simply grateful

This month, we are trying to read a bible verse and do a craft everyday to learn about Christmas. Yesterday's lesson was about how the angel Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby and name Him Jesus. "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.'" Luke 1:30-32a Just in case you can't tell, Makayla painted Mary and Elijah painted Gabriel. A good friend encouraged me to just let the kids paint how they wanted to paint...the controlling inner school teacher struggled with this just a wee bit...until I saw how proud they were. I have a lot to learn about preschoolers! There are some wonderful websites for this. I wish my ideas were original. Not so much. Pretty much every good idea I have is stolen...er, I mean, borrowed. Here are some sites I visit regularly for ideas...

One of our favorite holiday traditions is packing a shoebox full of goodies for a needy kid around the world. We do this through Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. This is a terrific organization who meets spiritual as well as physical needs. Every child who receives a box will be taught about Jesus. I was just looking on their website and they are still taking donations if that is something you are interested in doing . It was even more fun this year because Makayla is old enough to kind of get the idea that the box is going to another child far away who may not even have toys. She gave a teddy bear a bit of love before putting it in her box. Elijah enjoyed packing his box too...although the lid did not quite want to go on. I know the economy is not good. It seems like all ministries are hurting financially. But we are still so blessed and if one kid could come to know Christ because of a simple shoebox, it is all worth it. If you are interested in knowing more...

Not long ago, our town had an open house at the police station. The kids loved it! They had lots of cool things to look at: police cars, robots, mobile headquarters, drug dogs, the works. We even got to see McGruff the Crime Dog. Let's just say that Elijah is NOT a fa n. He wailed! But, Dad always makes things better...

Here are some pics of the kids from today at the Pumpkin Patch.

Aren't they just so precious! Fall is definitely here and we are fully enjoying it! In between rainy days, we are venturing out as much as possible. On rainy days, we love playing with our tents and tunnels or our costumes. More photos to come soon of our adventures!

Changes. Life is full of them, is it not? Even when it doesn't seem like much is going on, there are still little changes. I have been noticing this with the munchkins lately. Sometimes it is hard to see that there is a difference...the day to day seems monotonous at times. Really, it seems like some days I repeat myself over and over. And, by the way, it is a direct repeat of the day before. Have you seen the movie "Groundhog Day"? But just like with autumn leaves..all of a sudden, I notice a little tinge of red...and I realize things are changing. My babies are growing up. This realization doesn't make me sad. But, it sure does prompt me to savor this season we are in. It is a tiring season in some ways: constant movement, energy, reminders, coaxing, reminding myself that I do not have to participate in the negotiations of a 3 year old, not much sleep...I mean really not much sleep . But what a lovely season at the same time. Our spunky little "torna...

We are so blessed with our little ones...and they are growing so fast!! I'm sorry it has been a month since David updated. I will try to do better! For now, here are some precious pics. Thanks for stopping by!

Took this video today of the kids trying to get Karissa to laugh.

Here's a pic from our night out for our 5 year anniversary. 3 kids in 5 years... makes you wonder what the next five years will hold.

First, thanks to all those who were lifting my precious daughter Karissa up in prayer the last few days. I have never felt the power of prayer as I have in the last 36 hours. We were purposefully vague with all but a few friends as to exactly what was happening, knowing the Father would hear your prayers and intercede in his Divine wisdom and will. She was running in excess of 104 fever for 5 days. We were treating it with tylenol and motrin, but only able to get it down to around 101. We took her to the Dr. on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They did blood work on Tuesday and Wednesday. The results were so concerning on Wednesday they decided to send her to Charlotte for evaluation. Her white blood count was dropping and her platelets were very low. When Heather asked the Dr. if he was thinking viral infection or cancer he responded, "those are all options that are on the table". Many of you know that I lost a brother to Leukemia. While not a "blood" brother, my min...

Ok, so though I am waaayyyyy behind again, I have learned a new trick. (I think). I have two fun little videos that I am going to attempt to post. Poor Makayla missed the boat, but don't worry, she managed to get into many still photos that I was trying to take of a solo Karissa. Let's just say Karissa doesn't have much of a chance of being solo...like...ever. Let's just hope she is an extrovert. On a side note, David and the youth group are in Virginia on a mission trip. The week just started, but they already had 12 kids at one of their backyard bible clubs! Please be praying that peoples' lives would be radically transformed with an encounter with Christ this week...that many would come to know and worship God more and more...thank you So, here it goes. I will post more photos soon...that Makayla is most definitely in!

Our little guy turned 2 this month and I am sooooo behind doing anything about it here. There are no excuses...but I couldn't let another day pass! Elijah is such a cool little guy. He has this warm, laid back personality. He is learning new words like crazy. He loves his sisters and beams when they are around...especially if he gets to do something to help them. He loves his family. He loves Elmo and Thomas. He loves to sing and prefers to sing alone. He will tell you so! He also loves to read books, dance, and run to chase Makayla. We praise God for this little joy! We had so much fun going to camp to see Daddy for a few hours! The kids loved it and we hope to join him next year. I just love this photo that Stevie took of us! On another note, our little Karissa is now 6 months old! Can you believe it? Thank you so much for checking in! I will try to do a better job updating! We are going to the beach for July 4th, so I'm sure we will have some fun photos next wee...

Our family was so excited to get free tickets to Carowinds, the local amusement park! We couldn't wait to go. Makayla is all about adventure and squealed with delight throughout the day. Elijah was a little more reserved, but seemed to have fun too. Actually, after a very "spinny" ride, he was not interested in going on any more rides. Makayla couldn't get enough! (Notice the background on this one.) Poor Elijah...later we found out he had an ear infection. But here he is, looking oh-too-sweet with his daddy. Is he David's "mini-me" or what? I love my guys!! And here is sweet little Karissa. She is so good to just go along with the flow of things...most of the time. She mainly hung out...no rides for her yet...other than the stroller. We had such a fun time! We just love our time together as a family. I am sooo blessed beyond measure!

I have never felt more like a mom before. David and I have been going on nightly walks/jogs with the kids. It has been such sweet family time and has made me really want to get back into running again. Sunday, I had been home all day with the kids because Elijah had a stomach bug and we didn't want to infect the nursery. Karissa and Makayla stayed home too because we figured that they might be carriers. All David had to say was "why don't you go for a run...alone". " Really?!? Are you sure? ok - bye!" And after a quick change, I was off. I didn't do my usual..."Well, I could take the baby...or I don't really need to..." nope. I was gone. I didn't realize how desperate I was for a break. David must have been surprised by my reaction too. He laughingly said it was like Forest Gump..."Run, Forest, RUN"...he said that I was going to run and run and never come back. He sounded a bit nervous. I assured him that I would be b...

SO sorry that I have been so late in updating. All is well in the Petro household...busy. We are loving the warm weather and sending as much time outside as we can. We have also started a garden...hopefully, we will be enjoying fresh veggies this summer. Here are some photos of the kiddos...Karissa is actually 4 1/2 months old now. She giggles and coos all the time. Apparently the little munchkin has figured out that the Petro family is a chatty bunch!