Christmas Memories

My favorite childhood memory of Christmas was going home to Denver to see ALL the family. Since we lived so far away that was the only time we could spend with all the cousins and my grandparents. They would set up long tables in the basement and we would all gather round and eat, talk, laugh and my uncles would always play tricks on all of us. Before that we would spend the days prior to Christmas at my grandparents ceramic shop, painting and helping grandpa pour slip into the molds. I guess that is where my love for arts & crafts began.

As an adult there are so many great memories with my children. . .but last year was the first with my grandson! He was not old enough to enjoy it, but we had alot of fun. It was a very simple Christmas, we scaled back and just enjoyed being together. This year we are headed to my husbands family in Mississippi! If it is one thing they know how to do there it is have huge family gatherings during Christmas. He comes from a very small town up there and so we will be very busy seeing everyone.

I love Christmas. . .it seems as though everything takes on a magical feeling with all of the christmas lights and music. What does it matter if they say in the stores "happy holidays" or "Festivus for the restofus" (sienfeld episode)- As long as we know and are passing on the real meaning with our children and friends. . .that is how it will stay the focus of the holidays. Protesting has never softened a heart. . .Christ love does that!

Coming home. . .

They say you can never go back. . .

I say it is wonderful to go back home. . .

Spent 2 days at 2 of our former churches this weekend. What a joy to be able to go back and see such special friends and basically family.

Was able to see one of "My Girls" get married to a wonderful young man and continue their road into ministry together.

Was able to spend time with one of my dearest friends, just picking up where we left off and seeming like we haven't been apart. Time flies so fast . . . her girls are growing like weeds, each with their own personalities. She is a true friend.

Witnessed my daughter join a church with her boyfriend & without me. That is hard and joyful all at the same time. Cool part is, it is at our first church we were on staff at. Felt like I was back at home with my family, visiting there. What wonderful people they are. Just a group of people who love God and are living life in community with each other. I am glad Linsey and Keith are going to be a part of that family. They all seem to be thrilled to have them there. What a genuine group of believers.

I am spending a few days with Linsey. I love how our relationship has grown and is becoming a friendship. She is so special to me and such a wonderful young woman. I will treasure this time for I know it will be changing soon. As hard as it is to see your kids grow up and move on, it is such a joy to see God working in their lives and see them become adults. It is different but fun.

I miss my son. I am so joyful knowing he is happy and learning to be a husband and father. But, I miss him coming and sitting down and just talking about life with me. I treasure those moments we had. . .I look forward to more down the road.

Coming home. . .around the holidays that is alot of fun to do. Get back in touch with family and friends and enjoy being together. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

I am Thankful!

I love the holidays! Everything seems to take on an excitement - the briskness in the air (Ah, yes even down here in S FL!). . . Poeple tend to be more joyful. . .families getting together. . .I am sitting here awaiting the arrival of my family, tomorrow night. It will be good to have them all pile in here and spend some time with us.

I love to cook and have all those smells roaming through the house. That is one of the joys I have - having my family looking forward to the meal. It's fun.

I am so thankful for so many things, but mostly for my wonderful husband, Jeff! Who thankfully isn't going anywhere, anytime soon. I love him so much! He is my best friend, my own personal comedian, my encourager, the one I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with, we have made it through almost 25 years and I am looking forward to the next 25.

Funny how when you get married you believe your life will be complete when you have your kids. . .and they are a wonderful part of marriage. But, I don't think we ever stop to consider that the time you spend raising them is not very long (looking back of course). That there is life after they are grown and living their own lives! We are coming out of that phase of 'wondering how we got here and what do we do now?"

I am so excited about the rest of our lives! We plan to enjoy ourselves, do things we have always wanted to do, go and see things and places of interest, play with our grandkids as much as we can, live life to the fullest. But most of all we plan to spend this time doing whatever it is God wants us to do. Not caring what anyone else thinks about how much we move or anything like that. Just wanting to please Him and make Him known.

What is down the road? we do not exactly know, but we are confident in Who is guiding us there. "We aint Skeered!" as Jeff would say!

Answered Prayer

I was told when my children were young to start praying for their future spouses. I have done that through the years and have actually looked forward to the day I would get to meet them.

There has been one answer to my prayers already - my daughter-in-law is a wonderful young woman who loves the Lord and is such a wonderful life-mate for my son! It has been a joy to watch them grow in their marriage and come together after being apart while TJ was in Iraq. What a blessing to see them start their family and begin the rearing of our precious grandson.

My cup was near full the day they wed.

My daughter's future has been a praying challenge! She has her father's spirit and my heart. She is such a wonderful, independant (in her own way), young woman and I am so thankful for her. My heart always hurt for her, knowing she wanted someone to love and to love her (besides us), but not finding it. Until now. . . She is head over heels in love, with a wonderful young man. I have never seen her glow like she does now. The change in her is amazing and heart warming.

Her father is having trouble with this - (if you have ever watched "Father of the Bride" you know why) She is still 'his' little girl that climbs up in his lap and says "Oooh wee!" (her version of I love you!) She is not the beautiful young woman she has come to be, to him. He still sees her in her puppy dog tails and Osh-Kosh out fits, playing dress-up, singing & quoting verbatim the movie 'Cinderella'. The one who gave him a "sugar spot" in his beard from kissing him so often. It's amazing she still has eyelashes from all of the butterfly kisses she has given.

Change is hard. . .but change is good! God answers prayers in His timing and in His way! I am so glad He knows best!!!! He has blessed me with so much!

"My cup runneth over!"

Blessings and Best friends!

Sometimes we expect it all to be sunshine and roses. . .I like this little poem, it takes the not so good to appreciate the good. There are times in our lives we need to take a step back and see ALL that God has given to us and how blessed we are!

Coming up on 25 years of marriage, I look back and realize the bad times helped the good times seem that much better! I would not be who I am if I hadn't been through all that happened. . .

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Step back. . .open your heart and mind. . .and notice all the blessings along the way, give your appreciation to God for His wonderful care and faithfulness! Then share them with someone who needs encouragement!

As a friend of mine recalled about my husband and the extrodinary changes in his life in the past 25 years. . .it is truly amazing he is where he is today!

Thanks, Cheri for reminding me of one of the biggest blessings I have recieved! You are so special and one of my dearest friends! We have an enduring friendship . . .another of my wonderful blessing! I love you, my sister & friend!

How is this photo for a BLAST FROM THE PAST!!!!