The Day After Christmas

We seriously had a great Christmas this year! All month we tried to make it a special point to teach our kiddo's the true meaning of Christmas and I think that's why we could really enjoy the season so much ourselves. "Jesus" came to pick up the box they filled with toys to give away, and they found some new toys in it's place Christmas morning. We had an awesome time with both of our families. The kids did get spoiled maybe a little too much by the grandparents... but, that's just the way it is I guess!! Actually mom and dad got spoiled too.... we recieved a Wii and an awesome IPOD dock... we appreciate the gifts soooo much and love them!! The girls have loved staying home all day today to play with their new stuff. Christmas Eve we cooked up some food and went to enjoy a meal that Kacie Ellis had planned for those who needed it or wanted it. We sat with a lovely couple from Cannelburg and had good conversation and some laughs. Well, the girls and I did... Nathanial was busy setting up his new blog.... thejesuschallenge.blogspot.com, he'd be thrilled if you check it out.

Here are some pics from the night of Ava's preschool program!

She was sooooo excited to get to wear her Christmas dress Aunt Shelli bought her!





Backtracking a little, Aspen turned 2 on the 19th!! I can't believe it! She is so much fun right now and so smart!! She's pretty much got the potty training thing down, as long as she wants to anyway. You just never know what mood she's gonna be in.... but we have definately been saving money by not buying as many diapers!!! That makes momma happy! She is putting words together and kindof speaking in sentences.... like: Mommy, bobbi (paci), pink. Yeah, yeah,yeah.... we shouldn't still have the bobbi.... but i've become quite the softie in that area! She was so excited to open gifts this year! I love watching her face light up! She LOVES to read books, and rip pages out of books as well.








Aspen's new ride!!

My little baldie!!

Loving her chubby cheeks!!!

Ava with her favorite Christmas present!

worth watching

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

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

Nathanial found this video last year I think and I love it too. But I still struggle with wanting to buy a lot of "stuff". Last night we went Christmas shopping and it was NOT fun.... not that I'm ever a good shopper though!! :) But seriously, it's hard to go for a few things because I want A LOT!!! Then I get overwhelmed with decisions and end up mad and getting nothing! So annoying!!! I'm all in the Christmas spirit until I go shopping! Isn't that the opposite of most people?? I think I'll stick to shopping at "It's a wonderful life" for the remainder of my gifts. I love that store!

Tis the Season

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.

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