Thanksgiving 2014...

This morning, the kids (mainly Sophia) helped me do a deep clean of the main floor in preparation for all Christmas decor, minus anything 'tree'. That, we plan to get on Tuesday. While everything else sits displayed, and for the moment the dust that flies with the forced hot air hasn't had more than a couple hours to settle, we all bask in the clean and tidy array of lights, and memories, and traditions. "Mom, look at this one!" "Oh, I remember this one!" "Oh, these are my ornaments!" And the hours upon hours of play with the children's nativity set has only just begun.

Such a special season sits before us. It is nothing shy of the most favored. Aside from stockings and a project involving Gabe (not really sure when, in my ideal mind, that is actually going to happen. Christmas Eve most likely, making it all the more fun!) all shopping is complete. I have to say being on the ball coming into the season has put my heart at such ease, such peace. I enjoy shopping entirely way too much, however (for me) it's often all consuming when in the thick of it. And it's a fun all consuming. Wrapping. Anticipating faces, my own emotions wrapped all up in them. But something about having this time to solely focus on why we even have this season and something about this very day to day season personal for me, for us, and having nothing before me (vying for that time and attention) just feels right this time around. 

The book basket sits stocked with our treasured 'bring out only at Christmas time' books to read and devour every day/night by the fire, as well as some special new ones added to our collection. The manger-sets sit perfectly and exactly positioned just so (Sophia) to worship the treasured baby who brings light and peace and life to the dark world He came to save. We love that little baby. "He's so precious, Mom." And more than just a little baby, a Savior for all this brokenness, our own hearts, right here among these walls.

But before I move onto the next chapter of our story of life with my babies and next to my man's side, we did celebrate Thanksgiving at my sister's this year. And a wonderful Thanksgiving it was. 

He's just the best Grampy!

Lemuel's first real Thanksgiving. He entirely approved!

The big boy table. And Konor, who joined the Goldberg family until his father can properly care for him. Pray for Konor if you think of it. God works all things for good to those who love Him. 

The only picture of the talent show. Gabe and I walked away with first place. Video to come after some editing. When?!, is a good question!

That night we drove the 20 minutes between locations to where Gabe grew up. I don't have as many photos from our time there. My poor babe, Gabe, came down with a terrible cold (feverish, achey, and a bad headache) so my time became highly accounted for with other more important things.

Time with family is something we don't take for granted. We weren't able to all be together from either side, but it's still something we treasure and look forward to each and every time the opportunity allows.

Fruit salad the size of Boaz!

Helping Grandma, really anyone, always. But she especially loves to help Grandma.

I have many things to be thankful for in my life. Every year I am even more touched that someone came to take my sin, for me. The awareness just grows deeper the longer I'm alive. I'm thankful for our children, healthy, vibrant, and here! I am thankful for close relationships that God has answered prayers through. I'm thankful for how the Lord has given grace for this extended season in our lives. How He is continually leading and guiding and giving peace indescribable along the way.

I am thankful that while He has stretched and caused much growth, and continues to, it isn't burdensome. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So while we do tread in waters that are often very thick and weighty (it just is on this side of time, I don't care who you are or what you do), He is there to remind us of our position under Him. To continually breathe life and purpose and calling back into us, and to raise up in us the strong desire to persevere with all diligence.

I am especially thankful for a husband who has lead, and continues to, with excellence. He points us (me) continually to Christ. Casting vision on a consistent basis has kept our family on track. That shows a gentle, purposeful, and mindful leader and we have exactly that in him.

This season is still one of thriving in all areas for us, and for that I am most grateful. That speaks everyday to my heart and it's answered prayer in every way.

quiet days and nights to remember...

Our life is simple, really. Days filled with routine, yet spontaneity just the same. We spend our days tripping over each other, it would appear, but we don't seem to mind. You've seen me at my complete ugliest. I've seen you at yours. This sanctification process isn't beautiful in the thick of it, yet you love me and think I'm the most beautiful person you know. I hope you know that's Jesus in me. That is beauty in all its glory right there. And when you shine your best, it's when He's moving through you. I love when that happens. I mark it in my heart and tuck it away as promise for what He is doing in and through you. Just here. These four walls. And sometimes the grocery store though we have expanded our perimeters to skating at the rink 2x's a week as well. What happy jolly learning to skate little people you are! What will and determination. And hot coco to return to of course! 

Thank you for looking past me to see Him. You do such a good at that. And you forgive time and time again. 

You people are what God has called me to today. I live each day for Him, knowing it directly affects you here with me. I want you to affect people for Him. You start by practicing on me. Isn't that what mom is for? You're doing well little students. I know He smiles deep and wide at you here with me. 

If Lem was a girl.

When Dad pops in for dinner! MAJOR TREAT!

Liam's special refurbished by me, antique quilt from Grandma.

I think you will remember this 'call for quiet and book time' and realize the older you get that it was really to help keep me sane!

That cleft chin!

Food is pretty, ya know. And your health does start with your plate. I hope you guys learned something from me while I participated in whole30 and had major success. You helped keep me accountable.

Pip with much sass and 'tude.

So many quiet evenings. I know that won't always be the norm. I enjoy it wholeheartedly! 

New set-up. You all couldn't have been more love tank filled!

Thanksgiving lurks just around the corner. So much to be thankful for. Always.

Ockrin boys = my favorite. I always wanted a lot of boys.

good-bye october and all your happenings...

Just like that fall ended. Rather abruptly. Or so it seemed. I'm so glad I have pictures to go back and look upon to see all the life that happens around these parts. It's too easy to just pass it all by and forget. 

You say you want to wear this dress of mine. I say, you may change your mind and that's OK. Either way, I think these will be absolutely darling at your someday wedding. We sure had fun one night while the little boys were asleep and Asher was out late working with Dad. Every time we take my dress out we admire it. I love it all over again, and this time I even tried it on for fun too!

Your face when I described to you what they were going to have to do to your sliced little chin.

You had all the nurses' hearts!

And after! All better! 

Asher, the night you opened up your first bank account-- on-line no less. You were feeling pretty cool here with your fat wad of cash! It took only several different explanations to put your mind at ease that by you giving us your fat wad we were transferring that same amount from our account to yours, what that looked like (or lack thereof?!), and what it all meant . No, we were not just 'taking' your money!

Tired dad, but always in for a hug.

Little boys.

October 31.

The prettiest ballerina there.

Sifting and sorting through the loot.

Babe in basket.

Our last attempt at our favorite little walk in town. We didn't get far but we came home for snacks and that time hot coco just the same! I love you kids! What special walks we had. 

Oh my, you have my heart Johnny Town-Mouse.