Our morning

I have not blogged in a while. Now I have 5 different posts brewing in my head. Of course I must post about FL, but that would require pictures, and I don't have time for pictures right now. So I'll just post about this morning.

It is our first morning back to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). First I have to share that it was a complete beating to get out of the house this morning. It was the first time the boys and I have left the house for an activity since returning from FL. The coats, the hats, the socks, the shoes, the stroller, the boba carrier coupled with the free spirited children who just wanted to run naked wherever we were going had this momma just about to loose it. So I decided on instead of getting on a bus for 45 minutes, we would take the train for 10 minutes and have a 15 minute walk through Central Park where I could walk briskly (releasing pent up frustration of trying to leave the house!) . So glad I did. It reminded me of how much I love the city. The fact that Central Park is part of my commute is really stinkin cool!

I have to offer a little background of the impact of BSF on Austin. Last week while we were in FL, out of now where from the back seat I hear, "Jesus sat down at the right hand of God, the right hand of God, the right had of God, Hebrews 12 :2" in a song sung to Mary had a little lamb. I about fell out of my chair. This is one of the verses he learned at BSF. And here he was reciting it complete with the reference of where it is in the bible. WOW! We called his teacher so he could sing it to her too. We also emailed a video to her. So when we finally got to BSF, I experienced one of the most overwhelming momma moments. Upon seeing his teacher Austin left my hand and RAN across a long room to go greet his teacher (who was smiling and expectantly waiting for him at the door). 

As a momma I long most for my children to know, love, and want to live for God. The reality is I have no idea how to make that happen! BSF gives my little guys so much structure and solid foundation that I merely have to reinforce what they are already doing. It's incredible. So in that moment I felt like time almost stood still. As I watched Austin run to his teacher, I realized that the Lord has gifted me with these women who are just a few steps ahead in life to help coach me on how to raise my preschoolers who will one day be men to stand firm on the Word of God. My little Austin is showing fruits of their ministry in his life. I am being supported, encouraged, and spurred on. What a sweet time to celebrate with these amazing leaders at Bible Study Fellowship as we watch Austin grow, even at just 2 1/2, in the ways of the Lord!

So glad we battled getting out the door!

Nana's visit

It was so sweet to have Nana with us for Christmas and New Years. The boys loved having her in our home and not on a skype screen. She was touchable! Nana is an incredible playmate and there was not a dull moment. We had tons of sweet moments as well as some pretty neat adventures.

A couple of our favorite outings was to see the statue of liberty and taking Nana to the Children's Museum of Manahattan. What neat memories we formed!

View of Manhattan from the fairy.

This is Austin's new trick with his tongue! Nana thought it was hilarious. I had to include it here!

Jonathan and Nana very frequently had jam sessions! Nana would sing, and Jonathan would play the guitar! He's got great form!

College Walk - Columbia lined the walk way in the center of campus with Christmas lights. It's just beautiful :)

 I loved watching Nana love on her grandchildren. I can always see in her eyes a sense of understanding as my life is very similar to hers when she raised Aaron and his brother. Her support of us is incredible. Even sometimes without words she is an incredible cheerleader. She left us feeling affirmed, and spurred on to this crazy adventure God has lead us into :) Thank you for your visit Nana!

Christmas in NYC

I must admit that Aaron's idea to stay in NYC for Christmas didn't thrill me. It took me a long time to be OK with it, and even still, I prepped him that I would likely be sad. This was not the case at all. In the end, I loved the simplicity of our Christmas. Being in NYC just us (and Nana - will write more on that in a bit) really slowed Christmas down. It was a very simple celebration and really allowed us to focus on Jesus. It was a sweet time. Christmas Eve we sang Christmas carols outside one of our Church's locations. Then Christmas morning we had breakfast and took our time opening presents. The boys wanted to play with every toy they opened. We let them. We had nowhere to be, and why not! So many friends and family sent gifts to them, so it was super special to share who sent it to them and watch them enjoy!

 We then ate a simple lunch and put the very tired boys down for a nap! Upon awaking, we headed over to the Biddy's house and had Christmas dinner - Tex Mex style! At Aaron's request, I made enchiladas and Jessica made a taco bar. Very nontraditional, very yummy! We also continued the tradition Aaron and I started after getting married in making a birthday cake for Jesus. This year was so much more fun to do that with the boys. Austin totally understood it and was very excited. I have to admit that I know his excitement was to eat the cake, but it was still excitement. We all spent the night at the Biddy's then headed out in the morning for some football in the park. It was a sweet time. The dads loved throwing the ball around. As did the kids.
Simple, yes it was, but oh so special!