The Hype.

Well, the hype and hustle and bustle of another Christmas season is behind us. And now we turn our focus to plans for the new year. And I can't help but be encouraged by the fact that the true "reason for the season" doesn't fade with the hype. The Christ in the manger is the Christ of the cross, and He is the Christ in my heart. So after the Nativity is put away and the new year begins with new plans and goals, He will still be with me. He is the same today as He was yesterday, as He was when He was a babe in Bethlehem.

And that makes me smile. It gives me a peace that passes understanding and a new resolve to live for Him in the coming year!!

What are your thoughts and feelings as another holiday season passes? Do you struggle with a feeling of sadness and let down as all the hustle and bustle fade? What helps you to focus your heart on Christ at this time?

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours…….

Merry Christmas!!

2011 - L to R Samantha 7, Maggie 9, Katherine 3, Josiah 5. and Jeremiah 1

I pray that you will find the love of Christ this coming year. May He fill your home with joy and peace that can only come from Him!

Three.

It has now been three weeks.

Three weeks of sickness.

Three weeks of fevers and coughs.

Three weeks of vomiting and ear pain.

Three weeks of runny noses and laundry.

The first week was "just" an ear infection for Jeremiah.

Then we had some respitory stuff travel through the house. It was NASTY. They little ones had snot ozzing from not only their noses but also their eyes. The couldn't sleep, couldn't eat and just wanted to be rocked.

Now all of this week so far we have had the stomach flu. It has, as in most homes, created a mountain of laundry every day as well as children that just want to be held. And while I love rocking my children it gets a little stressful to have two crying to be rocked on one side of the bathroom door while I am in the bathroom helping a third clean up after getting sick for the upteenth time that day.

Anyway, all of the fun holiday posting I wanted to do hasn't gotten done, but ministering to my family is more important than this blog. I don't like it when I don't post for days and days, but God knows what is needed and when He provides the time again I will pick back up blogging more often.

I hope you all are having a great holiday season and are finding Jesus around every turn and tradition.

Merry Christmas my friends!

Little things.

Some days it is the little things.

Like toothpaste tubes with flip tops that don't come off and can't be lost.

It made me smile today.

Is that weird? Have you had a "little thing" moment lately?

One More Time!

I think I have fixed the comment problem here on Our Heart and Home. So could those of you that were having trouble before please try again. Thank you for your time in trying to help me fix this issue!!! And just to show you how much I appreciate it here is a great picture from the other day.....

Sikes Family 2011

We are now finally all healthy here again and I hope to have our "photo shoot" for our Christmas card today. I'm praying this goes well and I will have a great shot to share with you tomorrow!!

That Special Gift?

It is that busy time of year. It is my favorite!! I love crafting and shopping and thinking and planning. Focusing on the people that I love the most and achieving the "perfect" gift. I always seem to have that one gift that has me just giddy. The anticipation to give it makes me smile every time I think about it. Last year it was this silly cheap game of Spoons for my Dad. He loves that game and I found this set on Amazon last year and knew it would make him laugh. And he didn't disappoint!

This year it is a dress up set I have spent hours on for Josiah. he has been watching the old Family Channel Zorro sitcoms from the 80's and he has fallen in love with this "hero". I can't wait to see his face when he opens the box!! I even ordered a whip from Vision Forum!! It is a real whip!

Do you have that one special gift that you just can't wait to give?

My Recent Work

"Little Miss B"
She was such a joy!

My Katherine at Aunt Erin's wedding. It was the first wedding I photographed!

The beautiful bride

Mr and Mrs Brian Kingston

Mr "E" was a little reserved at first but warmed up quickly and did GREAT!

The "O" family

Mom and baby "L"

"E"
He is getting so big!

I just love his smile!