Funny Valentine

Well, Norah is always looking for another craft to do, and just about every time we visit any given store(usually this store), she sees something that she wants to bring home and do.

Since she knows that Valentine's Day is coming, we went ahead and got some foam hearts to make beautiful decorations.

Enjoy.

A Blogging Family

Hi everyone, Casey here. I just thought I would let you know about our other blogs in addition to this one, just in case you never noticed them on the sidebar there.

My wife's blog is called Finding Everyday Grace and, true to its name, she attempts to write in such a way as to highlight all the common graces surrounding our family. It is like a practical outworking of James 1:17, that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights." Visit there and be encouraged.

My own blog is not nearly as focused. I generally post on Christianity and on sports (especially NBA basketball), and sometimes on politics--pretty much whatever pops into my head at any given time. I doubt it would be of consistent interest to anyone but myself, but I like doing it anyway. Head on over sometime and check it out. I won't be offended if you never come back.

To Grandma's House They Go!

The kids had their first time spending the night at grandma and grandpa's this last week. So under the freeway and through the woods they went so that mom and dad could celebrate six years of marriage. Their cute little luggage was packed (Thanks Uncle Tyler and Aunt Candace!), and Norah had her sleeping bag (Thanks Uncle Kyle and Aunt Kari!), complete with her new pillow case made by "Nanna Tin". They were ready to go!

While at the grandparents', Norah and Haddon did crafts, played games, and Norah helped her Papa investigate further damage to the giant trees surrounding the house. Haddon missed mom and dad though. He struggled to go to bed, and also ran headfirst into the corner of the kitchen island. We think he may be considering the Hindu religion, but we're sure that the truth of God's Word will win out. (We haven't take a picture of his red dot yet- sorry.)

My Daughter on Church Music

Tonight I was putting Norah to sleep and talking to her about church tomorrow. Our practice at church is that she stays with us during the song service, but then leaves to her kids class during the sermon. I was running through tomorrow's plan with her this evening when she said, "Dad, the songs are too loud for me. Can they turn it down?"

"I don't know," I told her.

"Well, you talk to the pastor and ask him to turn down the music, okay Dad?"

"Okay Norah, now go to bed."

That's our daughter, getting caught up in the worship wars already...

Two Little Monkeys

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed. None fell off nor bumped their head. Mama took pictures, laughed and said, "Now, no more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Just when...

you think that you're getting settled, and that things are just going along as you wait for God to show His provision, the toilet busts.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice."

Philippians 4:4

We're keeping perspective. God is faithful. Toilets aren't too expensive. Casey will be going for one night on a men's retreat. I am getting involved in Bible Study, and we will be joining a study as a couple. Norah is really liking getting connected at church, and Haddon, we'll he's always just smiles.

Yes, God is good.

Christmastime was Here

Pictures were promised, and a promise is a promise.

Since 2005, there haven't been any Christmases with family. Christmas of 2008 broke that chain, and that is a nice thing. No matter what the circumstances are, it was a nice thing. Not only did we get to spend time with brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, but cousins, and aunts and uncles and who-knows-how-we're-relateds!

Follow the LINK

And Christmas recap...
Norah's favorite gift: Her "bubble pens", aka Pixos

Haddon's favorite gift: Buzz Lightyear

Casey's favorite: His embosser

Kelly's favorite: I don't know... probably money that I used to buy a frame that I really wanted for our home.

Funniest thing: My Uncle Duane making my niece Cassidy laugh so hard that she fell over on my sister on the floor- My sister was video taping. I want to see that footage.

Yummiest thing: The dessert Candace brought to the Lute Family Christmas get-together in Portland. It was a hit! Good job C!

Sweetest thing: Having family around to support us and help give the kids a really fun Christmas that we couldn't do on our own.