Good Gifts

Matt 7:9-11

9Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?
10"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
11"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Jeff and I were in Toy's R Us to pick up Lilian's Christmas present. We already knew what we were after. There were parents running around everywhere. Mom's searching frantically and dad's blocking every isle. You know those play centers they have in some dr. offices to keep the kiddos entertained while they wait...they need daddy entertainment centers in stores while the mommy's shop.

That was a side note there...really...

I was walking around the store and was overwhelmed at how I wanted Lilian to have all the best toys! I just would give her the world if it was at all possible. Thankfully, I'm married to a good, common sense, let's keep focused man...thanks Jeff! Who kept me pretty well on track. So I had a revelation of sorts. If we as sinful parents know how to give good things to our children...how must our Heavenly Father feel? How much does He want to give us good things, but it's either not good for us, or we fail to ask, or we behave in an unworthy manner. We should pay attention to our ways, follow HIM, and see if we get some good blessings from God.

Play House

Last night I had a long rehearsal with my orchestra (which went really well)...so I was late getting home. I don't feel good, I'm tired, Lilian was being a crab and crying about EVERYTHING! And then Jeff brought up from the basement something that he (and Lilian) built...It was the most amazing cardboard playhouse made from the box our new bed came in! It was really really good! Complete with windows and skylights! It has 2 rooms even! Lilian really enjoys playing in that thing. Her baby dolls have a room now! :) Really, I'm still just totally in love with the man who built this great thing for his daughter. I'm blessed to have such a terrific family.

Front door and side windows

Side view

Skylights in circle and triangle shapes

She was far too busy playing to even look up! (note the baby sleeping in the back)

Sprinkles!! Sprinkles!! Sprinkles!!

Here is Lilian making cookies with Grandma and Grandpa. She was in charge of the sprinkles. We tried to put her in the living room with daddy and she would have NO part of it! She cried and cried until we sat her down with the cookies! Funny child. Here's the pics...

Making Cookies

I love making roll out sugar cookies. Since my sister and I are having a goodie making day, I thought I'd get a jump on the cookies so that my niece and nephew can start decorating right away. Lilian was very helpful! She liked to eat the dough and was covered in flour. It was terrific! I'm sure many more cookie making times are in our future! Can't wait!


Placing the cookies!

Here she just cut and cut and cut! Yeah, I had to roll it out again


Tearing the dough apart.


And I can't post without a good Lilian face! :)

Christmas pics by Maria

Here's some really cute shots Maria took of Lilian and our family. She did NOT have a cooperative baby to work with. We even tried putting on a movie so she would sit still long enough for a picture...the result...a lot of Lilian looking toward the TV instead of the camera. But she wasn't blurry! Thanks Maria for another terrific round of pics!

Lilian Rae

I love my family!

Queen of faces!

Sweet girl

My favorite picture! There's something about Daddy's and their girls!

C is for Cookie!

I do believe this was Lilian's first fresh Chocolate Chip Cookie. She seemed to enjoy it. I know I could eat the whole batch...that is if it makes it into cookie form. I love eating cookie dough! Really, I shared them with my Team at work. The PE teacher in particular thinks they are yummy! Here's Lilian's opinion: