Decking the Halls

In keeping with our Shaw tradition, we decorated the Manor for Christmas this weekend. We had lots of extra time on our hands to do so because we didn't really celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Poor Westly got super sick so we stayed home with him. He still managed to get into the holiday spirit a little and help us decorate.

My Thanksgiving Verse

I thought I would share my Bible verse I chose for Drazin reflection time this year. I also wrote a little poem to go along with it.

“…therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may  love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…” Deuteronomy 30:20

You set the beat in my heart,

A heart built to love You.

You blew the breath in my lungs,

Lungs filled to praise You.

You drew the prints on my hands,

Hands formed to cling to You.

You wrote the prose of my days,

Days meant to be with You.

You are my life!

November's Craft

This month I made name cards for our Thanksgiving table. There will be quite a gathering at the Drazin house this year. Hope there's room for everyone :)

Our Budding Author

Westly took over for me signing books when I got too tired. Our book release for Book 4 was way fun, especially since little West could be a part of it.

Discovering the Museum

Tonight I took Westly to the Children's Discovery Museum here in town. Daddy was a guest speaker for 'Harry Potter Week' at the museum. This was Westly's first visit, and he LOVED it. Get ready for a nice long photo shoot!

Driving a boat. Aye-aye, Capn'!

Playing in the 'sand' box with Papa

Maybe farming is in his future

Exploring the long tunnel

A mini-sized fire hydrant--Westly's current fascination

Tending the pet shop with Nana

First Driver Ed tips from Papa

Bounce-bounce

Ride 'em, Cowboy!

Gving the cow some love

Feedin' time!

Daddy, the Harry Potter Expert

What a great night!

The Wand Chooses the Wizard

Westly was very delighted to find this wand, and practice some spells. He almost has his Petronum down--it will probably be a dog.

Sharing Christmas

For years I've partaken in Operation Christmas Child. It's sponsored by a Christian organization called Samaritan's Purse (founded by one of Billy Graham's sons). OCC works like this: you fill a shoe box with toys, school supplies, basic necessities, etc. and pass it onto Samaritan's Purse. They then take it to an impoverished place and give it to a child for Christmas. It's a wonderful way to share Jesus' love and a little Christmas with a needy child. This year Westly got to be a part of it.

 

Go to the website to see a short video and more info on Operation Christmas Child
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/its_shoe_box_time1/

Big Boy Hair Cut

The time came for little Westly's locks to be cut. He was having more bad hair days than good, and when it was wet I could easily comb it back into a pony-tail. I am very old-fashion in that I like boys with short hair.

 

So Sunday after church, we cut. 

 

 

We had to use many distractions and Daddy's help to get the job done

 

 

This is right before Westly's huge freak-out. In the end Daddy had to hold him while I finished up.

I am sad to say, it was the worst hair cut ever! I think in the future we're gonna have to take him somewhere to get it cut. The texture of his fine hair mixed with his phobia of scissors makes it nearly impossible for me to do a good job. I wish I could fib and say he tried to cut his own hair. Alas, it will grow back.

One Little Monkey Jumping on the Bed...

Here's a little Halloween recap! Little Westly dressed as a monkey this year (thanks to my friend lending me her costume!) The family met at the Sullivans so all the little cousins could go Trick or Treating. West really surprised me in that he had a blast running after the cousins, going with Daddy to each door, and putting candy in his little banana pouch. He was very nice to share all his candy loot with Mama and Daddy. He was content to snack on pretzels. It's safe to say Westly's first Trick or Treating was a success!

To My Darling Mr. Shaw

Happy 30th Birthday to my dear hubby. I am so thankful you were born 30 years ago, and you came into my life 7 years ago. My life has never been the same in the most wonderful sense. You are an extraordinary husband, friend, teacher, and daddy. I hope you know how loved you are!