I took a break this afternoon from the hustle and bustle of the holiday to take a long, cold walk down at a frozen lake near where we're staying. It was frigid and blissfully quiet. As DH and I walked along I realized how nice it is sometimes not to need to say anything at all. We had no real worries today, it's nice just to be together and enjoy our time in New England.
I hope your Christmas was a merry and peaceful one as well.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
It's a snowy Foto Friday
I thought the kids had acclimated to our warmer weather climate as well, turns out it's just dh and I that are wimps. They've been outside in the snow every chance they've gotten since our arrival on Wednesday.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
We made it!
Our trip was long but blessedly uneventful. We're settling in here and catching up on a bit of sleep as we ended up leaving on Tuesday evening at 7pm and driving straight through the night to beat in some bad weather.
Tomorrow will be a very snowy foto Friday....
Tomorrow will be a very snowy foto Friday....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Headed towards a white Christmas
On your mark, get set, go! We're heading out tonight. The bags are FINALLY packed and the girls can barely contain their excitement at seeing all of our northern family and friends. We're praying for safe and peaceful travel and for a meaningful Christmas where the wonderful gift of the Christ child resonates above all of the background distractions.
We're bracing for the cold and the snow. Wonderfully beautiful to look at, but not so fun to drive in. We hope to make time to visit with lots of folks, but if the weather doesn't cooperate they'll just have to come to us.
I plan to do some blogging while we're up. If the wind blows properly I can pirate a signal from my sil's next door. If I don't make it on much we plan to return to ring in the New Year here in Georgia.
The girls look forward to car trips because they get to watch a bunch of movies on DVD. Funny, but they seem to choose the same ones over and over and over again. Thank goodness for headphones. Hubby and I usually listen to something a bit heavier, this time Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace. He's graciously allowed audio files of his 13 part series to be downloaded and shared. I've heard his methods are sound and practical. Will let you know what I think after the holidays.
Finally, many of my readers bless my life in very personal ways. I thank you all. I wish you a truly blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the all the riches that only Christ's love can provide.
We're bracing for the cold and the snow. Wonderfully beautiful to look at, but not so fun to drive in. We hope to make time to visit with lots of folks, but if the weather doesn't cooperate they'll just have to come to us.
I plan to do some blogging while we're up. If the wind blows properly I can pirate a signal from my sil's next door. If I don't make it on much we plan to return to ring in the New Year here in Georgia.
The girls look forward to car trips because they get to watch a bunch of movies on DVD. Funny, but they seem to choose the same ones over and over and over again. Thank goodness for headphones. Hubby and I usually listen to something a bit heavier, this time Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace. He's graciously allowed audio files of his 13 part series to be downloaded and shared. I've heard his methods are sound and practical. Will let you know what I think after the holidays.
Finally, many of my readers bless my life in very personal ways. I thank you all. I wish you a truly blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with the all the riches that only Christ's love can provide.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
A journey
I've been scarce again this week as I've begun preparing in earnest for our trip north. I continue to be a bit overwhelmed by all the preparations required for travel and Christmas. With a new family member this year it's a bit harder to get it all done. I've begun to worry less about getting packed and more about making it safely and sanely. I worry about the weather we might encounter and about entertaining a baby who now wants to move about on a long, sixteen hour car drive.
That's when I began to remember that others before me have made journeys of their own. How worried must Mary have been as the birth of her special child approached? How scary to make a long and dangerous trek to Bethlehem so close to the end of her pregnancy? What fear must have gripped her when she realized that there was no place for them to stay and that she would in fact give birth to the Lord in a stable?
We watched the movie "The Nativity Story" this past weekend with the older girls. I heartily recommend it to those who haven't seen it yet. There are such stark contrasts between Mary's journey and ours. Lord willing we will make it in one long day. Mary's journey was much more arduous, lasting many days. We'll also be blessed with plentiful food, drink, and even t.v. as we travel. And finally, unlike Mary and Joseph, who arrived with little fanfare and no accomodations, we'll be greeted with celebration by many when we arrive and welcomed into comfort.
We are blessed indeed to make a journey to our own hometowns this Christmas.
That's when I began to remember that others before me have made journeys of their own. How worried must Mary have been as the birth of her special child approached? How scary to make a long and dangerous trek to Bethlehem so close to the end of her pregnancy? What fear must have gripped her when she realized that there was no place for them to stay and that she would in fact give birth to the Lord in a stable?
We watched the movie "The Nativity Story" this past weekend with the older girls. I heartily recommend it to those who haven't seen it yet. There are such stark contrasts between Mary's journey and ours. Lord willing we will make it in one long day. Mary's journey was much more arduous, lasting many days. We'll also be blessed with plentiful food, drink, and even t.v. as we travel. And finally, unlike Mary and Joseph, who arrived with little fanfare and no accomodations, we'll be greeted with celebration by many when we arrive and welcomed into comfort.
We are blessed indeed to make a journey to our own hometowns this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Shopping, and wrapping, and packing- Oh my!
I can't get that song from the Wizard of Oz out of my head these last few days. You know-"Lions and Tigers and Bears-Oh my" Yep, I'm feeling just a wee bit frenzied as I try to pull things all together around here.
It's been beautifully warm here in Georgia, but in the northeast- not so much. I seriously hope we all don't freeze during our trip. I've begun a scavenger hunt around here for coats, hats, and mittens. We also need to dig out lots of long pants and sweaters too. This year packing a myriad of baby equipment has thrown me as well. I don't know why I'm almost terrified that I'll forget something important each time we travel? They do have stores in southern New Hampshire and guess what? They don't even charge sales tax!!! Hmm... so why is it that I'm bringing everything but the kitchen sink?
Presents, I do wish I could forget about packing those. I may have to if I don't get them wrapped! Definitely not one of my favorite activities. I'm a pretty crafty person and I'll happily spend hours knitting, sewing, or even stamping a beautiful card. But I just can't get into spending time and money on something designed to be torn into and quickly discarded.
That's all I have time for today. More to come as soon as I get out from under the wrapping paper and suitcases and get my check book re-balanced after all that spending.
It's been beautifully warm here in Georgia, but in the northeast- not so much. I seriously hope we all don't freeze during our trip. I've begun a scavenger hunt around here for coats, hats, and mittens. We also need to dig out lots of long pants and sweaters too. This year packing a myriad of baby equipment has thrown me as well. I don't know why I'm almost terrified that I'll forget something important each time we travel? They do have stores in southern New Hampshire and guess what? They don't even charge sales tax!!! Hmm... so why is it that I'm bringing everything but the kitchen sink?
Presents, I do wish I could forget about packing those. I may have to if I don't get them wrapped! Definitely not one of my favorite activities. I'm a pretty crafty person and I'll happily spend hours knitting, sewing, or even stamping a beautiful card. But I just can't get into spending time and money on something designed to be torn into and quickly discarded.
That's all I have time for today. More to come as soon as I get out from under the wrapping paper and suitcases and get my check book re-balanced after all that spending.
Friday, December 7, 2007
T'was the month before Christmas
I thought I was done with my "Happy Holidays" rant this year. That was until I attended a Christmas chorus concert at the elementary school tonight though. Now I'm climbing back up on my soapbox...
My daughter looked beautiful in her Christmas best, and the singing was sweet and on key. She's worked very hard this semester preparing. They sang about Santa, about snow, about the north pole and the elves, and ended by wishing us a swingin' holiday. They even sang a beautiful song somewhere in the middle about Hanukkah. Not once though, during the 30 minute program was Christmas mentioned. I just don't understand when that word became so dangerous.
I thought I'd pass on what a friend shared with me this week.
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ‘Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas;
it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf BlitzenOn Boxer,
on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word,
as they took away our faith.
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
My daughter looked beautiful in her Christmas best, and the singing was sweet and on key. She's worked very hard this semester preparing. They sang about Santa, about snow, about the north pole and the elves, and ended by wishing us a swingin' holiday. They even sang a beautiful song somewhere in the middle about Hanukkah. Not once though, during the 30 minute program was Christmas mentioned. I just don't understand when that word became so dangerous.
I thought I'd pass on what a friend shared with me this week.
Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people’s feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ‘Holiday ‘.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe’s the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny’s and Sears
You won’t hear the word Christmas;
it won’t touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf BlitzenOn Boxer,
on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word,
as they took away our faith.
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate ‘Winter Break’ under your‘Dream Tree’
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !
Foto Friday (get elfed)
Have you been elfed yet? It'll take a minute to load but click below to see ours.
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1200988762
Quite silly, but still lots of fun. See you next week!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1200988762
Quite silly, but still lots of fun. See you next week!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Can you sleep when the wind blows?
Saw this post on a Christian board I frequent online...
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops .As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him."Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help,hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. A friend of mine sent this to me today, and I enjoyed it so much, that I wanted to send it to you.I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops .As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him."Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help,hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God.We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms. A friend of mine sent this to me today, and I enjoyed it so much, that I wanted to send it to you.I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Making room for Christmas
Those of you who know me well realize how truly compulsive I can be about certain things.:-) Not that I'm proud of it, but it's who I am. Clutter is definitely one of those things. It drives me simply batty. I love clean, bare surfaces and wide open spaces. For me it's peaceful and calming. I'm constantly cleaning out and sometimes even discarding things that I'll need to re-acquire at later date.
This can be particularly problematic at Christmas. The thought of making room for all those decorations pains me. If my husband and children didn't take over our decorations would be small scale, very small scale. Don't even get me started on the gifts! I instituted a mandatory pre-Christmas cleanout several years ago. While many children make a long Christmas list, mine face a different decision, which possessions to part with first. Who needs twenty Barbie dolls without enough clothes for them all and a puzzle with a missing piece anyway? See in my mind there just isn't room for it all. Crowding more in just simply isn't an option. I'll admit that even as the gifts are opened I'm already thinking and just where am I supposed to put that?
One of the girls made a great point this week as I was urging them to begin the annual purge. She said, "Mom, I think you should be less worried about making room in the house and more concerned about making room in your heart." Ouch, but so true!
I'm forever reminding them that Christmas is about Christ, not presents. Yet in truth I'm the one who's focused intently on the material things and losing out on Christmas joy in the process.
So... I've decided not to follow through on the big clean up this year and the decorations are all up! Even though we'll be 1,000 miles north come the big day. I'm going to focus on my own personal clutter instead. Yikes, that is a daunting task!
This can be particularly problematic at Christmas. The thought of making room for all those decorations pains me. If my husband and children didn't take over our decorations would be small scale, very small scale. Don't even get me started on the gifts! I instituted a mandatory pre-Christmas cleanout several years ago. While many children make a long Christmas list, mine face a different decision, which possessions to part with first. Who needs twenty Barbie dolls without enough clothes for them all and a puzzle with a missing piece anyway? See in my mind there just isn't room for it all. Crowding more in just simply isn't an option. I'll admit that even as the gifts are opened I'm already thinking and just where am I supposed to put that?
One of the girls made a great point this week as I was urging them to begin the annual purge. She said, "Mom, I think you should be less worried about making room in the house and more concerned about making room in your heart." Ouch, but so true!
I'm forever reminding them that Christmas is about Christ, not presents. Yet in truth I'm the one who's focused intently on the material things and losing out on Christmas joy in the process.
So... I've decided not to follow through on the big clean up this year and the decorations are all up! Even though we'll be 1,000 miles north come the big day. I'm going to focus on my own personal clutter instead. Yikes, that is a daunting task!
Monday, December 3, 2007
It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video
This group (Go Fish) also sings another song that is catching on entitled "Christmas with a capital C". While I appreciate their point of view, I like the gentle and thoroughly Christian message in this one a bit better. Hope it blesses you today.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
So many reasons....
Since today is my wedding anniversary I just couldn't let the day go by without a few words about my hubby. I've been blessed in this area with a wonderful friend, partner, and co-parent. Here are the top 10 reasons I'm happy to be married to my wonderful man:
1) He cooks for me (yup, tonight he's preparing a special dinner and molten chocolate cake for dessert), yumm.
2) He loves me at my best AND at my worst.
3) He's kind (to everyone, but especially to me).
4) He's a truly devoted father ( I mean a REALLY in the trenches kind of Dad).
5) He's committed to his job, but always maintains a sense of balance between work and family.
6) He is always up for an adventure, but also knows how to relax.
7) He rarely ever complains about anything! (REALLY)
8) He often knows me better than I know myself.
9) He has a superb sense of direction (handy since I have almost none)
10) He knows the Lord and is always anxious to introduce Him to others.
AND- he waited for me when I was late to my very own wedding.
1) He cooks for me (yup, tonight he's preparing a special dinner and molten chocolate cake for dessert), yumm.
2) He loves me at my best AND at my worst.
3) He's kind (to everyone, but especially to me).
4) He's a truly devoted father ( I mean a REALLY in the trenches kind of Dad).
5) He's committed to his job, but always maintains a sense of balance between work and family.
6) He is always up for an adventure, but also knows how to relax.
7) He rarely ever complains about anything! (REALLY)
8) He often knows me better than I know myself.
9) He has a superb sense of direction (handy since I have almost none)
10) He knows the Lord and is always anxious to introduce Him to others.
AND- he waited for me when I was late to my very own wedding.
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