Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Christmas Crafts!

Last week, because it was a cold and snowy week, I tried to fill our days with some Christmas cheer! The boys and I did a variety of crafts together from coloring and decorating some paper trees and stockings, to a gingerbread house, and a few others in between! It was the first time I've every really tried crafts with the boys and it was a lot of fun! Sam was definitely more into it, but Joel at least liked eating the edible ones! :) Hope you enjoy the pics of our activities!





You can see what I mean in this picture about Joel not
really being into it.






Our finished house! Yes, it was a kit...I am
no Martha Stewart!




Sam intently working on his marshmallow snowman.

Joel's finished snowman (minus the arms).


Our Christmas cookies....thanks to Pillsbury's pre-cut
Christmas tree cookies! I rolled out the extra dough and
cut circles to make ornament cookies. The boys really
loved it but thought they could eat EVERY one they decorated.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Our First Snow Day!

Well, today is our official "first snow day" in MD!! The boys think it is great! We went out to play in it a bit this morning and hope to again when Daddy gets home! Thanks to the generosity of family and friends and sales from last season, the boys were much more prepared than I for the snow...warm, waterproof coats, hats, gloves, and boots (thanks Granny...they love them!). Getting their gloves on was an adventure in and of itself! I finally just shoved them on Joel and said forget it with trying to get his thumb where it is supposed to go....he didn't seem to mind. Sam however, after several frustrating attempts on both our parts, was able to put his thumbs in and have some sort of ability to still use his hands. He REALLY wanted to make snowballs to throw! I wasn't much help with my cheap little sweater gloves. All in all, we had fun but hand to head back in doors sooner than later because it was really cold and the boys pants were getting wet. It hasn't really stopped snowing all day and it looks like about 2 inches have fallen so far! So beautiful! Hope you enjoy my snapshots of the boys! Love you all!


Trying to make snowballs without gloves...not a good idea!

Running in the snow with their boots on! Aren't they cute?!

Not sure what Joel is doing here, but he is just too cute
in all his snow gear! :)


Here you can see the gloves. He wasn't quite sure
how to go about making a snowball at first...it wasn't sticking
together very well.

The view from our back porch just a few minutes ago.
Oh, and I can't believe the date is wrong on my camera...never fails, I always
seem to mess it up when I'm in a hurry. Sorry.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

A Piece of Home Came to Visit!

Last week I was blessed by a visit from my dear friend Holly and her sweet little boy, Judah! With two two-year-olds and a six month old in our midst, we didn't get to do a whole lot, but it was such a joy to have her here! It really felt like a piece of home came to visit...especially since she and her husband are living in and taking care of our house while we are away! She was such an encouragement to me and it was just great being together! I have missed her and all my friends back in Texas dearly! I wish you ALL could come visit!
Friday night, Holly's last night here, she and I were able to get out together and go to a local restraurant for dessert and just some good 'ole girl time! Rob was SO kind to watch all three boys and allow us this treat! Thanks Honey! :)
And Holly, thank you, for taking the time out to make the trip alone with Baby Judah! I'm sorry your stay wasn't more "exciting", but please know that you refreshed my spirit by being here! It was such fun seeing you be Judah's Mommy....he is so blessed to have you! I love you dear friend and thank the Lord for putting you in my life!



Beautiful Holly and her precious Baby Judah!

She and I before we braved the cold to go out for our "girl's night".
And I promise I am not as fat as that picture and sweater make me appear!...ugh!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

A Memorable NC Thanksgiving!

The Tombrella family was blessed to be able to spend our Thanksgiving holiday with our precious friends, the Childers! We made the 5 hour trek (thanks to traffic) to Wilson, NC where Jeanna and Justin now live. We had a wonderful time all being together and watching our little ones play together. Jeanna and I had a great time preparing the Thanksgiving feast together on Thursday! It was a delicious meal and a lot of fun enjoying it together with them! Jeanna is expecting their second child in just a couple of weeks, but she didn't miss a beat in the preparations of the meal, or in having energy enough to do all the activities. We shopped together a little of Friday (our favorite pasttime to do together!), took the kiddos to Chucky Cheese on Saturday for lunch, and got to just hang out a lot together. She also allowed me to help in her Christmas decorating which is always something I look forward to at my own home each year, but am not really doing in MD this year.

Thank you Jeanna and Justin, for a very fun and memorable time over the Thanksgiving holiday! You guys mean so much to us and we are truly thankful for you and your friendship! God has used you in many ways in our lives and he has blessed us through you more than you know! We love you guys!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Family Photo Disaster...I mean...Shoot!

Well our plan to get a family photo taken for Christmas was quite an adventure... as you can imagine. Two, two year old little boys, in a park, with a pond, and lots of leaves just does not equal a perfect family photograph! I am now officially convinced that those family pictures you see in professional portrait studios must be enhanced...especially if small children are in them and they appear to be looking AT the camera AND smiling! Absolutely an impossible task in our lives right now...but we had fun...I think! ;)

Here are just a few of our "moments" caught on film...thought you might enjoy seeing them! And yes, after what sounded like a million snaps of the camera, we did manage to capture one or two pictures that will achieve our goal of a family photo suitable for Christmas gifts! You'll have to wait 'til Christmas to see those though! :)

And thanks for your patience with us Jess! You are the best for taking time out to take the pictures for us!




Almost good enough...Sam is looking for a rock, as usual! :)

Rob thought a picture of the boys tossing leaves on us would be cute....
didn't quite work out though.

Fun idea, but limbs in the way and Joel hating life...not a good mix.
And yet look at Sam...almost "angelic" looking isn't he....so cute!


Throwing leaves yet again...


Monday, November 19, 2007

36 Years...



No, it's not my birthday...I'm not that old yet! Today is my parents 36th wedding anniversary! 36 years ago they said "I do", for better or worse, and, by God's grace, they meant it! Their marriage is a true example of God's grace and faithfulness. They have depended on him for all things and he has helped them! I have wonderful childhood memories of my parents outwardly expressing their love for each other with lots of hugs, kisses, apologies, weekends away, nights out, and meaningful gifts. It truly was, and still is, an example of what a godly marriage should look like. They both sacraficially loved each other as my mom helped my dad, and my dad led my mom and our family.

Thank you Mom and Dad, for exemplifying Ephesians 5, setting an example as to what a marriage should look like, and loving the Savior! I am so blessed to be your daughter!

And thank you, Lord, for my parents and for blessing them with 36 wonderful years of marriage! Continue to be glorified in their lives and marriage, and bless them with many more years together! All praise and glory to you!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Late Night Reflections on the Gospel


This week I have been trying to start each day thinking on and soaking in the gospel. Last Saturday at our monthly PC Wives meeting, Julie Purswell shared on spiritual disciplines. It was excellent! Very encouraging, inspiring, and challenging! She shared that often times in the past, her struggles have stemmed from being to self-focused, and not gospel-focused. The gospel should always leave us with hope! She even gave all the ladies a copy of A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent! Then, the very next day, Jeff Purswell, her husband and dean of the PC, spoke at church on 1Cor. 15:1-11 (v.3,4) "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures..." He did an excellent job in reminding us that the gospel is: essential, unchanging, and transforming! My heart was freshly awakened to the power of the gospel and its necessity in my life everyday!
Then one day this week I read in Valley of Vision a reminder, once again, of the gospel. This puritans words have truly become the cry of my heart as well.

Grant me to hear thy voice assuring me:
that by thy stripes I am healed,
that thou wast bruised for my iniquities,
that thou hast been made sin for me
that I might be righteous in thee,
that all my grievous sins, my manifold sins,
are all forgiven,
buried in the ocean of thy concealing blood.
I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found,
sinning, but cleansed.

Keep me always clinging to the cross.


My "trials" in light of the cross, don't look like much, and remind me that if the One who lives inside me can conquer sin and death, he can most certainly handle any and all of my situations.
"Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (2Cor. 9:15).

"...yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me." 1Cor. 15:10b)

Monday, November 5, 2007

GOOD NEWS!

Colby has been found! Holly called Animal Control and they had a dog that fit his description...after acquiring his shot records from the vet, she headed there to pick him up! We are very grateful that he was found and that Holly and Aaron cared enough to go the extra mile to help bring him home! Now we pray that he stays put (at least until we return!) and that his seizures stop. For now though, we are just praising the Lord for the recovery of our sweet "Colby-dog"! :)

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Sad News


Today we found out from our friends that our beloved pet of 5 years, Colby, is missing. :( After a good cry, I calmed down enough for Rob to tell me what they think might have happened. In the past year Colby has experienced seizures off and on and so he may have had one and run away in his confused state. Holly (our dear friend who, along with her husband Aaron, is renting our house and taking care of Colby in Texas) heard some strange noises last night in the back yard...almost like someone was back there. They have no evidence that there was, but it really scared Holly. Colby never really barked which he always does when he hears something or someone unknown to him comes in the yard. Needless to say, we really just don't know what happened to him. Please pray for his quick and safe return. He has always been a sweet and gentle dog that we truly love and have missed. "Come home Colby!"

Thursday, November 1, 2007

A Spiderman Halloween!

Yesterday was Halloween (in case you didn't know...ha-ha), and instead of taking the boys trick-or-treating, we opted for the indoor "Harvest Party" at Covenant Life Church! It was a lot of fun for the boys! They got to play games and get candy! Sam started out a bit hesitant, but by the second or third game, he was totally into it! Joel jumped right into the fun without a second thought! They both just loved wearing their costumes and seeing the other kids in their costumes! "Wook at that Mommy!", was the phrase of the evening! Wish you all could have been here to share in the fun with us!

Two little Spidermen racing to the car!

So excited to get in the van and go to church for the candy!




Ring toss....didn't get any on this attempt at the game, but candy was still rewarded!



Eager Spiderman!



It's not a ramp to walk on Joel, ROLL the balls!



All my boys!



Tic-Tac-Toe TOSS..not throw. Gotta love little boys! :)



Sam was serious about his turn...he actually did really well at it!



Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Mommy & Daddy's Overnight Get-Away!

This past weekend (Sunday afternoon - Monday evening to be exact) Rob and I were blessed with the opportunity to get away to a river house on the Potomac river in West Virginia! It was fabulous! On the way we drove a scenic covered bridge tour and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the bridges (there were three), and all the beautiful fall colors and lovely landscape. After the bridge tour we took another scenic route through the Cocatin Mountains to get to Hagerstown, where a great outlet mall is! The drive was unbelievable...the colors were just breathtaking! We felt like we were basking in God's glory the whole drive!
Overall the quick retreat was much needed and greatly appreciated and enjoyed! This is just another example of the Lord's kindness and generosity towards us that we don't deserve...we are so grateful!

The first bridge...Utica Road I believe it was. There was a gorgeous house right before it too.

We were turning around to stop at an antique shop...this is what we saw.
We thought is was pretty funny even though we weren't sure what it meant!


We also stopped to read the grave stones at this old cemetary next to a Lutheran church.
Many of the stones dated back to the early and middle 1800's.


The 2nd bridge...it was next to a great park and over a lovely creek.
We want to take the boys back to this one in the spring!


And the last one... Roddy Road. We walked under this one
and skipped rocks in the creek! So fun!


We asked a man riding his bike to take this one. He probaby
thought we were looney Texans, but who cares...he took a pretty good picture! :)


This is the river house that sits above the Potomac River just inside WV. It is
a great house! In the basement they have a ping-pong table, pool table, foosball, and air hockey! We had a blast! We kept wishing all our family was there too! It's a great place for a big family vacation!


The 100+ stairs leading down to a deck overlooking the river, and then there are about 10 more down to the actual river.



Sitting by the river trying to stay warm! It was a very
beautiful and peaceful spot!


The view from the top of the stairs.



Thursday, October 25, 2007

Japanese Potty Training Video

Here is the what Daddy and the boys watch nearly every night (click on the link below)...we hope it is getting them inspired to try it themselves! Potty prayers would be greatly appreciated! This mommy is quite weary of changing diapers and short on money too! Hope it makes you laugh as much as it did us! The boys think it is great!...they call it the "Shee pa-pa woobie"! So cute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-KrrIbAEs

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

BUGS!



Who knew that God would put us in a place that had more bugs than Kopperl, TX? Well, he did...and not only are there more of them, they are weirder too! Maryland has so many strange bugs...and they all seem to show up on the Tombrella back patio! Each morning that Sam runs outside and I hear him call, "Mommeee, wook, wook, Mommeee!", I have to prepare myself! I never know what I am about to discover! A few days ago it was a green grasshopper whose wings looked like leaves...it was actually quite an interesting creature. And the very next day it ended up on the side of our red chair in the living room! I have no idea how it ended up there, but since I didn't want grasshopper guts all over my chair (Rob only kills bugs...he will not catch them!), I picked him up and tossed him outside. We'll probably see him again in a few days!
Yesterday Sam discovered a brown praying mantis...eewwhh! I put him on a stick and threw him into the woods behind our apartment. Sam then said, "All dun, Mommy, aww dun!" That's his way of reasurring himself the bug is gone. Then today, behind our little picnic table, I discovered a black furry caterpillar (just like the one in the picture above!). He looked pretty scary to me so I scooped him onto the end of the broom and tossed him into the woods. (There seems to be a pattern involving the woods...could be WHY we see so many interesting bugs!)
Of course then we have the spiders...Daddy long-legs seem to flock to our patio and storage closet! Every time Sam sees a spider web he says Spiderman made it! :) Rob told him that one day last week and he seems to like the idea! I think I would feel better too if Spiderman HAD made the webs!
Well, we may all come home to Texas with alter egos like Spiderman (if we encounter a radio-active spider), as anthropologists because I keep looking up the bugs on the internet, or signed up to be on "Survivor" because we feel better equipped! The Lord only knows!





Sam (and Rob's) dream for
Mommy! Ha! Ha!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

We've Been Busy!

Sorry it has been so long since I updated the blog! We've been busy, juggling two very active 2 year olds, getting Rob through each week of school work, and taking a trip (just the boys and I) to NC to visit my dear friend Jeanna and her family.
Here in MD the leaves are changing now, so though the temperature doesn't feel very "fallish", it at least looks like fall! We miss home a lot but are enjoying our time here very much! God is revealing more about our hearts each day, and showering grace on us as we make steps to change and grow more into the image of Christ. He is also continuing to provide for and bless our family in wonderful ways...we are humbled and grateful.
Hope you enjoy these pics of our family! Wish you were here! :)

Don't we look studious?!

Carpooling...Tombrella style!

Cupcakes with Karis in NC...doesn't get much better than that!


"Should I go down?"

Our little ball player!


Watching "Robots" with Karis as a nighttime "treat"!



Who needs a trampoline when you've got a mattress?!



Ready for a nap at the "Oktoberfest".



Painting a pumpkin...they created quite a masterpiece!



"Only paint the pumpkin!"