Surf City Here we come!

One of our December adventures was the annual company party for my husband that usually puts us up at a hotel for the night. This year it offered an awesome discount for a second night where we stayed which was the Radisson/Water Park of America. So we got the second night and had Ashley drive the kids in and we played all day and due to the great accommodations the sleeping was great with bunks and a pullout - great hotel!!
Anyway, a few were brave enough to try the surfing ride. Ashley, Mike and Steve tried it and they did great. However the disclaimer that should be with this ride is "Your clothes may not stay on". Ashley almost lost hers, lots of girls lost their tops and the workers would quickly cover them with a towel. Mike lost his shorts, all the way down. The thing was there were these older ladies taking pictures of people as they wiped out and they kept filming as my son lost his shorts. Not sure why. Be careful on that ride.

I Like to Dance, Cuz I Got the Joy

I have many pictures to post of Christmas and we will see if that happens. It was a great Christmas which can be taken as almost uneventful. We did not mind that no one had mono or no drama or no illness. We enjoyed family and friends and food and celebrating the birth of Jesus. We enjoy being reminded that He came to the lowly state of a human babe to relate to us, to be real to us.

My greatest earthly joy this Christmas has been having the family together and that they are so greatful for all we have been blessed with, such as time together, food, family (love Skype), some fun gifts to bond us, some creative gifts to appreciate thoughtfulness, some needed things that we can appreciate as gifts, more food, and love. I pray that as you read this your time was spent with those you love and you felt love and peace and it will continue into the new year.

Let It Snow

It will and then we will all be complaining about how much work the snow is. I sure think it is pretty and peaceful to watch come down. It makes everything clean, I love that. A blanket of white, a clean slate.

I hope this year is a clean slate for all. I am looking forward to turning to 2012 as 2011 has been hard. I am sure some things in 2012 will be hard too but hopefully more sporadic than this year.

I feel like I am becoming something I said I wouldn't. I only thought this one other time and that is right before I got pregnant with Ashley. I am not letting go of my walk with Christ or rationalizing who I am like I did in 1993, but I am becoming a 'mom' and a 'wife' that takes it all for granted. I am very guilty of complaining these days. I hope that is not true soon. I will change this fact and make it past tense. I will have a clean slate.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I do not remember if my kids believed in Santa. It was never important to us at Christmas but I think Ashley believed and Michael for a moment but Gracie never got a chance. Now that they are 11, 12 and 17 Santa is not much of a topic unless they want to be 'santas' to others. They sure do like giving and I love that.

This Christmas has been very mellow except the remodel in my kitchen. My hubby is painting and putting in new flooring which I like but as we entertain we have to eat in the living room where the kitchen table is. Not too bad just a strange with the tree and a few couches and extra chairs in there. I will like it when it is all done. :)

I have been thinking a lot about all we have and pray that we all count our blessings more than just at Christmas. Family sure is wonderful and the 'things' just don't seem that important. So very thankful for all I have and even for all I do not have, probably makes life easier to go without certain things. Remembering the greatest Gift of all!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

And here is why I believe it is -

1. People are so much nicer. They smile at you and look at you and talk to strangers. It brings out some kindness that people keep bottled up all year long. It makes me feel normal as my my dad passed on the ability to talk to anyone.



2. You can sing in public and it isn't that strange. I love to sing! Now it is a bit more acceptable. I can even sing about Jesus.



3. People make time for other people. Even though Christmas is so busy we actually fit in what matters and that is those relationships we put off all year. I love it. Even if it is at a Christmas party where you catch up, you get to catch up.



4. Shopping is an equalizer. We were shopping at 2 am in the morning on the Friday after Thanksgiving and we talked to so many people. We are all trying to get a bargain some for others some for ourselves and people will help if they can. It was nice, tiring but nice.



5. You can say the name Jesus and not get shushed. Ok, maybe if you make Him in baby form it is easier for anyone to hear about Him, but I can say His name. I like that.



6. I am reminded that it is the simple things in life like the Christmas lights glowing while we all gather around, or snow falling, or smiles from a stranger that make me see His face at this time of year.

Even through the commercials and hoopla of Christmas that the world has made it. I see Christ in it all. What a wonderful thing!