Santa at Cracker Barrel

To celebrate a baptism at church, we joined several of our GCC family members for lunch at the Cracker Barrel in Shelbyville.  While waiting in the country store section, an elderly gentleman clued me in that Santa and Mrs. Claus were dining.  Because of the baptism, I had the camera tucked away in my purse, and I'm so glad. 

Our group was fairly large, so we were being seated at two big tables.  Our friend wasn't sure why the kiddos were headed towards the far table, but he was unaware that they were actually positioning themselves closer to Santa.  Yes, Santa and the Mrs. dressed in complete North Pole attire were literally dining at the table behind us.  The kids absolutely lit up, and Santa and Mrs. Claus gave us a wave. 

As I was seated, I commented to Santa that this was the first time that Jeremiah and Rachel had ever REALLY seen Santa.  He was so nice.  On his way out, he stopped by our table, asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas, gave hugs, and smiled for the impromptu photo op.  The only thing missing was a jolly "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

Jeremiah asked, "Is this North Pole?"  I replied, "No honey, this is the Cracker Barrel.  Santa's just hungry."  The ever observant Caleb asked where Santa had his sleigh, and I assured him it was parked on the roof.  As we were leaving, he scoped it out to find it missing.  I reminded him that Santa finished eating before we did and had to head to the North Pole.  Although, my sister informed me he just moved on to Richmond.  She spotted him not in his sleigh but sitting in a purple dodge neon in the Meijer's parking lot! 

Other cuteness from today....

**All dressed up for church, Rachel says, "I so pretty!  People LOVE me."

**Caleb asked to pray before supper tonight.  He said he wanted to pray for John the Baptist's parents because they are REALLY old.

I love these crazy kiddos!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Wednesday afternoon, friends Melissa and McKenzie came over to the house. McKenzie got on the computer and started playing her Webkinz games and teaching my kiddos all about them. They were absolutely enthralled and couldn't wait for Daddy to get home to ask if they could have one too. 

Yesterday, after a quick trip to the grocery to get bread, milk, and a few necessities, Jon also returned with Webkinz in hand.  He asked if I thought they should get them now or wait til Christmas.  Only because I knew they were inexpensive and I really didn't want to hear the kids beg for them for a month, I agreed we should give them to them now.  Actually, if they are a hit, we could get them another one as the perfect gifts to top off their Christmas.   


With Daddy's help, they each set up an account so they could play computer games with them. One of the things you first do is adopt the animals and give them names. Then, you print off the adoption certificate. I thought what a perfect segway or open window to talk adoption with the kiddos.

I asked Jeremiah if he knew the word adopted. I explained how they didn't always have their animals. They used to live at the store and didn't have a family to love them. Now they were with us and we could love them forever. I asked, "Do you know who else is adopted?"  Caleb said, "I'm adopted!"  Admittedly, I wasn't really going for the "spiritual" adoption talk, so I kind of ignored him.

I looked at Jeremiah and reminded him, "You are adopted. Remember you and Rachel haven't always lived here. You used to be in Ethiopia, but now you are here. You will be with us forever and we will always love you!"

Then, my Caleb busts out with... "Mom, I'm adopted too. I haven't always been here. Before I was a baby here, I was in God's hands!"  Wow - talk about blowing me over. Out of the mouths of babes...
God absolutely used my 5 year old son to minister to my heart. 

Yesterday, my dear friend was having lots of tests run and today is meeting with doctors concerning the precious little one she is carrying.  She's been on my mind, and I've been praying so much for her. 
My sweet Caleb spoke what I needed to hear.  No matter the outcome of the tests or what lies ahead, the precious baby is in God's hands. I can't think of a better place to be. I pray that this sweet girl will one day be held by her mother and father as well.  However, until that day, I rest assured she's in very capable hands.

Little kids are often wise beyond their years and give us glimmers of heaven.  Thanks God for blessing me with Caleb!  Although, I must tell you that to my great frustration that same sweet boy acted like a fool at dinner and took over an hour to eat a serving of hamburger helper. Oh well... a 5 year old can only have so many profound moments in one day :-)

Countdown to Christmas

Is it Christmas yet?  How many sleeps till Christmas?  When is Christmas?  The questions have begun, and as we all know, 4 and 5 year olds don't grasp the concept of time.  I can remember making the infamous paper chain as a child and have had Caleb do the same the past couple years.  This visual and the physical act of tearing a link off the chain each night will hopefully help. 

This year while the 3 little ones worked on their paper chain, I attempted to make the activity somewhat educational.  The boys wrote all the numbers on the red and green paper.  Jeremiah can count to 10 flawlessly now - Hallelujah! So, he handled those digits while Caleb manned the teens and twenties.  Rachel was the chief artistic designer.  She drew lots of pictures and the boys joined her in decorating once the numbers were written.

After our 24 papers appeared quite festive, I mixed them up and spread them out on the rug.  Then, we had the task of putting them in order.  We rotated so they each had equal turns.  This is what happens when you become a homeschool Mommy... everything becomes a lesson plan :-)  Oh well... learning is fun!  Paper chains = Math for the day!

As the kiddos found the numbers in order, I was busy assembling.  In the end, we had a completed chain, and Jeremiah and Rachel remained clueless.  When Caleb tore the first link off the chain before bed, possibly, they began to understand.  The countdown is officially on :-)

Trees x 3

Trees x 3... It's looking a lot like Christmas to me!  Yes, the decorating has begun.  There is much left to do, but we have made a good start.

First, we tackled our family tree which is in the living room.  The kids had sooo much fun decorating!  Rachel kept giggling and chanting, "I like it, I like it, I like it!"  Jeremiah kept saying, "I'm so excited!  Thank you Momma!"  Caleb was the old pro and helped scope out the best spots to put the ornaments.

The 3 1/2 foot area of the tree is very heavily decorated :)  I'm fighting hard and resisting the urge to re-decorate when the kiddos are napping or sleeping.  I may be spatially challenged, but even I wouldn't clump so many like ornaments together in one spot.  Oh well... the sight gives my tree character and represents where my family is right now.  Preschoolers/Kindergarteners abound!  This is life with 4 and 5 year olds, so I'm going to embrace it!  The tree stays as is :-) 



 Trees 2 and 3 are found in the kiddos rooms.  They love the fiber optics lights and having their own special little ornaments for their trees.  I hope they keep their sweet smiles and enthusiasm for years to come.  Celebrating Jesus' birth is definitely something to smile about, and I look forward to teaching them more and more about that each day.

The Bible in 90 Days

I was very excited yesterday when I saw the MomsToolbox Facebook post yesterday.  It is time to sign up for The Bible in 90 Days Challenge.  While internet surfing, I stumbled upon the MomsToolbox blog just after the previous group had started.  I have been waiting for the next group to begin.  Could I have downloaded the reading schedule and completed this challenge on my own?  Possibly.  However, I know myself!  In order to achieve this, I knew I needed to do it in community with accountability.  Also, through this challenge, a mentor is available to encourage me along the way.  I believe that using this format I will be able to read the entire Word of God in 90 Days.

Would you consider joining with me?
Click Here to get started!

My Thankful 30

Throughout the month of November, I've noticed that many friends have blogged or Facebooked daily thankful posts.  I was not nearly that organized, but I love the idea of dedicating the entire month rather than just one day to Thanksgiving.  Honestly, I hope that each day I express my gratitude for the many blessings and abundance God has given me, but I fear I fall very short in doing so.

As November will soon give way to December, I wanted to create my own "Thankful for 30."  Soon Christmas will be the focus, but I'd be remissed if I neglected to give thanks!  As I'm sure we could all say, this list could go much, much longer!!!

1. Sacrifice - God sent his only Son to die for me!
2. Salvation - knowing my eternity is in Heaven.
3. Unconditonal love from my Father above
4. Forgiveness
5. Jon - my husband who loves me as Christ loves the Church
6. Caleb - my precious son! 
7. Jeremiah - my cutie!
8. Rachel - my princess!
9. The miracle of adoption
10. My parents who taught me about Jesus, love, and support me.
11. My siblings - love you Brother and Sister :)
12. My grandparents, Papa and Mama Spaulding, who taught me what it means to serve God
13. My extended family
14. Jane - my very best friend
15. Friends - both lifelong and for seasons
16. Prayer Warriors and Mentors in the faith
17. The Church - believers everywhere
18. America and the freedoms we have
19. Ethiopia - where a part of my heart will always be
20. Health
21. Clean Water
22. Food
23. Shelter
24. Clothing
25. Access to medical care
26. Technology - allowing for communication and relationships with others worldwide
27. Music
28. My adoption support group
29. My Passion - to enter the fields of the fatherless and be a voice for those who have none 
30. Having ALL my "needs" met and more "wants" than I should

A Wells Family Thanksgiving

My big boys waiting for Turkey Dinner.

 Rachel and Allison, and yes, the pink boa, dress-up clothes, and tu-tu spark Rachel's creative energy!

 Time for Grandma's Little People Christmas to come to life.  Jeremiah has the 1st box and the others await the rest.

 Rachel checks out Santa and his sleigh.

 Beth and Josh keep tabs on the Thomas Kincade tree.  A choo-choo goes round and round.

 Caleb plays with the Nativity.

Jeremiah has Santa on the Train Track.

Our Thanksgiving plans veered from the usual trip to Tennessee, and we celebrated at Jon's parents' house.  Mary prepared a great meal and a decadent dessert.  She knows my great love affair with the peanut butter/chocolate combination, so to my shear delight, she made a peanut butter turtle pie.  Rich and Delicious!!!

With five little ones (each with their own personalities, quirks, and triggers), it is always a guess as to how the get-together will go.  I believe, we were all pleasantly surprised.  We were together from a little before 1 p.m. until after 7 p.m. with minimal meltdowns.  Kiddos played well together, and the adults were even able to chat some.  It really was an enjoyable day!  It reminds us that we have sooo much for which to be thankful.  Namely, the blessings of family - Terry, Mary, Lee, Beth, Allison, and Josh...  God gave us you!  Of course, I can't forget those we were unable to share our holiday with:  Dad, Mom, Matthew, Megan, Malachi, Adam, and Valerie - we are so blessed by you. Thanks for all your love and support.

I am thankful for my amazing hubby!  Jon loves the Lord and his family.  He works so very hard and cares so very much.  Caleb, my precious boy.  I'm thankful for your wild imagination, quest to learn more, your desire for God, and your compassionate heart! 

Jeremiah and Rachel - this time last year, I was thankful to finally see your pictures.  This year, I'm thankful to have you in my arms and to know you.  Jeremiah, you have such an endearing smile and an infectious laugh.  You desire to please and have a servant's heart.  Rachel you are pure joy!  Your giggle is music, and your beautiful eyes so captivating.  I love hearing you repeat endlessly, "Mommy, I love you!" and "You MY mom!"

Heavenly Father... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!