Snow

We had our first snow for the season in STL yesterday.  We didn't get much. but enough to entice the young lad to bundle up and and head out to play.  Here is a picture from our front porch.  

Here we have Steven teaching Preston how to properly throw a snowball.  

Here is that pile of snowballs.  

What a creative snowman. I didn't have a carrot so the orange had to do.  

My proud men.  

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More Photos from Christmas

Ok, I am going to be a bit silly for a moment and say that 'Santa' was very generous this year.  Not only did he bring so many wonderful toys and goodies for our kids, but he gave Steven and I some of the most generous items.  I also need to thank my parents, Steven's parents, my boss/dad, Grandparents and dear friends.  We are blessed this Christmas season because of your great love.  

Now, a few more photos.  First, the tree was so beautiful at the Dalbey house with all the gifts underneath.  

 Here we have Preston and Peyton checking out their gifts.  Peyton was very interested in the tissues from her stocking.  

 Preston is finally able to open his gifts.  His favorite gifts were some new trains, puzzles and books.  

 Peyton also enjoyed opening her gifts this year.  Her favorite gifts were some baby doll accessories, a doll house and a couple new books.  

 Here is a pic of the kids opening some gifts.  Ok, Peyton tried to open her gifts but Preston was very happy to help her and everyone else.  I am sure her skills will improve over the next year.  

Merry Christmas

The Dalbey family had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.  While we were very busy celebrating with many members of our family this past weekend I took some time to reflect on this wonderful holiday.  I found myself deeply thankful for all that the Lord has done to sustain us this year.  While times have not been easy and we are exhausted on many levels we still rejoice that our family is healthy and together this Christmas season.  I also had some time to reflect on my my favorite part of Christmas.  Sure, I love the gifts and yummy food but I am most thankful for the great hope Christmas brings.  I think the hymn, 'Joy to the World'  by Isaac Watts says it best:  

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

 My favorite part is in verse 3 where it says that He (Jesus) comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.  Wow - our family has felt the effects of the fall (curse) the past year through the brokenness of relationships and many other difficult things.  Despite this pain and sorrow Jesus has come to make His blessings flow and rule the world with truth and grace.  I am so thankful He is taking care of us and will continue to heal our pain with His great love.   I look forward to understanding that more and more in the new year.  

Oh yes, I took A LOT of photos from our Christmas celebrations.  Here are some of my favorite: 

First, Preston opened his new train track from Mommy & Daddy.  Daddy was gracious enough to put everything together.  Peyton enjoyed helping as well.  

Here is a picture of my Dad dancing with 3 of his Grand kids on Christmas Eve.  So sweet.  

Preston received more trains for Christmas this year.  He was super excited!  

He proceeded to make a super mess playing with his trains. 

More dancing on Christmas Eve.  

Santa came and delivered lots of gifts to the good little Children.

Peyton was excited for some yummy Poppa waffles on Christmas morning.  

She was also super excited about all the baby dolls and accessories she received for Christmas.  

I was excited about a new Welcome mat for our home.  Our old mat said EL O E...not very inviting.  

I loved watching Uncle Eric and Aunt Elizabeth hang out with my kids on Christmas morning.  I can't wait for their wedding in March.  

Grammie spent time teaching me and the kids how to make sticky rolls.  The kids LOVED it!  

I also loved looking at all the beautiful Christmas decorations.  These poinsettia's were from the Jewel Box in Forest Park.  

I'm sure I'll be posting more photos of the kids enjoying their new toys later this week.   I am also planning on updating my blog this weekend. Stay tuned.  
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I love our school

I don't think it is a surprise to those who know me that I love our school.  Preston has been attending Preschool 3 days a week this year and loves it. He thrives meeting new friends and being challenged with new ideas and concepts.  Oh yes, have I mentioned that his entire class loves TRAINS.  Preston is in the right class.  As part of their train exploration the class took a trip to the train exhibit at the MO Botanical Gardens Gardenway Express Show.  I also had the privilege of joining the kids on this trip.  Hey, its a good chance to be with Preston and meet other students and parents.  Here are a few pictures.  

This is Preston and his buddy, Noah.  

Here we have Noah, Zachary and Preston admiring the trains.  

Today, our school had a parent breakfast and some time of singing with our kids.  It was wonderful.  I love how we are teaching our children not only about Christmas but the other Religious holiday's.  Preston's class is very diverse and it bring me such joy that he is learning at such a young age about loving people and living life with people no matter their color, religious background or socioeconomic status.  I am so thankful.  

Here is a quick picture of the Dalbey men :) 

Here we are singing as a group!  

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AOH Christmas Concert

Last week, Steven and I went to the Ambassador's of Harmony Christmas show.  As always, it was wonderful.  Thank you, Tina and Nathan, for guarding our house while our children slept and Eric for giving us these wonderful seats.  Here is our self portrait.  

Eric and Steven 

We invited my dad to join us.  

Our Christmas Tree

This year our Dalbey family Christmas tree is very special.  It is a Fraser Fur Tree and super soft.  That, however, it not what makes it special.  What does make it special?  

No, it doesn't have all new ornaments and lights.  

No, our tree does not have a theme.  

Actually, our tree is one big mix of colors and ornaments from various people and places.  

So what makes our tree so special?  

Our tree is special because of what it represents.  It represents hope and God's provision for our family.  Its no secret that this has been an interesting year for the Dalbey family.  Last December our family was grieving and in a lot of pain.  Steven had just ended a painful season at work and was about to embark on a new adventure.  Steven and I were scared...and that is putting it lightly.  This year has been a year of learning to trust in so many new ways.  First we have learned to trust that God can heal our broken and wounded hearts.  This means a lot of grief.  Thankfully, we are in the process of healing and have felt so much love and encouragement from our family and close friends.  Second, we have learned to trust that God will provide our most basic needs.  Yes, things have been very tight this year.  Learning to ONLY buy what you need (food, gas and toiletries) has been very hard.  Some weeks I only had $60 to buy groceries.  Somehow, we have made it through and my kids are still growing.  Finally, we have learned to be thankful.  Even though we don't get to buy cute clothes at Target, take a vacation, go out to eat every other day or pick up random things whenever you want doesn't mean that we are not happy or have what we need.  I confess, I have been jealous and angry at those who have more than I do.  I am so sorry.  I must remind myself of so many good things.  For example, the Lord has provided a way for our son to go to Preschool 3 days a week.  We are so thankful.  Another example of God's provision is that many families have donated gently used clothes to our children.   I have not had to buy ANY clothing items for Peyton and she is almost 2 years old.  I am so thankful.  

So, this year our tree is soft and beautiful and cost $38 dollars vs. $18.  Yes, we splurged.  We decided to get the nice tree as a reminder that God is good, he does provide and  we are thankful for his most precious gift of a Savior for us.  We are also hopeful that 2013 will be a year of encouragement and continual healing.  

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Christmas light tradition

I think every family should have a special Christmas tradition.  In our family, we drive to see the Christmas lights at Tilles Park in St. Louis every December.  This light display is amazing!  Plus, it is fun to hear the kids talk about the lights and what is going on.  First, Preston's favorite this year was the gingerbread house.  

Our car was surrounded by lights!  

The reindeer 

Is it really going to be 2013 - crazy!  

I thought the wall of lights was neat.  I stopped the car to take this picture.  

Seasons Greetings.  From our family - Merry Christmas!!  

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Other things going on

Besides going to the zoo, there are plenty of things that keep the Dalbey family busy.  

First, hanging out at home is a blast!  We have such a wonderful collection of toys, books and games that the kids always have something fun to do.  The other day we took advantage of our block collections and started building.  Peyton does great with these mega blocks. 

 Preston, however, prefers legos.  

Notice that Preston built stairs on top of his tower.  He is such a creative engineer.  

Second, we went to our Church Family Christmas concert last night.  It was a blast!  Notice how Preston loves to hang out with his friend Jane.  

I love singing Christmas songs with our church family - they are wonderful!  

Preston is the one that goes to school 3 days a week in our house.  Peyton, however, thinks that she is ready to go to school and proudly puts on her backpack as well.  All in good time little girl!  

We have also been working on some art projects lately.  This one was a finger paint Christmas page.  I think I need to bust out the water colors or the markers this week.  

We have also had some time to head over to Grandma and Grandad's house to play with cousin Alice.  Here, Preston and Alice have fun spinning each other on the patio chair.  

Peyton watches closely and decides not to participate in the chair ride.  She much prefers that backpack.  I am observing that Peyton is more introverted than her brother.  Fine by me.  

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