a very thecarl christmas

We have had a busy advent thus far, but a very good one. We celebrated as a family on the 23rd before going to my parents on Christmas eve and Emily's family on Christmas day. We love the Christmas season. I love celebrating with family, and reflecting on God's goodness to us in sending us his Son!

our son is now at a Puritan reading level...or at least standing level

Keep on reaching boy, you make me proud!

just look at them pearly whites...

cagematch - royal rumble

PS - I won...obviously :-)

lions, and tigers, and bears - Oh my!

Halloween 2008

our own personal elf

Corban loved being a helper with wrapping the presents.

uncle scott is in town!

Corban was overjoyed to have spent some time with uncle Scott (and so were we :-)

the boy's 1st birthday

Our little boy turned 1 whole year old on the 15th of Dec. We had a little party for him to celebrate. He loved that his family could come over and visit for a while. His wonderful mother made him a special pumpkin pie - he loved it!

the gamble family christmas

We had another good year of the Gamble Family Christmas. This year celebrated thirty years of God's faithfulness in allowing us to do the concerts. This year the concert was held at 1st Baptist Church in downtown MPLS. I thought this was a great location for the concert (and hopefully future concerts - pray with us that we can do them there again).

This year was unique in that before the concert there was some fun family activities like decorating cookies, Christmas trivia, pictures in the slay, and some good old fashioned fellowship! Stay posted via the website for next years Gamble Family Christmas.

Gamble Family Christmas Website

thanksgiving

A day set aside to give thanks to God for all that he has blessed us with...is there enough time in the day?

We met with family, we ate much food, we were drunk with turkey, and all was good. Some of the highlights were having Thanksgiving with my side of the family at my sister's house. This was new this year. Though this was good, I will say there is something about going to Mora for Thanksgiving.

Another highlight was the game of football we played in my brother-in-law's back yard following the Gamble gluttony. It was a good three on three match up, but the difficulty was found in the field conditions. Luke's back yard is shaped like a fish bowl. This made passing routes very difficult when you were trying to keep your eye on the ball.

my brother's wedding

My brother Tim got married this fall to a wonderful gal named Amy. They were married along the north shore just past Two Harbors. It was a bit cold, but one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to. Not only were the surroundings beautiful, but Christ was magnified in and throughout the weekend. It was so wonderful to hear all the testimonies of the Lord's faithfulness in their lives and the lives of our family. Truly, this was one my favorite fall weekends. Congrats Tim and Amy!

abbreviated summary

Alas it has been a long time since a post, so be prepared for a very abbreviated summary of the past two months.

Philthecarl's Birthday

I have never posted on a blog before but thought it necessary to take the plunge in order to honor my husband on his birthday. Below are a few of the many reasons I am grateful to God for the life of my husband, Philthecarl...

Purposeful in word and deed
Hardworking
Instrument of grace in my life
Lover of Jesus
Talented musician
Helpful/Handyman
Engaged worshiper
Caring and considerate
Active appreciator of the great outdoors
Relational (not to mention Ridiculously good looking :))
Lover of people and peoples

Your life is a gift to me. Happy Birthday! I love you.
Mrs. Thecarl

Ok, Emily wins...

ps - Garry, that's a sweet shirt!

little philthecarl

found this at my parents house today...would love to hear who you think Corban looks like. Mostly we hear "a little of both." I would probably agree with that.

more of our little boy

it looks easy, but it was really difficult

more colors

the last section of the superior hiking trail

Emily and I were able to sneak out for a little day hike on the northern most section of the SHT. On this section of trail is the highest elevation of the SHT. After we reached the summit, we stopped to make some dinner and have a hot cup of coffee. Then, the rain started. We had a nice two hour hike back though the rain and the colors as daylight faded into darkness.

5th wedding anniversary celebrated by going to Grand Marais to bike, camp, and enjoy the colors!

So Emily was bigtime and agreed to going on a bike ride with me...she did awesome (and I think she even had fun :-) After 8 miles and a lot of mud, we both enjoyed our dinner out at the Angry Trout.

the boy is definitely a product of his mother...

backpacking with the Owens

The weekend before last we went to Grand Marais with the Owens to celebrate Stacy's birthday. Stacy wanted to hit the trail, to which we all rejoiced. Terry picked a section just north of Grand Marais that follow the steep walls of the Devil Track river. This was a very beautiful section ending at Pincushion Mountain which has a 360 degree view of the landscape. I highly recommend this section.

Corban and Elijah did really well in the kid backpacks. They did some good sleeping and loved playing on the Pincushion rock face!