God Sent Us A Saviour

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.
-Roy Lessin

Jesus Is Light, Joy, Hope

The One who is the True Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:9-12

Jesus is...
the Light of Christmas,
the Joy of our hearts,
the Hope of our world.

CHRISTMAS FUN....
The kids had fun making cutout cookies last week.  They are getting so big now that they can roll them out, cut them out and put them on the pan.  Before I know it they will be doing the mixing and baking as well.  

 They were also able to decorate each of the cookies too.  They were also very yummy!

 This is how our dog Ruby has fun by snuggling in the chair with pillows and blankets.

 Our Christmas tree turn out real pretty this year.  The kids have so much fun decorating and looking at each ornament before they put it on the tree.  There are many memories and I know just who gave or made which ones. 

 Here's a new addition to my dining room.  It's a tiered stand that is able to hold a few pretty plants, napkins, fruits and vegetables.  It's such a nice storage place, but is able to display pretties too. 

NEWS TIME......
The kids and I were interview after the North Platte Lights Parade, by 10/11 Lincoln News.  The kids thought it was awesome especially Anna with her big smile.  Noah really liked his red lips whistle blower and Gabe thought it was to warm out to have his coat on. http://www.1011now.com/northplatte/home  The video can be found on the left hand side and it's titled, "Families Enjoy Holiday Parade".
 

Love Came Down

The world was blessed at Christmas
with a miracle of love...
a guiding star and angel choir
rejoicing from above.
They pointed to a tiny babe
within a cattle stall -
a Saviour bringing peace on earth -
the greatest gift of all.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Busy Making and Creating.....

In Jesus

We not only find peace,
but we also find the Prince of Peace.
We not only find righteousness,
but we also find the Righteous One.
We not only find counsel,
but we also find the Counselor.
We not only find wonders,
but we also find the Wonderful One.
We not only find spiritual food,
but we also find the Bread of Life.
We not only find provision,
but we also find the Shepherd of our souls.
We not only find salvation,
but we also find the Savior.
We not only find the Kingdom,
but we also find the King.
-Roy Lessin

Tim Timmons

I friend post about this new artist.  I have to post a few links, so I don't lose them. 

Here's a link to the Lyrics and Chord Charts.

A few of my favorite songs so far are Cast My Cares, Christ in Me, and Great Reward. 

So uplift and encouraging and could list to these songs all the time.

Thanksgiving Fun....
On Thanksgiving Day Grandpa let the kids have rides on the mules.  They all enjoyed it even thought it was only a high of 35 degrees.  At least the sun was shining, which made it feel a little warmer.

Anna and Noah really like Ruthy and Buck.  They always have big smiles on their faces when they get to sit on them.  They did have there first fall off of Ruthy when she got a little spooked.  Both Anna and Noah were hurting for a while, but thankful they have recovered.

The 4 wheeler was also a big it with the kids.  Gabe had a chance to spend time with his cousin Killian.  These two boys have so much fun together.

God's Love Keeps Us Close
Across The Miles

No matter how far apart we are
as we celebrate God's goodness,
His love is a blessing that is
welcomed in our homes,
appreciated at our tables,
and shared in our hearts.

Know that you're thought of, missed, and wished the very best He has to give both now and always.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 118:29

 Jump-starting Christmas Fun.....
This past weekend Westfield shopping center had some fun Christmas activities plan for the kids.  The kids had a great time decorating some delicious cookies, making Christmas ornaments and spending time with friends.

Noah especially like eating his marshmallow that he roasted over the fire.  He thought it was so much fun getting it all over his face. 

Give Thanks to the Lord

You are my God,
and I will praise you;
You are my God,
and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever.

Psalm 118:28-29

Ninja Turtle Knitted Hat!!!!

Homeschool Room Demolition.....

The kids had to pull up all the old floor tiles.  The kids had a blast and it made a lot less work for mom.  There was no stopping them!

Now it's time for the new ceramic tile.

Homeschool Room.......

I wanted to share our school room.  A few months ago I tore some old carpet out and the kids then took up some very old ugly tiles.  Then my father and law helped me lay this very pretty cermaic tile, which makes the room look awesome. It was a lot of work, but worth it in the end.  It's nice to be able to clean the floor and have it feel clean when I'm done.  

 Here's a picture of when the tile all just got put down. 

 We also have a nice loveseat, which is nice when we want a little more comfortable place to sit. 
We love our school room and it's a great space. 

Our New Piano....

I happen to come across a free piano on Craigslist about a month and a half ago.  I couldn't pass it up and we just love it.  Since we brought the piano home Anna has been busy at practicing.  She has been doing great and I have also been enjoying the sounds of a real piano.  Gabe even asked me last week if he could practice in his book.  It's been fun teaching my kids one of the things that I love to do. 

Pumpkin Patch Fun....

Our family had a chance to check out a pumpkin patch in Broken Bow, Nebraska.  It's about an hour and a half from where we live.  It was a bit of a drive, but is something we have to do to find those fun places.  It was a nice drive and pretty scenery of the sand hills.  Also just so you know Nebraska is not flat.  The kids had fun and and it was nice to spend some time with some friends.

Flag Football....
Gabe had a blast playing football.  It was good in helping him understand the sport and learn about working as a team.

Softball Time....
Anna has also been having a good time playing softball.  This is her first year, but she has been learning how to play the game well.  They let them all play different positions.  She has had the chance to play catcher a couple of times, which is challenging wear all the gear.  She loves to hit and it's also been fun because she knew some of the girls on her team.

T-Ball Fun......

 Gabe has been having fun learning how to play baseball.  We have had some cool evenings and then some hot evenings.  His favorite position to play is first base because it is the most exciting.  We only have a few games left before the season is done.   

He is on third here waiting to get home. 

Here is his team getting ready to get back on the field.

God Cares About Every Detail

 

God cares about every detail of your life...
He collects every tear in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
He numbers every hair on your head. (Luke 12:7)
He knows every hurt in your heart. (Psalm 34:18)

The Lord knows all you are going through.
He loves you, He cares for you,
and He will make sure not one detail is overlooked.

God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
James 5:11

Happy 7th Birthday....
Gabe had a small birthday party with just a couple friends.  I took them bowling, which was really fun to watch and then out to eat at Wendy's.  They had a great and silly time.  He told me that this was the perfect kind of birthday for him. 

He also open presents with Grandpa and Grandma.  I also made him Rice Pudding, which is his favorite.  It was a good day and he got a lot of Lego's in the end, which keeps him busy. 

Desk Project.....

I found this desk a while ago at a garage sale for $5.  We used it for a computer desk for a while, but then I decided Anna needed a desk in her room.  So we went to work painting it and it turned out really good.  She had fun painting it and the boys even helped a bit.

Prayer...

When you come to God in prayer you come to your Father. He wants you to come as a child who is loved, who is accepted, who is cared for, and who is secure. He wants you to come in openness, in confidence, in truthfulness. He waits to hear your heart, and to share His heart with you.

Through prayer you can gather the riches of heaven and bring them down to earth...
You can delight in the beauty of heaven and carry it in your heart...
You can enjoy the fellowship of heaven and walk in it throughout the day.

- Devotional excerpt by Roy Lessin

Playing and Building.....

 The days have been nice and warm here in Nebraska.  The kids have been playing outside and even building with legos on the front porch.  Noah wanted me to take a picture of his creation.  He even has his little flower pot in the back of his truck.  He has marigolds growing in his pot

We also planted a bunch of other plants about a week and a half ago.  We are looking forward to seeing a few more seeds sprout.  I just love spring!

Strength - He Will Carry You Through

God knows you by name and has your best interest at heart.

He will be with you and will carry you when you can't find the strength to stand on your own.

Just wanted you to know that during this difficult time you are loved, prayed for, and never, ever alone.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. Romans 15:13

Autism Society of Nebraska

Coming up in May is the  3rd Annual North Platte Autism Puzzle Walk.  I have a niece who has a team, Team Kostman.  She asked me to see if anyone else would like to either join the team or donate money for the cause.  I know I am planning on joining the team and will be walking with my kids and niece.  If anyone wants to donate you can go here.  Hope to have your support!

 Apple Jack Cookies....

We made these cookies today for school.  We are working my measuring cups and spoons.  The kids loved them and even Anna, which is amazing because she doesn't like many sweet things. 


Ingredients:
1 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. butter
1 egg
1 1/2 C. flour
2 T. ground flax seed
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 C. chopped peeled apple (I used my little mini food process, which I love.)  Also the next batch I make I may chop up some carrots with the apples. 

Directions:
Cream togeher sugar and shortening.   Beat in egg.  Sift together dry ingredients and add to mixture.  Beat until well blended.  Stir in apples.  Drop in the shape of ball on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
Enjoy!

God's Perfect Love & Amazing Grace

The greatest treasures in life begin with God's abundant goodness in giving us the gift of a Saviour.

Praying your day is filled with good things and thankful moments - a special time of celebrating the miracle of Easter, with glimpses of God's perfect love and amazing grace.

Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

I Believe.....

Confessing The Truths Your Heart Believes

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:8

I Believe Jesus is my redeemer and He has redeemed me through His shed blood. His redemption means that He has bought me at a great price, the highest price that could be paid for my ransom. I believe that His ransom means that I am no longer in bondage to Satan, stuck in a horrible pit of despair, or a slave to sin.

I Believe that my redemption means that I am no longer my own, and that my purpose it to serve Jesus and glorify Him, not unwillingly, but from the heart, as His bondservant. I count it a privilege to serve Him for love's sake.

I Believe His ownership of my life brings me great comfort, deep peace, and overflowing joy.
-Roy Lessin

Stitches.....

 Noah was being a stinker one day and Ruby ended up nipping his lip, so daddy had to take him in to get stitches.  He was a big boy about it, but wasn't too happy.  Hopefully he learned his lesson to leave the dog alone. 

SONGS....

Here's a few links to some songs my kids love.....

Fruit of the Spirit

J is for Jesus

Every Move I Make

Open the Eyes of My Heart

Days of Elijah

Here I am to Worship

Spin 

Hey, Jesus Loves Me!

Rainbow

SOCCER...

I signed all of the kids up for soccer at the Rec. Center.  They play on Saturday nights for an hour long.  After the first week Anna was ready to be done because she was so tired out.  It is now the third week and they are still pretty tired, but having fun.  They have three Saturday's left and I'm sure they will be sad when it's over.  I am thinking about putting them in the outdoor soccer in the spring, so they can get some more practice in. 

Picnic Time...

It was a nice day out, so the kids decided to have a picnic on the lawn.  In the picture they are stuffing there faces with black olives, which they can eat by the can.  there is never enough olives for them all.  I am looking forward to the nicer days, were the kids can spend most of the day outside. 

Valentine’s Week... Acts of Kindness Activities

I found a great link this morning for some great Valentines activities.  I wanted to share it with those who may be interested.  I am looking forward to Valentines this year because it's going to be a special and fun time for my kids.  Anna has already been working on making Valentines cards for her special friends.  I love how they can spend so much time on making things for others.  Gabe has also worked on a few cards.   

TIPS Please.....

A few weeks back Noah decided he was going to try and play his guitar to make some tips.  It looks nice out, but it was a bit chilly.  He says the music is free, but notice the pink cup, which is for tips.    Also take notice of his awesome roller blades.  He received those for his 5th birthday and the guitar was from Grandma & Grandpa from Christmas.  He is such a cutie.  I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of this when the warm weather hits. 

1-2-3 CAKE......

Genius! ----- 1-2-3 Cake. I love this idea!!!

You need two boxes of cake mix. One can be any flavor you prefer, but the other MUST be Angel Food cake mix. Mix them together (shake them in a big bowl). Then simply store the mixture in an airtight container until you get the urge for dessert. Then just put three Tbsp. of the dry mixture in a big coffee mug and stir in 2 Tbsp of water. Microwave it for one minute and you will have a single serving of cake! Top with fruit, ice cream, whipped cream or whatever! Awesome for those of us who want something sweet every now without making an entire cake!!!

Homeschooling Links.....

I founds a great blog called, "A Thomas Jefferson Education".  I read a great article on the secret to not being overwhelmed.  I wanted to share the link to those who are interested in reading it.

Also a friend posted a great ice cream activity to do with the kids.  Here is the recipe.

 In a small (7x7'ish) Ziploc baggie, put 1/2 cup half & half, 1 Tbsp sugar and a small 1 tsp vanilla. Tightly seal baggie. In a gallon size Ziploc baggie, fill 1/2 full with ice and about 1/2 cup salt. Put small baggie in big baggie and tightly seal. Start shaking and tossing around and the small baggie with work around in the ice/salt and start to form a custard. It makes 1/2 cup of ice cream. 

Very fun!!!

God Cares About Every Detail

God cares about every detail of your life...
He collects every tear in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8)
He numbers every hair on your head. (Luke 12:7)
He knows every hurt in your heart. (Psalm 34:18)

The Lord knows all you are going through.
He loves you, He cares for you,
and He will make sure not one detail is overlooked.
Thinking of You and Praying too

James 5:11

 ¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.