Please pray for the Skees family. I have never met them, but found out about them through another blogging friend. Their little girl Ellie (8 years old) just died last night of cancer that she has been battling for over a year now.
I can't even fathom the loss of a child in this way, let alone the thought of planning a funeral and trying to celebrate Christmas in just a few short days. I can imagine this time of year will always be bittersweet for them in every year to come.
As her blog says "Ellie is dancing in heaven right now!" Praise God for that! She is now pain free!
You can visit their blog here if you wish to read more or leave your own comment.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
More friends
Sunday night we had such a blast at a Christmas party at my friend Caroline's house. I have these 3 scrapbook buddies that I love spending time with and we always have so much fun together. So this party was the 4 of us, our hubbies, and all 9 kids. As you can imagine it was a lot of fun!
Caroline was the party host. She is truly one of the most selfless people I know. She recently started a ministry that is all about 'mercy' and it is so fitting for her. She is always giving of her self and her time to help others in need. Her hubby, kids, family and friends are always being blessed by her in a million different ways. She has 3 beautiful kids, Mason, Mady and Morgun. There's so much more I could say ...
Lynn is the life of the party. She always makes me laugh with her stories and I keep telling her that one day she will be up on stage at Women of Faith sharing her funny life stories with thousands of women. She has two beautiful kids, Katie and Ben. There's so much more I could say about Lynn ...
Sandy is a busy lady. But that's only because she's always doing something for someone else. She serves the Lord in many different ways and is always offering to help people out. She has two beautiful kids as well, but is catching up with Caroline with one more on the way, her kids are Evan and Haley. There's so much more I could say ...
Here are some pictures from the party ...
Our hosts ... Caroline, Mike and their youngest Morgun ...
Four of the girls ... H, Mady, Katie and J ...
Caroline with (Lynn's daughter) Katie ...
Sandy and I ...
Lynn and Caroline ... who couldn't stop laughing long enough to take a picture!! (I think this picture says it all ... when the 4 of us get together we ALWAYS have a blast!)
Sandy ... looking all sweet.
The boys ... doing what they do best (watching football!!)
I love my friends!!! I am so blessed!
Caroline was the party host. She is truly one of the most selfless people I know. She recently started a ministry that is all about 'mercy' and it is so fitting for her. She is always giving of her self and her time to help others in need. Her hubby, kids, family and friends are always being blessed by her in a million different ways. She has 3 beautiful kids, Mason, Mady and Morgun. There's so much more I could say ...
Lynn is the life of the party. She always makes me laugh with her stories and I keep telling her that one day she will be up on stage at Women of Faith sharing her funny life stories with thousands of women. She has two beautiful kids, Katie and Ben. There's so much more I could say about Lynn ...
Sandy is a busy lady. But that's only because she's always doing something for someone else. She serves the Lord in many different ways and is always offering to help people out. She has two beautiful kids as well, but is catching up with Caroline with one more on the way, her kids are Evan and Haley. There's so much more I could say ...
Here are some pictures from the party ...
Our hosts ... Caroline, Mike and their youngest Morgun ...
Four of the girls ... H, Mady, Katie and J ...
Caroline with (Lynn's daughter) Katie ...
Sandy and I ...
Lynn and Caroline ... who couldn't stop laughing long enough to take a picture!! (I think this picture says it all ... when the 4 of us get together we ALWAYS have a blast!)
Sandy ... looking all sweet.
The boys ... doing what they do best (watching football!!)
I love my friends!!! I am so blessed!
H's Homeschool program
This morning was our Wednesday morning ladies Bible study Christmas brunch. While we are at Bible study H goes in a class with other homeschoolers. She is the youngest one there but she still loves it. She has always loved playing with older girls and really loves the girls in her class.
So this morning the ladies had a wonderful time of fellowship, first with a yummy brunch, then by sharing different things from the passages of scripture that we've been studying since September. One of the most touching moments was when this young Mom played guitar and sang Silent Night ... and she asked us all to close our eyes and imagine what it might have been like to be entering Bethlehem on that night over 2000 years ago ... as you approached the manger and saw the tiny baby Jesus lying in the manger. The song and her voice were so beautiful, and as I sat there with my eyes closed I couldn't stop the tears! It was a beautiful moment. (I know none of you are surprised to hear that I cried!)
After the women shared, they brought the kids in to share things that they had practiced over the past month. H's homeschool class did a wonderful job. The boys did a little act ... acting out the shepherds reaction to hearing about the Savior. Then the girls all sang this sweet little song. I actually videotaped it on my camera ... but for some reason when I played it back there was no sound! I was so bummed because it was beautiful and I really wanted to share it. Since there is no video I thought I'd at least share a couple of cute pictures ...
Here are the girls waiting to come in while the boys do their little skit. (H is on the left.)
The boys did so good remembering their lines!
And here they are singing ... H is all the way on the right.
Since H is not in 'regular' school, it has really been a blessing to have her be a part of this great group of kids. And I love that they are all different grades and ages ... but they are learning to work together and socialize with all different kids.
So this morning the ladies had a wonderful time of fellowship, first with a yummy brunch, then by sharing different things from the passages of scripture that we've been studying since September. One of the most touching moments was when this young Mom played guitar and sang Silent Night ... and she asked us all to close our eyes and imagine what it might have been like to be entering Bethlehem on that night over 2000 years ago ... as you approached the manger and saw the tiny baby Jesus lying in the manger. The song and her voice were so beautiful, and as I sat there with my eyes closed I couldn't stop the tears! It was a beautiful moment. (I know none of you are surprised to hear that I cried!)
After the women shared, they brought the kids in to share things that they had practiced over the past month. H's homeschool class did a wonderful job. The boys did a little act ... acting out the shepherds reaction to hearing about the Savior. Then the girls all sang this sweet little song. I actually videotaped it on my camera ... but for some reason when I played it back there was no sound! I was so bummed because it was beautiful and I really wanted to share it. Since there is no video I thought I'd at least share a couple of cute pictures ...
Here are the girls waiting to come in while the boys do their little skit. (H is on the left.)
The boys did so good remembering their lines!
And here they are singing ... H is all the way on the right. 
Since H is not in 'regular' school, it has really been a blessing to have her be a part of this great group of kids. And I love that they are all different grades and ages ... but they are learning to work together and socialize with all different kids.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Church is canceled this morning.
I can only remember one other time when it was canceled for weather. I think we will have a quiet morning at home as a family and do some devotions together this morning.
Actually, being this close to Christmas and with all the busy-ness going on ... it feels pretty good to have a reason to just sit at home and snuggle up together. :)
Actually, being this close to Christmas and with all the busy-ness going on ... it feels pretty good to have a reason to just sit at home and snuggle up together. :)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Another awesome friend
Sorry for all the blogs ... I seem to be on a roll!!
I just want to say how very blessed I am to have LOTS of friends in my life. There are so many special friends that enrich my life in so many ways. I always think it's a true test of friendship when one friend moves away. When you don't see that person much anymore it can be hard to keep in touch and stay involved in each other's lives. It can also be hard to make time (or afford) to see each other when you have to travel to see one another.
I have many special friends who have moved away ... but there are a few that I have kept great friendships with, despite the long distance.
One of them is Julie. The funny thing is, when she lived here we didn't know each other real well or spend much time together until shortly before she moved away. But now that she lives in another state, our friendship is closer than ever! Here we are together back in the summer time:
I was totally caught by surprise today when I got home from the grocery store to find a package on my porch. Julie sent me a new book by my favorite author (Karen Kingbury) and some yummy Christmas cookies (homemade from her oven) and also some cute fuzzy socks for the girls. But even more special was the card with these words on it "The gift of your friendship is one I hold close to my heart every day of the year." How sweet! I feel the same way! What a dear friend you are Julie!
This is the book (although the cover looks slightly different) but who could ask for anything better than a wonderful Christmas book to curl up with this time of year?
And I know the last couple of times I've talked about my friends it has been about things they've given me ... lest anyone think that I'm all about gifts ... my point wasn't that my friends give things to me, it's just to show you how special these girls are to me, how thoughtful they are, how they know me so well that they choose things that they know I will love, and how I cherish their friendships with all my heart.
And I have always loved the chorus from this Michael W. Smith song ...
"And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them,
and a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end,
though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hand's we know,
that a lifetime's not too long ... to live as friends."
We are sisters in Christ for a lifetime!
I just want to say how very blessed I am to have LOTS of friends in my life. There are so many special friends that enrich my life in so many ways. I always think it's a true test of friendship when one friend moves away. When you don't see that person much anymore it can be hard to keep in touch and stay involved in each other's lives. It can also be hard to make time (or afford) to see each other when you have to travel to see one another.
I have many special friends who have moved away ... but there are a few that I have kept great friendships with, despite the long distance.
One of them is Julie. The funny thing is, when she lived here we didn't know each other real well or spend much time together until shortly before she moved away. But now that she lives in another state, our friendship is closer than ever! Here we are together back in the summer time:
I was totally caught by surprise today when I got home from the grocery store to find a package on my porch. Julie sent me a new book by my favorite author (Karen Kingbury) and some yummy Christmas cookies (homemade from her oven) and also some cute fuzzy socks for the girls. But even more special was the card with these words on it "The gift of your friendship is one I hold close to my heart every day of the year." How sweet! I feel the same way! What a dear friend you are Julie!
This is the book (although the cover looks slightly different) but who could ask for anything better than a wonderful Christmas book to curl up with this time of year?
And I know the last couple of times I've talked about my friends it has been about things they've given me ... lest anyone think that I'm all about gifts ... my point wasn't that my friends give things to me, it's just to show you how special these girls are to me, how thoughtful they are, how they know me so well that they choose things that they know I will love, and how I cherish their friendships with all my heart.
Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times."
And I have always loved the chorus from this Michael W. Smith song ...
"And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them,
and a friend will not say never, cause the welcome will not end,
though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hand's we know,
that a lifetime's not too long ... to live as friends."
We are sisters in Christ for a lifetime!
This is for you Laurel ...
My friend Laurel asked me to show a closer look at these cute mitten frames that I have hanging in my kitchen. I will admit, I did not make these, but looking at how simple they are, I'm sure they would be very easy to duplicate! (This might be something fun to try with your kids on a wintry day!!)
You would need a decent length of string or ribbon (to hang between a doorway you'd need about 3-5 feet). You can cut out your shapes from anything ... mittens, snowmen, gingerbread men, stars ... if you have some large cookie cutters they would make a wonderful template for tracing. Cut your shapes from cardstock or construction paper ... or even patterned paper would be pretty.
Cut out some small pictures of your loved ones, if you have a circle shaped punch (like for scrapbooking) it would make it even easier to cut out the faces. Attach pictures to your shapes with tape or glue.
You can find the mini clothespins at most craft or scrapbooking stores. Then just put it all together and hang it up! SO CUTE!
And a special thank you to my Mom who gave me this in my stocking last Christmas! She's in the mitten on the left right above. :)
You would need a decent length of string or ribbon (to hang between a doorway you'd need about 3-5 feet). You can cut out your shapes from anything ... mittens, snowmen, gingerbread men, stars ... if you have some large cookie cutters they would make a wonderful template for tracing. Cut your shapes from cardstock or construction paper ... or even patterned paper would be pretty.
Cut out some small pictures of your loved ones, if you have a circle shaped punch (like for scrapbooking) it would make it even easier to cut out the faces. Attach pictures to your shapes with tape or glue.
You can find the mini clothespins at most craft or scrapbooking stores. Then just put it all together and hang it up! SO CUTE!
And a special thank you to my Mom who gave me this in my stocking last Christmas! She's in the mitten on the left right above. :)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas songs ...
Can you tell from my last two posts that I've been listening to A LOT of Christmas music lately?? Christmas songs are just one more thing that I love about this season. We are lucky to have a radio station that plays Christmas music constantly from Thanksgiving weekend all the way to Christmas day.
Normally when we ride in the car music choice can turn into a battle. I want my country music, the kids want their kids music (Wiggles, Veggie Tales, etc ... ) and if Bob's in the car he wants (boring) sports radio. So the great thing about this Christmas station is ... it creates a common bond! We can all listen and enjoy in the car for once!
So the other day, I realized just how much we'd been listening when I could hear H in the back of the car singing along with the radio "Merry Christmas from 106.5 WBMW!!!" Yep, she was even singing the radio station's jingle! I couldn't help but laugh!
Normally when we ride in the car music choice can turn into a battle. I want my country music, the kids want their kids music (Wiggles, Veggie Tales, etc ... ) and if Bob's in the car he wants (boring) sports radio. So the great thing about this Christmas station is ... it creates a common bond! We can all listen and enjoy in the car for once!
So the other day, I realized just how much we'd been listening when I could hear H in the back of the car singing along with the radio "Merry Christmas from 106.5 WBMW!!!" Yep, she was even singing the radio station's jingle! I couldn't help but laugh!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...
everywhere you go!!!
Yesterday was an A+ day. The kind of day that makes it really 'feel' like Christmas is on it's way. We got a big snowstorm!! I know some people dread these types of storms, but not me. If it's going to be cold for the next several months, it might as well SNOW!
We started doing our school work in the morning but by 10:30am the snow was coming down in droves. The girls kept begging to go out and could hardly focus on schoolwork. It was a great motivator to keep them working and get their stuff done!
We waited till after lunch when the snow had started to pile up to head outside. We sledded down our hill, the girls made snow angels, we went on a snowy hike through the woods behind our house with Bob and just had a blast.
Here is our house as the snow is coming down.
H angel ...
J angel ...
Rosy cheeks ...
More rosy cheeks ...
Sledding - I think pretty soon we'll need a bigger sled!
Hiking in the snow with Daddy ...
I'm just a big kid at heart - I was jumping on the sled and flying down the hill too!
Yesterday's snow was much too light and fluffy for making snowmen ... so H went out there today and found that the snow was much more sticky ... so she made a family of snow people! I know she doesn't have a hat on --- I wasn't home, she was with Daddy ... so blame him! :)
After coming in from the snow we had a yummy cup of hot cocoa, then pulled out this ornament making kit that I'd bought. The girls had a great time making lots of ornaments ... here is the sled ...
And a whole bunch of trees, sleds and snowflakes ...
A little later we made a batch of sugar cookies. The girls have more fun playing with the dough than actually making cookies. I learned that if I give them each a small chunk of dough to work with they will stay busy for hours! We cut them out into trees, stars and gingerbread men and we'll decorate them on Saturday. YUMMY!
Finally, one of the best parts of our A + day, was that Bob got to stay home! He's not usually home with us on weeknights so it was such a treat - and he even cooked a delicious lasagna for us for dinner. It was awesome.
Now you know why I said it was an A + day, don't you??!!
Yesterday was an A+ day. The kind of day that makes it really 'feel' like Christmas is on it's way. We got a big snowstorm!! I know some people dread these types of storms, but not me. If it's going to be cold for the next several months, it might as well SNOW!
We started doing our school work in the morning but by 10:30am the snow was coming down in droves. The girls kept begging to go out and could hardly focus on schoolwork. It was a great motivator to keep them working and get their stuff done!
We waited till after lunch when the snow had started to pile up to head outside. We sledded down our hill, the girls made snow angels, we went on a snowy hike through the woods behind our house with Bob and just had a blast.
Here is our house as the snow is coming down.
H angel ...
J angel ...
Rosy cheeks ...
More rosy cheeks ...
Sledding - I think pretty soon we'll need a bigger sled!
Hiking in the snow with Daddy ...
I'm just a big kid at heart - I was jumping on the sled and flying down the hill too!
Yesterday's snow was much too light and fluffy for making snowmen ... so H went out there today and found that the snow was much more sticky ... so she made a family of snow people! I know she doesn't have a hat on --- I wasn't home, she was with Daddy ... so blame him! :)
After coming in from the snow we had a yummy cup of hot cocoa, then pulled out this ornament making kit that I'd bought. The girls had a great time making lots of ornaments ... here is the sled ...
And a whole bunch of trees, sleds and snowflakes ...
A little later we made a batch of sugar cookies. The girls have more fun playing with the dough than actually making cookies. I learned that if I give them each a small chunk of dough to work with they will stay busy for hours! We cut them out into trees, stars and gingerbread men and we'll decorate them on Saturday. YUMMY!Finally, one of the best parts of our A + day, was that Bob got to stay home! He's not usually home with us on weeknights so it was such a treat - and he even cooked a delicious lasagna for us for dinner. It was awesome.
Now you know why I said it was an A + day, don't you??!!
Oh there's no place like home for the holidays!!
I love being home for Christmas. I love pulling out all the decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving and spending a day (or two!!) putting all the things out.
When we first got married we had nothing for Christmas decor. So I went to the Christmas Tree Shop and started buying some snowmen. They were pretty cheap so year after year I'd add another one or two. Pretty soon, people that knew and loved me caught on that I like snowmen and they started buying my snowmen stuff.
Well now, my whole house is filled with snowmen stuff, and I don't even buy anything anymore!! I took some pictures from around the house to show you all just how cute it all looks! Hope you enjoy this little tour of my happy Christmas house.
In the kitchen on the walls ...
Above the doorway between kitchen and dining room ...
A closer glimpse of the tree ...
Another great Christmas Tree Shop find ...
Dining room hutch ...
Dining room wall ...
Above my stove ...
I have a few pretty Nativities that have been given to me as well ...
The Nativities and candles all go up high ... :)
Just a small fraction of my snowman collection ...
My IKEA bookshelf with LOTS of snowmen, and Nativities on top. (And LOTS of scrapbooks on the bottom shelves!!!)
Our tree!! Still has a 'snow' theme and more snowmen, snowflakes and sleds! And also lots of ornaments with the kids pictures or ones that they have made.
Thanks for coming on my Christmas tour!!
When we first got married we had nothing for Christmas decor. So I went to the Christmas Tree Shop and started buying some snowmen. They were pretty cheap so year after year I'd add another one or two. Pretty soon, people that knew and loved me caught on that I like snowmen and they started buying my snowmen stuff.
Well now, my whole house is filled with snowmen stuff, and I don't even buy anything anymore!! I took some pictures from around the house to show you all just how cute it all looks! Hope you enjoy this little tour of my happy Christmas house.
In the kitchen on the walls ...
Above the doorway between kitchen and dining room ...
A closer glimpse of the tree ...
Another great Christmas Tree Shop find ...
Dining room hutch ...
Dining room wall ...
Above my stove ...
I have a few pretty Nativities that have been given to me as well ...
The Nativities and candles all go up high ... :)
Just a small fraction of my snowman collection ...
My IKEA bookshelf with LOTS of snowmen, and Nativities on top. (And LOTS of scrapbooks on the bottom shelves!!!)
Our tree!! Still has a 'snow' theme and more snowmen, snowflakes and sleds! And also lots of ornaments with the kids pictures or ones that they have made.
Thanks for coming on my Christmas tour!!
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