Our Annual Christmas Open House

And a good time was had by all.

The Christmas Tree

We weren't sure what to do about a Christmas tree this year. We got rid of our old tree after last Christmas- it was 16 years old and was worn out. So, that left us with no tree this year. The only artificial trees we could find in the store that we liked were way too expensive. We debated getting a real one, but by the time you buy the tree and the stand, it's alot of money also. So Paul looked around online for used artificial trees and found a winner! It's a seven and a half pre lit tree and is huge and beautiful! And, the best part is that he only paid $50 for it! It should last us a good long time. Ben was enthralled with the tree and the lights.

We let him put up a few ornaments and then he went to bed so we could finish.

But not before Dad dressed him up as a Christmas tree complete with lights and ornaments.

He quite enjoyed it.

Almost done! I usually "tweak" the tree after the kids are done putting on the ornaments, balancing them out and adding ribbons and bows. Not this year. I was feeling sick so my mini-me- Ellie- did my job and did it quite well! It was so funny watching her do exactly what I do exactly in the way I do it!

The finished tree.

Sam and his vivid imagination

He found this ice cream bucket with a broken handle and used it as a helmet and the handle as a walkie talkie/microphone.

He used the tops of the stools as guns.

And pretended he was in a helicopter, fighting.

He makes us laugh with his imagination. He can play with anything and pretend it is whatever he thinks it to be. So cute!

Savannah

Here are a few pictures from our getaway to Savannah a week or so ago. I didn't take too many. We stayed on Tybee Island. Paul got up for the sunrise Friday morning and took these beautiful pictures.

I enjoyed the sunrise from my bed.

This is one of the old buildings in the historic district.

All the streets are covered with Spanish moss. It's quite the sight to see.

Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. It was beautiful. They just finished a several million dollar restoration on the inside and it was a sight to see.

My pictures on the inside don't do it justice.

So beautiful, yet so sad. The truth of the Gospel is right in front of their eyes, yet most of the people who come here are blind to it.

The twelve stations of the cross were each represented with a beautiful sculpture.

Savannah is a very interesting city. There's so much there we wanted to see and do, but couldn't because we were both feeling sick. Maybe we'll get back there one day.

Monday

I think we're all over the stomach bug- finally. Poor Ben had it twice. I must say I didn't think it would be any worse than having morning sickness, but I was wrong. It was worse!

Paul and I got away to Savannah last Thursday and Friday. He wasn't feeling well when we left and by Friday, neither was I. But we still had a nice time. Friday he had booked us on a trolley tour of the city which we really enjoyed. I have some pics, but haven't gotten them off the camera yet.

We're getting ready for our annual open house on Wednesday as well as trying to get through mountains of laundry that has piled up since we've all been sick. I think tomorrow we might actually get all caught up. Woo-Hoo! Paul's brother Dave helped us here today and is coming back tomorrow to help more. We're almost done decorating-except the tree- so that's good.

I'm still fighting morning sickness. This time around is a bit worse than the last time. Ugh. I had forgotten already what this feels like. I just keep reminding myself of the little one growing inside. Doesn't take the nausea away, but makes it easier to bear.

Good night.

The Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop
Ages: 10 and up

Price: $7.99 per book or $47.99 for the entire series

Visit the kingdom of Terrestria, a land where knights and their ladies live in castles and hwere dragons still roam (occasionally).

The Terrestria Chronicles allegory series was written with a three-fold purpose: to honor Jesus Christ as King, to challenge young readers to love and serve Him, and to teach them to guard their hearts for Him. The focus of the series is always on the King.

Fast-paced action… powerful imagery… heart-pounding adventure… These life-changing books are captivating and once you start reading, you’ll find them hard to put down. This adventure series has a particularly strong appeal to today’s young people: it’s a series with knights and castles, dragons and princesses. . . but these are books in which every page points to truths of the Christian walk. Biblical doctrines and character principles are taught in such a compelling, fascinating way that they will stay with the reader for a lifetime.

Written for ages ten and up, the Terrestria series is ideal for family devotions, classroom use, or individual enjoyment. So grab your sword and take your family on a quest to Terrestria! Your heart will be changed forever.

Also available: Visits to Terrestria , $5.99

A Study Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Covering all seven books in the Terrestria Chronicles allegory series, this study guide is designed to invoke discussions of the life-changing messages and powerful imagery within each story, much of which might be missed with a casual reading. Visits to Terrestria takes the reader to a new level of understanding of the series. Adults and young people alike will more fully grasp the wealth of meaning in these captivating books.

We received these beautiful books for review and were very excited about them. Ellie, my ten year old snatched up the first one eagerly and began reading right away. Every so often she would make a comment, "Mom, that's just like the Bible" or "Mom, that's just like being saved". She was amazed how closely the book followed along the plan of salvation. She devoured the first book and is now onto the second one.

I was thrilled to receive these books. They are well written and easy to read. I'm excited for my children (and I) to be able to read them. They are written in a Pilgrim's Progress style, but in an much easier to read style. What a great message for any child to read, whether they are a believer or not. It is a great reminder of our salvation for those already saved and an open presentation of the Gospel for those who aren't.

Ed Dunlop has done a wonderful job with these books. When I asked Ellie what I should say in the review, she said, "Mom, just tell them that they are really, really good books." I must agree!

These books were provided to me by Ed Dunlop for a Mamabuzz review.

Sick :(

A stomach bug has made its way through our family these past few days. And now I have it, on top of morning sickness. Ugh.