I've just started noticing that the days are getting longer. Of course, this is a misnomer--our days are the same length all the time! But the time the sun is out and sky is light is getting longer, finally.
I do NOT like the dark days of winter. I feel cooped up and like I just cannot get enough done during the hours of light.
When the days FINALLY seem to get longer, it's like I'm taking a deep breath of fresh air. Speaking of fresh air . . . temps were in the 40's and 50's yesterday and today, and I think I smelled a hint of spring in the air!
I know there will be more cold days, and most likely more snow, before spring is here to stay. But now that we're in February, spring won't be long in coming.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"ME" Time
Our trip to Denver was fun and successful . . . and you can tell it's been busy since then because I'm just now getting around to catching up on blogging.
I had a fun time in Denver. I had several days for just "me." We were in Denver for over a week, and the kids showed on two days, and sold their cattle another evening. Since there's nothing I can do (well, never LEARNED to do--by design, LOL!) with the cattle, and quickly get bored watching the others work on them, I stayed at the hotel except for the days the kids actually showed, or sold, their cattle.
I knew I'd have several days to myself, so took several plastic boxes of scrapbooking stuff and pictures along. It was WONDERFUN to spend DAYS scrapbooking, without the interruption of animals wanting into or out of the house, clothes needing to be washed, dried, folded, or put away, dinner needing to be cooked up or cleaned up after . . . you moms all know the drill!
There was a shopping complex nearby, with a WalMart, Sam's Club, and several restaurants. The first day were were in Denver I stocked up on snacks so I didn't have to eat "out" for every meal. I got take out once a day, and usually picked up something for Tim and the kids, too. By the time they got back from the show, they were usually tired and didn't want to have to go out again (although we did go out for supper twice while we were there). It was such a treat to not have to cook, and to eat food we usually don't get to enjoy--Panera Bread, a yummy chinese place . . . and already I don't remember what else we enjoyed.
The hotel had an exercise room, and believe it or not I ENJOYED having the time to exercise every day. I've resolved to save money for a treadmill, exercise bike, and/or elliptical machine. It will probably be quite a while before I can afford any one of them, but will be on the look out for used ones.
I was proud of myself for venturing out one day to an Archiver's--a huge scrapbook store. I didn't "need" anything, but needed some fresh air, and it was 70 degrees there! I Googled the store and directions for getting there . . . I'm usually not brave enough to drive anywhere I'm not familiar with . . . but that day I did it! I'm very "good" at going the wrong direction (I have NO sense of direction) or taking a wrong turn . . . I guess knowing that if I did that, "I" would have to solve it myself made me very conscious of where I was going and what I was doing, because I made it there and back without a wrong turn!
I want to encourage every mom reading this to TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! It makes you a better mom, person . . . better in every role in your life. NO ONE is going to say to you, "You've been working really hard--why don't you take tomorrow off? I'll take care of the kids, laundry, cooking, and so on; you just relax!" (If someone in my family said that to me I'd hurt myself falling over in shock . . . )
Anyway, YOU have to take care of YOURSELF--take the time to do so! And enjoy it like I did in Denver.
I had a fun time in Denver. I had several days for just "me." We were in Denver for over a week, and the kids showed on two days, and sold their cattle another evening. Since there's nothing I can do (well, never LEARNED to do--by design, LOL!) with the cattle, and quickly get bored watching the others work on them, I stayed at the hotel except for the days the kids actually showed, or sold, their cattle.
I knew I'd have several days to myself, so took several plastic boxes of scrapbooking stuff and pictures along. It was WONDERFUN to spend DAYS scrapbooking, without the interruption of animals wanting into or out of the house, clothes needing to be washed, dried, folded, or put away, dinner needing to be cooked up or cleaned up after . . . you moms all know the drill!
There was a shopping complex nearby, with a WalMart, Sam's Club, and several restaurants. The first day were were in Denver I stocked up on snacks so I didn't have to eat "out" for every meal. I got take out once a day, and usually picked up something for Tim and the kids, too. By the time they got back from the show, they were usually tired and didn't want to have to go out again (although we did go out for supper twice while we were there). It was such a treat to not have to cook, and to eat food we usually don't get to enjoy--Panera Bread, a yummy chinese place . . . and already I don't remember what else we enjoyed.
The hotel had an exercise room, and believe it or not I ENJOYED having the time to exercise every day. I've resolved to save money for a treadmill, exercise bike, and/or elliptical machine. It will probably be quite a while before I can afford any one of them, but will be on the look out for used ones.
I was proud of myself for venturing out one day to an Archiver's--a huge scrapbook store. I didn't "need" anything, but needed some fresh air, and it was 70 degrees there! I Googled the store and directions for getting there . . . I'm usually not brave enough to drive anywhere I'm not familiar with . . . but that day I did it! I'm very "good" at going the wrong direction (I have NO sense of direction) or taking a wrong turn . . . I guess knowing that if I did that, "I" would have to solve it myself made me very conscious of where I was going and what I was doing, because I made it there and back without a wrong turn!
I want to encourage every mom reading this to TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF! It makes you a better mom, person . . . better in every role in your life. NO ONE is going to say to you, "You've been working really hard--why don't you take tomorrow off? I'll take care of the kids, laundry, cooking, and so on; you just relax!" (If someone in my family said that to me I'd hurt myself falling over in shock . . . )
Anyway, YOU have to take care of YOURSELF--take the time to do so! And enjoy it like I did in Denver.
Friday, January 16, 2009
On Our Way!
We are FINALLY on our way to Denver!
The morning started early, as Cody and Morgan left at 7AM to take Jenny to the kennell before they went to school.
I spent the morning frantically trying to get my to-do list for the morning done. It mostly consisted of packing (clothes, NFT work stuff, and scrapbooking stuff), but also included a trip to the bank and a variety of around-the-house tasks (watering the plants, getting all the cats out of the house, etc.) It took me until the kids got home around 12:45 to get everything done, but I did!
We left at 1:41PM and had an uneventful trip to Fort Morgan, Colorado. We stopped here for the night; some of the cattle, that will be checked into the show next week, are staying at a ranch near here. Cody will be clipping them this weekend.
The trip was actually quite fun. It was nice to be sitting down after such a hectic few weeks. We played a game of "name that tune" most of the way. Cody and Morgan's rules are that a point is awarded for naming the tune, and another for naming the band/singer. If we don't like the song that's being played, we can search/scan for another.
We all started out pretty even; predictably, Cody and Morgan are best at "modern" songs, I'm best at 80's music, and it's pretty much a draw when it comes to country. We were all pretty much tied when Morgan fell asleep. Cody and I continued playing, and talked a whole lot about not much of anything for several hours. It was really nice to spend that time with him.
Oh--and he drove the whole way! I was relieved as I didn't get to sleep till after 2:30 AM and was fighting a headache all day. He's a good driver! It was nice not to have to do that.
After we stopped for gas and snacks, Morgan was awake and we all began playing "name that tune" again. We all stayed pretty even for awhile, but then Cody quickly named four songs AND the singer within a few minutes. By that time we were close to town and ended the game.
Now we're relaxing in the hotel room, and looking forward to getting to Denver tomorrow!
The morning started early, as Cody and Morgan left at 7AM to take Jenny to the kennell before they went to school.
I spent the morning frantically trying to get my to-do list for the morning done. It mostly consisted of packing (clothes, NFT work stuff, and scrapbooking stuff), but also included a trip to the bank and a variety of around-the-house tasks (watering the plants, getting all the cats out of the house, etc.) It took me until the kids got home around 12:45 to get everything done, but I did!
We left at 1:41PM and had an uneventful trip to Fort Morgan, Colorado. We stopped here for the night; some of the cattle, that will be checked into the show next week, are staying at a ranch near here. Cody will be clipping them this weekend.
The trip was actually quite fun. It was nice to be sitting down after such a hectic few weeks. We played a game of "name that tune" most of the way. Cody and Morgan's rules are that a point is awarded for naming the tune, and another for naming the band/singer. If we don't like the song that's being played, we can search/scan for another.
We all started out pretty even; predictably, Cody and Morgan are best at "modern" songs, I'm best at 80's music, and it's pretty much a draw when it comes to country. We were all pretty much tied when Morgan fell asleep. Cody and I continued playing, and talked a whole lot about not much of anything for several hours. It was really nice to spend that time with him.
Oh--and he drove the whole way! I was relieved as I didn't get to sleep till after 2:30 AM and was fighting a headache all day. He's a good driver! It was nice not to have to do that.
After we stopped for gas and snacks, Morgan was awake and we all began playing "name that tune" again. We all stayed pretty even for awhile, but then Cody quickly named four songs AND the singer within a few minutes. By that time we were close to town and ended the game.
Now we're relaxing in the hotel room, and looking forward to getting to Denver tomorrow!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mom Worries
I talked with several mom friends this week, and the topic seemed to be "worries about our kids." What struck me is how our worries differed.
- One mom was worried that her son is taking life too seriously. He was offered a full-time job this summer--a VERY full-time job which, while a wonderful opportunity, would prevent him from taking college classes and spending much time with family and friends before he goes to college . . .
- One mom was very worried about her son who is NOT taking life seriously, failing several classes, and might not graduate.
- Another mom worried that her son is dating too many different girls . . .
- And a different mom worried that her son isn't interested in dating.
- Another mom worries about her daughter, who is hesitant to drive after a recent accident . . .
- And another mom is worried about her daughter who doesn't take driving seriously enough.
- Yet another mother is very concerned about something she found in her son's room.
It struck me that we moms can always find something to worry about, no matter what age our kids are! I guess the "worry muscle" is just built into moms. Seems just a few days we were worried about how much (or little) our kids ate (or slept). Today the issues are much more serious.
The above worries, of course, are very valid worries. But I know I have worried way too much in the past, and that took some of the joy out of what I was doing. I have been blessed with friends who allow their kids to do things that I might have been apprehensive about. One of my friends let her daughter, who was about 12 at the time, go all the way to Australia for TWO WEEKS--WITHOUT HER MOM!
Her attitude toward letting her daughter take advantage of that opportunity helped me to look at things differently. Yes, I still worry when my kids drive somewhere (thank goodness for cell phones so they can check in when they get there!) or go with a bunch of other kids . . . but I realize that it's part of growing up and I cannot deprive my kids of opportunities because of my worry.
Our pastor says something when a child is baptized that hits home with me as my kids get older. He says, "We love our childre, Lord, but we know that You love them even more." I cannot imagine anyone loving my children more than I do, but I believe that God has that capacity for love, and with that, it's much easier to put them in His hands.
Lists, Lists, and More Lists
It's been a very busy week!
The kids and I are going to Denver for a few days, and I've been scrambling all week to try to get done what I need to before we go. When I was a kid, my mom always made us clean before we left so we could come home to a "clean house." I like to come home to a clean house (at least clean until we start unpacking) so try to do the same thing.
I had some business things to do for the Nebraska Family Times--get the billing out and give a presentation for the youth group, which is going to sell subscriptions to the Nebaska Family Times as a fund-raiser (for more about that check out www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com).
I'll have a bit of free time while we're gone and have long-planned to spend it scrapbooking! I decided that it would be the perfect time to go thru all those files of pictures I've taken over the last almost two years, and order prints. Yep, almost 2 years with the new camera and I've had actual pictures developed . . . twice. In the midst of this my computer decided to cause problems . . . there were some hair-raising moments when I was afraid I'd have to delete my entire photo program, and NO, I hadn't backed up my pictures! Thankfully it straightened out long enough for me to get prints ordered!
I just realized I did not get the pics from one file printed . . . I think there are over 200 photos in it and the thought of having to go thru all those pictures, delete the duds, and order the good ones is just too overwhelming for right now--they'll have to wait!
I also worked at my nursing job two days, had a haircut and eyebrow wax, and decided it was time to color my hair again (I love being a redhead!) {now you know all my "beauty" secrets!}
Needless to say, as a Type-A somewhat-compulsive-person, I made many lists. I made lists of what I need to pack--yes, that's plural, "lists," (scrapbooking stuff, clothes, books, NFT things to work on) and yes, still "need" to pack. (I think it's going to wait till morning!). Stuff I need to do around the house before we leave (yep, still a few things to do). Nebraska Family Times things to do (almost done with those).
I went to Columbus several times, and to Genoa several times, and made lists of things to do on each trip (pick up photos, deliver papers, mail ad packets, deliver a birthday gift to a friend, drop off library books--and more). I think I feel some sort of control when I make all of these lists, because I've actually found several of the same lists (on different pieces of paper, in different rooms), and when I was at work fretting about what I needed to do, I made more lists on sticky notes!
I actually kind of like these busy weeks, although I wouldn't want them all to be like this! I feel very productive when I've crossed most everything off. And it was a good week--I got to see several friends I hadn't for awhile, and got some important things done. I'm almost ready for a few days off . . . but not till after I do a few more things:
The kids and I are going to Denver for a few days, and I've been scrambling all week to try to get done what I need to before we go. When I was a kid, my mom always made us clean before we left so we could come home to a "clean house." I like to come home to a clean house (at least clean until we start unpacking) so try to do the same thing.
I had some business things to do for the Nebraska Family Times--get the billing out and give a presentation for the youth group, which is going to sell subscriptions to the Nebaska Family Times as a fund-raiser (for more about that check out www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com).
I'll have a bit of free time while we're gone and have long-planned to spend it scrapbooking! I decided that it would be the perfect time to go thru all those files of pictures I've taken over the last almost two years, and order prints. Yep, almost 2 years with the new camera and I've had actual pictures developed . . . twice. In the midst of this my computer decided to cause problems . . . there were some hair-raising moments when I was afraid I'd have to delete my entire photo program, and NO, I hadn't backed up my pictures! Thankfully it straightened out long enough for me to get prints ordered!
I just realized I did not get the pics from one file printed . . . I think there are over 200 photos in it and the thought of having to go thru all those pictures, delete the duds, and order the good ones is just too overwhelming for right now--they'll have to wait!
I also worked at my nursing job two days, had a haircut and eyebrow wax, and decided it was time to color my hair again (I love being a redhead!) {now you know all my "beauty" secrets!}
Needless to say, as a Type-A somewhat-compulsive-person, I made many lists. I made lists of what I need to pack--yes, that's plural, "lists," (scrapbooking stuff, clothes, books, NFT things to work on) and yes, still "need" to pack. (I think it's going to wait till morning!). Stuff I need to do around the house before we leave (yep, still a few things to do). Nebraska Family Times things to do (almost done with those).
I went to Columbus several times, and to Genoa several times, and made lists of things to do on each trip (pick up photos, deliver papers, mail ad packets, deliver a birthday gift to a friend, drop off library books--and more). I think I feel some sort of control when I make all of these lists, because I've actually found several of the same lists (on different pieces of paper, in different rooms), and when I was at work fretting about what I needed to do, I made more lists on sticky notes!
I actually kind of like these busy weeks, although I wouldn't want them all to be like this! I feel very productive when I've crossed most everything off. And it was a good week--I got to see several friends I hadn't for awhile, and got some important things done. I'm almost ready for a few days off . . . but not till after I do a few more things:
- iron Cody's shirts (yes, he can do it, but I do it in exchange for him doing jobs I like even less, like taking out the trash and taking the Christmas tree downstairs)
- pack
- highlight my hair (maybe . . . it looks OK like it is, too!)
- clean out the refrigerator
- finish getting Nebraska Family Times bills ready to send . . .
YIKES! I need to make another list!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"The Sky is not Blue"
This phrase is code between Tim and I for, "Morgan is in a 'mood' and will disagree with anything you say, even if you talk about the color of the sky."
Our family has been reading our Chronological Bibles together every evening, and tonight Morgan was in a 'mood.' She didn't like how the Bible was written (although she did agree that if mistakes were made they were made by the men who put the Bible together, not by God!) and argued with me about, well . . . everything I said!
In the midst of the "discussion" Tim looked at me and mouthed "the sky is not blue today!" and we shared a private smile. Some days it feels like it's US (Tim and I) against THEM (the teenagers/aliens inhabiting our home)!
Our family has been reading our Chronological Bibles together every evening, and tonight Morgan was in a 'mood.' She didn't like how the Bible was written (although she did agree that if mistakes were made they were made by the men who put the Bible together, not by God!) and argued with me about, well . . . everything I said!
In the midst of the "discussion" Tim looked at me and mouthed "the sky is not blue today!" and we shared a private smile. Some days it feels like it's US (Tim and I) against THEM (the teenagers/aliens inhabiting our home)!
Messy Room
The difference between our children amazes me, and I've heard other moms say the same if they have more than one child. I have not decided (and it's probably not a situation in which a definite "decision" can be made) if the differences in Cody and Morgan are because of birth order, their sex, or their personalities. It's probably a combination of all three!
One of the biggest contrasts between our children is the state of their rooms. Morgan's is CHAOS and Cody's is very neat. Once in awhile we make Morgan clean her room (for the most part it stays a mess but once in awhile it just needs to be clean . . . mostly so people don't see it and think badly of Tim and I and our parenting!), and within a few hours she can have it in a very acceptable state of cleanliness.
HOWEVER . . . within a surprisingly short time after friends go home (the most common reason we "make" her clean it) . . . it's a total disaster again!
What is amazing is that Morgan very rarely loses anything . . . she's never without clean clothes . . . she always can find both of the pair of shoes she wants to wear . . . never loses her homework . . . some days it drives us crazy, and I don't see how she can study or relax or even sleep in the room . . . but she always can. And . . . there are almost always at least three animals (both dogs and at least one cat) sleeping in her room with her.
I wonder what her roommates at college will say? They might just transform her into a neat-nick!
One of the biggest contrasts between our children is the state of their rooms. Morgan's is CHAOS and Cody's is very neat. Once in awhile we make Morgan clean her room (for the most part it stays a mess but once in awhile it just needs to be clean . . . mostly so people don't see it and think badly of Tim and I and our parenting!), and within a few hours she can have it in a very acceptable state of cleanliness.
HOWEVER . . . within a surprisingly short time after friends go home (the most common reason we "make" her clean it) . . . it's a total disaster again!
What is amazing is that Morgan very rarely loses anything . . . she's never without clean clothes . . . she always can find both of the pair of shoes she wants to wear . . . never loses her homework . . . some days it drives us crazy, and I don't see how she can study or relax or even sleep in the room . . . but she always can. And . . . there are almost always at least three animals (both dogs and at least one cat) sleeping in her room with her.
I wonder what her roommates at college will say? They might just transform her into a neat-nick!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
So Much for that Deductible . . .
I think everyone kind of dreads the beginning of the year because insurance deductibles reset and, at least for a while, we have to pay for 100% of doctor visits, tests, etc. We have very good insurance, but it's still kind of a bummer when we have to pay "full price" until the deductible is me.
Morgan came down with a sore throat, headache, sore neck, etc. on . . . January 2nd. I had the feeling she should see the doctor--it was almost the weekend (kids always seem to get sicker over the weekend), they start school again on Tues. and I didn't want her to miss school, and we're heading to Denver to the Stock Show in a few weeks, so I didn't want her to have a lingering illness.
The strep test came back negative, but the doctor decided to put her on antibiotics anyway as her other symptoms suggested a bacterial infection. Thankfully the antibiotics were just a few dollars . . . and she's feeling much better already.
Maybe a doctor's visit so early in the year means we won't have to go any more this year? We can only hope. :-)
Morgan came down with a sore throat, headache, sore neck, etc. on . . . January 2nd. I had the feeling she should see the doctor--it was almost the weekend (kids always seem to get sicker over the weekend), they start school again on Tues. and I didn't want her to miss school, and we're heading to Denver to the Stock Show in a few weeks, so I didn't want her to have a lingering illness.
The strep test came back negative, but the doctor decided to put her on antibiotics anyway as her other symptoms suggested a bacterial infection. Thankfully the antibiotics were just a few dollars . . . and she's feeling much better already.
Maybe a doctor's visit so early in the year means we won't have to go any more this year? We can only hope. :-)
Bad Week
Know how sometimes bad things seem to happen all at once? We had a week like that two weeks before Christmas.
On Monday we found out that a good friend had been killed in a farm accident. Wednesday we found out that good friends were having marital problems. Thursday a good friend told me that her (barely!) 15-year old daughter was (GULP) pregnant! Then Friday, a very good friend collapsed and died, totally unexpectedly.
I still do not understand (and probably never will) why all of these events happened, and I don't know why they all had to happen right before Christmas (every one of those things is hard enough to cope with any time of year, but I always think it's more difficult right before Christmas) . . .
When we went to the visitation of one of the men who died (he was only in his 40's, has two kids still in high school), his wife looked at us and said, through her tears, "Do not ever, ever, take anything for granted!" I guess that is one lesson that we all need to be reminded of.
The unexpected pregnancy totally shocked my kids; they knew the girl years ago. I hope and pray that it brings home to my kids something Tim and I have been telling them for years--doing something they shouldn't (not "just" sex, but drinking, texting while driving, cheating, etc., etc., etc) even "just one time," can have life-long consequences. I pray that my friend and her daughter will make the best choices for the baby and themselves! I'm thankful that they are honoring the life of the baby and didn't take what might seem the "easy" way out in abortion.
The pregnancy also reminded Tim and I that we need to talk to Cody and Morgan about these things, even when it's difficult and maybe embarassing (for them and for us!). We need to tell them in no uncertain terms what our beliefs are and what is "right." Of course, that is no guarantee that our kids will do (or not do) what we want them to . . . it's a rather scary part of being a parent to realize that no matter how much we talk to our kids, how much we check up on them, and so on . . . they are becoming independent and making their own decisions. We pray they are wise decisions, and pray that we are setting a good example for them.
On Monday we found out that a good friend had been killed in a farm accident. Wednesday we found out that good friends were having marital problems. Thursday a good friend told me that her (barely!) 15-year old daughter was (GULP) pregnant! Then Friday, a very good friend collapsed and died, totally unexpectedly.
I still do not understand (and probably never will) why all of these events happened, and I don't know why they all had to happen right before Christmas (every one of those things is hard enough to cope with any time of year, but I always think it's more difficult right before Christmas) . . .
When we went to the visitation of one of the men who died (he was only in his 40's, has two kids still in high school), his wife looked at us and said, through her tears, "Do not ever, ever, take anything for granted!" I guess that is one lesson that we all need to be reminded of.
The unexpected pregnancy totally shocked my kids; they knew the girl years ago. I hope and pray that it brings home to my kids something Tim and I have been telling them for years--doing something they shouldn't (not "just" sex, but drinking, texting while driving, cheating, etc., etc., etc) even "just one time," can have life-long consequences. I pray that my friend and her daughter will make the best choices for the baby and themselves! I'm thankful that they are honoring the life of the baby and didn't take what might seem the "easy" way out in abortion.
The pregnancy also reminded Tim and I that we need to talk to Cody and Morgan about these things, even when it's difficult and maybe embarassing (for them and for us!). We need to tell them in no uncertain terms what our beliefs are and what is "right." Of course, that is no guarantee that our kids will do (or not do) what we want them to . . . it's a rather scary part of being a parent to realize that no matter how much we talk to our kids, how much we check up on them, and so on . . . they are becoming independent and making their own decisions. We pray they are wise decisions, and pray that we are setting a good example for them.
Christmas
Our family had a very nice Christmas, and hope your family did also! We decided to give minimum gifts this year, but obviously the gifts were given with much thought and consideration of the receiver. We spent a day shopping, as a family, the week before Christmas. Tim and I shopped for a new comforter for our bed, but couldn't find one that we liked even a little bit. We were THRILLED that Cody and Morgan got us one, and it's perfect! It's been so cold the last few nights, we've put it to good use.
The best part of Christmas was attending church together on Christmas Eve. I have attended "our" church since I was about 16 years old, and the Christmas Eve service is still much like it was then. My favorite part of the service is at the end.
The pastor lights his candle from one at the altar, and lights candles of several ushers, who then light the candles of the member at the end of every row. As members light their candles from the candle of the person next to them, the lights are turned down, and eventually the only light comes from the candles (I think the fire marshall would be appalled!). Then . . . we sing "Silent Night."
The familiar music, the candles, being with friends and family . . . it brings tears to my eyes every year, and even now, just thinking about it. It is beyond belief to me that Someone would love me enough to send His Son to the earth, as a baby in a manger, to forgive little old me of my sins. It's just overwhelming. It's one tradition I hope never changes.
The best part of Christmas was attending church together on Christmas Eve. I have attended "our" church since I was about 16 years old, and the Christmas Eve service is still much like it was then. My favorite part of the service is at the end.
The pastor lights his candle from one at the altar, and lights candles of several ushers, who then light the candles of the member at the end of every row. As members light their candles from the candle of the person next to them, the lights are turned down, and eventually the only light comes from the candles (I think the fire marshall would be appalled!). Then . . . we sing "Silent Night."
The familiar music, the candles, being with friends and family . . . it brings tears to my eyes every year, and even now, just thinking about it. It is beyond belief to me that Someone would love me enough to send His Son to the earth, as a baby in a manger, to forgive little old me of my sins. It's just overwhelming. It's one tradition I hope never changes.
Happy New Year!
WOW--it's been a long time since I posted! Sorry about that . . . time has just FLOWN lately . . . it seems like it should still be about September.
I have several resolutions for the New Year, and in posting them here I'll hopefully be motivated to keep them, so I don't have to admit here that I didn't! My first resolution is to do Bible Study every day. In the last few months I've realized that I've gradually spent less and less time in Bible Studay and nurturing my spiritual life. It seems like I go through these phases every year or so--I'm very faithful about spending time with God, and then gradually spend less and less time doing so. It's so easy to let "life" get in the way! But when I DO spend that time doing what I know is most important, my life is just so much better, in so many ways.
Right now as a family we're reading the Chronological Bible. It is fascinating to me to read the events of the Bible in the order in which they occurred--which (a surprise to me!) isn't the order in which the books are put together. I feel like in the last few years our family has gotten away from spending time with God, and I'm so glad we're doing so again now.
Another goal is to exercise every day. I'm not holding myself to a complicated routine or a long time of exercise, just doing "something" every day.
A fun goal is to take a photo every day. It might not be posted every day, but they'll all be posted eventually. One of my sisters is joining me in doing this, and I hope my other sister will too. I'm waiting for her reply to my email! We decided to make a blog with our photos, and you can find it at http://www.pictureadayin2009.blogspot.com.
Another fun goal is to learn/do something new every month. This month I'm going to make homemade pasta with homemade pesto sauce. One month I want to learn how to tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue.
I'll keep you updated here!
I have several resolutions for the New Year, and in posting them here I'll hopefully be motivated to keep them, so I don't have to admit here that I didn't! My first resolution is to do Bible Study every day. In the last few months I've realized that I've gradually spent less and less time in Bible Studay and nurturing my spiritual life. It seems like I go through these phases every year or so--I'm very faithful about spending time with God, and then gradually spend less and less time doing so. It's so easy to let "life" get in the way! But when I DO spend that time doing what I know is most important, my life is just so much better, in so many ways.
Right now as a family we're reading the Chronological Bible. It is fascinating to me to read the events of the Bible in the order in which they occurred--which (a surprise to me!) isn't the order in which the books are put together. I feel like in the last few years our family has gotten away from spending time with God, and I'm so glad we're doing so again now.
Another goal is to exercise every day. I'm not holding myself to a complicated routine or a long time of exercise, just doing "something" every day.
A fun goal is to take a photo every day. It might not be posted every day, but they'll all be posted eventually. One of my sisters is joining me in doing this, and I hope my other sister will too. I'm waiting for her reply to my email! We decided to make a blog with our photos, and you can find it at http://www.pictureadayin2009.blogspot.com.
Another fun goal is to learn/do something new every month. This month I'm going to make homemade pasta with homemade pesto sauce. One month I want to learn how to tie a knot in a cherry stem with my tongue.
I'll keep you updated here!
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