Another beautiful Christmas. Christmas eve was spent at my mom and dad's apartment. It was bitter sweet. My mom really enjoyed having us there. The highlight for me was hearing Eric sing again. I don't get that opportunity very often. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Thanks Eric. Christmas day was wonderful. I enjoyed every minute. It was kind of difficult to hear my Dad ask if it was Christmas day. No snow but all in all a blessed day. I was still hunting for presents as they were being opened. I think the problem boils down to too many presents. Oh but it is sooooo much fun. I usually have some trouble facing the new year. I don't know why. But this year I feel very good about 2007. I will turn .... well I'll turn a year older in two days and then we will spend a quiet New Years Eve with some friends, and another year will begin. May we all live one day at a time and live that day to the fullest. I will try to rest in the fact that whatever 2007 brings, God is in control; there is no other way to live. Happy New Year!!!

I have a very busy day today so I slept in a little later this morning and chose to put a CD in for church today. I picked up an old Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD this season because I love one of the songs always played on the radio. But I got far more than one good song. This CD is a story. A story about Christmas, angels, prayers, grace, hopes and dreams - all the things I truly believe in. I highly recommend this one. It is entitled Christmas Eve and Other Stories. Listen to it with the words in hand from beginning to end. I think you'll like it.

Riley called me one day last week and said he wanted to bring his friend Lance to Nana's house. It has been very important to me that my house is a fun place to be and tomorrow he is bringing his friend to play here. How cool is that?!!! Basketball, a jeep ride and decorating rudolph cookies will be a few things on the agenda. Then tomorrow night we will go to his Christmas program at his school and Saturday is Trey's birthday party. Sunday after church is a Christmas buffet at my Mom's apartment and then a few friends over for a little get-to-gether. Monday I hope to wrap up my Christmas shopping. Today I received a framed black and white picture of my sister and me as little girls on Christmas morning. My sister sent it to me and I will cherish it. I have spent a lot of time thinking back this Christmas season. I'm not sure why, but I have re-lived a lot of past holiday seasons this year.

Well, knock on wood I think we're on the mend. Baby Evan has been too sick for too long. Trey had a cold and Riley had the stomach bug. But through all of this I got to take Riley and Trey to see Santa Clause 3 well, at least the first half hour of it thanks to scary Jack Frost!! Then we went to see the real Santa Claus complete with pictures. We saw Happy Feet and they loved that. Yesterday Trey went to the Ohio State Basketball game with his PaPa. It's good to know that Trey is comfortable in his own skin and knows himself very well. PaPa asked him what he had been up to and he nonchalantly looked at him and said, "trouble". I just love that kid!!! Trouble proceeded to eat his hot dog and dippin' dots, climb up on his seat and sleep through the entire first half.

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a nice time with the family. Evan is still coughing and taking breathing treatments but he is improving. Trey has some kind of gunk coming out of his eyes and Mike and Mikey are both sick. I have Mikey at my house filling him up with Juice Plus and veggies. He takes such lousy care of himself its no wonder he can't get well. I got back to the gym today after dealing with some foot pain and it really felt good. I am 99% done with my decorating and I am pooped. Tomorrow is movie day with the boys - Santa Clause 3. It should be fun. Then shopping with my friend Ruth and dinner with the guys on Wednesday. Next week is Mikey's operation and I will be glad when that is over. I took some decorations to my Mom's apartment yesterday. Dad was really confused when we were putting up the tree Thursday. He asked if we were taking it down!! I'm not dealing well with the empty eyes my Dad has these days. He lived such a vibrant life, it doesn't seem right for it to be this way. I've really been missing my sister lately. I really wish we could all be together for Christmas this year. A lot of things just don't seem right.

I feel so bad right now. Evan is still very sick and Kerri has just about hit the wall. We are all really concerned for the little peanut. I just wish there was something I could do for her. Funny thing is, she feels the same about her child. See, it never changes. It doesn't matter how young or how old they are, you still are the mother and you still should be able to "make it all better". I still see her as my little girl and she's having a tough time. I just hope and pray that today will bring healing to Evan's little body and rest for my little girl.

Monday morning, hit the ground running, little frustrations - life. But this morning I am thanking God for his hand of protection over Riley. He came far too close to getting hit by a car today. My mind can't even go there. God is good and really does watch over us. Sometimes we don't even realize it but this time if was all too obvious, too close for comfort. Baby Evan is really struggling but I am sure God is watching over him too. It is so hard to watch a little one hurt. He is so good when his Mommy gives him the breathing treatments. He has such a sweet spirit. I thank God today for all three of my little ones. Life just wouldn't be the same without them.

FYI on a lighter note - Ty Pennington is in Whitehall. They're starting on a house tomorrow. Am I there? You bet I am!!!

I just got home from keeping Riley and Trey while Kerri took Evan to the dr. He has a respiratory infection. His cough sounds pretty bad. He sat up on my lap and slept while Mommy was out getting what he needs and after he woke up he was blowing bubbles and smiling even with a fever. He is such a sweetie. It just breaks my heart when they are sick. Kerri really needs some sleep. I pray they are all able to rest and that Evan experiences God's healing touch. Nana loves you all.

I spent the week-end with my little Batman and Robin and then tonight I met up with them again. They are soooooooo much fun. The only disappointment was that the weather dictatated that our little pumpkin stay home with Daddy. Now that Halloween is over I'm looking forward to the REAL holidays. Halloween is not my favorite but the little ones make it fun. Papa tried to buy his favorite candy (Smartees) from Robin for a dollar but it didn't work. He's very protective of his candy. I came home with my treat from my daughter for watching the kids - coconut flavored malted milk balls from Pittsburgh!! Thanks Kerri! Looking forward to starting my Christmas shopping this week.

When I survery the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all.

We are home and we had a good week-end with family from Oklahoma. It was nice to see Eric and meet his new love. She was very sweet. I'm really tired but tomorrow will be a day to clean up the house from the re-modeling done while we were gone. My aunt will be in for just a very short time on Tuesday. Then I need to start thinking about Christmas shopping. It doesn't seem possible that the holidays are almost here. The sale at my mom's house is next week-end and it is getting a little emotional for me. I saw a video this week-end of Christmas, '81. I was pregnant with Mikey. When my Dad came on the screen it was a very weird feeling. That "dad" isn't here anymore. I had forgotten how it was like when he was young and vibrant. My parents were about the age I am now. Scary. Oh well, time marches on and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it except live every day to the fullest. Here's to another beautiful holiday season!!

Well, I guess there's no way around it. I'm off to beautiful downtown Highpoint N.C. tomorrow for furniture market. Back in about 10 days.

Everyone needs to get a copy of the Faith & Value section of the Dispatch or look it up on the net. At the bottom of the first page is an example of missional living in every sense of the word and I have had the privilege of knowing this man since I was 5 yrs old. I love how he is described by one man as being immaculately humble, and an excessive servant. He was my optometrist for years, I even worked for him for a while. I still attend church with him. He has used his gifts to the fullest and is always ready to give what he has. He is a true inspiration and I am a better person for knowing him. I have been thinking lately of the blessings God has given me by the people that have been placed in my life. The people in our lives play such a role in making us who we are and I thank God for surrounding me with some of the very best.

We had some wild weather tonight. Our deck was covered in almost golf-ball size hail that piled up probably an inch thick. We have dents in our cars and holes in our siding. Thankfully there weren't any tornados and we are all safe and sound. My parents live on the second floor of their building and so does Mikey. I'm always glad to see a storm end with everybody safe. Tomorrow I will get ready to have our very good friends over for dinner. I love doing that. We are going to talk about what we have come up with for a trip together in Jan. or Feb.
I heard a new song this week that really expresses some things I have been thinking about lately. The good Lord didn't bless me with the talent to put my thoughts down on paper so I'm glad some other people are able to do that for me. Sometimes I wonder if I have made a difference. Sometimes I wonder how people will remember me or even if they will. If I am remembered, this song talks about how I hope that will be.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "atta boy" or "atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done, good and faithful one..."

GO BUCKS!!!

It's been a while. I feel like I have gone from one project to another since returning from vacation. I am enjoying the cool weather and trying to get some things done to the house before I leave for market. Riley and Trey are going to spend the night with us Friday. I'm looking forward to the time with them. Saturday everybody (except Jen!!) will be over for some time together primarily so Mom and Dad can see everybody. It's been awhile for them. Just some Saturday afternoon hang time - it will be good for Dad to get out. Today they are moving the big antique china cabinet from Mom's to my house. I am very nervous. We decided to go with the professionals for this one. I will be glad when it is safe and sound. Speaking of that I better get going so I can get it emptied before they get there. Keep your fingers crossed!!

We're home and we had a wonderful time. Mike and Mikey and I drove through the night last night and Kerri, Eric and the kids should be home tomorrow. I'm looking forward to fall and all the good things that come with the season. Unfortunately I will have to get through market before I can really enjoy it. We will leave for that in about three weeks. We had such a good time watching the boys play in the ocean etc. etc. Evan changed so much during the two weeks. He is so much more aware of everything around him and responds to you so much more. They change so quickly. Think I'll hit the sack early tonight, tired from the drive.

We made it to the beach. What an absolutely beautiful place!!! We are having such a good time. The trip went very good especially considering we had three little ones. We've had some rain and clouds but we are having fun relaxing and slowing down. Mike and Mikey are on the golf course for the second time and Kerri and I took the little ones to spend their vacation money. Riley found a pirate costume, he looks pretty cute. We'll try to post some pictures soon. Tomorrow we will celebrate my daughter's birthday. I won't say how old because then I would have to think how old I am. It seems like we all get so tired early in the evening but we finally managed to stay up and play some Uno Attack last night. We're looking forward to the weather improving tomorrow. More fun in the sun!!!

Well, just two more night-night times and we leave for the beach. That's how Riley and Trey count the days - by night-night times. I keep checking the weather forecast and honestly it doesn't look that good for the first week. But Mike and I were talking and the most important thing is that we all get away and be with each other. Family, they are everything. I just want us to leave life behind and enjoy being together. So I pray for safe travel and good times letting life slow down if just for a little while.

I've been having blog problems but thanks to Jen I think it's solved. Busy getting my parents settled. Just seems like there are odds and ends that have to be done everyday. I have to start getting ready for the beach (bought the sunscreen today) We are traveling lighter this trip. That will make my husband happy. He has already decreed that we will not be using the car-top this year so everybody must pack lightly. I can't believe it is that time again. It seemed to sneak up on me this year - just so many other things on my mind. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Mother Nature will continue to cooperate this season. It has been relatively quiet SHHHH!! There has been some colds or allergies floating around the family but nothing that a little salt air won't take care of. Two weeks with my favorite people at the beach. There's just nothing better than that!!