Family Movie Nights

Have you ever had that awkward moment when you're showing a great movie from your childhood to your kids only to discover you didn't remember that particular scene, language, etc. being in the movie?

Or maybe there's a good movie that would have been truly great if only Hollywood had cut out a few things.

VidAngel solves these problems by letting you filter streaming videos. You can even customize your filters. It's a bit confusing at first, but basically you buy the movie for $20 and then sell it back within 24 hours for a $19 credit. Net cost per movie is $1.

We've watched a few movies now this way and have been very pleased with the results, so thought I'd share in case anyone else is interested.

Please note there is an ongoing legal dispute.

Happy Birthday, Danny!!

Hey there, Danny -- you're ten!!

You're growing up so quickly... and really, Sweetheart, you're doing a great job. You're sweet and attentive to your friends and family, you're eager to help out and you're typically cheerful about doing your chores, your schoolwork or what have you.

You're thoughtful and kind and you're funny. Even Talia thinks so. You get her to laugh more than just about anyone else!

And you're ten! How in the world did that happen?? It seems like just yesterday, you were my sweet, littlest baby...all cuddled up... and now you're pretty much ready to take on the world!

Just remember, in the process, that you're not alone...we're here for you, Danny. We've got your back.

And you don't need to be like anyone but who God created YOU to be. Your name means "God is my judge," and we want to remember that. This world will judge you, no doubt, as people like to do that to one another. But at the end of the day, you are accountable to God and God alone for your thoughts, your actions, and your deeds. And He is a righteous and good judge, a loving judge who made a way for you...He knows your strengths, and He knows your weaknesses. And He knows that where you fall short (and believe me, we all do), He has made a way for you. That's why Jesus came to this earth, and lived a perfect life on your behalf... so run to Him and know His love and His peace!

Love you, sweet buddy! Happy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Birthday, Wazowski!!

It's your golden birthday, Dude (and if, like me for much of my life, random readers have never heard of a golden birthday, it's the year of life that matches up with the day of the month on which you were born. For example, Mikey was born on September 11, so his eleventh birthday is his golden birthday. At least this is what my Minnesotan husband tells me. But it's cold in Minnesota. So there's that)!!

Mikey, you are one awesome kid. You can try my patience like none other, but then you flash your darn dimples and, yeah. I'm a sucker for your dimples. And your crazy bear hugs. I'm a sucker for those, too.

This last year has been a really good year for you. You've grown a lot. You can still try our patience like none other, but you seem to be growing in wisdom and self-control. We see more and more evidence of those characteristics in your life. You're also more quickly taking responsibility for your action and seeking a resolution. That's a sign of great maturity. Well done, son. Keep it up!

You have commentary for any and every subject matter that comes up, regardless of your level of expertise in the area. Seriously -- you should talk to your dad about getting your own YouTube channel. I'm pretty sure we could make some $$ off of that.

You challenge me and remind me so much of myself in so many ways. You're good at debate and you're quick to justify and defend. Just remember to justify the just and defend the weak and the righteous, and you will do well.

You're also passionate, emotional, and intense (and these are qualities that I've been accused of a time or two in my life, let me tell ya). And do you know what? Those are GOOD qualities. God created us with a full range of emotions. He never meant for us to be apathetic and disinterested in matters of this world. Just remember that our thoughts are the tracks that carry our emotions in the directions that they will go. So take your thoughts captive. Choose compassion, grace and kindness over self-interest and self-righteousness. Choose gratitude and contentment instead of self-pity and frustration. Choose mercy over anger and bitterness. Control your thoughts, and let those drive your emotions.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

You have an amazing ability to put your thoughts into words, and when you grasp a concept, your enthusiasm in contagious. I love seeing you learn, and I love learning from you.

We love you, Mikey, and we are so proud of you. We thank God that He made you just the way He did. You're a gift to us, and we enjoy you so much. May you continue to grow more and more into the man He created you to be. Happy, happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Eliana!!

Oh my sweet, sweet Eliana Joy... bear with me, Child. You mama is about to go on a bit! ;)

You know, of course, that my name is Christina Joy. My mama always said that my name meant, "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Growing up, I always loved my name, especially paired with my middle name, and considering the meaning. But I didn't realize until I was a bit older that when my parents gave me that name, that joy was what I was meant to claim.  You see, in my youthful interpretation, I always thought of it as an expression of where my mom was when I was born. My dad was working hard far away; she was home with three babies under three years of age... that can be hard and tiring work! She needed the joy of the Lord to strengthen her!

As I got older, I came to realize that I, too, needed the joy of the Lord to strengthen me... and even in my name, I was given the direction and the way in which I could find that strength in Jesus. What a gift.

Twenty five years separate each of us, my mom and me, me and you... and yet as she prayed and blessed me with that precious direction in my name, your dad and I were so honored to pray and bless you with your name, Eliana Joy. You know that Eliana means "God has answered me" and when paired with your middle name, I always think of it as "God has answered me with joy."

Of course, you could interpret your name as an expression of where Daddy and I were when you were born -- we were so, so thankful that God answered our prayers for a child with you! What a gift and what a blessing -- and that is an accurate interpretation.

But, Sweet, Sweet child... don't forget to personalize the meaning of your name. It's for you, too. And we've seen that in you in the last few years. You are so, so beautiful. You have such a sweet spirit, a generous heart, a forgiving nature, a humble strength that produces joy in leadership and in service. You've embraced the heart of God that forgives you of your sin, and in doing so, you've found that God has answered YOU with joy. What a treasure it is to see you walk in that strength and kindness. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him." You've found a worthy God, and we see Him glorified in you.

During this morning's service when the pastor was talking about ministry and people, I started to think that I could easily replace the word "ministry" with "parenting" and the word "people" with "children." It is not always easy to parent (I know you've heard the stories of when you were a paint-peeling two-year-old!), but when we think of you (and your siblings, of course), you make it a joy to be a parent. Thank you.

Okay. Rambling done (maybe). Now you're twelve years old. Two-thirds of the way through this foundational adventure called childhood. Keep following your dreams, and don't be afraid to share them with others. You are a quiet warrior, a gentle leader, a humble joy... and we pray that you will be blessed with the knowledge and peace of how very, very loved you are, precious one!!

Happy, happy birthday, Eliana!!

Happy, happy birthday, Elijah!!

DUDE!! You're six!! You've been telling people all day that you're "TURNING SIX" today, and so you're five and you'll "act-chew-wu-wee (actually) be six tomorrow." Technically, you're correct, since you weren't born until 11:59pm. (I know, I know... I tell you that every year. And I also always tell you that these next 18 days are my favorite of the year because when people ask me how old my kids are, I can now say I have an 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, and 6 year old. Of course, I have a few others, too, but their ages don't line up so nicely.)

ANYHOW, Little Dude, YOU are AWESOME!! We have had so much fun with you this year. (As I wrote that last sentence you ran back and forth in front of me 147 times while enthusiastically telling me some crucial information about one of the games that has your attention. I forget which one. But needless to say, it took me a long time to write that sentence.)

Enthusiastic is a great word to describe you. Energetic, confident, generous, compassionate and wholehearted are some others. So many times this past year (or two), I have told others how much I love five-year-old boys. Five-year-old boys are so sweet and loving, and they look at the world and see it for its very best. At least, if all five-year-old boys are like you, that's what they do. I have a feeling that I'm going to be saying some awesome things about six-year-old boys now.

We love you, Elijah. You're a gift from God. You love Star Wars and Luigi and the Wii U. You are tender and caring with babies and toddlers. Sammy is still your best friend, and you love the color green.  You'll take the time to stop and talk to anyone. You love people and know that they love you right back. And when given the option to pick any cupcake you want, you make sure it's the most beautiful chocolate cupcake you can find, and then you give it to your Mommy. (Well, you give it to Sammy and your Mommy to share, but then Sammy tells your Mommy she can have it all. Seriously. You boys are the best!!)

We hope you have an awesome year, Sweet Buddy, living and learning and loving even more. Happy, happy sixth birthday, 'Lijah!! We love you!!

Happy Birthday, Sammy!

Sammy! Seriously?!? You're SEVEN!!

Huge!! Gosh, we're enjoying watching you grow up. You're steadfast and reliable, easy going and fun to be around. You're loyal -- you've loved all things Star Wars and Mario and Luigi for how long now?

You are oh-so-sweet to your mom and in this last year or so, you've added your youngest brother and baby sisters to your list of sweet devotions. You also never forget to pray for your Grandmama and Grandpapa whenever it is your turn to pray. (Thank you. That means the world to me.)

Elijah is still your best buddy but you've broadened your horizons and enjoy playing with "the big kids" or chatting it up with random friends (and your parents' friends count as yours!) or strangers, even, if they'll let you tell them what's up with your favorite video games!

You're huggable, lovable, and wonderful. We thank God for you and truly enjoy how He made you -- and who He is making you to be. You're a precious gift, dear son, and we pray that you have the best year yet!

It's Talia!

Announcing Talia Joy

After throwing us a number of curve balls, yesterday our sweet "Spaghetti" finally graced us with her presence.

"Talia" is Hebrew for "dew of Heaven." We are pronouncing it like the name "Natalia" but without the "Nuh-" at the beginning!

We thank God for His abundant kindness and protection!

Talia Joy

8 lb 9 oz

21" length

8:48 p.m.

Happy happy birthday, Jeremiah!

You're three years old now, JJ! Yay!!

You bring delight to everyone who knows you. A man of few words, your shaggy hair and assertive expressions say it for you.

You don't know it now, but we begged God for you for a long time... my pregnancy with you followed a dark year of loss and grief, and we would not be the same without you. You bring a bright joy to our family, as I'm sure you well know how much your older brothers and sisters adore you.

Not one to keep all that love to yourself, you shower your baby sister Keanna with all the affection and attention you can.  And as my enormous belly has grown with your "other baby sister," my belly gets much of that sweet JJ love too!

We love you, Jeremiah, and we thank God for you. As you grow older, we pray that you hold on to your sweetness and joy and that you know how very cherished you are... not just by your family and friends, but by the awesome God who created you and sent His Son to die for you, that through faith you might have eternal life! Tomorrow we celebrate His rising from the grave, and we pray that for you, too -- that you would trust in Him and have life!

Happy, happy birthday, sweet son! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Selah!

Our sweet, beautiful, dancing butterfly -- you're eight years old!!

Birthdays are such a stereotypical time for us parents to stand amazed at the quick passage of time... and it's true. So quickly we've gone from your "perfect birth" (according to Daddy's memory, at least!) to today. But it's so easy to remember the fun stages in between. Our happy baby, our bouncy toddler... the staggering ages in between where you've struggled to both stand out and to fit in with your older siblings.

And on this birthday (even if we are posting this letter a day late. Ahem. Sorry, kid!), we want you to know that through it all, we love you. Very, very much. And we're thankful for the daughter that you are and the daughter you are growing to be. We've loved seeing you grow in your relationship with Eliana this past year... we delight in the affection you show the "babies" and the sweetness you have with younger children.  We're thankful for how sweetly you love your mom and dad.

And we're thankful for your continued growth in maturity... and cheerfulness. We love you and we love the bounce in your step!

May your next year bring you greater peace, greater joy, and greater trust in the goodness of God and His perfect love and care for you, dear child! Happy, happy birthday, Sweet Selah! We love you!

Recognize these kids???

Special thanks to Bernice Creager and California Special Districts for including Eliana and Mikey in their latest video!

Selah in the Littlest Nutcracker