Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

*Stay tuned.... still hope to do a Christmas/New year - reflection post*

Santa

He may have gotten a bum rap the other day on my blog. Santa - my apologies. Although I do feel quite strong in this area - I didn't communicate my thoughts well. I will not mind if my kids see Santa Clause or talk about him. I will not necessarily BAN Santa from my house but I will not promote him. There will not be true belief in Santa Clause. As I stated before - we probably will never wait in a mile long line to get a picture of crying - scared children with Santa taken on a Polaroid camera from the 90s. :)

Christmas Blessings on you & yours.

* Stay tuned - I think I am going to post a Christmas Letter here since I won't be mailing anything out. :)

Advent & Christmas - random thoughts

I have been doing a lot of thinking yet I don't have time to blog all of my thoughts. Here are a few questions to get some feedback.

What does your family do about Santa?

I personally will not encouraged my children to believe in Santa. I refuse to lie to my children and have them believe a lie. The words that come out of my mouth to my children will be truth. I am on a journey to build a relationship of trust with my children. My goal is to teach my children God's word. I will gladly teach them about Saint Nicholas. But, I refuse to share the celebration of my savior & King with Santa. We will not take pictures with Santa - as festive & fun as that feels. It's not going to happen in this household. I guess I am a "kill-joy."

How does your family keep Christ in Christmas?

This one I am still working through. And I want to hear yours thoughts. We read our "Christmas" story books every night. We sing songs about Jesus. We are trying to learn "Away in a Manger" right now. As my children get older - we probably will be able to do more activities. We are going to have a birthday cake for Jesus. Emily will love this and it will really work for her age. :)

"We give gifts to celebrate the greatest gift." That just doesn't seem very substantial to me. Hmmmm....... Should we take everything and spiritualize it? Driving & look at lights - Jesus is the light of the world. Gifts - Jesus is the best gift. etc.etc.

What are you giving to Jesus this year for Christmas?

I have so much to be thankful for.....

Psalm 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
²Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
³Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
⁴Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
⁵Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

I am thankful for....

1. Jesus - I John 2:2; so much wrapped up in one word. Jesus. This could be a post in itself.

2. Salvation - where would I be without it;

3. My Mom - wouldn't be here without you. :) Thank you for being strong & holding our family together. You are an amazing person.

4. Matthew - my husband, the calm laid back man who puts up with all me - flaws & all.

5. Emily Joy - my first born; what a wild ride it has been. I wouldn't trade it for the world. As
strong as you are - you fill my life with laughter, smiles, and fun.

6. Ethan - my 2nd born; you are my content little smiler; you brighten a room with that grin (and one tooth) - looking forward to the toddler years with you.

7. Tony & Tiffany - my brother & sister, partners in crime; so many memories together. It's hard to believe how old we are. I love you guys so much.

8. The Straight family - I can't name you all; but what a role you played in my younger years; thanks for being a stronghold; an anchoring stablizing force for a little girl without a Daddy in her life.

9. The Powell gang - Thank you for your involvement in our lives even though divorce entered the picture. Thank you for new sneakers for school for many years Thanks for good times on the farm - allowing us to enjoy the freedom & wide open spaces on the farm.

10. Freedom - May we never forget that it isn't free. Thank you to thousands of people and families that I may never meet - but sacrificed so much for me.

11. Kenwood Bible Methodist Church - a wonderful church family who welcomed us with open arms and hearts; people who love God & each other, you are an important part of our lives.

12. Bennie & Viola Durr - where would sheep be without a shepherd; so thankful for their deep gentle spirit and love for God

13. Rach - God allowed us to play that kickball game so many years ago; and He was orchestrated an amazing friendship to come years down the road - Mom therapy that we would both need.

14. My house - it is/has been a labor of love. (I just need to remember that when my heart wants flowers or otherwise.)

15. Cars - although they just guzzle in the money; they work & get us around. I am thankful that I don't have to walk everywhere I go...although that would be good for the extra pounds of babies still on me.

16. Eyes - when I wake up I can see without even putting on glasses - how fortunate I am

17. Ears - despite that problems I have with my ears - I can hear and enjoy children laughing, beautiful music, the roar of an ocean.

18. Nose - perfume, roses, yummy kitchen smells, tasting food

19. Two feet & legs so that I am able to walk and run

20. Two hands & arms - so that I can write, type, hold things, fold laundry, carry my children

21. My body - most days it functions fairly well although I am 30.... it allows me to enjoy so many things. There are people who would love to be able to go on a walk, feed themselves, dress themselves, and so many other daily functions that I take for granted. God, thank you. Forgive me when I whine and complain about minor details in my life. When I look in the mirror and feel self-conscious about my teeth because I have never been able to afford braces. Forgive me. I am so thankful that I have the ability to smile. You have been so good to me.

22. Education - I am thankful for an excellent education K-12 Massena Central High School, thankful for learning phonics so that I am able to read.

22. Books - a place of escape, adventure, learning, growing, and healing. Thankful once again for my eyes so that I am able to read.

23. Coffee - a wonderful drink made by God, a comfort drink that bonds kindred spirits, opens hearts, tears, and laughter.

24. Water - (yes, I realize I am thankful for coffee before water.) There is clean drinking water all around me. Children and babies around the world die of dehydration. God - forgive me for being so ungrateful for the blessing I have everyday.

25. Food - so much I don't even know where to begin on this one. We have grocery stores full of meat, cheeses, bread, vegetables, and fruit. And mothers in other countries - share a bowl of rice at meal time. God - help me to realize how spoiled I am. Help me to do what I can - to live simply enough that I am able to share what I have with others.

26. Shoes - I am not really a "shopper" kind of girl (Oh, I can hear that gasps from some of you ladies...) and yet I have many pairs of shoes in my closet. Wouldn't one pair of shoes do that job? I don't have calloused feet because I have been blessed with shoes to wear.

27. Clothes - once again. I am not a "fashionista." Despite that fact that half of my closet of clothes, I cannot wear because of a few extra pounds (& maybe wider hips?? Tell me that's true!!) - I still have so many material blessing.

28. Electricity - wow. How much of our life revolves around it? It makes my life so much easier. Thank you, God.

29. All the things the use electricity - washer, dryer, coffee pot, toaster, microwave, oven, dish washer, lights, fan, heater, air conditioner, cell phone, chargers, computers, printers, GPS, DVD players, Wii, air hockey, and many many things.

30. Technology - that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends scattered literally around the world.


I know my list could go on and on. I think that I will stop there for now. I am so blessed. God has been so good to me. I am thankful from the depths of my heart. I wouldn't want to live a day without Him.

Ok.... I need to update my blog.

I actually have had several "deep" thoughts - I'd like to share on here. And yet.... the time passes by so quickly.

Thank you for the feedback on grocery bills. :D I am definitely somewhere in the middle.

Here are a few pictures for Uncle Jeff.... and I hope to be back soon.

A survey

Okay. I know it has been a long time. I have much to say and much to blog about. But, here is my question for the week. I would like everyone to answer anonymously. I am interested in finding out how much does your family live off a month? Also, how many people are in your household (list & how much you spend on groceries? I am just wondering where we fall ... maybe we should tighten our belts even more or maybe we are living the same as others?? GBS people - well, you are kind of in a unique housing/eating situation so I don't know if you count. ;-)

List the following:
- monthly budgeted income (not savings)
- monthly for groceries
- number of people in your family (adults / children/ teenagers)

Thanks.

Love - Part II

Okay. Soon you will know "the rest of the story." I feel as if I've lost my steam but here we go!!! :-)

Dating. Matt would always get up early in the morning to meet me for breakfast at GBS. I think that I always had a 7:00 class and would eat breakfast before that. (Most important meal of the day ;-) Now that I know how important Matt's sleep is to him - I can appreciate his sacrifice even more. Only true love. Otherwise, nothing really stands out in my mind. We would pray together and have devotions on our dates. One of our favorite places (including our first date) was at Fuddruckers. We loved the Oldie's music and the decor inside - and I love a good juicy burger. Also, Matt often indulged me (and encouraged) my Starbucks habit. We just had a great time dating for .... 8 months.... Then.....

In June of 2001, Matt & I went to attend my cousin's wedding. This was a really big turning point in our relationship. (So, thanks to Jeff & Andrea for their influence on us. ha ha.) Matt brought up the subject of our relationship heading to marriage. It was a little awkward and we clumsily talked about it. It was like the twilight zone to me. I had honestly never thought seriously about us getting married. I enjoyed our dating relationship and wasn't in any rush - I suppose. I really couldn't believe that we were having a conversation about marriage.

On October 19, 2001 - Matt and I spent some time together on a friday evening. Late in the evening, I started feeling sick to my stomach. And we had a special date planned for the next day, Sweetest Day - October 20, 2001. I was so sick with a stomach virus. Matt gave me a really sweet gift - an engraved heart box with the date and a dozen roses. I don't know why but I had this strangest feeling that I had missed an important day in my life. It just was an elaborate gift for him. And.... my hunch was correct.

November 10, 2001 - Matt and I went on the B.B. Riverboat Dinner cruise. It was so fun. The meal was delicious. The live music was romantic and we had a table near the window. Just as the sun was nearly set, Matt and I went to the top level of the boat. I don't remember if there were people around. I was in my own world. Matt seemed a little nervous and quiet. And before I knew it - he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Later, he gave me flowers and a teddy bear. Also, he gave me a card and inside the card - was a gold engraved heart that read, "will you marry me?" Yes, it belonged in the heart shaped box I had received a month earlier. Matt had B.B. Riverboat tickets for us on Sweetest Day and I sick in bed throwing up. He had to just give the tickets away - since there was no refund. Awww.... I guess he thought I was worth a second shot! :-)

Of course, I said YES. Later though, I gave Matt a printed /framed response.

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing
Ever made by the Hand above?
A woman's heart, and a woman's life---
And a woman's wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy?
Demanding what others have died to win,
With a reckless dash of boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Manlike, you have questioned me.
Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart be true as God's stars
And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef,
I require a far greater thing;
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts---
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home,
And a man that his Maker, God,
Shall look upon as He did on the first
And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade
From this soft young cheek one day;
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give this all, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook
You can hire and little to pay;
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way."
— Joshua Harris

He is a keeper. I am so thankful for how God brought us together. Happy Valentine's Day to my knight in shining armor. I Y Q!

Love is in the air....

Well, between Migraine headaches, nasty colds, and out of town work - Matt and I have not had a Valentine's Day Date. And needless to say - it won't quite be the same ... since I am literally carrying around a basketball the weight of a bowling ball. But, I read an "our love story" on someone's blog and thought that maybe I would do the same.

In the fall of 1998, I headed out to Cincinnati for college. My first few weeks there I met a girl who seemed a lot like me - down to earth, loved God, enjoyed sports, and a "real" person. By real - I mean someone who hasn't been pampered in life - couldn't afford all the latest fashions - knows how to work hard for what you have.... she seemed a lot like me. We hit it off pretty well and after one semester became roommates. Summer was looming just around the corner and my roomie needed somewhere to crash. I offered for her to come to my house for the summer - I knew I had an awesome family/church that would totally welcome her - and I figured I might be able to get her a summer job where I was planning on working. That all came to be. Then, another school year came and flew by. My roommate was graduating with her A.A. so her family came out for the celebration.

Sitting in a chapel service with "a friend" (who will never let me forget this comment), I saw my roomie's three younger brothers. And me - never a guy chaser or boy crazy or anything similar - made an innocent statement, "Wow, she has some good looking brothers." (And the rest is history... but I'll share if you are interested.)

Throughout the summer, I called my former roomie (who had an apartment in Cincinnati) and .... several times ended up talking to her brother who had moved to Cincinnati. He seemed like a down to earth guy. They really were "innocent" phone calls. I wasn't on a "hunt." Okay - I confess... I did send him a postcard that just seemed to fit his personality. Woo hoo - my big flirtatious move. ;-) It was a picture of a corn field and the text read, "A corny postcard from NY." lol. Oh yeah. That gets lots of points.

It was never anything big or showy. But, a deep friendship just slowly blossomed. We hung out in groups - lots of rollerblading. One funny memory we have is when I gave him a ride to Wal-mart. (Just the two of us... not sure how that happened?! snicker. snicker.) He wanted to buy some new rollerblades. At the register, he was going to write a check but, didn't have a second form of I.D. (I felt really humiliated for him.) And this is the kicker - he asked ME if I had any money. Couldn't help him out because I didn't have my wallet. Needless to say, we left the store without any rollerblades. ha ha.

The only other event the stands out on my mind, prior to "officially" dating, is a labor day picnic/party. I don't remember a lot of the party - except that we kept catching each others' eyes & grinning - he may have winked a time or two. ;-) A friend asked me what was going on and commented that we were flirting a lot. ??What?? I was so innocent.

I guess after hanging out for a month and 1/2, we started dating. It was sweet and laid back. We were best friends who just had a little spark. While I was sick one time, he bought me some juice. And on lid he wrote "I-Y-Q." I think that little play on words, just sealed the deal for me. I thought it was so clever. And those have become 3 special letters in our lives.

............ getting late now........ stay tuned for Part II.... a wedding, the sickness, and a proposal.... yes. in that order.