I have to admit that I'm not sure who was more excited, us or the kids. We truly enjoyed picking out gifts for our children this year. I'm not a big present person, but kids really do make things more fun. We feel so blessed with the many gifts that God has given us, Jesus that loves us, faith to have hope in, each other to cherish and three beautiful children to treasure.

Anna stayed over on Christmas eve and then joined in for Christmas day.

Sarah and her doll set, pretty excited about this one.

Calvin playing with his first John Deere and new animals.

David and little Lauren, so precious.

Christmas Eve

This Christmas we were blessed with several family gatherings. On Christmas Eve, David's side of the family came to our house for dinner. His mom brought the Chinese food and we all happily ate. Our kids love their sticky rice!
Gift Time! Our family was truly spoiled, we felt the love!

Oh Calvin, could you be any cuter!?!

Showing off her Tinkerbell from auntie Anna. These kids were seriously spoiled!

Great Grandma and Michael

Grandma and the kids, special times.

The kids were pretty excited to see what they got from uncle Michael and auntie Rebecca

WOW!! A Power Wheels car! What kid doesn't want one of these at some point. Auntie Rebecca found a great deal on Criagslist and made it happen (love great deals). The kids were thrilled! They've since had many drives around the cul de sac. Amazing how good Sarah is behind the wheel!

Morning Calvin

PJ's, bed head and a sippy cup... Calvin in the morning.

Lauren is One Month

It's hard to believe that it's been over a month since Lauren was born. I look at her with complete amazement and wonder many times a day. She is such a little miracle. I'm sure that it doesn't matter how many children you have, that feeling of wonder is there each time. I took these pics a couple of weeks ago and just haven't had a chance to post them.

Lauren has been such a content and easy baby so far. I know that this can change, but I'm thankful for what we've had so far regardless. She eats and sleeps well. She often has a sleep stretch for about 4 hours each night (and has slept for up to 5 hours straight). If only the other two kids would sleep past 7am!

She's such a little beauty!

Burnaby Village Christmas Heritage Days

Decorating our Christmas Tree

This morning we decorated our tree! The kids were super eager to get those ornaments up, especially the star. Sarah could barely stand it that we made her wait until all the other ornaments were up before she could put the star on.

Little Calvin

Sarah is all about being a princess these days. She always has to wear a dress and most of the time wears Calvin's birthday crown as well. Looks like I'll have to make her a princess crown as well.

At last... the star!

We did it! All ready for Christmas!