FLANFARE

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Trip to the zoo

During Christmas break, we took a trip to the Zoo. It happened to be during the week after Christmas. It was the only day I saw in the forecast that it wouldn't rain so I thought we better go for it since daddy would be available. Funny story to go with this day. For one, it was a chilly day. Before we left the house, hubby asks me, "Is Caris wearing her red coat?" I thought I answered "yes!" Then before we arrived, I noticed no red coat in the back seat. Long story short, we each thought the other person would get her coat. Soooo, moral of the story is always have a spare jacket in the car! Thus, she's wearing her yellow back up jacket :) Well, it was funnier at the time! On a side note, please excuse my boring animal pics. It had been a while since we've been back to the zoo so I was camera happy!

Looking for some exotic birds

All the way from Chile, wow!

This would be Ugly Bird...not really but definitely interesting looking!

Children's petting area was a huge hit!

Christmas 2010

I've come out of the winter hibernation and am just now posting our family Christmas pictures! No good reason really...January just seemed like a sluggish time and maybe I did need some recuperating from the holidays. Glad that 2011 is here and we look forward to what God has in store for the Flanakins this coming year!

Our newest Christmas decoration

Making Peppermint Bark

Hmmm...notice the frosting testing trend here!

I see cake decorating class in the future

Dressed for Christmas Candle Light Service on Christmas Eve

With her church buddy, Kate

Our Christmas meal with hubby's side of the family was the 3rd party we hosted at our house in the month of December! Not sure if we can repeat this again BUT the recycled decorations did come in handy!

This year we also decided amongst the adults that instead of spending money on each other on things hat we probably didn't need we would help out a family in need through Patrick's Uncle, Gary. Uncle Gary volunteered with Habitat Humanity and has contact with his connections about these families periodically. This particular family had 3 children, one being a 6 months old that didn't have a crib so I was able rally some of my mommy friends to make some donations. We have a picture of them but because I do not have their permission, I din't want to post it on here. These are the kind of examples we want to model for Caris. Even though she received some gifts, we want her know it's not always about presents but the spirit of Christmas is to serve others the way Jesus did. Immanuel, God with us, the true meaning of Christmas!

From Hebert, highly recommended!

The Bakers and Flanakins

Opening gifts, she didn't have to explain, she was on the Nice List!

She is mesmerized by two things these days: Dora and Veggie Tales DVDs.

Helping with the chocolate & sprinkled covered pretzels the day before

Christmas treats

Aunt Sharon made the most creative Cherry Pie, so fun & festive!

Caramel Popcorn

I call this the Pappa-razzi pic

Family pic, don't mind the Little Grumpster in the front.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Life Group Social

We hosted the Christmas Life Group social at our house in December. We have been very blessed to be part of a small group at our church. The leaders are strong, Godly examples of people walking by faith. The Schulers moved down here from the Chicago area this summer. By faith they left their home, families, and friends to become part of the leadership team here at Harvest Bible Chapel Houston. Our church is an affiliate with James MacDonald's (Walk In The Word) Harvest Bible Chapel out of Chicago. We love our tight knit group and the accountability this small group has been for us. I love that our group is a mix of seasoned couples that we can glean from, married and singles, as well as new believers. It's a privilege to serve alongside these folks and to call them friends!