A Synopsis of Christmas

I hope yours was as much fun! Blessings to all my friends and family!

Remembering....

Don't you love this picture? It was taken by my friend, Cindy Tucker at a Via Crucis at Easter time. Cindy takes great pictures, I'll be posting some she took of my family this fall. Any way, if you look closely, you'll see that I use a fraction of it in my header photo.

But I like the reminder. You see, we celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus. But I like to remember WHY he came. He came to die. He came to save us from the awful things you see on the crown above. He came to save us from our sinful selves. THAT'S why we celebrate Jesus! Thank you, Father!

I pray all of you will be blessed by the King this Christmas!

A Bloggy Award....

Wow! I am creative....make that kreativ? Okay! My friend Dawn gave me this bloggy award. I am not one to really play the tag games, but I LOVE this one. List 6 things for which I am thankful and pass the award onto 6 other bloggers. Fun!

I am thankful:

For my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave his everything to me, who deserves nothing.

For my incredible, cute, romantic, wonderful, sexy husband.

For all five of my amazing, loud, funny, needy, sweet, bickering, laughing, hugging, kissy-face kids!!

For my amazing friends. Always there to pick me up when I fall, kick me in the butt when I need it, listen to me whine, celebrate with me, and generally laugh with me. (at me?)

For the work God is doing in our lives. It isn't always easy....it's rarely easy.....but always worth it.

My family. I have the best family. You may think you do, but you are wrong, I do!!

I almost forgot! Now I get to nominate!!!

Kate at Green Grass Grows

Tracy at The World According to Tracy

Erin at Meet the Grey

Jen at Hilty Sprouts.

Kathleen at Momma Kitten

Andi at Raising Boys

I know, I know, you are speechless! Overwhelmed perhaps.....no, you don't have to thank me, really! The look on your face is thanks enough!

Woo Hoo!

I got weighed today. I've lost 4 pounds this week! For a total of 24! Yeah!

This Christmas....

May you know the blessing of Christ the Savior. He came and lived and died and rose again, that you might have eternal life.

May you be surrounded by friends and family and laughter and love.


(My navitivy set was an amazing birthday present, okay, I admit it was my 40th, from my family and my husband's family. It was quite a blessing. I was saying just today that I could leave it out all year around.)

A Dickens of a Christmas

Cute title, huh? This was the title of the Christmas play that Gracie was in at school....let that sink in a bit.....my daughter is in public school! And yes, they used the word Christmas!!

It was a cute little play based on, I know you are shocked, Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Grace played the part of Scrooge's nephew's wife. I was so proud of her! She did a great job and has a beautiful singing voice.

Merry Christmas, to one and all!!

Being the Pastor's Wife

I really had no idea what a pastor's wife did, until I became one. I KNOW I did not appreciate the pastors' wives in my life. But I sure do now!!

So, what do I do?

1. Pray. A lot. For my husband to be strong in his faith.

2. Take the children by myself at moment's notice when hubby has been called with an emergency.

3. Wash lots of dishes.

4. Realize that NO schedule is written in stone.

5. Pray. A Lot. For the church family.

6. Try not to know too much about what is going on. It's just safer this way!!

7. Pray. A Lot. For my own patience.

8. Smile. A Lot!

9. Teach Bible Study.

10. Pray. A Lot. For the ministries of the church.

11. Set boundaries around myself and my family.

12. Know the names of all the people who attend service.

13. Did I mention, I pray? A LOT!

Ramblings....

It would be easy to be depressed today. It is cloudy, again. My house is a mess, still. I'm still tired from Sunday night. Josiah was up sick until after 2:00. I am not losing weight. ARGH! I have a ton of laundry to do. Elliana is screaming at me that she "still hungry!" I won't bore you with how much she has eaten today. We found out that our dear friend's visa is not going to come through in time for him to be here for Christmas. Another close friend of mine has been sick for weeks and the doctors can't seem to figure out the problem.

A lot of little things and a few big things. The perfect recipe for me to have a really difficult day.

And yet, I'm okay.

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.”- Luke 1:46-47,49

Scholars believe Mary was very young, a girl in her early teens. She knew the stigma in her society that came with being an unwed mother. She hadn't talked to Joseph yet. She didn't know if he would still marry her or not. In fact "Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly." Matthew 2:10

And yet, Mary praised the Lord.

Wow. I sure don't do that like I should. When it gets tough...praise? That's hard to do when I am whining! Paul tells us 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18. That's another tough one.

But being full of joy doesn't mean being happy and smiley all of the time. It means knowing the joy that can only come from God. The joy of knowing you are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, for me, that is a very quiet kind of joy, and I have to work really hard to find it. Pray in the good times and the bad. ALL THE TIME!! CONTINUALLY!!! And give thanks, IN all circumstances. I am so glad that doesn't say FOR all circumstances. No matter what is going on, I know that God is still God. He is still in control and he will do what ever is best for me to serve him, to glorify him!

Mary's Song

46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord

47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,

49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.

50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.

53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.

54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful

55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

Pics of the process...

The Raising of the Tree

Where it will stand

Makes Charlie Brown's tree look pretty good, don't you think?

Ready for ornaments.

The finished product.

A Rare Talet For a Three Year Old

Three year olds make such good blog fodder. This one certainly keeps us entertained!!

Is Any More Proof Needed?

Fact: Ella is kinda unique (okay, I admit it, I was thinking bizaare!!)

Confession....

I haven't put up the first Christmas decoration!

Prayers at the Jobe Abode

So, the other night Ella went into major meltdown because her nightlight burnt out. I must admit this is a new experience at the Jobe Abode. No one thus far has had any fear of much of anything. (Well, there was Grace and the Tooth Fairy, but that is a different story.) We had to leave the girls' door open and the hall light on with a promise to leave it on in order for her to get to sleep.

The next day, she and I headed to Wally World to buy a new nightlight. In that huge store I found exactly one style of nightlight. It came in Dora and Sponge Bob and Cars. And costs $8! But, to be able to sleep again? Priceless. So we pick up a nightlight for Ella and one for Josiah, because, if the girls get a nightlight, then he needs one too!! All must be fair, you know.

So, everyone is in jammies, settled down in the girls' room, illuminated by a very special Dora light (it changes colors ya'll, like those spotlight people used on Christmas trees in the 60s and 70s!)

And Ella started the prayers by thanking God for her new nightlight. And then it was Risi's turn and she thanked God for the new nightlights. And then it was Josiah's turn. And he......thanked God for his new nightlight. And then it was Olivia's turn and she thanked God for the (drumroll please) new nightlights! Because this one is not as bright as the other one.

And I am starting to giggle.......

Then Grace prays. She thanks God for her family and......you guessed it, the nightlights.......

Now my giggles are audible.

Kevin thanks God for his children and his beautiful wife (his words, not mine) and, sigh, the nightlights.

By now, the kids want to know why Mommy is crying.

You can't say my kids aren't grateful!! (For nightlights anyway!!)

Peace on Earth In Mercy Mired.........

I really cannot explain what a car ride is like with the Jobe Crew. Loud, yes, but more than that. So much more.

Last night was Parent's Night Out at Sharonville UMC. This is where Kevin and I have our church membership. In the United Methodist system, pastors hold membership at a church where they are not pastoring. Anyway, shortly after 9 PM, we were all headed back home. The kids were wired!

They had seen parts of Wall-E. They started out talking about that and every few minutes, the entire way home, Ella would pipe up with, "Wall-E waked up!"

The moon was out, so Risi, every few minutes, would howl at it. Risi has this thing about dogs.

Josiah, Olivia, and Grace alternated between singing, fighting and yelling from the back of the car up to where Kevin and I sat up in the front.

I was driving and giggling most of the way home. It was crazy. And just when it got a little less chaotic, Risi would howl, or Ella would tell us "Wall-E waked up!" And when they didn't do it, I would, and we would laugh harder.

At one point Grace was singing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." (The conversation had switched to a Charlie Brown Christmas . )

But Grace had the words a bit mixed up....

"...glory to the newborn King.
Peace on earth
In mercy mired..."

I was looking at definitions of "mired". To sink into. To be held fast by.

And mercy? Compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender.

An offender, that is you and me. "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23

A misunderstood song, sung gustily by a young girl. Mired in mercy. I am covered by, sunk into and held fast by mercy. I can certainly think of worse things to be covered with.

Peace on Earth, In Mercy Mired.


Thank you, Jesus.

Grace and Olivia

Gracie and Olivia are tight...

Really tight, in fact it is almost impossible to take a picture of just one of them .

And when you take a picture of the two of them, they are always hanging all over each other, because that is what my kids do!

But like all sisters, they fight a lot too. (And when they are wanting me to intervene they speak to me like I was the offender instead of their sister. ) They yell, loudly, throw things and sometimes, yes, I am embarrassed to say, they hit.

But right now, I am sitting downstairs and they are upstairs. And they are not yelling. They are not running downstairs to tell me what she did.

Right now, they are upstairs laughing hysterically........which, I admit makes me more nervous than when they are fighting.

These Boots Were Made For Walking

Here they are. Ella's pink cowboy boots. They go with everything, just ask her! You can't really tell from this pic that the shirt is maroon, not pink.

He Still Moves Stones!

Amazing!!
http://www.ohio.com/news/35273589.html

How To Tell Ella Is Feeling Better

Elliana has been sick since Sunday about 1AM. She's feeling better today; how can I tell? Simple just read the clues.....

1. Let's start with the obvious, there has been no puking since 4:00 yesterday afternoon.

2. She slept through the night!

3. She is no longer satisfied with pjs. She insisted on required dress and tights today. (Did I mention the pink cowboy boots? Gotta get a picture of those while they still fit.)

4. Instead of lying on the couch or floor she chooses to sit up!

5. She can play on the computer and shout, "Mom!!! I need HELLLLLPPP!" so loudly I can hear it in my room upstairs AND downstairs where I am folding laundry.

6. She asks for a video and before it is on either a.) changes her mind about which video to watch or b.) decides not to watch one at all.

7. She wanted cheese for breakfast. (I nixed that until she had something else in her stomach first.)

8. She got cheese for lunch.

9. She is fighting with her siblings over where she gets to sit.

10. She is back to throwing amazing 3 year old temper tantrums!

An Auction

An auction has been set up to benefit the Philip Hayden Foundation. This foundation cares for orphan children in China.

To check out the auction which has lots of great things in it, check this out!

Keeping Kids Busy #1

I'm home from church with the kids today. Elliana was throwing up during the night last night. Two of the others have colds. Not to mention they were all up way too late last night. But we had a great time with family. It was worth it!

So here are some ideas about what to do to keep kids entertained.

I plan to make some applesauce in my crockpot. Yum! Warm applesauce on a cold day! Other things kids can help make are good. My oldest two love to peel things, apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. The little ones like to stir. Cookies, brownies, pudding, jello, etc.

I got some videos from the library on Friday. The kids are watching them now.

My three little ones LOVE to color. So I'll print some pages for them to color.

Two of them have some homework to do. Grace has a letter to write to Jose Fernando and Enmanuel.

A scavenger hunt is always a good idea. Make a list of household items for the kids to find. I put them into two teams because only Grace and Olivia read. I still have Halloween candy stashed to use as prizes.

Dusting. My kids love to dust!! I'd better take advantage of that while they will still do it.

Naps. We were out way late last night so they need naps so I can get them up in the morning without too much wailing and gnashing of teeth.

I am going to order some crafts from Oriental Trading for future days like this. They are really economical. They cam make great gifts, too. For grandparents, teachers, etc.

Talk to the kids about Advent and what it mean. There are some great resources on this on the web. Here is one I found.

Room Rescues! Believe it or not, this can be fun! When a room needs 'rescued' (cleaned up) I turn on the music and the kids try to have it picked up before I turn it off (usually about 5 minutes.) It is amazing how quickly they can pick up if it is a game.

Make paper snowflakes to decorate the windows! Always fun and someone can run the vacuum afterwards. My two oldest fight over who gets to vacuum!

Games. We enjoy playing games as a family. Sorry and Uno and Yahtzee being the current favorites. I will probably invest in checkers soon. Can you believe we don't have a checkers game? Weird!

Laundry. Keep bins in the laundry area so the kids can sort. Even my littlest ones can do this. Towels in one bin, whites in another, colors, pinks and reds....you get the idea.

Read to the kids. It makes for great cuddle time!

These are just a few ideas. I'll keep adding as the winter goes. There are lots of things the kids can do besides veg out to the tv all winter! If you have some other ideas, leave them in the comments and I will compile them in a future post for all to use!

For These I Am Thankful

The sacrifice of my Lord, Jesus Christ

My husband

Grace

Olivia

Josiah

Charis

Elliana

My sister and her husband

Madison

Abigail

My sisters in law and their families

My brother in law and his family

Jose and Yamile

Jose Fernando

Enmanuel

David

Daniel

My amazing parents

My mother-in-law and father-in law

My wonderful girl friends

My husband's friends who keep him accountable

A warm home

Enough to eat

Enough clothing

Support on this weight loss journey

Giggles and laughter

Ornery little boys

Pink things all over the house

Books

Music

Fresh air

Sunsets

You know, this list goes on and on, but on this day, I truly am blessed. And I hope you are feeling that way too!

Olivia's Birthday

Better late than never!!

I'm Back!!!!

YIPEEEEEE!!! Will be catching you all up on our lives tomorrow!!! Thank you to my computer repair man!!!!

Kid Stuff

Charis: Mommy! Look at me wint! (Wink) I am the only one who can wint in the whole city!!

*******************************************************************************
The Democratic Process at the Jobes house. We vote on everything, usually at dinner!

"Raise you hand if you like french fries!"

"Raise you hand if you like mustard!"

"Raise your hand if you love mommy!"

"Raise your hand if you love daddy!"

(you'll be glad to know they all love mommy and daddy but only 2 of them like mustard!)

Olivia Is 7 Today!!

Today my Olivia is 7! She has had a great day. Her best friend is spending the night. This afternoon, I took Grace, Livi and her friend to see High School Musical 3. They loved it. It was better than I expected. Now they are drawing pictures. They had popcorn, pizza, chocolate cake and ice cream.

I got this picture from Hilty Sprouts. And I thought it was perfect for today. On every time it is her birthday, I say extra prayers for her birth parents in China. I know and she knows that we are her parents. Her REAL parents. We are the ones who love her and who take care of her, who laugh with her and discipline her. If you want to tick off an adoptive parent, ask them where their child's real parents are.

So happy birthday, my princess. We love you beyond what you will ever understand, until you become a parent yourself.

(I will post birthday pics when my computer is up and running!!)

An Apology

I haven't been on line much this week. My computer will not start. A friend has ordered the part. Hopefully, I will be up and running early next week!

No Words Will Be Sufficient

You Know You Are Parents to Five Children....

when the youngest throws up in a restaurant and you calmly empty the condiment container for her to throw up in. Twice. And you don't even think to tell the waitress until you are leaving. And the rest of the family keeps eating while they watch.

(and yes, you're welcome, to all who are glad I DIDN'T include a photograph or even clip art!)

Brenda and Bekah Came to Play!

They brought 66 (!) cans of Playdoh. But they made up for it by ordering pizza for the kids and sending Kevin and I out for dinner!! They were in town so Rebekah could play soccer at 7:15 this morning. YUCK! It was freezing, 40s and raining during the game. Brenda, dedicated mother that she is, stood out in the elements to watch her only daughter play goalie. Not that I would really know how nasty it was, as I was in my nice warm bed! I only rub this in because, did I mention, she brought 66 cans of Playdoh with her??

My Lap Band

Is just not tight enough! I went back and got another fill this afternoon. We'll see how this goes. I've been stuck at the same weight for a while. I will lose a little and gain a little but never stay consistently down. I want to make sure it is not possible to gain weight over the holidays! (Admit it, there are times you'd LOVE to throw a fit like this chick is!)

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful that God loves me all of the time. Especially on those days when I am not feeling so loveable. You know how those days go. Feeling kind of down, kind of grumpy. Having a bad hair. Zits and age spots at the same time. The kids are yelling at each other. When I ask what's going on they yell at me, and then I yell at them not to yell at me. The house is trashed and I have no energy to pick it up. Piles of laundry and I really don't care.

But you know what? I have a day like that and God still loves me! He still sees me as his beautiful child. For this, I am truly, truly thankful!

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:10-12

For more Thankful Thursday go to Grace Alone

Everybody in the City

Charis started it. Of course. She starts everything! A few months ago, at bedtime, she started telling me, "Mama, I love everybody in the city!" It eventually began to make it's way into her prayers. "Tank oo for mama an daddy an Gracie an LiLi and Ziah an Bella an everybody in the city!

Josiah's take on it, is to ask, everytime we are in the car is "Are we still in OUR city?"

Ella wants to know if Mama knows everybody in the city? (No dear, that is your father's department.)

But I must admit, they are a great reminder daily, sometimes hourly, to be praying for "everybody in the city."

Testimony......

On Saturday, Kevin and I went to see Third Day (!) in concert with a couple of his former students. One of them had an amazing testimony. As it is not my story to tell, I will just say he was delivered from some pretty amazing demons and vices and is now amazingly in love with Jesus. Kevin, too, has an amazing testimony, of which I am a part, but it is his testimony.

Well, the amazing lady we were with, I'll call her Amanda, and I started talking. She was raised in a christian home and just always knew God. I, too, always knew God. I went to Sunday school as a child. As a teen, friends took me to church. Sometimes I wandered away, but God was never too far. I always knew that I was special to him and that he was guiding me.

So Amanda and I were talking about not having one 'amazing moment' when we were delivered from something and accepted Jesus, and how sometimes it almost makes you feel like a 'lesser christian' because you don't have this experience.

But the more I thought about it, the more grateful to God I am that I don't have that 'aha' moment. Because I wasn't addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex. I wasn't homeless. I wasn't terminally ill and then cured. I wasn't abused. I wasn't neglected. Thank you, Jesus, I was none of these things.

And I hope my children can say the same thing. That they were brought up knowing God and loving God. That he has always been real to them. I don't want them to have to go through something horrible in order to know our God and Savior.

They will still have a testimony, as I have a testimony. I have so many instances where God has worked miracles in my life and in the lives of those around me. And it doesn't make me any less of a christian, or any more of a christian for that matter. My God will use the story that he has given me to bring to him the people he has chosen. Isn't he just too cool??

What a Week

Busy, busy, busy. I'm sure none of you feel that way! LOL

Lots of errands this week to get a package ready to send to Cub@ this weekend. Hopefully all of the folks at Grace Church are getting letters and pictures together. Please pray for the people of Cub@ as yet another hurricane is headed their way. Food is already becoming harder to get. Please pray for Pastor Jose as his visa has still not come through. If it takes much longer he may not be able to be here by the 8th of December as we are planning.

Yesterday, the Melody Makers, the volunteer choir made of fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at my children's school, gave their first perfomance. Our Gracie is quite the performer. Really animated. She had so much fun on stage. She also has a roll in the Christmas play next month. And yes, I said CHRISTMAS!! In fact, her principal referred to it as the Christmas play. Not winter or holiday, but CHRISTMAS!!

Parent Teacher Conferences for Olivia and Grace were this week. I am so proud of my girls. Their teachers said the same thing about both girls. They are working to their potential. I cannot ask for more than that. Well, I can. But that was answered, too. Both of the girls are very well behaved and treat their teachers and classmates with respect. (Just like they treat everyone at home, right? NOT!!)

I've had three straight days of migraines this week. I promised Kevin I'll call the doctor this morning and make an appointment. It's getting really hard to function. I have the best husband. He's worked all morning and then come home and taken over the household so I can take pain pills and crash. He is simply amazing.

I AM NOT FORGOTTEN

Do you ever need reminded of that? I do. No matter what is going on God is there. You are his favorite! The apple of his eye. He knows YOUR name!

I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name.
He knows my name.

Light over darkness
Strength over weakness
Joy over sadness
He knows my name

I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name.
He knows my name.

Father to the Fatherless
Friend to the friendless
Hope for the hopeless
He knows my name

I will praise You I will praise You
For I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

I am not forgotten Never forsaken

I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
I am not forgotten
God knows my name.
He knows my name.

(by Israel Houghton and the New Breed)

Conversations with Ella

Ella: Mom! Look at my boobs!! (A word I don't use.)
Me: Ella, you're two, you don't have boobs!

Celebrating Life

On Saturday, the ladies of the church and friends and family of my friend, Erin, gathered to celebrate the life of her son Caleb. Caleb is scheduled to enter this world on the 26th of January. Of course, he might disagree with this date, but that remains to be seen.


Erin and her 'cute husband', Keith, are obviously thrilled to be expecting their first child. A child who will be loved and cherished. We, her family by blood and through Christ, are happy to celebrate this new life with them.

In church on Sunday, we celebrated All Saints Day. They day to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us to the throne of heaven.

7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7) These are the words of Paul. You see, those of us who belong to Jesus are called saints.



We had six church family members go to be with Jesus this year. And we celebrated their life. And we celebrated our lives in Jesus Christ.

And we should celebrate. We are eternal beings. Born to love God. Born to be saints. We should celebrate the lives of children to be born. We should celebrate the lives of the saints who have gone before us. And, as the saints here on earth, we should celebrate the gift of our lives as children of God. Saved by the blood of his son, Jesus.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17b-19)