Merry Christmas!

It hard to believe it's Christmas time already! It seems like we just did this not that long ago. As I get older time seems to go faster, and the years start to blur together. I do love Christmas time with my family!

Over the years we have done different things to celebrate the birth of our Savior. In the years past we have always taken a month off of regular school work and focused on learning about the Christmas story. We have done Unit Studies on Christmas, and have made our own Christmas books filled with scripture that tells the the story of a world in need of a savior. We have made ornaments for our tree that have to do with different aspects of Gods word, and his promises. It has always been a wonderful time of learning, and fun.

This year we decided to push through half of December with regular School work, and take a week off before Christmas to get all our shopping, baking, and present making done. We are also taking the week after Christmas off because Larry is only working two days that week. Although we are busy, I love the relaxed atmosphere in the house. No one is grumbling about their math, or grammar lessons...we are just having fun baking cookies and making gifts.

There is so much I could say about this year, but I don't have the words. It has been a really tough one, but God is faithful. God has had to do some trimming on us as a family, and it's been painful...yet the pain has brought healing in so many ways. I am glad that in a few weeks we will be able to put this year behind us, and I look forward to all He will do in our lives in the coming year. I do not want to forget the lessons that have been learned, but I am ready to start fresh. We are much lighter now, we have gotten rid of a lot of stuff that was dragging us down...So I think we may be ready to start running for the Lord....but we are waiting for his direction. I know he has much more work to do in us, and probably more pruning...I don't like to think of the pruning...but if it accomplishes God's plans for us...then I lift up my arms....

I am so glad that God has given us good friends to share our lives with. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ...you know the ones that stick around even when you have messed up pretty bad. The ones who pray with you and encourage you in the Lord. I am thankful for my Sisters who encourage me when I am having a really hard school day as well...and they take the time to talk me through it, or take the time to pray for me. I am thankful God has given me a wonderful family who goes out of their way to bless us, and loves us. I am so blessed, We are so blessed, and I hold you all in my prayers!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! May this season draw you closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is our hope, and the reason why we sing!!!!

grieving

It was a year ago last Friday that we said our final goodbyes to my Nana. The day is fresh in my memory. I have not had a day that I did not think of her this year. She was such a wonderful blessing to me and my family.



Last Saturday we had to say goodbye to our faithful friend Saidee. She was sick for a week, and we didn't quite know what was wrong with her, but she just kept declining. She has not been a healthy dog the past year, and has been in and out of the vet with stomach problems. The vet said she was bleeding internally, and it most likely was from a tumor. She had lost so much blood, that the only option was to put her to sleep. It's been a very sad week!

Our chocolate lab, Koda has been grieving too. He doesn't want to chase squirrels anymore, and has been wanting to be inside all the time. He lays on Saidee's bed in front of the fireplace and looks sad. We have made extra effort to take him for walks and play ball with him. I know it will take a little while for him to feel better, but I hope he will get back to himself soon. It really seems strange that he's not giving those squirrels a bad time.

The boys have been gathering pictures of Saidee to put together a scrapbook for her. I think this will be very healing for them, and it's also great for a school project. Then after that is done, maybe it will be easier to get in the Christmas cheer.