What a Wonderful Life

This has been one of the most wonderful Christmas' times ever. Ellis and Gina came home on December 20 so I had all my children home. It was a great week, the kids played card games, Spit/Spoons, Clue came out a couple of times, they talked music, listened to music, watched movies together and did lots of eating and laughing. It made this momma's heart soar. You know when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your calling in life is to be a Mom then the things that bring you the greatest happiness are those things that involve your children. I am so proud of my children. They all love the Lord and each other,and are truly a joy to have around. When Ellis and Gina read this I hope they truly know the gift they gave me by being home for Christmas. I know as God directs their lives they will be moving far away to attend Grad school so each moment I have with them is precious. This is Gina's first year as part of our family and she just brought a freshness to our holiday. I am so blessed!

Of course, for our family this time also involves lots of birthday fun.Danielle turned 12 then we had Christmas Eve. We opened the family gift early in the morning as Andrew had to work in the afternoon. Guitar Praise was a big hit here. I think Shoshannah and I are the only ones who didn't get into that gift. But Shoshannah had fun with the box it came in. The game was played all day and they had a blast. Then we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of grilled Steak, shrimp, baked potatoes, peppers and onions,and fruit. It was great and that evening our entire family attended our Christmas Eve service at church. Then home to snack and play more games. Christmas morning dawned and it was funny. Shoshannah chose to sleep in until 6:30 and when we walked outside my bedroom door there stood Andrew, Danielle and Arielle waiting to go down and see what Santa brought. Ellis and Gina were quick to be up.

We came down and Shoshannah's new baby doll high chair, bed and stroller were out. Craig told Shoshannah that while she was sleeping that Santa and brought her presents. Her reply.. I don't mind. So then we were off to opening. Shoshannah got a new doll that moves and says mama. I wish I had a picture of her face when the doll first spoke. Priceless. The gifts were opened and then everyone went on his and her way to enjoy all their gifts. I cooked breakfast then started on our late lunch. It was just a lazy day of fun!

Then Friday morning I got breakfast in bed from my girls and the family took me out for dinner. Hey that video camera that I hinted at in a previous post well santa missed his turn and Craig gave it to me for my birthday.

God has blessed our family in so many ways and we are so thankful of His unending mercy and grace. And we are most thankful for the gift of our Savior. As I reflected on Christmas morning and all that it symbolizes, God just brought to me that this was all intentional. Jesus knew when He stepped out of Heaven, that He was coming to give His life for me. He knew me then, He loved me then, He willingly left the splendor of Heaven to die for me. AMAZING! As I was sharing this with the girls that morning, I said I love my children more than words can explain and there is not one person I would willingly give my children for. Aren't we all glad I am not God??

I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends. We have one more birthday for this year. Arielle will be 14 tomorrow. Oh My!

I will leave you with a few pictures, video to come soon.

Happy 12th Birthday Danielle

Well, one of our Princesses turned 12 today. For Danielle it started with breakfast in bed, well sorta bed. She asked for Toaster Strudel and Pop Tarts for breakfast. So at 7am today I was making a run to Wally World. Brought it home and Arielle, Andrew and Shoshannah delivered it to her in her temporary room. She gave up her room while Ellis and Gina are home. Since, Andrew was working tonight he presented her with a book and she spent most of the day reading. Then Ellis took her to the library for some bonding time over books and movies. For dinner she requested, Chicken Alfredo over Fettuccine with Spinach and also yeast rolls. Then off to open presents and enjoy Candy Bar Cake.

Danielle, has always been a precious little girl. She has a servants heart, she loves so deeply and is truly just a wonderful light to our family and those who know her. I stand amazed that God placed her in our family and I get to be her mom. While I am not rushing her growing up I am looking forward to seeing what God does in and with her life. It is gonna be AWESOME!.

So Happy Birthday Danielle your family loves you!

Dancing

Danielle, is taking two dance classes this year. Her Wednesday class in non recital (which she doesn't like ,but our bank account does!). Her teacher, Mrs Christine tried to set up with a local store for them to come in and dance a Hebrew dance they have learned, that didn't pan out. Then I tried to get it set up for them to go into a nursing home and dance but that too did not work out, so the girls just danced for their families on Wednesday. It is a cute dance and the girls did great. You are only going to get to see a portion of it as I didn't push the button on the camera in time to record the whole thing. I hope Santa brings a video camera for Christmas or maybe the day after??:)

Danielle as always you did great! Keep working hard.
Don't forget to go to the bottom to turn off the Christmas music before viewing!

Somethings Missing!

Well, the beautiful season is upon us! Christmas is our favorite holiday. The weekend after Thanksgiving we began to put up the Christmas decorations. After moving and renting homes over the past 24 years we now own our home. Again this year we are using all our old decorations thinking through how we want our home to look over the upcoming years. This year I will be hitting the sales picking up pieces that fit with this home and the way I envision Christmas looking.

We put up the tree, the girls and I hung the lights and ornaments. After we had done that, Shoshannah got down on the floor, peered under the tree and said" Somethings missing!". I asked what? Her reply."PRESENTS" Now this comes from a little girl who for the first time , saw Santa in the mall (from a distances) and the girls told her Santa brings presents. So now she is trying to figure that out.

A few days later we started watching Rudolph. She turned to me and said Mommy turn it off, I don't like talking reindeer! She knows reindeer are not supposed to talk. She keeps us laughing.

This year we are trying to be faithful in participating in Advent. We are using a book called, Jotham's Journey. We are enjoying the story and hearing again the Scriptures that point us to why Christ came to us. We have very little talk of Santa in our house and try to keep the focus on God's love for us and His wonderful gift of His Son, Christ. We are a blessed people. WE have a Savior who just keeps giving Himself to us everyday. How Awesome it that!

I will close with a few pictures. We still have some tree work to do and when it is finished I will post more. The first two pictures were taken at the Botanical Gardens light show.

I pray for each of you this season lots of love and peace.