Christmas week almost seems like a blur.  I wanted to take pictures of several cool things.  I wanted to write a really good recap not necessarily to share, but to have.  It’s great writing on the blog because you can go back and remember things you otherwise would never have remembered…  Life seems to be continuing at a rapid pace so I haven’t done any of the above.  Yet.

I started a new bible study this week.  “Jesus. 90 days with the one and only.”  After deciding that time in the word has to be a priority I looked up and saw this devo book by Beth Moore and knew that it was what I needed to get started.  I read a little more than the assigned text… and again found it so interesting that God removed the ability for Zechariah to speak after being told by the angel that Elizabeth in her advanced age would bear a child.  It confirms once again to me how important our words are and by stopping Zechariah from speaking God was keeping him from speaking those doubts and disbeliefs.  It is so important to speak words of faith.  You will have what you say. 

We had four Christmas events.  The first was in our home with just our family.  The kids opened their gifts and we had a traditional ham dinner.  It was a nice relaxing time and I really enjoyed it.  We had Christmas Eve with Matt’s paternal family.  Matt and Isabelle were not feeling well so they stayed home.  The girls all got UGG boots and Bailey mostly got CA$H… he didn’t mind since his plans were to buy all the parts to build a “supercomputer!”  We had a fun time there too!  Thursday Matt’s mom and John… his Aunt Jane Ellen and Ron were all coming for the day.  Matt got a call early that there was a problem in Altus (about three hours away from home) so he had to head off to work on Christmas day!  He was gone until the party was just about over, but made it in time to unwrap his gifts.   I mentioned that my SIL’s father died Christmas Eve.  We went to their home Christmas night.  Although there was a strong saddness in the air, we still enjoyed being together as a family, enjoying a delicious meal and opening presents chosen with love.  Mike always cooks the best food!  We really are blessed with a great family!

Yesterday was Tory’s funeral.  It was a sad day from beginning to end pretty much.  A little girl on the near drowning group died yesterday morning too.  She was doing well after almost two years since her accident, and then just went downhill rapidly.  Her body began shutting down and after 10 days finally gave up the fight of life.  I have to smile, imagining her able to run and play again…. to sit in the arms of Jesus.  These kids have so many battles and they are so inspirational. 

We did get some good news yesterday.  Izzy’s Kid Walk is finally ready!  They are delivering it next week to her school so Camilla can see how adjustments are made.  I am so excited to get her in it!  We’ve been working so hard to get her feet and ankles ready!  I am praying she is motivated to MOVE!  She has tolerated the AFOs so well and I think it’s because we tell her constantly she is wearing them to prepare her feet for the kid walk. 

Dad with his clock … his last one broke and he’s been searching for a replacement.  I was fortunate to locate one at audubon.com.

This is the stained glass dad made for me for Christmas.  I heart it.  A lot!

Here are izzy’s cute ugg’s!

Julie made this for me.  She texted me a while back asking my favorite verse.  I gave her a couple and she made this.  I think it is so pretty!

Got this dress and sweater set for Izzy at Gap Kids.  Love it.

On the right is Emelia’s new dressing table. 

I’d been wanting some of these cone trees and found them a few weeks ago for 75% off. 

I’ll be sad to pack away the tree and ornaments tomorrow.  I really enjoy looking at it!

My brother’s wife Terri lost her dad yesterday morning.  He did not wake up to see Christmas Eve 2008, and although he had lived a long, full life he will be so missed by Terri and Mike, Sarai and Katie (their daughters who loved him so much) and his wife of 50 years Betty… not to mention many other family members.  He was a good man and was loved by many people.

It’s quiet this Christmas morning, Matt was called out to work early.  He is driving to a site about three hours away… so he may miss the Christmas festivities with his family who are due to arrive in a couple of hours.  We had Christmas with his paternal family members last night.  It was a really nice evening.  Izzy got some really cute UGGs.  I wasn’t sure they would stay on her little feet, but I think they actually will!

I’m going to take a shower and then start making goodies for the day… artichoke dip and corn casserole.  I have the spinach dip already made and chex mix… there are lots of good holiday snacks ready to be eaten!  Best of all… mom has a batch of cinnamon rolls baking I’m picking up in about 30 minutes.  Her cinnamon rolls are legendary.  Seriously.

I can’t remember a Christmas that it was so quiet and I was so aware of the fact that it is Christmas.  What does that mean?  Well, I know that this isn’t technically the birthday of Christ, but it is the day that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.  I’m just so thankful that He was sent to the earth and later gave His own life for mine and yours.  What a wonderful gift.  It’s far out shines any wrapped present under the tree.  I hope that you are able to take a moment today and realize what a gift you were given so many years ago on approximately this day.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas… and I’m so excited to see what 2009 will bring!  So many hopes for 2009.

So… I made a brisket this weekend.  I marinated all night Friday night and then cooked it on a low temp all day Saturday.  We ate it with bbq sauce for dinner.  It was delicious!  I chopped it up after dinner and put several potatoes in the crock pot to cook all night, then before leaving for church put a layer of foil over the potatoes and then sat the container of beef on top covered all to warm during church.  We had bbq sandwiches and potatoes ready when we walked in for lunch.  It was great and so easy! 

Emelia sang her solo at church and honestly could not have done a better job!  She sang beautifully and articulated her words so well.  It was a heartfelt song and so sweet.  I was so proud of her. 

We had our dirty santa party at church in the evening.  I was with my friend Miki when we both purchased our dirty santa gifts.  I loved what she chose and what I chose.  By the time my number was up the beautiful snowman blanket was gone and couldn’t be taken, and so I took my present from Ruth because I could tell it wasn’t her “style.”  Someone took it from me and I ended up with a six pack of votives from partylite and a little heart votive holder.  It was all in good fun and I enjoyed it.  The best part was finding out who had my name all year long.  I had no idea and was so pleased to see that it was Sheila.  She really gave me some cool things, like this believe wall cling thingie.

The believe sign above it was a gift from Miki.  That came with a package of peanut butter fudgie wudgie which is my absolute new favorite!!!! I wish I had some right now!!!!

Look what came in the mail from my sweet bloggy friends Nancy and her daughter Lauren!  

Isn’t it a sweet ornament?  Thanks Nancy & Lauren!!!

Izzy brought home lots of goodies, this was her ornament from kindergarten…

Now, I just have a few more packages to wrap!

Merry Christmas eve… eve…eve…

I’m the guest contributor at the Internet Cafe Devotionals today ….

Stop by and say hi!

Today was the last day of school before Christmas break.  Izzy had her Christmas party in kindergarten class.  Have I mentioned that she has the best group of people in the world working with her?  She does.  She ate lots of health food at the party… icing and cookies!  Had a book gift exchange… and then her teacher Melanie and para Michelle let her open the gifts from them.  Such cuteness!  A duck that dances and quacks the tune of a Christmas song, a little puppy that moves in a purse and a light up singing card from Melanie… and two adorable bright colored animals from Michelle!  She came home with antlors and a red nose…

Izzy wore her Christmas outfit today complete with green shoes…

…. and Christmas tree barrettes.

I spent the afternoon shopping for glass with my daddy.  He’s making me a stained glass window.  I chose the pattern and now he has lots to keep him busy for the next week!  I can’t wait to see the finished product.

Tomorrow I’m going to the mall with mom.  Girl’s day out.  I only have one or two little things to pick up for next week… and need to help Santa get stocking stuffers gathered up. 

Sunday Emelia is singing a solo at church.  I hope to record it.

Monday I am heading to Edmond to have lunch with Melody and run to TJMaxx…

So many things going on!  So much to do!  Love it, don’t you?

OH! One last pic of Iz… the new doggie “princess” has been keeping her company and it’s so sweet. 

I decided to particpate in the bloggy christmas tour this year.  Not that I have any amazing decor or anything, but just because it’s fun to see everyone’s decorations.  I love seeing how people decorate!  The other day I mentioned how cute my hair girl Jill’s house was decorated and even showed pics I took with my phone!

Here’s a wreath.  It’s new.  I think it’s pretty.

Our stockings, I need a fireplace to hang them on.  Matt’s mom made all of these and they are all special and gorgeous!

The tree.

One of the nativity scenes.  Matt especially likes these.  I do too!

My favorite decor of all!  The kiddos!  This is our Christms card pic this year.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both! I love pretty paper and gift bags for the unwrappable )… but not for the kids, they are too nosey to not look in the bags!2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial this year, usually real.3. When do you put up the tree? the week after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Day after Christmas.5. Do you like eggnog? ICK no!!!6. Favorite gift received as a child? baby alive7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several. Matt likes them. It’s hard to find places to put them out though… too much Christmas stuff.8. Hardest person to buy for? My dad.  I have his gift already figured out!9. Easiest person to buy for? Emelia. She loves everything from dolls to clothes, from makeup to music. 10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? batteries. I begged and begged to open one little present before Christmas when I was little, my mom finally relented and I opened a package of batteries! Could have been worse like diet pills like Ephedrasil hardcore11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Grinch and Elf13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? After Thanksgiving.14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sweets of any kind and spinach dip!16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear. period.17. Favorite Christmas song? I’m enjoying “wintersong” album by Sarah McLachlan, and “I’ll be home for Christmas,” is my ringtone.18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? dasher dancer comet cupid donner blitzen prancer vixon rudolf ???20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Bear (boyd’s bear angel)21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both.22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? materialism, commercialism, discontentment.23. What I love most about Christmas? Seeing everyone, giving fun gifts, the pretty decorations …

TAG. YOU’RE IT.