The STAR of Bethlehem

                         The Stars Interpret Jesus'
                                        LIFE
Today I learned a lot about the stars and the Lord. But even more important the star of bethlehem. The stars, the Virgin, the timing, the eastern school, the clockwork star, the blood moon, the crescent, the
                                             STORY,
 they all fit together to form the story of Jesus. This  link  will tell you the whole thing. And for the full episode, here is part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five. This heart breaking, magnificent story will tell you that this is astronomy, not astrology. But who's behind it? Well I'll leave that for you to find out.
   

 

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720 × 540

By Aidon Suggett

The Ebb and Flow

Inland weather was cloudy, biting cold, and sprinkling. What a blessing to arrive at the coast and have gleaming sunshine warming us despite the breeze.

A field trip to the tide pools for the lowest tide of the season, was a neat First Grade Class tradition, that we partook in for the first time.

A gaggle of young guys traipsing the uneven landscape was invigorating. The boys discovered hermit crab colonies, sea stars, anemones, barnicles, as part of this ecological treasure

The most exciting treasure to watch was a curious octopus!

The octopus reached out a tentacled arm to check out the rod of sea grass

Lord of all Creation, of water, earth, and sky. The Heavens are Your Tabernacle, Glory to the Lord on High!


Listen to the song, "Lord of all Creation"

Christmas Choir 2012

At last, I am spending some free time looking back at the Things of Christmas that I enjoyed.

Our boys practiced three songs with Children's Christmas choir. They seemed to enjoy each detail of this commitment from learning the songs, the rehearsals, to finding their outfits on sale.

The first of three performances and all the children are ready and waiting. Many of them sang their heart out during church worship, before their actual performance -- that was sweet to see.

Our boys asked all their grandparents to watch their performance online. It was a great surprise to have Lolo and Lola show up live!

We ended the evening being treated to a meal and fellowship to celebrate. It was a blessing of time together, celebrating Christmas, and the boys' season of preparation that came to fruition.

When I look at the following picture, I can see how much taller they have each grown. Children sure do "mark time" for their parents.

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Bats and Balls

After school sports instruction has begun again, and our boys are blessed to learn, grow, and enjoy buddies while getting physical. There was a need for volunteers, so I am learning about baseball for the first time since I was in junior high. I'm blessed by the supportive nature of the students, which is instilled by their coach.

Thanksgiving-time Visit to Grammy & Al

With Pete working on Thanksgiving, we were still able to see our families during this holiday weekend.

Pete chose to make the morning festive by cooking up some Christmas Tree and Gingerbread Man shaped pancakes for us.

While Pete was Master Chef, the boys created a chain link to count down to Jesus' birthday celebration.

and set up our centerpiece for the holidays

and Advent devotions

As with each season, Pete and I challenged ourselves individually to keep our eyes on the true gift of the season -- when our Pursuer, God, gave all of himself, by sending Jesus from Heaven to earth.

And we arrive to a warm welcome from Grandma!

and a chance to watch raptors with Al.

Some ball chasing Ping Pong games

Sharing art work

and reading notes to each other

Source: babygoodbuys.com via QuotesGratitude.com on Pinterest

and building forts, while dodging the camera and photographer!

Thanks for another sweet time together, Grandma and Al!

Robotics

Our boys enjoyed First Lego League. Through the Robotics Team, a favorite building toy was used as a "means" to learn teamwork (compromise, voting, suggesting), science/engineering, and professionalism (presenting). The were gathered with other boys and the team built a Transporter to present at a Robotics Exposition held at Legoland.


Click here to view this video

Thankful Wreath 2012

As I looked around my son's classroom, while helping in class, I was blessed to learn what the students are thankful for....

I found the leaf that I thought my son wrote "Legos and more Legos"

I am thankful that I got a glimpse of the gratitude in the hearts of these kids

Josh's exciting surgery (titled by Josh himself)

We just arrived at the hospital!

Josh is here for outpatient surgery, and the blessings of a Children's Hospital is the beauty to capture a child's mind....

Ready and waiting for surgery. We took advantage of the time and we read books together.  Josh shared his fears with us, then with his doctor, asking "I'm worried your gonna start before I fall asleep." Dr. B encouraged him, "It'll be okay. I'll wait for you. We'll do it together." We shared a group hug, and off they went to the Operating Room.

Roaming around, waiting to be called to the recovery room.

His nurse complemented that he didn't look like he had surgery!

He looked great!

Dr. B reminds me of the type of doctor in the movie Patch Adams. COMPLETELY endearing, Silly, FUN, gives from the HEART, professional, and excellent at his work. He clearly LOVES the role of physician. We have been blessed that he's been a part of our journey  for the past 4 and a half years.

 God's hand was on this surgery. I appreciated that Josh could articulate his concerns to Doctor B. Doing so, Dr. B was able to address Josh's fears directly. Josh said his favorite part of this day, was the surgery! Later, when friends asked how it went, he said, "I LOVED my surgery!" Thank you God for your faithfulness. We just had Josh's follow up appointment and all is healed. Praise God, the Ultimate Physician, who made His presence known.