The Living Nativity

We were so blessed with the opportunity to serve our Lord this Christmas. It was purely amazing. Every night, we walked away with a tired happiness settling into our hearts. This production was just awesome, and the cast members showed us that serving Him is a joy even in the 15 degree weather, rain, and amazing winds. I tried to get a shot from each scene in order, but missed one scene. So, here are the 11/12 scenes of the Lafayette Living Nativity.

Scene One
The Garden of Eden---The Need for a Savior
Scene Two
Noah's Ark---The People Rebel
Brian is being told by Noah to REPENT! (Brian was in the brown Carhartt at the edge of the picture)
Scene Three
The Savior is Coming---picture was too blurry due to lighting..sorry.



Scene Four
Bethlehem



Scene 5
The Manager---The Savior has Come.

Scene 6
The Shepherds---This reminded me of Charlie Brown's Christmas...lol.

Scene 7
The Wisemen
Isaac spooked one of the camels, and the poor thing tried to run away from him. Only to remember that he was on a lead. Poor Camel.

Scene 8
Raising Lazarus

Scene 9
Calming the Waters
The disciples rowed so hard, and were so frightened, that they rocked the boat too hard. Rocked it off its rocker. We all sang, "Don't rock the boat, baby." for most of the evening.

Scene 10
The Crucifixion

Scene 11
He's Alive!

Scene 12
Christ Returns!
This poor guy had the worst part in the whole production. He had to stand on a platform in the middle of the parking lot. It was freezing! But, as you can see, there is air blowing up his robe. That was hot air. ;) We told him that Mary was supposed to be the only pregnant one! lol.

Abbie had the blessing of serving with Miss Jamie. Miss Jamie took care of her in Bethlehem and at the Crucifixion scene. Brian and I are so thankful for friends that take thought of our child's spiritual well being. It was a very neat thing for Abbie to be able to serve. And she could not have done without Miss Jamie...THANKS JAMIE!

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The Christmas Ball

Isaac wakes up every morning to see if "Santa" has come yet. On this morning, Brian happened to be standing in the office doorway to see it. He grabbed my camera and took this picture. It was the first morning that there was a gift there~

Abbie has loved going to the American Girl Club meetings at our local Barnes and Nobles (the children's dept people ROCK!) This month, they had a darling ball for the girls. They taught them how to Waltz, played parlor games, and made dough thingys. Topped with cupcake towers and punch. It was so sweet to see those girls all dressed up with their babies.
Abbie has a few friends from church that she goes with too, which makes it extra fun!

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Abbie WON!!!!

Abbie worked hard at a Bible Verse contest in our local paper. She was so excited to put the stamp on the envelope and mail in the real mail. About 2 weeks later, she got the call that she had won! Thrilled, she and Brian went to pick up her Bible.

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My Great Provider

I am never un-amazed at the way that my Lord works. He plans everything out in our lives to fit together like this beautiful puzzle. I must admit, my puzzle looks something like a big dump truck at times, but He is forever working it into a beauty!

Last week, we thought that our finances looked like a garbage truck. I have not been babysitting for awhile now, Brian lost all of his overtime, and we found out that he did not get to work the last week of December. MESS!!! But, my Great Provider had already laid out a plan.

So many little things have been pieced together. From Gas and Electric to Christmas for the kids...Even a little desire that Abbie had! There was a dress that Abbie had been wanting for months. I just happened (yeah right...God sent me into that store!) to walk into the Once Upon A Child at the time that they had marked the entire store down to 60% off!!!! Seriously. And it just so happened that they had the dress Abs had wanted. In her size. Seriously...now tell me that The Maker of the oceans and The Creator of the stars, does not care about the desires of a 7 year old little girl.

Things just keep falling together. And while we are not living in the Ritz...nor are we secure in our finances, God has promised to provide, and He is already showing that He has and that He will. What a Beautiful Provider He IS.

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Congrats To The Snowman Lady

Some of my friends know "The Snowman Lady". She is the sweet lady who made us all personalized Snowman Kits, to help raise money for her journey to becoming a mother. Remember her??? Well, she does have a name other than "The Snowman Lady"...it is Niki.

A few weeks back, Niki found out that she was expecting!!!! I was thrilled, and wanted to announce it here, but waited to make sure that her wee one would be a "Sticky Snowflake". I did not want to hurt Niki by posting it, only for heartache later.

I am thrilled to offer a CONGRATS to Niki and Mark...there sweet little Snowflake passed all of her/his tests, and is on his/her way to growing like a weed! Please join me in praying for this dear family...

And if you would like to read her news, here is a link to her blog:

Niki and Mark's Blog

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Monday Matchups

Sorry that last week's matchups went undone. I could use the excuse of "It was my big 3-0 birthday" or ... "I was overwhelmed with all of the Christmas decorations" or... "I was too astonished that I got the week before out on Monday, instead of Tuesday..." or... I was just lazy. Any of those might work. lol.

Anyhow...Here is this weeks! And, as a bonus and an apology, I am adding in a sale sneak peak for CVS that will be on the 21st and 22nd of December. :)

Meijer copied from HCW
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats--.99
SALE: $1.99
MQ: $1/1—11/16--

Quaker Granola Bars--$1.00
SALE: 4/$6--$1.50 ea.
MQ: $1/2—11/16--

Jiff Peanut Butter--$1.30
SALE: 2/$4--$2 ea.
MQ: .35/1 – 11/09—

Coffee-Mate Creamer, FREE
SALE: .99
MQ: .50/1 - 11/02

Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough 1.00
SALE: 2/$4
MQ: 1.00/1 - 12/07

Hershey's Baking chips 3/$4
SALE: 3/$5
MQ: 1.00 off 3 --11.16

For Indianapolis Shoppers Only---Goes through December 11th.
Meijer has the buy any 3 Hanes socks and undies, get $10.00 off. Not sure of all the prices, but toddlers socks are only $3.99, so $2.00 for three packs.

CVS
Planters mixed nuts or whole cashews $3.00 spend $15.00 get 5 ecbs limit 1

Hersheys Candy Spend 20 get 10 ecbs[limit 1]

2 DAY FREE AFTER ECB (December 21 and 22nd Sunday & Monday ONLY ) after Monday no ECB's
Listerine antiseptic 16.9oz $2.99 get $2.99 limit 5
$1/1 Listerine Premium 500 mL or larger exp 12-31-08
from CVS Diabetes coupon Book
.

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine nail Color $5.99 get $5.99 limit 2
.50 off Sally Hansen Nail Color, Any - 09-28-08 SS
$3/2 from CVS Beauty Book also referred to as the Reinventing Beauty flyer.
.
Arm & Hammer Essentials starter kit $2.99 get $2.99 limit 5
Print Your Coupon $1/1(Wildehart2015)
I found an Arm & Hammer Essentials display in CVS about a month ago that had a holder full of MIR forms, and they don't expire until 6/15/09. So be on the lookout!
.
L'Oreal HIP Metalic eye shadow duos $6.99 get $6.99 limit 2
L'Oreal VisibleLift Product Or Any Makeup, Powder, Blush Or Concealer, $2/1 Any - 10-05-08 RP
.
ThermaCare neck to arm heatwrap 1ct $2.49 get $2.49 limit 3
$1/1 Thermacare heat wraps (excluding trial size) - 11-30-08 PG
.
Right Guard Professional solid 1.8oz or aerosol 6oz $6.00 get $6.00 limit 5
.50/1 IP http://sweeps.rightguard.com/index.html(use code rightguard) link comes in your email when you play this IWG:
Also $2/1 Q inside Professional Aerosol box lid.
.

Zipfizz energy 3ct $5.99 get $5.99 limit 1
.

Excedrin Express Gels 20ct $3.99 get $3.99 limit 1
Print Your Coupon $2/1 (Ceniceros)
Rebate for Excedrin Express Gels. It says "Save up to $6.99 By Mail when You Buy Excedrin Express Gels 20 Ct. Cash receipt is to be dated between 10/19/08 and 12/31/08, rebate request to be postmarked by 12/31/08. Lmt 1 rebate per person, family, household or address. 10/19/08 SS (
.

Alteril sleep aid 30ct $9.99 get $9.99 limit 1
.

Halls Naturals 25ct $2.59 get $2.59 limit 1
Halls Cough Drops Single Bag, $1/2 or .50/1 Any 20 Ct. + - 10-26-08 SS
Halls Single Bag .50/1 20ct + - All You magazine (Issue 11, November 21, 2008)
Halls, Halls Sugar Free, Halls Naturals, Halls Breezers or any Halls Defense; .35/1 any bag (20 ct or larger) DND - All You, September 2008
Other Taerpads around
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EAS AdvantEdge bar 2.11oz $1.69 get $1.69 limit 1
.
Zantac 150 8ct $4.99 get $4.99 limit 1
11/09/08 SS has $1/1 Q as well as up to $5.oo MIR
Zantac Heartburn Relief, $1/1 on Any - 10-26-08 SS
Zantac Heartburn Relief, $1/1 on Any - 09-21-08 SS

.
EAS AdvantEdge shake 4pk $7.49 get $7.49 limit 1
.
Benefiber drink mix 16ct $7.29 get $7.29 limit 1
Benefiber, $2/1 Any Stick Pack - 11-16-08 SS
Benefiber $2/1 Stick Packs, Any - 10-19-08 SS

.
Iceland Health joint relief 60ct $29.99 get $29.99 limit 1 <>
.

Slimquick 2pk 4oz total $4.99 get $4.99 limit 1
.

Sleepinal 32ct $8.49 get $8.49 limit 5

Walgreens
Reynold's Alum. Foil 20 sf., $.01 overage
SALE: $.99 w/ 7-Day IVC
MQ: $1

Kelloggs Rice Krispies (and other varities), GDA .99
SALE: $1.99
MQ: $1/1 Kelloggs Rice Krispies and other selected varities 11/9/08 RP

Maybelline Lipstick, Lip Gloss or Lip Liner, FREE
SALE: B1G1 free Maybelline Cosmetics (last pg of ad)
MQ: $4 off any Maybelline Lipstick, Lipliner or Lip Gloss from upcoming 12/7 RP


$5 RR on $25 purchase on 12/10 --- 12/13

Buy $15 worth of the following products, get $5 in Register Rewards
Starbucks Fraps $6.00
Pepsi 2 Liters 4/5
Tropicana Orange Juice 2/6
Sobe and Aquafina flavored Water 4/4
Gatorade 4.99

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Holidays at The Little White House...

We were driving around the circle downtown, when I look back to see Abbie smiling so big, that she had a little tear coming out of her eye. I asked her if she was happy, and she said, "I feel so Christmasy that I can feel my heart beating hard!" Now, that is my child. And I will have to admit, I was prouder at that moment than I was when she figured out how to add three digit numbers. That comment made me realize that I might be growing up...and now passing on that Christmas delight to my sweet children. Brian also commented on how he felt a little giddy as he walked into Walmart and heard the Christmas music playing. Have I finally rubbed off??? Maybe!

So, here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend. Really, more pictures of our little humble abode. Welcome to our home...

I can not believe that Brian happily hung the boughs of holly this year! lol... And yes, he did sing that song while hanging them. I was so proud...and thankful!

Every "vacation" we take, we get an ornament for our tree. We always write the trip and year on the ornament somewhere. This was our new one. Picked out by Brian at Disney. He actually bought it from a Philipino woman named Philis. lol. For some reason, this ornament was the highlight of the tree this year. That trip brought us such an extreme joy.

Abbie trying to get it at the top.

A tradition that we started a few years back...the first night that the tree is up, the kids get to sleep in the Family Room with the tree lights on. All about the magic baby...

Evil man.

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Too Excited!

While I know that I have friends in the North Pole regions that will be laughing at me, I am so excited. Can not go to sleep actually!

Tonight...we will get our snow!

Still up in the air (hahahaha...little weather man humor for you) over how much, but it sounds like enough for a snowman! Niki's kit will be making his debut.

Checking back tomorrow with Thanksgiving at the Pulliams, Christmas trimmings at the little white house, and our first snow pictures of the season.

Happy Dreams...and please do not rain (yikes...rain...I mean snow) on my parade by telling me that you got 27 inches. :P (yes...that means you Lisa and Dawn)

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Lover...Your Beloved Needs You.

I was driving through the country this morning. All alone as Brian had the kids in the car in front of me. I was kind of having a little bit of a pity party for myself. Feeling alone. Struggling with the lack of close comfortable friends, the lack of babies that should have made their way into our earthly family, and the lack of a husband who is gone insane hours most weeks. Just feeling sorry for myself.

So, I turned on the radio. The song "You've been a bad, bad boy" popped on. LOL. Was God telling me something, possibly. But, I turned the knob from Brian's oldies station, to my Christian station. Ahh....Sweetness filled my car. The soft piano starting beating out the notes to, "I will lift my eyes." We sang this song on Sunday. And while the entire lyrics are just wonderful, there is a certian few phrases that have touched my soul, and caused me to realize that I have a Lover. Even if "I" feel the lack of earthly companionship, my Lover holds me close to Him...and I should snuggle in. As this song played, I looked out on the fields, and saw the sun peeking through the trees, hitting the frost on the ground in a magical light show. I felt near Him. I felt un- alone. I felt ashamed for ever feeling so, and for not first offering praise before my plea for companionship.

"I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside"

"Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
the Lover I need to save me
'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
so hold me now"

"God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near calm my fear and take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in"

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Praise Him

Remember what our purpose in life is??? Can you put it into to one word? Try this word: GLORIFY. or...Try this one: PRAISE.

Hmmm...how many of us are doing either one? Seriously. I was extremely convicted last week during worship service. We read a Psalm together, don't know which one since that was 1.5 weeks ago, but it talked about the need that God's creation has to Praise Him. And the desire that God has to hear that praise. I don't know why, but it really struck something in my heart. I was standing there singing and praising at that moment. And I remember thinking at that moment, "God must love to hear His loved ones sing words of PRAISE to Him." I mean, don't we all love to be complimented? God loves it even more. He is a jealous God...who loves when HIS children LOVE HIM. That sends chills up my spine just typing it. God is pleased for us to Praise Him, and angry when we ignore His Goodness.

Today, I was jumping in the car to drop some things off in the mail. I hear the bells of the church down the street tolling. They were pounding out, "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow." At first, my heart was warmed by it. And I thought, yes, Praise God! Then, my heart turned to the guys walking into the bar down the street...I could see them from where the car was parked. They could hardly stand upright as they entered in to get more to drink. My heart was sickened. I thought, here this doxology is ringing out into our town, and these people have no desire to offer anything of themselves to their Creator. I was mad. And then convicted yet again. I am no better than they. In fact, I wonder if at times I am worse. I am a believer. I KNOW better. To him that knoweth to do good...and doeth it not....to HIM IT IS SIN. I know my purpose in life. I am to Praise and Glorify. I do both miserably each day.

But, I am determined to be better. I want to shine with His glory. I want my mouth to speak His praises. I want to shout Thanksgivings...and it be all about Him. Because it should be.

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