Retro active post...

Lots of December action around here.  Christmas activities galore--Open House, piano recital, church caroling,  family coming to celebrate, a birthday girl..... We're no different than any of the rest of our friends in the activity schedules, but are desperate to be different than we've been in the past.  Refocusing on the manger more than ever before is our goal.  Chloe has taken the lead in reminding us to be selfless in our giving.  She has made me proud and humbled me in the same minute.  I'm so thankful for this renewal time and those who challenged my thinking this year.  It's exciting to see God's hand at work in the lives of friends and family.  In trying to live in the moment, I'm soberly reminded of friends who'll be spending what might be their last Christmas with loved ones.  I pray to BE alive and awake this year!  Blessings from the Tolar house this December!

Still around

It's been forever since I blogged...computer issues, plus the last time I tried to change my blog background it all froze up, etc.  I don't do well with 'technology' issues.  I WILL be back... ;) I have tons to post/blog, but life has overwhelmed a little, and living that overwhelming life has been higher on my agenda than blogging about it.... ;)

Recycling my gifts

This year we were blessed with gorgeous pumpkins...even after the drought. I hated the thought of throwing them out just because it's time for Christmas decorations. SO upon the urging of my sweet sis-in-love. Here's what we decided to do!

before

after

my favorite!

Thanksgiving 2011

All gratitude is ultimately gratitude for Christ, all remembering a remembrance of Him.

~Ann Voskamp

Thankful roots lead to branches of gratitude

Today we chose to do a craft.  If you know me AT ALL, you know this was a stretch.  I don't like 'crafty' stuff too much.  (we did refrain from glue and glitter so really it was small stuff)  We made a gratitude tree. We filled the branches with things that our family is thankful for.  Being here at home with them is definitely high on my gratitude list.  Happy Thanksgiving from the Tolar house!

 

Makes a Mama proud

I do realize that pride can be a real problem and is quite simply the root of all our problems...BUT, there are times as a Mama you just can't help yourself.  She makes my ♥ skip a beat.  Can you find her?

**2nd from right ;)

Falling more in love...

“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts,
who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2b NLT

"How precious to be reminded that as Jesus Christ was the 'fleshly revelation' of the personality of God, so between the covers of your Bible is the glorious 'written revelation' of the personality of the Lord God" ~Kay Arthur