This Christmas...

We are starting a new tradition. The boys are so excited (and so am I) to take each day in December and perform a Random Act. We found this idea through Pinterest (did I say I am addicted?) from this blog: http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-advent-2010/. What a great way to share the love of Jesus with others around us, and what a great way to teach my boys to give our joy away, as we so often sing in this song:

Wait for Me!

This was put together by one of the wives in the FRG! I think I've found a new favorite song: Wait for Me by Theory of a Deadman

Fall is Fun!!

Spending time at area farms is one of the highlights of Fall around the Kimball house! Cider, doughnuts, rides, and more keep us going back each year.

Michael getting ready to ride on the cow train at Schwalliers.

Andrew waves as he prepares to ride!

The Zoo goes Boo was another hit!

We've had fun this Fall, and although we aren't ready for snow quite yet, we are ready for Daddy to come home for Christmas!

A Paper Hug!

I ordered some books for Andrew and Michael to read while Ryan is away. The one that we loved the most is called A Paper Hug by Stephanie Skolmoski. I couldn't get through it without crying, but it did prompt us to make this craft...




and send it to Ryan along with this:



The boys love making things for Ryan, and I love finding cute ideas! The poem that is with their paper hugs reads:

A PAPER HUG

When you’re feelin’ lonely

And you need a little lift

Wrap these hands around you

And you’ll feel my special gift.

I know you’re far away

And I know you’ll need a hug.

Until you’re home one day

These hands will keep you snug.

Tuck them in your pocket

And keep them ‘til you’re through.

I love you, Dad, so much,

Here’s a hug from me to you!

Ready or Not...

Ryan's off to training. The boys and I went up Thursday and spent the night with him in Cadillac. It was very nice to spend some time with him. We attended the send off ceremonyin Cadillac Friday morning, and then came back and went to the big ceremony at Caledonia High School that afternoon.

My sweet Andrew waiting for the ceremony to begin!

Ryan MC'd the ceremony and Andrew was so excited to think Ryan was the 'leader' because he was the one talking.

My little troopers with their daddy!

Please pray for our soldiers as they prepare for deployment to Afghanistan!

6 years old already?

Time sure does fly! I can remember, like it was yesterday, the day Andrew was born...all 5 pounds 14 ounces of him. He is a great kid, and I am thankful everyday for him...his quirks and all! 6 years old already!

Here are some pictures from the celebration:

So excited about opening presents!

Andrew always loves his presents! This was a big hit!

Singing Happy Birthday! Look at his sweet face!

Blowing out the candles!

He even got to talk to Daddy at his party! We are now counting down until we get to see Ryan; September 29 is right around the corner! YAY!

Kindergarten Here He Comes!!

Andrew started Kindergarten on Wednesday, and he was so excited! Thankfully Ryan was home and could bring him to the bus stop and snap a few pictures!

Waiting for the bus!

Getting on the bus!

Lots of changes have been happening around the Kimball house....school starting, me back to work at two buildings, and Ryan leaving....but I'll write about that a bit later.

Right now it is time to start the weekend with my two busy boys!