On Santa's Knee

I love Christmas time. I love seeing everyone happy and smiling. That's why I love to see kids with Santa. My children have no inhibitions. They love meeting new people, especially ones that smile at them. I love the sweet things they ask for, like a "Merry Chirstmas", "books", and "don't forget mom". That just fills my heart with joy!

Pampered

I had a manicure last week... my first one. Okay, so I was dissapointed that the polish only lasted a couple days, but it was so nice. Even without the color, my nails seem strong and pretty. Why did I wait so long to treat myself to something so nice. Next stop, pedicure!

Check out my Slide Show!

Thanksgiving

I came across this poem while I was preparing a lesson for church and thought it very insightful... I hope you enjoy it!

Be Thankful
Author Unknown
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made an effort.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

While I am thankful for those things that aren't as tangible, I would like to list some of the things I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season...

I am thankful for...

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  Gerald, that he loves me and I love him and we are able to share our lives together doing the things we both enjoy!


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  Caroline and her great intellect.


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  Jessica and her thoughtfulness.


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  Susanna and all the fun she brings to the family.


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  Jayden and his insightful prayers.


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  Andrew and his happiness.


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  Kevin (and all the service men and women) and the work they are doing to keep us free...(yes Kim, I am thankful for you too, those who serve our country coudn't do half as good as a job if their teeth hurt, now could they?

But of course, most important, I am thankful for my Father in Heaven for being able to sacrifice his Son, and for Jesus giving the ultimate sacrifice, that I can return to live with them someday dispite my very, very many imperfections I have in this life!

Thoughts from Grandma McGuire's Funeral

For the last ten years I have not understood why God had forsaken my Grandmother and left her in such an awful state. I even found myself angry at times that she was not allowed to cross the veil into the eternities. Today I was reminded, as my husband had shared many times, that ten years ago there was a change in Grandma, that her spirit became sweeter, her eyes more aware, that God had not forsaken her but was closer than ever to her. Then, I am reminded of the comfort I receive through my own trials. No, the Lord did not forsake Grandma--he was closer to her than ever, and for that I am truly grateful.

Gerald's Job

You know, I always wondered why Gerald puts so much effort into his jobs. I always felt slighted that he wanted to work late, even if we had plans (especially with the children). But I think I finally get it... if I could go somewhere, do a job, and it is done... no one following after the vacuum with an open bag of cereal (Yes, Andrew I am referring to you) or deciding he is incredibly hungry even though I just barely fixed breakfast and washed the dishes (Sound familiar, Jayden?). Or even someone that pulls every item out of the drawer just to find that one special shirt, which is usally in the wash anyway, and then "forgets" to put all her clothes back (Susanna, notice a pattern?). Or there is the person who justs changes clothes constantly, leading to an extra 5 loads a week (Jessica the fashionista!). And we cant forget the three thousand books laying around that are started, but just can't go back to the bookshelf until they are finished (How many books can you read at one time Caroline?). Being at home is a losing battle! If I could take a building, make sure it didn't fall down in an earthquake or strong wind, stamp the plans... maybe take a few pictures for my ego... get paid... move on to the next project, never having to see the first again I would be in heaven! That's why Gerald likes his job, at the end of the day, it's done!