I promised one of my sisters that I would put up all of the pictures from our family get together so that she could have easy access to them and can hopefully print some off herself. I also decided to put up the Blackwood side of our Christmas for those Blackwoods who are in Australia. So, to break things up a bit, I'm posting them on different posts in chronological order. First Z's side, and then my side. Enjoy the pictures! And, for those of you who don't care to look a hundred and two pictures, you can go ahead and move on with your website checklist for the day. :) Have a lovely day!

This is what our "Christmas tree" originally looked like when we set it up...

But, this happened...

So, I chopped the top off and stuck it in the dirt (It's February now and still living strong...at the time I didn't know if I could do it to this sort of plant)...

This is the little reindeer who helped set up the Christmas decor...

Our "mistletoe," which I thought was perfectly charming...

F was fit to bust because these people came to our house:

And then, Uncle Garrett played the pickle song for us.

She really did love the music...

And, then, Grandpa and Grandma gave Felicity presents which she happily uses now, even if she wasn't too happy when she received them...

This was our own family Christmas on Christmas morning...

Yup, the same stickers she saw the day she got her shots. :)

This was part of Z's stocking stuffer...

Don't worry, if I do it to my daughter (repurpose stickers for gifts), I do it to myself...I was thrilled to get these in the mail, but waited for it in anticipation by stuffing it my stocking for a couple weeks. :)

Z guessing what one of his presents was...

This is the scarf and white tooth that Z got me.  :)

F was sticking her tongue out constantly that week...just like Grandpa F. does :)

After lunch on Christmas Day, playing Scrabble...

Felicity loved the company but was oh-so-tired...

And, MORE visitors! Hooray! This is while we were having our "Australia Christmas" via Skype...

Christmas Dinner...

Going to see the lights on Christmas night...

Playing Settlers... I forget who won though...

Charity trying to get Garrett to trade with her...

No offense to him, but Allen takes a while to decide things...

The board...

My assets...

Notice the campfire scene I made with my pieces...

The next day it snowed! We brought some inside to show Felicity...

But, she decided it better stay outside...

So, we all went outside with it! And, after our short-lived game of Ultimate Frisbee in a nearby field, we took a few pictures...

I rather like this picture of the whole gang...

Everybody is leaving! :(

But, Garrett and Charity treated us to Bob's first... :)

One of my favorite things at Bob's...Hot Chocolate. :)

I think Felicity rather enjoyed her first taste of Bob's food...especially the potatoes from Mommy and Daddy's plates. :)

I kept trying to decide what this guy in the background was working on/for, but I never came up with any solid conclusions...

THE END!

Life is always full of new things these days. F is certainly turning into a toddler. She's beginning to try things like putting on her own socks or hats, patting her baby doll's back, giving kisses and hugs, brushing her own hair, and walking! Whoever coined the phrase "drunken sailor" for toddlers certainly phrased it well. Just last week she would only take 3-5 steps at a time. Now, she's walking through the whole house, but her gait is a wobbly one. She really does look like a drunken sailor who's about to be tossed from a ship that's being tossed and turned at sea during a storm. She does pretty well to pick herself right back up and move on in life, though. She's also beginning to say new words like dolly and eye. Another new thing is, "No." I know most people dread this phase of toddlers, but it's actually pretty nice for us. I appreciate a larger vocabulary. She doesn't seem to use it too much in deviance (I'm sure that's just around the corner though). But, she can now tell me that she doesn't want any more food (we're working on "No, thank you" - but, so far we only have the first word down:), if she wants her bottle, or if she wants to play with something (nodding is "yes," but we still can't get her to say it). The other day I was video taping her "playing" the piano, and she stopped as soon as she saw me and didn't start playing again. When I asked, "Are you done playing the piano?" She stared at me a moment and then softly said, "No." So, I encouraged her to keep playing, and she turned around and played. :) Happy moment...even when a child says, "No." :)

A new thing for me is that I've recently been reading the book "Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking." Very, very interesting. I almost want to read it again. Not only has it been an enjoyable read, but it's taken me back to all those fascinating Psychology courses I took during my college days. I really do enjoy analyzing personality types, and this lady does a good job of keeping her reader entertained while showing results of scientific tests. She starts off the book by talking about how the American society values the extrovert and fails to see the value of introverts and how around the 1920's we went from a "Culture of Character" to a "Culture of Personality." Personally, I think I agree with her in many of the points she makes in the first couple chapters. We often think that to be successful (however you define it), to be seen as intelligent, or to show that we care about something or someone we must be energetically engaged with other people, even though, some people prefer to make a difference in the world in other ways - like being alone in the office or home. She even has a chapter about the church-at-large in America showing that today's churches tend to believe that to be successful you must be loud. Sadly, I think she's right on this point, even if she isn't coming from a Christian perspective. God isn't looking for the most extroverted people, the flashiest programs, or the most entertaining worship services. (God certainly does use extroverted people in the church, but He also uses the quiet ones to accomplish His purposes.) The writer shares about her experiences and interactions with different people, scientists, professors, etc., so it definitely makes it more of an interesting and engaging read.

I'm not sure her background, although there does seem to be some Macro-Evolution and Liberalism sprinkled throughout her writings. I do think she gives some helpful (and some not so helpful, too) suggestions about how to interact with people who have a different personality than yourself. I keep thinking about different people I know and think, "Ah, so that's possibly why they act that way or say such and such." Either that, or face-palming myself for something stupid I said or did to an introvert sometime in the past.  According to her little test that I took twice on different days, I'm an ambivert (right in the middle), and I found myself nodding in agreement to both the introvert and extrovert dispositions she describes, thinking of how I fit certain molds. I really do love (and often prefer) those evenings of just sitting and talking with one person or being by myself, but I also seem to get much more energy from being around people (being home alone can be exhausting, in my own humble opinion:). I love psychology.

It has also made me notice Z's and F's social cues and tendencies. As I read the beginning of the book I realized how I have often dreamed throughout my life that I want my husband/children to be social butterflies. But, what if their not? Would I be just as thrilled? Do I think for a moment that being introverted will hinder their life? Or would I help them cultivate those personality types to use them for the glory of God? Z took the test and he's an introvert. :) I have often struggled particularly with how he often pauses in a conversation to form his thoughts. But, after reading this book and reflecting on his personality and the gifts God has given him, I'm so thankful he's an introvert. With F I'd already noticed some tendencies toward introversion. For example, I often (about once a day) find her lying on the floor in the middle of the room cuddling with her baby doll or some other stuffed animals. But, when I put her in her room she doesn't fall asleep. Within minutes I hear her talking quietly. After 30 or 40 minutes, she makes it known that she's ready to come out, and then she's as happy and as energetic as could be (Then, later she'll take her "real" nap). Sometimes she just needs to be alone. Could this be a sign of introversion? Perhaps. She also seems to be highly sensitive to people or noises around her, a characteristic I never really associated with introverts before reading this book. She does seems to love people, but she also seems to sleep a LOT after social interactions. I know that most babies are probably tired after social engagements - mostly because it's off their schedule, but it's just another thing that just makes me wonder.

There's a lot I've learned from my introvert friends, and I know there's a whole lot more that I can learn from them. So, I'm super thankful to have them, as well as my extrovert friends, around. :)

Today Z has an interview at a nearby college to be a part-time adjunct professor. We're not sure if this "new thing" will lead anywhere. But, we're praying that the Lord will lead during this time, trusting that He has it all planned out. :)

And, a new thing for our family is that we're currently on the lookout for tickets to Australia! Lord willing, we'll be there the whole summer (June - August). There's something bittersweet about being there for the whole summer. We're both really excited to go and be with Z's family (there's a lot you can learn about a spouse by being around their family for longer periods of time...picking up on all those family social/psychological cues...I'm super ready now that I've read that book. hehe.:). And, F and I are especially excited to meet, face-to-face, so many people in the church we've heard about, met on Skype, and prayed for over the years. We're also both looking forward to getting our very first passports and flying, not gonna lie. :) But, we will be sad to be away from our church-family and ministry here for so long, especially during a time when our pastor and his family will be moving away and a new pastor, Lord willing, arriving. But, God is gracious and good, and we're thankful for the things He allows us to do.

A lot has happened since I last posted. Christmas has come and gone, and with it many family members and friends. I have a white front tooth instead of an ugly brown one (Z's surprise Christmas gift for me. Perfect. :). Our solar system and calendars have evoked a new year, 2013. And, in my mind, we're charging into the realness and relentlessness of winter. I have to admit, I usually don't care much for winter. It seems bitter cold even inside the house, and no amount of hot tea, exercise, sweaters, or space heaters seem to make up for the lack of warmth. I really just want to hibernate like a bear and never come out of my cave until the first tulip has sprung (often times I feel like a hibernating bear because I'm so unmotivated to get things done or even to do something as simple and necessary as drinking water).

But, then I just have to remind myself that without Winter, Spring wouldn't be a season of anticipation. In turn, Summer wouldn't be filled with the same sort of excitement and exuberance. And Fall, well, poor Fall would be forlorn without it's chilly partner (people and things do seem awfully lonely without someone to share something with). Plus, it wouldn't ever have to be Fall (or spring, for that matter) if we had no winter. :)
 
Perhaps, that isn't the way one should view Winter. After all, God perfectly designed it this way. So, maybe we should just be thankful for winter just because it's winter and not because of the things that come from winter.  Although, God does to allow some things to remain groaning for a time to show or give something that is even greater. :) Hmmm...

Whatever the reason we have to give thanks, I'm thankful too that during these winter months God continues to give us joy even in the little things. Things like a daughter who is learning to walk (even though it's still a bit wobbly :) and who now intentionally gives generous kisses by jutting out her mouth - which is sometimes puckered and sometimes wide open, a husband who was given the "Teacher of the Month" award at school today and continues to work so hard to provide for his family, the darkness waiting just a bit longer to close in around us in the evening, hot water, and good books.

What are you thankful for during Winter?

From T-Shirt To Dress

Last week, my mother brought over the family t-shirts for our big Family Fest which is at the end of December. Since we've grown quite large (8 kids, 7 in-laws, and 22 grand-kids), Mother got t-shirts with different colored for all the families. We got to choose our own color - a big plus of being married. :)

Anyway, when I pulled out F's t-shirt it seemed ginormous compared to her tiny body. So, I asked Mother if I could make it into a dress (why I thought I could really do this well is beyond me; I have very minimal experience sewing). She gave the okay, and so yesterday I got on Pinterest to find a dress that I liked and that looked fairly easy to make. Of course, there were lots of choices. Here's the one I chose.

Pretty simple looking, right? Mine turned out decent, but not as good as that lady's (I've been trying to give myself a little slack. It is, after all, the first dress I've ever made :). I learned from this experience that if I ever have a sewing question, I'll go to this blog. It's perfect. She shows so many techniques with pictures. I love pictures. I can't do anything without them. And, since I am so visually minded, I thought I'd share my whole process with you in pictures...

Last night I started by cutting out the dress and sewing a new hem along the sides of the t-shirt

This was the "before" shot:

Another intent in making this into a dress is so that F can use it this coming summer. So, I picked a dress that is a bit too big on her to use as an outline. 

I kept the original hem at the bottom because I wanted a sturdy and neat looking hem. After looking at it on F I've decided that, when summer comes and it's still a bit long on her, I might just make a new hem that makes the dress shorter...

Cutting the shirt, initially, was the scariest part of the whole process? I mean what if it was a complete flop?! F would always be remembered as the family member who didn't have a shirt on in the big family photo. :( 

                                      

Z thought he'd try it on for size when I was done with the side hems...

This morning I took to the sewing machine to make hems around the arm holes, which probably took the longest for me...unless you count having to undo the stitches when I sewed up the sleeves last night...not my brightest moment. :) 

 Then, I made the neckline out of one of Z's white t-shirts that we got at the county fair this past summer. :) I have always wanted to learn how to do a 5 strand braid, and it turns out it was much easier than I thought; although, I'm not sure I could ever do it with someone's hair.

I don't know why or how, but my braid ended up much more bulky than the other lady's. Her's was so perfectly petite. I think maybe next time I'll try less wide strips of clothe.

 And, this is the finished project. Not quite like the tutorial, but I'm learning. Maybe next time it'll be a little bit better. :)

Oh, and sorry about the photos being cockeyed. Z's the computer-talented one in this family...

This is the winterized version... 

This is the summer version...

F is stoked for this family fest!

With F moving around more and more it's fairly common for her to wander off on her own with me checking up on her once in a while. She seems to enjoy playing by herself or with her baby doll and stuffed animals. This afternoon I was in the kitchen and realized how quiet things had become, so I went to find her standing erect over all her animals and blankets that were sprawled all across her bedroom floor. It wasn't too long ago she would never have been able to create such a "mess." And, watching her wave her arms, stoop down, and pick up her stuffed animals while "talking" made me sense how special it is for me to be able to watch her grow up and miss very few things in her childhood, especially all those "firsts." Then, I started thinking of all the things that sometimes frustrate, annoy, or exhaust me from being a stay-at-home-mother (even though I have it pretty easy with only one child), but in the end, it's all worth it. And, I'm very thankful that I get to do them.

Being able to be home with F is worth...

Messy rooms.

Finding she's gotten into the cupboard and cluttered the kitchen floor with what use to be clean dishes.

 Trying to cleaning those icky hands and face after each meal while she tries to peel herself away from me.

Wiping that runny nose on a body that wants to run away.

Doing more laundry.

Fighting those knee stains she gets from crawling around.

(Will they ever come out?)

Smelling and changing all those dirty diapers.

Stretch marks that will probably never go away. 

Being enervated some days.

All those comments that people make about how much we're missing in life by having children so soon.

A slightly lacking social life.

 (I'll have to remember this if we have more kids and it goes from slight to drastic.:)

Being home alone - and sometimes craving that adult communication during the day.

Often interrupted or short ended conversations with others.

Having to decide if going to the grocery store is worth the effort. 

(Silly, I know, but I still think through the issue of hassle versus productivity and enjoy-ability. Again, I'll have to keep this in mind when (hopefully) more children populate this family).

Being a penny-pincher. 

Spending more time shopping for little people clothes rather than women's or men's.

The constant interruptions from getting other things done.

The labor in prayer.

Two weeks ago I heard this sermon - and have pored over it since then. An excellent sermon on the fullness of Christ that I would highly recommend. If you are hungry for God, this will feed your soul. During the sermon, though, Mr. Y. spoke about the deity of Christ and quoted Gregory of Nazianzus. I found the original, full-length version (I think) and found myself pondering on it, so I thought I'd share it with you.

He was baptized as man, but He remitted sins as God.

He was tempted as a man, but He conquered as God.

He hungered, but He fed thousands.

He thirsted, but He is the source of living water which quenches any who thirst of it.

He was wearied, but He is the rest of them that are weary and heavy laden.

He slept, but He awakened the dead.

He prayed, but He hears prayer.

He wept, but He gives joy unspeakable.

He asks where Lazarus was laid, for He was man, but He raises Lazarus for He is God.

He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, but He redeems the world, and that at great price, for the price was His blood.

As a sheep He was led to the slaughter, but He is the Great Shepherd of Israel, and of the world.

As a Lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word eternal.

He is bruised and wounded, but He heals every disease and every infirmity.

He dies, but gives Life, and by His death, He destroys death.

Family Photos

While the sun was setting one evening last week we decided to go to the park and take some photos.
We've been wanting to get F's one-year-old photo taken; but, I also want to learn to do it ourselves. Why not start practicing now? :) Someday I'll tinker with editing the pictures (Z's much much more patient with computers than me); but, for now, I'm working on just learning about lighting and camera settings. Here are a few (or more than a few :) of the photos we took...

 This one ^ is my personal favorite. :)