Our first Christmas in our new home was absolutely wonderful. =)

More pictures here:

Christmas 2011

Superhero R&R

Superhero R&R - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

Tonight, our superheroes decide to take some much needed R&R at the movies.

World's Cutest Superheros

A gallon of gas: $3.13.

Capes and masks at Walmart + tax: $12.66.

Adorable little superheros running around the house: Priceless. 

Drew & Percy

Drew & Percy - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

The saddest thing in the world is a little boy, running around the house, saying, "Hoo-hoo? Hoo-hoo?" His new favorite toy is the Percy we got him (thanks again to G & G Marshall) last night. He had lost it, temporarily, and was rather distraught about it. This is their little reunion.

In Training

In Training - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

Rob also got a kid-tough camera for Christmas. He's *almost* as snap-happy as his mama, which, of course, thrills me beyond belief.

First RC

First RC - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

Someone got his first RC Mustang (Daddy's favorite car) last night. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Marshall! =)

Best Seat in the House

Best Seat in the House - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

Watching a movie from the best seat in the house. ♥

First Bible

We started reading the Christmas Story in the Bible when I asked Matt if it was okay for Rob to open one of his gifts. I let him open his A Faith To Grow On Bible and we read the story of Jesus' birth from there. He was so excited to have his very own Bible and started flipping through it on his own for awhile after we were done. What a blessing!

Happiness vs Joy

In this season where happiness is supposed to be running rampant like wide-eyed, sugared-up tikes, many struggle finding happiness in anything at all. For some, Christmastime can be a sad time of year; a time spent reflecting on what we don't have - money, a spouse, success, etc. - things that the world says are requirements for happiness. If you don't have those things at Christmas, well - you're just sad and pathetic.

The world can look at me and see exactly this - I'm a college drop out, I'm unemployed, I'm one of those "fanatical Jesus people", I married way too young, I'm still too young to really be taken seriously, I'm stuck home with two kids who were born too close together, I live just above the poverty line, I drive a granny car, I live in an old house...I could go on and on. It gets to me sometimes. I'll admit that. The world has a way of always making you feel like crap.

Happiness is such a fleeting thing. Loved ones pass away, spouses leave, riches can turn to rags, and dream homes can easily burn to the ground. Thus is happiness. Here one moment, gone the next. We've all been there. We've all experienced that. Or maybe we haven't experienced a loss. Maybe we're all just wanting what the other guy has. I know I'm certainly guilty of that from time to time. It makes us start to ask the "what if's", regretting the lives we've lived, thinking we've missed out on something better. What if I would have told Matt to wait for me when he proposed, so I could finish my schooling and start my career? What if I had all the money in the world and never had to worry? What if I would have waited to have a second child a little longer? Or to not have children at all? Would I be any happier?

I say, with some certainty, no. I can't imagine my life being anything else other than what it is at this exact moment - poopie diapers and all. I used to really regret my life and the choices I had made along the way - what a selfish way to think! That was before I found fulfillment and satisfaction in Christ. All the decisions made happened because God chose them and caused them to happen. Ultimately, He caused me to travel those paths in order to bring me to salvation, but also He brought me here because this is exactly where He wanted me to be. Because of that, I am content. I have that blessed assurance that tells me that no matter where the road leads me, no matter the hardships or disappointments, the up's and down's, the failure of not meeting the world's "happiness quota", His love is steadfast and His salvation is enough - no matter what this life throws at me. That is joy. Pure, unchanging, unending joy. Once you have that, happiness seems nothing more than exactly what it is - a fleeting emotion based on nothing but our flesh wanting more and more of what everyone else has.

Who can live up to an ever-changing standard? No wonder people aren't happy! They can't keep up! Jesus makes it simple - come to Him with repentance and faith and He will give you great joy and hope in salvation. Not easy days or everything you've ever wanted and wished for, but contentment. Because in His eyes, you're exactly who you need to be and where you need to be - a redeemed soul, bought and paid for with His precious blood, Heaven-bound for all eternity.

So, this season when we're rushing around, trying to wrap happiness up in a bow, hoping it stays beyond the holidays, let's celebrate the true reason for the season and for our joy - the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who was born to die on the cross for all our sins. Compared to that, happiness is meaningless. You don't have money? A spouse? That dream house? Don't need them. All those things pass away. Hope and joy in Christ are all you'll ever need.

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

-Psalm 16:11

Eager Learner

Rob was drawing random letters on his Magna Doodle, so I took advantage of his eagerness and printed out a letter tracing page for him. So, here he is, practicing the letter A. For a 3 1/2-year-old, I think he did pretty good. I was impressed, anyway. He is so eager to learn how to read and write!

Jail Hopping

A little later, I found this. They're jail hopping, evidently. Atleast they're at a "kid-friendly" one, now.

Comedian

My husband thinks he's funny.

Found this when getting on Facebook. They were out Christmas shopping for me.

The Christmas Story

So, so cute! I love the costumes and the humor. Very sweet.

Ready for Christmas

Ready for Christmas - Twin Falls, Idaho - 2011, originally uploaded by The Shutterbugette.

Oh, it makes my mama heart happy. =)

Poor little guy's been super sick lately, but I think he's finally feeling better, today. Still a cutie - snotty nose and all. Thank goodness for Photoshop; the snot-down-the-top-lip remover.

Hat made by me using this pattern.

Baking Cookies

 "Me? Eat cookie dough? I would never..."

More after the jump...

Christmas Cards

Since my Christmas cards went out yesterday, I thought I'd share them with you on here.

I have to say that I'm pretty proud of this year's because I designed them myself - from scratch. For those of you who don't follow my other blog, I've been offering custom cards to my clients who are looking for a unique, tailor-made card this year. I, too, wanted the same. I got ahold of some really awesome digital scrapbook papers from Paper Street Designs and started throwing out samples of what I can do. I started making this one as another sample, but ended up falling head-over-heels for it. Thus, it became mine. Take THAT, Costco! ;) Ironic thing - I still had them printed at Costco! Haha!

Wasn't my first choice of photo of the boys, as I wanted to use their individual shots (here and here) I took of them recently, but found two photos didn't really work with this layout. Matt really loves this shot of the boys, too. Drew's face is so sweet and Rob's...well...just fits his personality. That's okay - I have canvases of each of them coming as a Christmas present to moi. =)

Jenga Block Church

Building his "church" out of Jenga blocks. Don't worry; he's getting some of his own legit blocks for Christmas. Maybe him building a church is foreshadowing of him becoming a man of God. Let's pray.

I feel bad for posting so many photos of Rob and not so many of Drew, so here's a cute Drew picture to make up for it:

Today's Word: Improvisation

Do you think the postman will appreciate my lack-of-rubber-band effort? Atleast I tried to be Christmasy about it.

Career Change

Concluding that his days of crime fighting are far too perilous, Super Robby decides to make the jump to a much safer career. With great flourish and pride, he turns his cape around and becomes...Chef Robby. His idea.

Cello Wars

Steven Sharp Nelson is so funny and talented. I get a kick out of listening to/watching him. FYI: He's part of The Piano Guys, who we saw in concert at CSI a few weeks back. EXCELLENT!

Dino Hat Project

The Cubbies at Awana were having their own Noah's Ark Night (yeah, I don't really get it, either), so I asked Rob if he wished to be a different animal this time. He requested a dinosaur. A little easier than the hippo and I didn't have to buy a pattern this time. Put it together in my head - basic HDC beanie with spikes and spots. Easy-peasy and he was thrilled. =) 

Christmas Decorations!

Matt wanted to put the Christmas decorations up this weekend. I was less than excited at first, but we really had a blast doing it! Both boys pitched in and we had a lot of fun!

Here's Matt and Rob putting the tree together. Rob loved helping!

More after the jump...

Change of Heart

We had a bit of a scare this month, where I thought there was a strong possibility I was pregnant again. It's embarrassing to admit, since we're trying to hard to prevent that from happening. It was mainly the embarrassment that made me freak out about it to begin with. I was scared to tell my family; to see the disappointment on their faces. I was afraid to tell my church, fearing that my "anti-baby" attitude as of late would draw mocking (or they would stone me for being a hypocrite). I was even afraid of telling Matt, in fear of, again, putting more pressure on him to provide for a growing family. I now know that all these things are unjustified and ridiculous fears. Yes, my folks would be shocked and probably concerned, but they'd eventually get over it. Our church, though playful, would be behind us 110% and would rejoice with us. And Matt? He would be the unfaltering support he's always been for me and our boys, and would take it with humor and grace. As the month drug on and the certainty of expecting became more solidified, we actually started getting excited at the idea and welcomed it - despite it's untimeliness and difficulty of the task we were facing. The thought of God blessing us again, out of the blue, using the slightest of chances, was overwhelming. We were stoked. Scared, but stoked.

I don't know if it was my mind or my hormones that tricked me first, but I am, without-a-doubt, not pregnant. It hit me harder than I thought it would, judging by the "I'm-never-having-another-one-ever-again" mentality I was sporting before all this. I'm even surprised that I got so excited and joyful over the idea to begin with. As you remember from my prior post concerning adding on, I was ready to call it quits at two. Why I was experiencing symptoms that completely convinced me that I was for-sure pregnant, I will never know. I do, however, think it was no mere coincidence. I do believe God was trying to reveal our hearts to us on the matter. And soften them.

We're not ready right now. We know that for certain. We're enjoying our season right now and want to be smart about this. But in the next year or two, we're open to the idea. We would really love to have that one, last child that we've been on the fence about and then be done, permanently. It's in the Lord's hands, now.

My boys make me go insane most days. It's no secret. I whine and complain about it far too much. I'm not perfect. But I do cherish what God has entrusted me with - the ability to carry, bear, and raise precious children in His name. There is nothing more fulfilling than to hold your flesh and blood for the first time and for the rest of your life, knowing they come as a blessing and reward from the Lord. They may drive me nuts, but they are so very precious to me and I love them with every ounce of my being. I'm willing to sacrifice my sanity just for them. =)

Chillaxin'

Oh, you boys crack me up.

Unstaged, unposed, and unprompted. My favorite moments to capture.

Yes, I Did It Again...

I just can't help myself.

Some people are addicted to drugs; some people are addicted to booze. Personally, I'm addicted to changing my blog. I need an intervention.

But I really like this layout. It's personal. It's fitting. It's...us. I got my hands on some cool digital papers from Paper Street Designs and I was instantly inspired to make something - other than our Christmas cards. I *had* to make something else. *HAD* to. I satisfied my craving by redoing my blog. Enjoy. For now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cute Thanksgiving turkey craft here:

Hand & Foot Turkey Craft

We Plow the Fields

"This thanksgiving hymn was written by a German, Matthias Claudius, who was born in 1740. In 1779, Claudius had a severe illness in the course of which he came to see his youthful folly, and from that time, he was a humble sweet-spirited Christian, reflecting his faith in the poems he wrote.

This hymn is part of a much longer poem that sketched rural country life, in the course of which the country people sang a harvest song of devotion to God."

We Plow the Fields

We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand;

He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.

Chorus:

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above,

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord

For all His love.

He only is the Maker of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star;

The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.

(chorus)

We thank Thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good,

The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food;

No gifts have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts,

But that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.

(chorus)

[Source]

Various Projects

My hands have been flyin' lately!

Multi-Colored Neckwarmer with Brown & Teal Reversible Buttons
For sale: Etsy

Dark Red / Gray Brioche Cowl

For sale: Etsy

Pink / Purple Ripple Scarf

For sale: Etsy

Brown / Lime Chunky Earflap Hat

For sale: Etsy

Tunisian Stitch Kindle Keeper
Not for sale, but I'm working on some to put on Etsy.

5 Essential Doctrines to Believe In

J.C. Ryle has to be one of my absolute favorite preachers (besides Pastor Bear, of course =) ). He hits you hard and doesn't back down! I had to share this list of doctrines of what I, and every proclaiming Christian, should stand behind. It's dripping with Truth! Soak it up!

- - -

1. The Absolute Supremacy of Holy Scripture

Show us anything, plainly written, in that Book, we will receive it, believe it, and submit to it. Show us anything contrary to that Book, and however sophisticated, plausible, beautiful and apparently desirable, we will not have it at any price.

2. The Doctrine of Human Sinfulness and Corruption

Man is radically diseased. I believe that ignorance of the extent of the Fall, and of the whole doctrine of original sin, is one grand reason why many can neither understand, appreciate, nor receive Evangelical Religion.

3. The Work and Office of our Lord Jesus Christ

The eternal Son of God is our Representative and Substitute. We maintain that people ought to be continually warned not to make a Christ of the Church. We hold that nothing whatever is needed between the soul of man the sinner, and Christ the Savior, but simple child-like faith.

4. The Inward Work of the Holy Spirit

We maintain that the things which need most to be pressed on men’s attention are those mighty works of the Holy Spirit–inward repentance, faith, hope, hatred of sin, and love to God’s law. We say that to tell men to take comfort in their baptism or church membership when these all-important graces are unknown, is not merely a mistake, but positive cruelty.

5. The Outward and Visible Work of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Man

We maintain that to tell a man he is “born of God” or regenerated, while living in carelessness or sin, is a dangerous delusion. It is the position we assign to these five points which is one of the grand characteristics of Evangelical theology. We say boldly that they are first, foremost, chief and principal things in Christianity.

~ J.C. Ryle

Source: J.C. Ryle Quotes

Snickerdoodle Recipe

Matt asked me to make his Bible study group some cookies last night, so I started searching for my tried and true Snickerdoodle recipe. I could not find it! So, I took a chance and went to AllRecipes and found a recipe that had over 3,000 reviews and a 4.5/5-star rating. Can't do much better than that, right? So, I gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised. These cookies are awesome - even better than my original recipe, I think! Just enough crispiness on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside - the perfect cookie.

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Robby the Baker

I picked up these Thanksgiving-themed sugar cookies from Pillsbury on a whim yesterday. Rob was all over it, man! He loved making those little cookies and was quite proud of himself after.

The proud little baker himself. 

Gosh, he's getting big. Where has the time gone?

 Enjoying the fruits of his "labor" the next day, while watching the squirrels scamper across the fence outside. Hey - he's happy, I'm happy and I got a cute picture out of it. =)

Herringbone Infinity Scarf Project

I had left over yarn from Cher's hat, so I decided to make another scarf. Yeah, I love them and they're really popular right now. Hopefully someone else will agree with me and buy it.

For sale: Etsy

Source: Wheat Cowl

Brioche Cowl Project

I loved this project! It was challenging, but the result was so worth it! I will be making more of these in the near future.

For Sale: Etsy

Source: Radicowl

Cowl/Infinity Scarf Project

Fun little project. I love this stitch. It makes a great texture to the work. I think I will making another one of these someday. Right now, I'm just trying to whip up a bunch of items to sell on Etsy. You can find this item here.

Source: Calm Cowl Pattern

Basic Earflap Hat Pattern

NOTE: This page has been moved to my crafting blog! Please go to Busy Hands Crafting Blog to see it! Thanks!

>>>Basic Earflap Hat Recipe<<<

Miscellaneous Update

Some random updates. Don't you just love these kinds of posts? You just never know what you're going to get.

Last Friday, Matt and I went on a date and we got to see The Piano Guys in concert! If you haven't seen these guys before, please check out their YouTube page. As Steven Sharp Nelson (the cellist) put it, "Classical is the broccoli of the music world. Not everyone likes it, but the few who do REALLY like it. We're just adding a little butter to that broccoli." Well put!

Oh, and our date was wonderful, too. =)

On Saturday night, we had my family over for my belated birthday dinner. We had to postpone our original arrangement because my grandpa was in the hospital with heart failure. Yeah. Needless to say, we were immensely blessed to have him here with us for dinner.

Rob helping Daddy rake leaves for the first time. He did a pretty good job!

 The supervisor.

Matt rockin' out in the front yard.

 After selling my cowl last week, I thought I should add some more warm stuff to my shop. Winter is the time when yarn goods shine! Here's a Crochet Cable Scarf I made over the weekend. I love the design and think it should be made into a blanket somehow.

Someone requested a blue earflap hat, so here you go, Cher. It's waiting for you. If you don't want it, I'll happily steal it from you. =) Did this one completely from my head. There's a pun in there somewhere. 

My attempt at making a fall centerpiece for our table. I think it's purdy, especially against my cheap-o Walmart tablecloth.

My first handmade wreath. Wreath from the Youth Ranch; leaves and ribbon from Walmart.

 My sick boys. =( Poor babies caught something overnight. We all are working on very little sleep today. Drew has it the worst. I'm still not feeling 100%, myself. Just the same junk I've been dealing with for two or three weeks, now. To top it off, Matt woke up with a swollen eye yesterday morning; what we later diagnosed as a stye. It was killing him. The pressure was giving him a tremendous headache and making it hard to drive and work. Darn these fallen bodies!

That's all for now. Just trying to push through sicknesses and the daily norm. Off to go cuddle with my little guys.