O To Be Like Daddy!

 The other day when daddy was playing the piano, Jeremiah decided to jump right in.  Michael would pick him up and he would play and then he would cry when he would get down.  I mean who wouldn't want to BANG on that piano!  :)  Maybe someday he will play the piano so wonderfully like his daddy!  Or he may be a drummer the way this kid is going! 

Christmas Activity

On Wed. night we decided to do something Christmasy- we went to Krohn Conservatory in downtown Cincy.  They had a neat train display with some lights and poinsettas.  We even saw a nativity that they had set up with a real cow that seemed to moo on cue.  Ben & Laura & cousin Jonathan joined us for the adventure and we concluded our night with some good old Cincinnati style Skyline which the babes made a mess with their cheerios all over the floor.  It was J's first Christmas outing.

On Tuesday, we also went to Ikea with Emily Doughman and Rachel and Abby for their story time and kids eat free lunch.  Jeremiah and I tried their meatballs and mash potatoes and they had a cute story time and we got a little doggie.

Dumpster Diving & 10 months

I can't believe Jeremiah is 10 months old!  We are so thankful for the little guy the Lord has given to us!  This month Jeremiah has undertaken a new profession- we hope it does not last long but we shall see- dumpster diving!  Maybe has learned it from the people we see doing it outside our window or maybe he is intrigued by what is inside that big tall "thing" in the kitchen or maybe he is bored or maybe he is obsessed with standing up- who knows the kid loves to explore!  This morning I ran in to clean up the bathroom real quick which is off limits to him lest he decide toilet diving is next and lo and behold, the kid is sitting on the floor with a big chocolate cookie he pulled from the top of the can.  So what does any good boy do- he eats it.  :)  So I hear boys get into and love dirt but do they also love eating trash????  Oh my... you can't turn your head for second with this one.  We still love him and think we will keep him. :) 

Sarah Brown's Visit!

Sarah Brown came for dinner last night and she brought Jeremiah's first Christmas presents!  He had so much fun opening the two books she got him!  He will love reading those books Sarah- thank you!  He definitely enjoyed tearing the paper!  I am so thankful to live near this sweet college friend!  What a blessing to have her so close!  I always admire Sarah's servant heart and love for people and definitely puts people before herself!  She is a great nurse!!!

In Faithfulness He Afflicts...

Today, I just was feeling plain discouraged.  I was feeling unmotivated and sad and lonely for some reason.  I realize sometimes that blogging can be such a "me" focused activity and that sometimes I can easily paint a rosy picture of life when the truth is life can be hard and the days can seem mundane.  Our family has been sick all week, it has been rainy and cold- I  have no where to go to take walks, no buddy to take walks with (except my little buddy)- these are the lies that were pervading my mind.  Michael has been a trooper all week and has been sleeping on the couch so I can get some sleep and yet I still grumble and complain.  And despite Jeremiah's cough, he has been a trooper and has been cheerful and happy- only I have been the one to get down. 
 
And yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope...

"Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me."  Psalm 119:73-75

How I pray that on days like these- others would see me and rejoice because I have hoped and am hoping right now in His Word!  In faithfulness He afflicts!

Nativity

 Last Christmas before Jeremiah was born, Grandpa & Grandma Lyons gave him the Little People Nativity set.  It is so cute and the other day I got it out and he loves to play with it and squeals with glee at the little peoples or rather bangs them on things but that is a start. 

 This was Jeremiah a month ago- but I was trying to squeeze him in my brother's old Christmas outfit- he is too big for it now.  The Lyons' den this week has been struck with germs.  :)  Thankfully after a good night sleep for all of us last night- things seem to look brighter today and we hopefully are on the mend!

To Auntie Rachel!

We love you Auntie Rachel and Jeremiah wanted to give you a message and say thanks for the shirt that he is sporting on this rainy yucky day in Cincinnati!  We can't wait to see you at Christmas and Uncle Mike too! 

Israel

So... we have a big decision to make in the Lyons' house in the coming weeks.  Michael has the opportunity this summer to go to Israel for 7 weeks this summer- pretty much all expenses paid.  I would love the opportunity to go with him but we would have to pay for all my expenses.  My parents could possibly watch Jeremiah for part of the time or we could possibly bring Jeremiah with us the whole time.  The first three weeks is touring in Jerusalem.  The last four weeks is an archeological dig in Tel Dan (north Israel).  It sounds like an amazing opportunity for Michael and possibly for us as a family.  The only questions are the financial stuff and answering the question- is it crazy to leave a 1 year old for 2-3 weeks with my parents? or is it crazy to take him along?  Those are the questions we are facing.  It seems like a daunting decision task in the future.   We are praying for much wisdom from the Lord in this!  Please pray with us that the Lord would lead us and make it clear what we should do.

Bee in a Box

 As I was taking out some flowers from the garden today and trying to spare some of them from the deadly frost, I got a package in the mail and lo and behold it was a happy garden bee!  Now, I know it is almost winter but I was very happy to get this cheery bee!  I just had to put him in the hallway in one of my plants!  Thanks dad for being so thoughtful and sending me a surprise package and a sweet little garden bee!!!  I guess it goes a long with my buzzzzzy little boy these days!  Thanks dad!  Love you lots! 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

 So what have we been doing this week?  Well after the turkey dinner faded away, Jeremiah had a chance to play with Lena Elliot on Tuesday.  He loves having other children to play with.  And we have been decorating for Christmas!  So far Jeremiah has not knocked the tree over, he hasn't even really went over to the tree too much- so far so good!  I have tried to put as many Christmas decorations as I could out of reach.  Other random things- poor Michael has gotten a cold on top of LOTS of homework to do and papers to write as he wraps up the semester.  And Jeremiah now successfully can shove cheerios into his mouth and really loves them!  :)