Advent

Advent starts tomorrow with the 1st of December. I follow this gal's blog, and have decided to use her advent ideas this year with the kids. I just wanted to post it quickly so that you too could enjoy some neat Christ centered activities with your little darlings this advent season. I'm praising God for the hope we have in Christ...the coming King! I would be lost without Him.

Friends

This picture is from this summer...so it's old and the babies have changed a lot since this was taken....and we're missing 3 kids in this picture....Aiden, Gracen and the middle sister....BUT I had to share it. We had some spontaneous hang out time with our best friends today. It was just what Kendall and I needed. I don't think either of us were ready to start back up after our Thanksgiving break. We are both homeschooling mamas and our schedules are kinda opposite, so that means our hang out time suffers. Our kids love each other so much though and ask to hang out a lot. I love to watch all 7 of them greet each other...there's lots of excitement and hugging that goes on. It's melt your heart sweetness.

I'm sure I've talked about her before...but Kendall and I have known each other since we were little girls at the church we grew up attending. We were only acquaintances for awhile, and then my mom started babysitting her and her little sister after school everyday...and all day during the summers. I wouldn't say we were instant friends...would you KC??? :) I think we both just put up with each other because we had too. I was super bossy...I know, it's hard to believe. Kendall was and is super sweet. So we fought A LOT. But through the years the Lord knit our hearts together and we developed this kindred spirit, sisterly friendship. We both had become Christians when we were kids, but it wasn't until around the same time as older teenagers that we decided to live our lives for Jesus. And that right there cemented us forever. We also spent a summer together in NYC through Campus Crusade doing ministry in the inner city...super cool summer! Our husbands were in seminary together in Dallas, with no family around...so we really depended on each other. We started having lots of babies while we were there, and shared so many firsts together She is so dear to me, and has taught me a lot about being a good friend.

We now live the closest we've EVER lived married...approximately 8 minutes away...we even share the same HEB and Target! Our friendship has gone through many seasons, and as of late we try to fit in phone conversations...mostly when we're driving. We try to sneak out of the house in the evenings to hang out or watch the latest ghetto dance movie. :) We meet up for play dates when our schedules allow it. We bounce parenting concerns or ideas off of each other...or mysterious illnesses that our kids have developed...We talk out ways we can be better or more efficient homemakers...we exchange dinner ideas...we share areas we are struggling in and need prayer for...you name it. I'm so thankful that she's still a big part of my life after ALL these years. God has been good to me!

Aiden is a new creation

Aiden's spiritual birthday

Celebrating his new birthday on our "You are special plate"...the same plate that my parents used to celebrate me and my brother's spiritual birthdays.

June 26th will forever be a day the Magee Tribe celebrates. A new Magee entered God's family on that day. Aiden trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of his sins...the most important decision he'll ever make! We are thankful for answered prayers, God's grace, and the wisdom to know that this was the real deal.

We had been talking about it with him for a LONG time...He KNEW the gospel, but we weren't convinced that he knew that he NEEDED the gospel. We also wanted him to initiate. Blake and I had been praying that God would make it very clear to us that it was authentic...real heart change, and not just head knowledge of what the Bible says. We asked the Lord to show us some specific things...and He did. God is good. Aiden was so excited...and that part was really cool! It actually happened on the last day of our big summer outreach at church. He had gone to a kids club all week...something the teenagers of our church help lead. Aiden had been asking us about becoming a Christian for awhile, and as we would talk about it with him, we realized he just wasn't ready.

The last club was on a Saturday, so Blake got to be there too. Blake and I both had jobs we were doing at the club. Blake was doing more manual labor stuff, set up, etc. and I was leading an adult bible study for any of the parents of the neighborhood kids that were coming to the outreach at the park. I saw Aiden go off with one of the teenagers, a girl who had been helping in his class the whole year. I knew what was going on and was kinda freaking out...and totally distracted. Blake and I both wanted to be there when he ultimately made the decision....but all we were able to do was be onlookers. I think God had to do it that way to move us out of the way. We had been telling Aiden "no" for quite some time. On that day, he took his faith into his own hands and told Deborah, that he needed to talk to her about asking Jesus into his heart. I saw the whole thing from a distance...and started to cry. Something in me knew that this was the real deal. He was probably 100 feet away, so of course I couldn't hear him...but I knew from his body language what was going on and I saw their celebration. I was still trying to lead this bible study...I honestly have no idea what I was saying at that point...I was in a totally different world. But I saw my first born, my 6 year old...looking so grown up and mature, going around telling everyone that he was a Christian...with such joy, and I was reminded of the joy of MY salvation. He ministered to me that day...so excited...knowing he was a new creation, knowing that his life had been redeemed, and he wanted to tell the whole world. It's several months later now, and he continues to be a light. He wants others to know about Jesus. He has such neat conversations with friends about Jesus' sacrifice, and I'm blown away by his boldness. I thank God that He has grabbed a hold of my son's heart at an early age. I pray that Aiden continues to follow after Him. We continue to pray for his sisters. Lord help us all. :)

First Days of School

First day of 1st grade

First day of kindergarten

First day of their fine arts school on Wednesdays

The littles wanted a picture too

This treasure warms my heart...Aiden grabbed her hand knowing she was nervous...he's not a very affectionate kid, so this meant a lot.

We homeschool. It's a fun adventure. To be honest, it's something I've never wanted to do...but God has brought me joy through my obedience. Another confession...I'm not too quick to tell people that I homeschool. I don't know...I guess I'm still getting used to the idea...and probably still a little bit embarrassed about it. Our exposure to homeschooling has not been the greatest. We've known some sold out, "my way or the high way" kind of homeschoolers and they are not very fun to be around. I don't think homeschooling is for everybody, nor do I think it's God's way for education. It's a scary thing when people start believing that their values are God's values...that's rarely the case. However, for now, God has called the Magee Tribe to homeschool...and that's the adventure we're on.
Aiden started 1st grade this year and Gracen has started kindergarten. Going from 1 to 2 has been a big change....but a good one. I felt kind of weird schooling 1/4 of my children last year...it was all lopsided. Now, I'm schooling 1/2 of my kids and that feels a lot better. It keeps me busy...but the time I get to pour into them has been priceless. Blake and I see this time more than anything as discipleship and character building for them. Our studies are rigorous and challenging....I know academically they are doing well....but I'm more concerned with their hearts, their love for God, and their love for people...That's what we spend a lot of our days working on. Our time together has been a treasure for me.

Let's Try this again

This picture has no real significance. I just think it's fun. It's from this summer....but this is pretty much how we've been around here for the past week...taking it easy...and it feels good.

I've been on a hiatus...and I'm dusting myself off and trying this blogging thing again. I'm nervous about it, because I set high expectations for myself, in general...and when I can't live up to them, I feel like a loser. So these past 6 months of non-blogging, I've pretty much felt like a loser...seriously. I've been so busy with family life, homeschooling, ministry, etc. that blogging has been on the bottom of my long list. I'll give it another go though...I do think it's helpful for me to slow down and process things going on around me...and of course, it's like a virtual scrapbook. I'm hopefully setting more realistic expectations this time...

Surprise!

My personal favorite

I totally LOVE these kids. I mean, look at them. How can you not? They are hilarious and so fun! Blake took off a day in February and we surprised them with Chuck E Cheese. We told them we were taking them somewhere special, and they were going crazy trying to figure it out. When we finally pulled up and got out, they immediately started dancing, and celebrating. Blake and I were cracking up. I love that they are expressive, and joyful, and not too concerned with what others think...yet. I know that day is coming...but until then I'm gonna relish these sweet moments of pure freedom!

Change isn't always bad

Last time sharing a room...for now anyways. (Sort of staged. I forgot that morning)

About to be 3 and ready for a big girl bed

New roommates at Aiden's request. He and Evie are sharing a room now.

Hello Gracen--looking at the "big" girl room

Grier's 1st night in a big girl bed. *Sniff, sniff. They are VERY excited to be bunking together.

So in February and March we did a lot of changing around here. We switched so many things around that it made my head spin. We decided to make our 4th bedroom a playroom, and so we combined kiddos. It's been several months since this took place...Aiden and Ev are still loving being together...and it's adorable to hear my 17 month old say "Aiden". She loves him SO much. Grier and Gracen are now in bunk beds. We wanted to start Grier lower to the ground. She was ready pretty quickly for a "real" bed. We had bought this adorable set of bunk beds unfinished (from Furniture in the Raw) in someones yard who needed to sell them quickly..for $30. Yes...$30! Isn't that ridiculous!? So, Blake painted them white and moved them into the girls room...pics later. We're still mixin' it up over here...although it's slowed down a bit...thank goodness.

Get Away

Look at that handsome guy!

Yes...I brought my crock pot. Can't leave home without it.

In February, Blake and I got to get away for a few days sans kids. We headed to Fredericksburg to a B & B. We've been several times and always stay somewhere different...but this place might be seeing us again. It had every thing we could have wanted...it was romantic and cozy, and it was right off of Main St...so we could walk everywhere. We had such a great time. The purpose of our time away was to pray about the year, set some personal and family goals, and think through ministry commitments, our calendar, our vision for our family...you name it, we covered it. It was very productive...we talked, and talked and talked...and prayed and prayed and prayed. Both of our tanks were overflowing as we pulled out of there to see our precious children. The time away really recharged us. I can't wait for next year.

Freak Snow...in February

It's in his DNA to throw things.

Don't eat the YELLOW snow! (I've always wanted to sat that)

Adventures to be had

*Out of order...this should be #1. First time to be in the snow (That they remember)

Snow Princess

Then something goes terribly wrong

And we scared the neighbors. I'm sure of it.

Okay, okay....so we might have been a LITTLE unprepared. I mean, we DO live in Central Texas. We don't get snow often enough to be outfitted for the rare occurrence, much less know what to do in it. And we might just be in our pajamas, with a little hoodie...and no gloves. It started off a fun adventure, but it wasn't long before we were all soaking wet, cold, and a little weepy. Well, just one of us...ahem. From the sounds of the wailing and the screaming, I'm sure our neighbors thought a child had been abandoned on the side of the road. Do I feel a little guilty for our lack of warmth...nah...we eventually went in and returned to our normal color with a little hot chocolate. And look at the memories we made...AND, bonus...now I have some footage for a certain person's rehearsal dinner video. Isn't her crying face adorable??

The Tribe Sees the Dentist

Tag Team Cleaning

Brave Aiden--off by himself

Clutching the Side

Starting to relax

Whatev...


So, my question to you is...have you ever been to the dentist with 4 children 5 and under before? Well, I wouldn't recommend it. It's an adventure to say the least. Actually this trip was fantastic! First off let me just say how AWESOME Dr. G is at Kids Dental Smiles. Not only was he willing to see all 4 of my kids on the same day, BUT he and his staff are always so kind and patient too! And as a side note, Dr. G is opening up an office in the RR area, so he'll be closer to us!! Check him out if you need a pediatric dentist.
Okay, so back to our adventure...Aiden and Grier love the dentist. Aiden goes off by himself...no big deal. And as you can see Grier feels right at home. This was Evan's first time, and she apparently loved it as well...then there's Gracen.
Wow...where do I begin...Well, I have taken her to the dentist every 6 months since she was 12 months old...and now she's 5. So, if you do the math, she's been...a lot! That doesn't seem to matter. We role play EVERY single time starting about 2 weeks out. We talk about the benefit of healthy teeth. We talk about ALL the prizes she'll get when she goes...because they LOAD you up. But every time we get there we are met with a HUGE meltdown. You would think we were trying to pull all her teeth out. Anyhow, I think her file is marked at Dr. G's office, because the hygienist that came to take her back seemed to breath deeply before calling her name and asked me to come back, which they usually don't offer up front for the "older" kids. BUT to my surprise AND the hygienists, Gracen was AMAZING! She was brave (for the most part) and cooperative. I couldn't believe it. I did have to hold her hand the whole time...but hey, I'd gladly do that. I smothered her with kisses and praised her ALL DAY long for her bravery...It's only looking up from here.

Girls

The lighting is weird on this picture...I still don't really know what all the buttons do on my camera...obviously...BUT I thought this picture was so sweet. I adore these 3 girls.

P.S....I'm now in "February"...I'm just chugging a long.

Our own little playground

The kids got a trampoline and a swing set for Christmas from both sets of their grandparents...and it has CHANGED my life. I love that I can send them in the backyard and they have stuff to play with. I mean, it seems like a no brainer...but it took us awhile to figure this out. Before our backyard resembled a neighborhood park, the kids would find trouble quickly...very quickly. It wouldn't be but a few minutes, before I would hear either crying or "MOMMY!" Not only have they gotten along so much better, but it has made for some really fun playdates...and made it SO easy to have other families over. Thank you Grandparents...you made my year!

Officially in 2010 now!!

We were headed to the car for church and I realized how adorable and color coordinated they were...so what could I do...but whip out my camera and snap a few pictures. Gracen had slept in some braids to see if we could make some waves...it turned out pretty fun.

And now, folks...this post brings me into 2010...officially. I'm so glad to be done blogging about 2009. I mean, that was SOOO last year...

Mommy's Helpers

I love Evan in the background of this one.

The girls were helping me get little treats ready for Aiden's class at Grace Harbor. They love being in the kitchen and helping me cook, or assisting with whatever project I'm working on. I wish I was better at letting them help me cook more. I know it blesses them when they do get to help...but it's hard for me. It's hard for me to slow down enough to bring them along. I know I'm gonna look back on this time, and wish I would have included them more...but it's a process to get them all washed up, and lined up on chairs just to get started. Okay, fine...I'll work on it. Writing this is convicting my heart. Okay I said, I'll work on it...leave me alone. :) Check back to make sure I've done a better job.

Playing "Train"

I especially love the days when the kids get along beautifully. These are the days that I'm thankful for having them all so close together.

Just Because...

...she's adorable. These are a few or four months old...she has more hair now, and a mouth full of teeth...but she's still the same fun Evie.