"Tuesday Trips"

Last Friday we headed to the Botanical Gardens to see their annual train display. It is such a neat thing to see, and the boys loved it! We also took advantage of our unseasonably warm temperatures and walked around the garden some. I am SO excited because now I have a membership to the gardens for the entire year! (Thanks to Joe & Penny!) I know we will be putting it to GOOD use!
Last night, we went to see Christmas Lights with Geema(Dave's mom). It is such a neat place. On the way we stopped at Starbucks for a cup of their "signature hot cocoa".
The boys rode camels and fed all kinds of animals, deer, cows, camels etc. at the petting zoo. We also got to see a really cool laser light show about the Christmas Story. It was a fun way to "end" the Christmas season.

Guess what we got for Christmas???

Next October, we are all going to the Bahamas and Key West. We will be celebrating Penny's(Dave's step mom) 60th birthday. There will be around 40 of us, from both sides. We will be spending 5 days and nights together. This will be our 1st cruise and we are very excited!

Thanks Joe & Penny!

Christmas 2007

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

We celebrated Christmas Eve this year with My Dad & brother. We had it at our house, instead of my parents. I think this was just the "easier "way to do this year..... We went to the 5:00 candlelight service at our church. Then came home and had a pork roast with all kinds of things to go with it. Then we opened presents..LOTS of them! My Mom was "known" for spoiling the boys, and I think my Dad wanted to do less, but still, went a little crazy :) The boys got sooo much fun stuff! I got a really cool ring that says "Always my daughter, now too my friend." My Dad said that it was from my mom, but actually it makes me think of both of them. He got me lots of other sentimental things too! Thanks Dad :) I got my brother and my Dad the shirts that have the bible verse, Isaiah 40:31, which we had read at my Mom's funeral and was marked in her bible. We had a great Christmas Eve!

The boys opened these new pj's on Christmas Eve. They were so sad to say goodbye to "Super Elf", so I let them kiss him goodbye, until next year :( Then we sprinkled our magic reindeer food outside for Rudolph.....Of course we also left Santa some eggnog and homemade cookies!

Yea! It is Christmas morning! Santa was here :) He brought Matthew his IPOD shuffle and Pokemon Ranger DS game, he left Michael his Smart Cycle and his Kung Fu Panda DS game. He also left a very cool new basketball game AND some really full stockings!

Dave and I were not "really" supposed to exchange, because we got a new television(not here yet), but a BIG gift! I still got a Wii Fit(a family gift too) and he got a new blue tooth wireless speaker for his car. The Wii fit is so cool! The boys and I played it today, and had a blast :) P.S. I CANNOT ski!

In the pictures above, you can see a few highlights. I LOVE the new bags that I got for the boys Webkinz. They are so cute!

We are on Christmas break here, which I LOVE, but I will be posting here and there....

I had a wonderful Christmas and am so blessed and thankful to God to have such wonderful family and friends! I am looking forward to 2009.....

Luke 2:9-12

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Tuesday Trivia...

The Christmas Tradition of the Christian Candy Cane
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord ~ Luke 2:8-11
Did you know that the Christian candy cane was created to honor Jesus? If the candy is held upright, it is the shape of a shepherd's staff, which the shepherd uses as he watches over his sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd. If the candy is turned upside down, it becomes the letter J for Jesus.
The Bible tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed. Jesus was beaten and stripes were put on His back when He was crucified in payment for our sins. So the candy cane was made with red and white stripes to represent the blood of Jesus, which washed away our sins and makes us pure and white as snow. One bold stripe represents one God who is Father of us all. The three fine stripes represent the Trinity: one God, who has revealed Himself to us in three ways: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
There are a lot of candy canes in the stores today made with different colors. But they are not TRUE candy canes unless they are red and white and have one bold stripe and three fine stripes. True candy canes are Christian candy because they tell the story of Jesus. Today, we have some TRUE candy canes for all the children.

Elf Yourself......

This will make you smile :)
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/YwIOcwki1Aoo8z17ybYK

Things are crazy around here....Tis the season!

I hope all of you are having a blessed "CHRISTmas week"!

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth
Luke 1:14

Fotos for Friday......

Michael asked me this morning, if he could send his balloons to Grammy in heaven. He was so excited! Then a few minutes later, he asked me, when can we go there and bring them and Grammy back....He is so innocent.
This was the cake we had for Matthew's Jesus Party today. It was really sweet to hear all the kids singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! I am thankful and feel so blessed to be a part of a school that remembers the "reason for the season".... Matthew & his good friend Delaney

This is our Christmas card this year!

I wish everyone that takes the time to read my blog a very blessed & Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year in 2009!

This is the story of my life...no explanation needed

You better watch out.....

On Saturday we went to see Santa, at his house in the "North Pole".....We decided to avoid the mall and make this one of our new traditions. It was freezing outside,so we enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa while we waited, it was so much fun! Matthew told Santa that he wants an Ipod and the Pokemon Ranger DS game. Meanwhile, Michael proceeded to change what he wanted from Santa, for the 3rd time. Ughhh it must be the "3's" :) For now, I am storing a Fisher Price Video Bike AND a Mickey Mouse Raceway. Just in case we change our mind again in the next 9 days......

He did it!

On Thursday, we had the honor of watching my "baby" brother David(32) graduate from the police academy. He completed a program that normally takes 2 years in 1/2 the time. That means he went for the last year to school, every Monday-Thursday and every other Saturday, all day! All of this while working FULL-TIME! He worked so hard to get to this day! Our whole family went to watch the ceremony as well as several of his friends. My Dad and David & I got him a Swiss Army Officers watch and had "You made it!", and Proverbs 3:5-7(chosen by our Dad) engraved on it. I also got him a copy of Christmas in Heaven and an angel ornament to remind him of our Mom. I love you "Bubby", and I am so proud of you, I know that Mom would be too!

Love,
"Sissy"

Proverbs 3:5-7

5:Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6:In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7:Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Jennifer

Song for Sunday.....

It has been crazy around here...Tis the season :)
Sooo I am posting a quick post about a new song that I think everyone should hear and buy! This song, Christmas in Heaven, is AMAZING! I bought the 5 pack of Cd's($20 with shipping!) and have kept one for my house, one for my car, and gave one to my brother & Dad. This is a song that will mean something to everyone. Obviously for me, it reminds me of my Mom, especially since this is my first Christmas without her....
I found Sarah Schieber's blog, through Jen's. They are both really special women, who have sadly lost their husbands in the last year. Sarah has an amazing voice and is a woman of amazing faith!
I hope everyone had a blessed weekend

and

I hope that I have time to catch you up more tomorrow :)

I gave this to my brother at his graduation from the Police Academy on Thursday night.....

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Layla Teresa

Just wanted to update everyone that Layla is home! God is so good!

You can catch up here, here and here on her story!

What a Christmas miracle she is for her proud Mommy -Vanessa, Daddy- Steve &

Big Sister- Isabella!

I wish them a wonderful and blessed "first Christmas" as a family of four!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Wordless" Wednesday

This video is a good one(check it out)........ enjoy :)

*I picked the song to go with it!

"And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."

~Romans 1:17~

For Fun.......

First Letter of Last name
*Use the 1st letter of your last name to answer each of the following…*they have to be real places, names, things…nothing made up!

1. What is your last name?………………… M.........r

2. 4 letter word……………………………………Must

3. Vehicle: ………………………………………….. Mercedes

4. City / Neighborhood: …………………….. Madison

5. Boy Name: …………………………………….. Matthew

6. Girl Name: ……………………………………..Molly

7. Occupation:…………………………………….. Miner

8. Something you wear:……………………… Musk perfume

9. Food:………………………………………………. Milk

10. Found in a bathroom:………………….. Mildew(not mine)

11. Reason for Being Late…………………. Mishap

12. Something you shout…………………….. Michael!

13. Animal:…………………………………………….Muskrat

14. Body part:………………………………………..Mole

15.Word to describe yourself………………..Miser

Sent to me from a friend........

I was surprised to find out, that I was awarded my 1st blogging award. I am SOO excited! I was given the "Your Blog is Fabulous" award. It was given to me by Jen at http://taleoftwocoins.blogspot.com/. Jen said she chose me for the reward, because I leave her such "sweet comments". Jen I LOVE your blog! Thank you for allowing me to share in your life!I am so honored that you chose me for this award! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me and for reading along with mine.... Thank you even more for my 1st blog award :)

The rules for this award are that you must list 5 of your addictions and then give the award to five other people...

Tell these people about their award by leaving a comment for them on their blog.

My Addictions:

1. My family, I love my boys, and spending time with them.

2. Coffee, I HAVE to have it, usually one cup in the morning and another when I hit the wall around 3:00PM.

3. Volunteering, for just about everything.....it is my weakness.....

4. Blogging-I love it! I love reading other blogs and I love to post on my own. It is an outlet for me.

5. My DVR...I love it.... without it, Dave and I would never be able to watch "our" shows.

I'm awarding to:

1. Lucy-http://www.thejudyfamily.blogspot.com/ & http://lucybabysteps.blogspot.com/ -these are the blogs, of one of my dearest friends, Lucy. She is an amazing writer and tell the stories of her life here. It is because of her, that I starting blogging in the 1st place :)

2. Sara-http://footballandfriedrice.blogspot.com/-Sara is a wonderful woman of amazing faith! I love her blog...she is getting ready to bring her precious daughter home from China in just a few days.

3. Lisa-http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/-Lisa has a wonderful blog; and takes fabulous pictures! Lisa faithfully leaves me comments, ones that have meant very much to me!

4: Leslie-http://leslieandaaron.blogspot.com/-Leslie tells a story to tell about the loss of her precious husband Aaron. She is a wonderful writer and I love to read her blog!

5: Liz-http://thecrazylifeofamomof4boys.blogspot.com/- I just recently started following Liz's blog and she has also been posting comments to me. I really enjoy her blog :)

Thank you again, Jen for the award!

Christmas Tree, Big Questions & Heaven......

Dave, the boys and I went to the cemetery today to decorate a small tree for my my Mom's grave. Before we left, Matthew was getting dressed and said "Mommy do I have to tuck in my shirt?" I said, "No, honey it is Saturday". A couple of minutes later, I saw him tucking in his shirt. I asked him why and he said " Because Mommy, I really want to look nice for the cemetery." I tried to explain again that the cemetery was a place for us to visit and that Grammy is not there, that she is heaven. Michael said " Mommy I really miss Grammy, I want her to be done with heaven!" "When can she be done?" He also asked me why she had to be sick. My sweet little boys, are so sensitive and they really miss their Grammy.......

I do my best to explain that she is in a better place now and that one day we will see her again....

What a wonderful day that will be!

*As I was writing this post, I stopped to check my email and my friend Jean just sent

this poem to me.

It is beautiful, thanks so much Jean for thinking of me-it really means a lot, especially today!

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below.

With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular!

Please wipe away that tear,for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,

for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,

but I am not so far away,we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me dear ones.

You know I hold you dearand be glad I'm spendingChristmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.

I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all "LOVE" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,

for I can't count the blessings or love He has for you.

So, have a Joyous Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Anonymous

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord

2 Corinthians 5:8

Let's Give A Little Jesus.....

Tonight was my churche's Advent by Candlelight dinner.
It is all women, and either you "host" a table, or you are "invited" to one. Dinner is provided and the hostess sets their own table of ten and supplies dessert. I missed last years, so this was my first one. I was invited by my friend Bev, to sit at her table. The table looked beautiful; it was decorated with a silver tree and blue ornaments and decorations. We had beautiful silver accented plates to eat on. We also had ornaments to take home, one silver snowflake and one snowflake with our name on it. After we had dinner, we had a story read to us about CHRISTmas. Then we sang Christmas carols and finished with all of us holding a candle in the dark, singing Silent Night. It was really beautiful! I have to admit, I was a little sad singing the songs. First, I LOVE music and Christmas carols always remind of the reason for the season, the birth of our savior. Also I was thinking of my Mom, I was remembering her singing the same songs, all of my life. I guess that when you spend 34 Christmas's with someone, it is hard to imagine them not there anymore...especially this time of the year!

During the story, this Christmas card was shared with us.... A TRUE reminder of what CHRISTmas is really about!
This Christmas ... Let's Give a Little Jesus, a thoughtful word or deed,
An act of generosity for someone who's in need.
Let's Give a Little Jesus to everyone we meet --
The salesclerk or the server, the person on the street.
Let's Give a Little Jesus, that's what really counts --
Not what's spent or bought, for whom, in what amounts.
Let's give a little Jesus to everyone, large or small...
For Jesus, the Messiah, is the Greatest Gift of All!
Poetry of Lisa Engelhardt

The angel said unto them .... For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

It's Blog Comment Day.....

Today is Blog Comment Day....

The idea is to promote conversation across the blogosphere. Anyone who participates leaves a comment on five different blogs, two of which they have not left comments before. This is a nice idea. So have fun, leaving those comments (remember to be nice) with people you have had no connection with yet.
What a fun idea!

*I hope maybe this will bring some "silent readers" to my comments :)

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

I am writing this post in honor of one of closest friends Vicki. I have been friends with Vicki for almost 14 years, her husband, Hunter is one of Dave's best friends. So we have spent LOTS of time together, especially the four of us. We were in each others weddings and have shared in so many different parts of each others lives over the years, from our first homes, to having children, to moving away, and back, death and now cancer.

Vicki was diagnosed in May of this year with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Thyroid cancer. Vicki is the wife to Hunter, and the Mommy of two precious girls, Elizabeth(6) and Lauren(3).
Vicki found out that she had cancer, right after Hunter got an incredible promotion that moved them to Dyersburg Tennessee(which is in the middle of "nowhere land" compared to here or Nashville). So not only did Vicki have to begin the fight of her life, she had to do it away from her family and friends and the Doctors that she felt comfortable with. I have been amazed at Vicki's strength through theses past 6 months and I am so proud of her!
A few weeks ago, we had a special dinner at this restaurant to celebrate Vicki's last round of chemotherapy. Let the remission begin! There were 9 of us including Vicki and we had such a great time!

These are some pictures from our celebration dinner, Vicki & her sister Angie, Vicki with her Mom, and her sisters Angie & Julie.

A few pictures from over the years....New Years 2001, Meeting Matthew, 6 Flags, Michael's Easter Birthday Party.....

I am so thankful to God that Vicki is doing so well!

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to ever forget."

Always remember that I love ya Vicki, and will be here for you no matter what!

Love,