Stolen!

I've taken (stolen) this idea from a friend:


Best Quotes of the Year! (spoken in loud, booming voice)

1)"Well, I'm not going to date him if he doesn't have any money." By Kaily, age 15.(now 16) Who has a job and is currently dating someone who has no money. She has finally stopped growing, height wise, but continues to grow emotionally and spiritually. We are proud of the woman she is becoming and look forward to seeing her become the surgeon she aspires to be.

2)"Can you take my place?!" By Hillary, near the end of her labor. We are so very excited that we are officially grandparents! We love that Hillary and Jeremy have moved here and we are able to be a part of their lives and get to see little Reya grow up! What a joy!

3)"I told them I was their first fan!" By Harley, age 10. In the spring she got to go to her very first concert and saw her favorite band. By the quote, you can tell what she told them. She continues to grow upward, and is loving being a auntie. God is key in her life and she'll tell anyone all about Him. She is still quite the character and enjoyed very much meeting Cinderella 10 times at Disneyland.

4)"I can't get it to send to your yoo-hoo account." By Matty, trying to send an e-mail to my Yahoo. Matty continues to soldier on amidst this army of girls. And while he has a son in law now, it still doesn't even up the playing field. We even got a girl puppy. He loves his new job at the hospital and really is looking forward to moving up in his chosen work.

5)"I'm not reaching into my stocking to get a bandaid!" By Chellsei, age 17. Said just a minute ago. She continues to inspire me with her wise words and is currently looking into colleges. She saw God's answer to prayer when she got to meet Hawk Nelson in person and chatted with them for 5 minutes behind the stage. We are so very proud of her and are so excited to see her grow in faith. (she stopped growing height wise a long time ago)

6)"I can't go _______________ because I'm going home for the weekend" By Emily, age 19. She was trying to surprise me....however once on facebook, it is no longer a surprise. She is doing well at University of Idaho and we are so very proud of her. Her focus is a little askew, but she'll straighten out. She currently has a boyfriend who is younger than her.

7)"Kaily has to marry 'Siah so we can be sisters." By Savannah, age 12. Her very good friend has a brother that they want Kaily to marry so they can be forever related. I told Savannah she could marry him herself and get the same result. The look she gave was priceless. She is doing great in school and her sense of humor shows itself daily.

8)"Seriously??!" Said by me, age 40. Constantly and daily. I am still flawed, trying to keep myself together and still be nice to those around me. I am a work in progress and know that God isn't done yet.....so thankful for that! My heart aches in knowing that our time is short with the girls, but so grateful that we've had them. They are all beautiful and wonderful girls, with a heart for the Lord. I am enjoying being Matty's wife....even on days we fight. ;)

So, this is it. My "Stolen" idea....I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. I look forward to chatting with you again in 2013.

Remember, He is the reason for the season!

9)"Would love to see a picture of that baby!" By Jeri, friend. Jeriana! Look on FaceBook....pictures are EVERYWHERE! Love you!

Wrappings and Trappings

Our gifts are wrapped! Yes, world, I am already done wrapping gifts. I did most of my shopping on black Friday...or Thursday as it was. Our tree is up, our lights are lit and the stockings are hung. I have a list of things to do, see and places to be. I have parties to plan and baking to do. Emily will be home, we have a new granddaughter and a son in law to celebrate with. Kaily has a new (old) boyfriend (remember the one from over a year ago?) and someone else could have a new relationship by the time Christmas rolls around.....we'll see what the next week unfolds.

BUT....let's take a step back. Let's forget the parties, the baking and the gifts. Let's breathe. Last week, we went to the capitol to see the tree lighting. It was the first time we've ever done that. It was magical. The girls got along and everything went smoothly. This Monday, we're going to see "Winter Garden Glow"....never done that either! As we do these things, I am reminded that it's not about the wrappings and trappings. It's about the memories, the joy and the fellowship of this family. Things have changed, our puzzle has shifted...but it's good.

I want to remember all the joy, the adventure and the fun we have. I want to hold on to the smiles, the laughter and the goofiness. I want to love well and be loved much. And I want to let you in on a secret: It's about one gift. A very long time ago, God created the earth. And He put us on it. When we didn't do what we should've, He allowed His son to be born, on Earth to human parents. He didn't want anyone to suffer, didn't want anyone to be separated from Him...so He created the sacrifice. His son was born so He could die, so we could live. He bottles our tears, prays for us and died for us. He prepares a home for us (me), He is our (my) bridegroom. His heart is for me and no one could stand against Him. He is love and He loves us (me) much.

Christmas is fun. It's beautiful, uniting and joyful. It is the one time of year that people tend to forgive more, give generously and forget sorrows. And sometimes, forget what it's all about. It's not about the wrappings and trappings....it's about celebrating the baby that was born to die for YOU.

My Christmas wish for you this year is that you love well. Remember to love those you would typically overlook, enjoy the little things and soak up the blessings God has given you. Even when it seems like there aren't any....He is there. He knows, dear one. He sees you and knows your name. His plan is perfect.....just hold on and enjoy the season. His gift was for you.


Merry Christmas, friends. May your holiday be bright. May the Son shine.