The Rainey Girls

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

worth watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkTyPzRzuwc

This video is really a good expression of what we've been feeling.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Written by the husband this time :) (you can probably tell!)

Well, the Christmas season is upon us. As parents, this time of the year presents us with so many challenges and joys. We always try to engage whatever culture we live in with a critical eye and present creative alternatives when we feel there may be a better way. We refuse to let commercials and consumerism hijack the celebrations we cherish. We're experimenting with our own family traditions. This is what we've come up with so far:

Instead of shopping on Black Friday, we observe Buy Nothing Day. This year we all had breakfast together, read stories, and started decorating. We talked with our kids about what Christmas really meant, and told the parable of the sheep and the goats. Jesus said "whatever you do to the least of these, that you do unto me." In that spirit, we got out a large box and asked the kids if they would want to give any of their toys to kids who might not have or get very much. They had tons of fun and put a lot of thought into what they chose. They filled up the box with toys, and mommy and the girls wrapped it together.

We've bought an Advent calendar, and the girls enjoy taking turns opening it each day and reading the bible verse with it.

We thought that maybe it was hypocritical to celebrate the birth of the guy who said "sell your possessions and give to the poor" by purchasing new possessions and giving them to the rich. We decided to either create gifts, make donations in someone's name, or, if we do buy something, buy local or fair-trade items.

We've limited the gifts we purchase for our kids. We each choose one smaller gift for each girl, and then we'll get one larger gift for the whole family.

Last night we went caroling at a few nursing homes with Miriam and Jordan Briggaman, Andre and Mandi Knepp, and Brianne and John Davidson. The kids seemed to have a blast and were definitely a blessing.

We're still trying to figure it all out, but we mainly want our celebration and anticipation to bring glory and honor to the One whom we anticipate and celebrate. Hopefully we'll make some fond memories along the way.

Pictures from the last few weeks.

A typical evening at the Rainey house.

Ava and Aspen "swimming at the Y." Aspen is in the pool.

Penny helping Than make breakfast burritos.

Some of our group of carollers.

The girls after carolling at Mandi and Andre's for hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Adopt A Jesus

If your looking for something to do tonight I would sugget going to the Cherry Ghost Coffee House in Washington. Brandt Russo will be there showing the documentary that he's in and sharing about it. Music before hand with the documentary starting around 7:45 I think. Saw it last night, we had a great time. He's also raising $15,500 to help deworm kids in Africa (so they can absorb nut...rition) and he's not eating until it's raised. It's been 6 days today. adoptajesus.com, check it out.

Adopt A Jesus

Friday, November 13, 2009

Time for catch up!

Time for a little catching up!!! We had an elephant and a ladybug this year for Halloween. We honestly didn't make it to too many places. The girls were tired and getting in and out of carseats wasn't the most fun for them! They did enjoy showing off their costumes for a little while though, and got PLENTY of candy in those few stops!!

Adara had her 4 week well-visit. She weighed 8lbs 9oz, and was 21.5 in long. She has jumped up to the 50th% from the 25th% just 2 weeks ago. She is growing and changing so fast. She is awake so much more now and focusing on things and people around her. She is such a joy to our family.... we already can't imagine life without her! Her sister's are such a big help and adore her as you will see in the next pictures!!

Aspen and Ava are shooting some kind of wild animal here.

And here they are lifting weights together! I never knew tinker toys could be so many different things. Ava also made me a cane yesterday when we played little red riding hood so i could be the grandma. I think I've seen a dog-house made of tinker toys this week too!

My maternity leave has really let us just enjoy this time together as a family. Mostly it's the girls and I as Nathanial has been pretty busy with different things, so we spend a lot of time at home or go to my parents during the day to play. Life has slowed down, and honestly, sometimes I feel like it's a little too slow. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to sit and hold Adara and watch the girls play but we get a little antsy at times. I know I will regret saying this someday, when the girls are older and we are pulled every direction with activities and sports... so I am gonna try and just enjoy. Maybe I need to get a little crafty?? The friends that we worked with in India are coming in this weekend. They will be speaking at our church on Sunday morning and then Monday night we are having a casual soup and sandwich dinner and they will be sharing more about missions, their lives and ministry, and India. That will be at 6:30 at our church, because the response is a little too large to have at our house. If you would like to come please just leave a comment...We would love to see you there!

My two puppies!

Playdough ice cream cones at Mamaw's... they were ALL business!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Fall Fun

Just a quick photo/video update.

Adara Hope's first bath at home. Everything was going smoothly until both sisters decided to help. Luckily their "help" only resulted in a dropped camera and wet pajamas.