A little Christmas miracle!

I wanted to share with you my recent excitment over two employment opportunities that God has provided our family this Holiday Season. The first one is pictured above. I will be watching this sweet little girl starting in January for two days a week. Not only will this provide some monetary benefits but it will also provide Caleb with some social development. Not to mention, that Alli is so darn sweet!! I foresee a great friendship between the two of them! Thank you Jesus!
The second employment opportunity that the Lord has given us is the Nestle "Bake Love This Season" event. Simon Malls partnered with Nestle to deliver 1 million free cookies to people shopping the Malls this Holiday Season. So I was hired to work for three days [~8 hours each day] for $15/hr to HAND OUT COOKIES!! That's right..an ideal job!! Today I just finished day one of three and let's just say it's as magical as it sounds!! I LOVED IT!! Now, if I could only make this my profession! :) I will say it again and again, "THank you Jesus!" You truly are our Provider!

Wedding

My friend Derren got married this weekend and Caleb was my date to the event!!
After a few hours on the dance floor...rosy cheeks!

Making new friends.."Shall we dance?"

Off to find some ladies...

Trying to unwind after a busy night!

The older Caleb gets the funnier he becomes. I know that all parents find their kids to be hilarious but Caleb's mannerisms and demeanor keep us laughing from sunrise til sunset. He is very animated and entertaining. I attempted to capture some footage of him on the dance floor but it was too dark.

Yesterday I told Caleb that one day you will ride a bus and go to school when he is bigger. He put his little hands on his head and exclaimed "OH MY GOODNESS" in his little munchkin voice! Apparently this concept floored his mind! Then all day he talked about the day he would ride the bus...it will be an amazing day!

Micah continues to amaze us with his courageous steps. He so desperately wants to keep up with his bubby! I love watching them interact!

Micah is walking!

Here's the man of the hour!! My little baby took his first steps this past weekend. Each day he grows more confident in himself and his abilities. His little legs are wobbly and small but somehow he manages to move! He is just shy of 11 months...right on schedule with his big brother! Micah loves the Christmas tree. All of the ornaments on the bottom half of the tree are baby-proof for that reason!
Brothers by the tree

Taflinger Kids

Taflinger Family [look at Micah's sweet face!]

Caleb and his sweet cousin Landen playing with their trains.

We have so much to be Thankful for this Holiday Season!
I wanted to include this article I read on being Grateful:

Christian parents are called to cultivate character traits such as thankfulness, generosity and self-sacrifice. The Bible commands us, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Jesus warns us, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). And Paul describes greedy people as idolaters who will not inherit the kingdom of God
(Ephesians 5:5).
One of the most effective ways to combat the cultural mind-set is by modeling a grateful attitude. Verbally thank God on a regular basis, even for simple things like a roof over your head and food.
Also, do your best to model gratitude in your other relationships: friends, relatives and co-workers — and not only when they do something special for you. Let others know how much you appreciate them simply for who they are. Express that kind of unconditional gratitude to your spouse and children as well.

This article first appeared in the December, 2006 issue of Focus on the Family magazine.

Lord- help me model a Thankful heart to my children! We love you!

~Taflingers

So much to be thankful for!

Caleb during the Candycane hunt at the Monon Center. Not too impressed with Santa/Grandpa!
One of the ONLY kids unable to stop crying while on Santa's lap...he even knew it was Grandpa! I think he was upset because on the ride to the Monon Center I explained to Caleb that Santa "is simply a man playing dress-up and that the REAL reason for the Season is Jesus." I further explained that he can watch the DVD Faith Lessons: The True Christmas Story [from Focus on the Family] when we get home to better understand the real meaning of Christmas. haha :) That's for you mom!

In the car, ready to find some Candycanes!!



Caleb had a busy morning

Precious!

My aunt gave this trampoline to us after her children out grew it! Here is Caleb attempting it for the first time!

Home for the Holidays!

Downtown for the lighting of Cleveland!
So fun!

The Paolone Sistassss

Caleb reading on the potty- he makes us laugh!

Chef Caleb getting ready to assist Papa and Grammy with dinner!

We look forward to the Holidays so much and this year did not disappoint...The boys are becoming better travellers so the five hour car ride to Ohio is becoming more bearable. From the moment we arrive until our departure in Cleveland we are usually running from event to event. This trip was no different. I went to bed each night completely exhausted but filled with joy. The cousins play so nice together and it is a riot watching them interact.

Caleb continued his potty training at Grammy's house and did a great job considering all of the distractions!

We have a family tradition that involves going around the table and thanking God for a PHYSICAL, MATERIAL, and SPIRITUAL aspect of the year [PMS].

Physical- A healthy pregnancy/delivery of Micah John!

Material- Due to some serious hail damage, we were forced to re-side our house this year. However, the Lord provided that our insurance covered the entire project due to a project mishap! We were then able to use our tax money towards a new fence so that the boys could play somewhere safe and confined.

Spiritual- My ladies biblestudy, not sure what I would have done without it this year! I have made some wonderful friendships and am blessed to study the Word with them.

...I thank the Lord everytime I remember you!

Family Picture at Bella's Baby Dedication...my how our family is growing! I love it!
Sweet Brothers getting ready for playdate!

I bribed Caleb with a raisin if he smiled for the picture....success!!

Well as I type this it is 10:03a.m and we are accident-free today!!! Although a small victory, I've learned that baby steps lead to larger accomplishments so we rejoice with each succes- no matter the size :) Caleb continues to do well in his Twin bed and stays in it without question. For those of you who know Caleb, you can understand our surprise! Micah currently has 4 teeth [2 top and 2 bottom] and is so joyful!
Thank you Jesus!