HOLIDAYS CONTINUED

We are finally off the road after traveling to West Virginia and Chicago for the holidays. The food is in the oven , the fire is lit and we are ready to bring in the new year with some special people. My mom and sister are in town from West Virginia and Todd is visiting for a few days from Indiana. It feels good to be home.

I am so grateful that this holiday season was spent connecting and reconnecting with loved ones. I have already heard from one of the families that we tracked down this year with our Christmas Cards. I received an email from a dear friend of mine from Virginia who now lives in Las Vegas. I also had a chance to reconnect with a sister in law and niece that we rarely see in Chicago. It made me realize how important family is and nothing should stand in the way of when it comes to spending time together. The past is the past and it is great to move on.

The highlight of our Christmas in West Virginia. Yes...it's even better than the wii, was spending time with a special gal namd Amanda.

I met Amanda in september when I was a facilitator at an event called challenge day at a high school in West Virginia. Amanda was in my mentoring group. Amanda has Down Syndrome. I love being around her. She is always smiling, always giving hugs and enjoys life to the fullest. She has become very attached to my sister Patty since she works at the school where Amanda attends. Amanda visits with her each day and even considers Patty her angel. We had a ball taking her to the mall. She even put on a spontaneous dance show at American Eagle. Amanda has a spirit that would benefit us all. Here are some pics.

Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS WRAP UP (GET IT HA HA)

I am using one laptop while Wally is on another and sitting 6 feet from me. He is emailing me his Christmas list so I can use my cell phone to call Ashley on her cell phone while she shops at Target.

Gotta love technology.

Happy to say that the homemade christmas gifts went off with without a hitch. Can't say what they are since this blog is read by family.

I am putting the final touches on my gift for my mom and Wally is downloading some songs for my dad's gift (MP 3 player) I know he doesn't read my blog!!!

Gifts are wrapped and in 4 hours we will be off on our trip. Six people, 2 dogs, gifts, suitcases, and of course a guitar. (tylenol is packed also)



Merry Christmas

Homemade Christmas Gifts

It'a 7:20 pm and the official making the homemade christmas present has begun. I picked a no fail easy craft this year...that's what I said about the fleece gloves and the pillowcase angels. Why do we do this every year? Why do we battle with glue guns, modge podge and boys who believe they should be able to out grow this tradition?

Because when I am a grandmother, I want my tree to be full of homemade ornaments. I want my dresser to be decorated with things that their little hands made and yes...I want my children to experience the fun of picking the craft and carrying on this tradition.

I am enjoying myself here on the computer watching videos like this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9yAkBSrMk0

Merry Christmas

IF YOU'RE HAVING A BAD DAY WATCH THIS VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

POWERFUL VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZWjQUerta8

the annie and grady show!

SLOWING DOWN

So I was forced yesterday to toss the to do list, forget about all that needed to be done and rest. I wish I could say it was because of my sincere realization that I was getting caught up in the busyness of Christmas and losing the true meaning but I can't. As I was leaving to take Ally to the bus stop I fell on the ice and severely sprained my ankle. It suddenly swelled up the size of an orange...okay maybe a tangerine. I was determined not to let this stop me so I continued with my busy plans. This led to an E.R. visit, a small cast and crutches and yes...some pain medication that I am a little afraid to take.

Why didn't I just listen and rest? The crutches hurt worse than the sprain. So I am now depending on my family to pick up the slack and finish the list. Or maybe we should just chuck this list and rest.

Weekend Rewind

I am sitting here sipping a cup of warm coffee, two cute puppies lie at my feet and I am the only one awake in a warm quiet house. Schools are closed today and life is good. We had a semi-relaxing weekend filled with friends and various holiday activities.

Ally and I went to tower city and enjoyed some shopping time together while Wally took the boys to the Cavaliers game. Twinsburg Basketball league takes the teams every year to watch the game and to scrimmage on the court where Lebron does his magic. When they came home Austin said "Mom you won't believe who I had my picture taken with." Of course I knew it was Lebron and asked to see it. It wasn't Lebron...it was the CAVALIER GIRLS! Much to my dismay...Austin has a picture of him smack in the middle of 4 scantly dressed cheerleaders!

WHAT! If anyone knows me they know my passion for teaching young girls the importance of modesty. My girls know our standards and know how selective we are when selecting clothes.
If you want to see the picture...scroll down.



























SHAME ON YOU!!! Did you really think I would show the picture? (ha ha) I told Austin he could hang the picture in his room after I drew some clothes on them. Looks like it's time to get the old Joshua Harris book out and have a talk. I think I need more coffee.

SNOWY SUNDAY

WE ARE HAVING A BLIZZARD!!That didn't stop me from going to a cookie exchange with some great friends. We made over 400 cookies! The ride home was a little scary...but I survived.

MEET MISS ANNIE

WE LOVE MISS ANNIE!!!!!!!!

SOMEBODY CALL GQ

WHIRLWIND TRIP TO INDIANA

Ashley invited us all up to her sports banquet. We left at 12:45 pm, drove 4 hours, had dinner, coffee and dessert and then back in the car for the 4 hour trip home. It was worth it. First of all, we had the chance to meet Todd McLaughlin. Todd is a young man that Ashley has begun dating. We were so pleased to meet someone who was gentle, respectful and most importantly...a man after God's heart. Todd is in the worship band at Bethel College. He is using his talents in many ways to serve the Lord. We were blessed to listen to his music on the way home. This is definately a new chapter in Ashley's life and one that she is approaching with prayer and patience. We are so proud of how she has guarded her heart and followed God's direction in this area. It's not easy to live a lifestyle of purity but it is wonderful to see how the Lord blesses the one who does. It was sad to see one chapter of her life end. This was her final season of cross country.It's also exciting to see a new chapter begin.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

I wanted to share 2 gift giving ideas that come from the heart.

Last year I took a picture of each child doing an activity that they enjoyed. I had the picture enlarged to 8 1/2 x 11 and framed in a floating frame. At the bottom of the picture I added the caption

"This is my child, whom I love, with him/her (depending on which child)I am well pleased." Matthew 17:5

I think the kids really enjoyed them and they are now handing in our living room.

This year I am going to do something special just from me. I am calling it "I thought of you when I saw this gift." It will be labeled that way.

I am going to pick out a gift for each child just from me. I want to find something that reminded me of them when I was shopping.

Just some thoughts.

Misc.

So much to share....

Retreat - I had the chance to speak at a youth retreat recently. I have to say that it was one of the best retreats that I have ever been a part of. The students were attentive, honest and it was exciting to see the next generation worshiping God with all their hearts. I left encouraged and not excited.

Jiss Briscoe - Jill Briscoe came to speak to Ashley's college recently. Ashley shared what a grear woman of God Jill is and how she inspires you with her knowledge and love of the Word. I can't wait to download the message. She is 72 years young and is such a wonderful example of a life well lived and a life totally surrendered to Christ.


Basketball - both of the boy's teams are off to a winning start. Congrats to Austin for scoring 6 points.

Catalyst - I can't believe how much fun you can have removing drywall and insulation with energetic and enthusiastic college students. Make me want to go back to school....not.

Christmas - It's here and I am trying not to get caught up in the chaos. I'm off to spend the evening making buckeyes with 2 of my most favorite people.

I will share tomorrow some gift giving ideas.