God's Blessings

Spring has sprung and the garden is in.  It has been dry and requiring lots of watering. The children are growing so fast and I absolutely love watching them blossom. I just won a scholarship for continuing on for my BSN and am very excited to continue on next fall--I do not however know ow I can possibly fit anything else into this crazy schedule.  We are doing home repair little by little and hoping to make our home look absolutely wonderful by fall.  Shawn's father passed away on Friday and I can not imagine the loss he feels in his heart.  Life begins and life ends, and it seems like in reality we have so very little time here. We must make the time with our loved ones count.  My nephew is getting married next Wednesday and I am starting to feel very old. I see new age spots and wrinkles on my face weekly, and I am more determined than ever to fulfill whatever purpose God has put me here to do.  I am looking forward to doing some freezer cooking here soon and then awaiting the summer garden for putting up can goods.  I hope the Lord is blessing you all as much as He has blessed me.

Merry Christmas to everyone. Make memories and magic that last a lifetime but remember the real reason for the season is the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Living in Harmony-Merry Christmas to All

I love the music this time of year. I drive to work and automatically start harmonizing. My Grandma Smith taught me how to sing alto and that is what I did all through school and in the Contemporary Christian Singing group. She would stand beside me in church. Mom and Amy would sing soprano, grandma would get me started on alto and once I got a good start she would switch over to tenor. I could always tell when i started struggling cause she would step a little closer to me and start back on alto. :) Great memories and a great life lesson. Sometimes the melodies--no most of the time melodies are much prettier when you add the harmonies. The person who stands out front and sings with all their might would not be complete without the little 4 foot 9 inch tenor hiding in the back row. I don't like to be in the front row in life, but I believe that my goodness shines through the background. Instead of trying to out-do or out-achieve the person who always gets the credit, see how you can harmonize with them to make what they do more beautiful. Someone will know how much your harmonious acts matter. And it makes you even more special that you do not need reward for your acts. That is what Jesus would want us to do. I truly hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and that you remember the true meaning of this holiday. Give from your heart even if that is just an act of kindness for someone who has nothing. The holiday has become so commercialized and I find sadness in this. Our home is warm and the deco is up feel free to stop in if you are ever in our area. I would absolutely love to hear carolers you don't see that very often anymore. Homemade Christmas cards, homemade cookies, decorating as a family, reading the Christmas story make sure you take time for these simple things that will hold lasting memories in your heart, not just a credit card bill or empty bank account. Chances are just about everything on that Christmas list will mean very little come next year, but memories live forever. Live in harmony with each other and be happy.

winter blues

What is it about winter that brings depression along with it. I have heard it is the lack of sunshine. Seems funny with glistening white snow. Brisk temperatures to bring alive your senses. Beautiful Christmas lights sparkling. You would think our sleep would be better with cozy warm quilts and warming blankets. The joy of the season and celebrating the birth of a savior that gave us eternal life should be enough to keep us going all winter long. I tend to be one that tears up with every slow Christmas carol, get sad when I think of all the wonderful things I would love to buy my family but can't afford, dwell on the loved ones that won't be sitting at the Christmas table. Then I think about the shivering families who no longer have a home and will be cold all winter and growling stomachs. Does our greed as small as it may be belittle the needs of these people.? I am trying to stay happy, be generous and loving and remember that God loves us and is in control. Every season has it's place and beauty. I prefer fall and spring but I know that every day is a blessing and to waste a day with my precious family would be foolish. We should enjoy every moment of every day because time is something we can't get back. The wrinkles on my face remind me of this daily. Sooooo that is my goal is tto not let the winter blues get the best of me this year. Now off to warm my cozy covers :)

moms are the best medicine

Being sick the last couple days i remember when I was a child and just laying on mom's lap and letting her rub my hair helped me to feel better. I don't remember rushing to the doctor much. I remember the bottle of green medicine we had to take for belly aches that was horrid that seemed to never leave the cupboard.I remember the over the counter little yellow allergy pills. And very rarely we would get an antibiotic. Those were the good days because it tasted so much better than anything in mom's cupboard and was cold on a sore throat. Mostly I remember staying in bed all day, room temperature broth and jello water(my favorite). We would wear an inch of vicks vapo rub with one of dads sweat socks pinned around our neck. Vaporizers in our room and mom filling the humidifier running in the hall. 7up for colds or Ginger Ale for for upset stomachs. Mom would also chop up cough drops in little pieces so we wouldn't choke on them. It meant we were getting better if we could progress to oatmeal or eggs and toast. I don't remember being sick that much, but it never seemed like a burden for mom when we were. She read us stories or colored with us, or would make us a bed on the couch if we wanted to watch a special show on tv. She just took care of us. Alot of nights she would sleep sitting beside our bed or laying at the foot of our bed.Dad worked second shift but she would always leave notes for him on the counter with how we were doing. I know I don't have the patience of my mother, but I would like to think I have just a bit of her gentle touch when caring for my babies.

Glorious Day Jesus Video By Casting Crowns.wmv

Laura Story - Blessings