Happy Birthday, Jagger!

In honor of my nephew Jagger's 9th birthday, I thought I'd share some pictures!  Enjoy!!!

Jagger being Jagger (I think!)

Jagger and his cousin, Eliya...best buds!

Jagger with his siblings and cousins

(l-r) Josiah (who didn't want his picture taken), Eliya, Jagger, Teagon, Jade, Hannah

 Jagger at the town's fair with Josiah

Jagger with Uncle Jared on the boat in Minnesota

Jagger being a boy and sticking his finger up the tree's nose! (those trees are loving called the "uncles"...see any family resemblence?)

 Jagger and Grandpa

Jagger and his cousin/best bud Eliya

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!  Have a wonderful birthday, Jags!  Hope it is everything you want it to be and more.  We Love You!!!

Wordless Wednesday...Christmas Style

I'm still here!

I feel like I sort of disappeared for awhile.  I have been super super busy and then my computer was/is having problems. (as we speak I am in the cold basement on the desktop...so not convient but oh well).  Let me tell you what has been going on....

First of all, I think I mentioned that our children's ministry at church did our 3rd annual Candy Cane Festival.  This is a special time around Christmas where the kids (ages 3-11) get to do games, a special story time, a special snack, and get time to shop for their family members and wrap the gifts themselves (with help).  It is so much fun.  We set up a little store filled with things that people have donated.  The parents give their children a couple of dollars and then the kids get to shop with help and find gifts for their loved ones.  I think that it gets their mind off of themselves and onto what they can give to others.  It also (tries to) help them realize that things cost money and if you want something, it is not necessarily just given to you.  We had a blast at the Candy Cane Festival (even santa-my husband-showed up for pictures!) and as soon as I get my other computer back, I can post some pictures.

Next, I have been working on word designs.  In fact I have had 7 to do in the last week!  I made one that we put on a large canvas and is going to hang on the wall in the girls' bathroom in the big kids children's ministry.

I also did 5 more for the 10-11 year old girls that I teach on Wednesday night for their Christmas present.

I am also currently working on one for a friend of mine to put on a tote bag for her mother-in-law.  It has been busy but fun.  It has reminded me how much I love to create!

The last thing that has been going on is actually going on today.  I have to make cookies for a teacher reception we are having at church tomorrow.  So I am going to be making cut out cookies with my oldest daughter and her friend (they are also making Rice Krispie treats for me).  I really need to make pfeffernuesse (german christmas cookie) since we are almost out but that is at least a 3 hour project and is definitely going to have to wait until next week!

Anyway, sorry for the absence.  I am going to try to be better!!! Hopefully I can get my laptop back today (?) and then it will be easier.

P.S.  I wanted to add what pictures I had on this computer but it seems like it will only let me add the one.  Sorry! I'll try to add more later!

Way Back Wednesday...cuteness alert!

So far behind!

I am sooooooo far behind in my blog writing.  Sorry about that.  I've had zero inspiration/motivation to write anything.  But alas, I am back on. 

I have much updating to do.  First on the top of my "blog to do list" is to finish up my 30 days of Thankfulness.  So without further adooooooo....

30 Days of Thankfulness....days 21-30...

Day #21 Today I am thankful for the ability to give-give of my time, give of my money, give of my stuff...Thank you God for giving me people and things in which I can sow into.

Day #22 Today I am thankful for the Good News Club that my children are able to attend right in their own public school. I am thankful that they get to learn the word of God and fellowship with other christian children right in their own public school. Thank you God for the Good News Club and for the blessing that they are to us.

Day #23 Today I am thankful for all the blessings my Heavenly Father has given to me. As it is written in James 1:17 (New King James Version) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Thank you God, for giving good things to your children.


Day #24 Today I am thankful that we don't have to choose who to spend the holidays with. I am grateful that all of our parents live relatively close to each other so that we can see them all. Even though it means 3 thanksgiving meals and 3 Christmas meals, it is far better than not getting to see someone!


Day #25 Today I am thankful that I get to spend time with my family and make memories that hopefully will not grow dim anytime soon!


Day #26 Today I am thankful for my dad, Dave Horken. He is the only one crazy enough to go black Friday shopping with me year after year and then buy me breakfast afterwards. He spoils me but we both enjoy it!


Day #27 Today I am thankful for my house. Although it is getting small for our family, it has been a blessing. I love the area and the people around us and I love that it is 5 blocks from an awesome school so my kids can walk home!


Day #28 Today I am thankful for my pastors-Pastors Hank and Brenda Kunneman. They preach it to you straight and I am grateful for that. I have learned so much from them and I am excited to hear what else they have in store for us. Thank you God for giving me pastors that help me and expect me to grow.


Day #29 Today I am thankful that I don't know any different. I am thankful that for all my life (since I was 3...) that Jesus has been my savior and Lord. I don't know what life is like without him...and I am truly thankful for that!


Day #30 Today I am thankful for all my friends-both here on facebook and in "real life" (and those of you who are both). "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3


 
 
I had so much fun doing my 30 Days of Thankfulness.  Hopefully I can remember to do it next November.  Anyway, I have so much to do this week:  My husband's company party (I don't have anything to wear yet...yikes!), my discipleship group's christmas party (must make biscotti), and our church's children's ministry's Candy Cane Festival (I'll get into more about that later...hopefully with pictures of my kids at it).  But even though I have a lot to do, I promise to be back this week and do a blog update....Besides, I must do my Wordless/Wayback Wednesday!  :)