Not a resolution - but a GOAL.

It is two days after Christmas, the gifts are put away, the decorations coming down and there is much talk about what everyone received. I have engrossed myself in reading "The Yada Yada Prayer Group...." series. I started book one a couple weeks ago and with work and everything going on - didn't get too far. I was nearing the end of book 1 last weekend and knew that on Sunday, I would want something to read (as if I don't have enough other books to read...) so I ran to the Christian bookstore and bought book 2. I immersed myself in reading and flew through book 2... on Wednesday I bought book 3 and yesterday sent Shayne to the store to get book 4. This is an amazing series - and today - Shayne picked up book 5 for me. These books have really made me think - about my prayer life and from this I have realized that I need to work on mine. Oh sure, I pray here and there but do I really cover my day in prayer? Do i wrap the kids in prayer on a daily basis? our country? our leaders? my husband? 

Then I read a blog on LPM by Beth Moore and she is having a scripture memorizing party this year. We are to commit to learn/meditate on 2 passages of scripture a month and report what we are learning. I am going to commit to this - I want 2009 to be a year of Jesus. I want to cover my family and my life completely in Jesus and dig deeper in the word - I want to know, really know more about Jesus. I grew up in church - I know the answers... I know I am saved.... I know who Jesus is and what He did for ME, but I don't want the same relationship I've had lately.. I want a deeper, more enveloping relationship. That is my goal for 2009. Not a resolution - but my goal - I know that He knows me and through the year, I will know more about Jesus.

It's Christmas Eve!

So, it is Christmas Eve and we are gearing up for tomorrow - woohoo! Monday, I came in the house after running some errands and smelled smoke. The house looked smoky, but I could not find fire anywhere (this is good...).  I opened the window and let it air out - even though it was only 42 degrees outside. Dave came in later from work and asked who burned something - I explained my search and findings. After he did a little investigative work, it was discovered that the heater was not working and that was what we smelled.... AUGH - So, he called the repair shop and they said they'd be out Tuesday between 1 and 4. Okay , . . we can hang for one night. So we bundled up and snuggled in. Then they called and said, nope.. too busy it will be Wednesday between 10 and 12... I said "REALLY??? Are you kidding me?" So, we snuggled another night and have been burning the fireplace non stop. This morning he comes in (to his credit at 10 almost on the dot..) and does his own investigating.. He reports the motor froze up and that is why we've been smelling it... Gave us the repair total and went to work.....

Jump ahead 10 minutes... he's in the family room again and says after he got into the unit he discovered the wires are all fried.. it can't be repaired.. have to replace it! You got it - replace the day before Christmas?? Naw... can't be done - is an all day job and well, you get the idea. 

So, Dave & Shayne are on their way to Wal-Mart to buy space heaters because we have NO heat until Friday when they finish replacing the heater. 

But, in spite of all that is going on that is trying to distract us and pull our thoughts away from the true meaning of Christmas - we are still remembering that it is all because a little baby was born long ago in a manger. He came to redeem me and you and all those who want it. He didn't have to do it, but He did and I am so thankful for His birth and the reminder of who He is and what He has done for me. Jesus Christ was and is the best Christmas present ever and because of Him my life has purpose and meaning. So, we may sit in the cold with no heater, but we have a roof over our head and we have each other and we have Jesus Christ - who will wrap us in His arms and keep us warm throughout the night. 

Merry Christmas! 

Stuff

So, I finally decided that it is time to lose weight. This has been the easy part - actually doing it can be a little harder, but on December 2 I joined weight watchers.... they were just getting ready to unveil the new Momentum program the next week but I joined and started counting points. It really is about paying attention to what you eat - by tracking it, you are more aware of what you eat or don't eat. So, since joining WW, i have lost 5.4 pounds. It's been a fairly successful month and as long as I watch what I eat this week during the holiday it should continue to be a good week. The biggest thing is that  ..  drum roll please.......

I have completely cut out Pepsi from my food list. 

Now, those of you who know how I used to like my pepsi (there was a time, once upon a time long ago,  I would have a 52 ounce hug, filled with Pepsi and carried everywhere with me). Anyway.. i regress.. those of you who know me know that Pepsi was my drink of choice. I cut it down once starting WW and as of Monday, December 15 I have not had any Pepsi. I drink water or ice tea (NO sugar added). 

Anyway.. how are your plans for Christmas coming along? Are you ready? Are you done shopping? wrapping? gifts under the tree? I have finally finished shopping - still have to wrap some and get them under the tree.... 

Yesterday Dave came home from the office and after some investigating discovered that our heater has gone out. He called immediately and we were told that the soonest they could be here was today between 1 and 4 so we bundled up, started a fire in the fireplace and did our best to stay warm. Today they called and said it would be 10:00 tomorrow before they could be here..... Another night bundled up in sweats and under 47 (not quite) blankets....

Ahh.. the joys of the season.. at least my family is together and having fun. Matthew leaves Iraq on the 24th and is on his way back to the states - - Praise God!! He'll be here (stateside) for about 18 months before another overseas trip.... we'll pray that changes.. 

Have a great one and remember - - JESUS IS the reason for the season. 

One of those weeks!

It's been one of those weeks. The kind I really don't like at this time of year, because it is so busy that it is easy to forget the reason we are so busy. It started last Thursday - with the Dessert Theater at church. Handbells played so I had to be there Thursday through Sunday, saw the program twice (great show). Monday and Tuesday I had the school choir concert and then Thursday the choir sang at the local nursing facility. Along with all this, we have work which is crazy this time of year and shopping to get everything done before Christmas. My tree is up, lights are on but that's it - we need to finish it today. Now that work is over (yeah!) and school is almost done (on Monday! double yeah!!!) I'm ready to relax and get ready for the holiday. 

Yesterday at work the administration team came in singing 

We wish you a happy holiday

We wish you a happy holiday

We wish you a happy holiday

and a happy vacation..... 

So I responded with MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Shepherd in the field...as I've never seen it before

So we just returned from the Dessert Theater at church and this year's show was pretty good - as usual. I plugged my video camera in this afternoon but for some reason it did not charge so the battery was dead when I got to church so I have to video another night, but I did take my camera and was able to take a short video of one of Scott's scenes...


Enjoy!

Christmas Ten Commandments

1. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of thy Christmas list

2. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that thy soul is forgotten.

3. Thou shalt not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

4. Thou shalt not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

5. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and he who receiveth it shall treasure it forever.

6. Thou shalt not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Share thy blessings with many who will go hungry and cold unless thou are generous.

8. Thou shalt not neglect thy church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

9. Thou shalt be as a little child. Not until thou has become in spirit as a little one art thou ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven .

10. Thou shall not forget to share your joy, peace and faith with those around you.

-- Author Unknown

Happy Birthday Cati

Today is the day my baby turned 17....She is not a baby any longer, though she will always be "my baby" and that is my right as her mom - for her to always be my baby. She is growing into a beautiful young lady and Dave and I are extremely proud of who she is, what she stands for and who she is becoming.

I can remember the day she was born and how cute she was as she grew into a little girl.....



and this is her now....



Happy Birthday! May this year bring you lots of happiness and the dreams your heart desires.

3.2 and counting

So, tonight began the beginning of week 2 of Weight Watchers and I lost 3.2 pounds this week. That makes a total of 6.7 in the last two weeks! Woohoo.... I have cut out most of my soda and only drink one a day (and this is a shock for those of you who know me!) and some days I don't even have one. I'm fine without them - I drink more water that way. Anyway.. on in to week 2... how will it go?

Offended? blah, blah, blah ...

I have had the opportunity this year to accompany the high school choir for their Christmas program. At the conclusion of the concert, there will be a combination band/choir carol sing-a-long. The choir has been practicing and sound really awesome! Today the director told me that last night at band rehearsal a mom said she was "offended" that they were doing Christmas carols! Really???? The choir is doing both secular and traditional Christmas songs so I am sure that the band is too. If this mom is offended, what does she celebrate Christmas for? It is becoming so tiring of hearing those people say that we should not be playing Christmas carols and we should not have nativity scenes set up, not seeing the Salvation Army bell ringers and anything else that is Christmas. I've even heard some say Santa should stop visiting the mall. Really people - if you don't want to celebrate the season - don't! But leave us that do alone. It is your choice not to celebrate - as it is ours to. We are directed to remember the reason for the season - and our country was based on the Christian foundation. If you don't want to celebrate, don't - just don't get in my way while I do!

The Voyage

George, from Celtic Thunder sang this song the other night and I thought the words were too beautiful not to share. He has an amazing voice, but the words are a true love song. I am glad that I am on "The Voyage" with my first mate.

The Voyage
written by Celtic Thunder

I am a sailor and you're my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We hauled up our anchor determined not to fail
For the heart's treasure together we set sail

With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
We rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope

(Chorus)
Life is an ocean, love is a boat
In troubled waters it keeps us afloat
When we started our voyage
There was just me and you
Now gathered 'round us we have our own crew

Together we're in this relationship
We've built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination's not marked on any chart
We're navigating for the shores of the heart

Christmas with a Capital C - Go FIsh

I saw this on You Tube.. It says it exactly...




There is one reason to celebrate Christmas and it doesn't have anything to do with a big, fat guy in a red suit - it's about Jesus and His birth. I've said it - I believe it - that's that!

Only 3.5? I'll take it

So, last week hubby and I talked at great length about the fact that we really do need to make some lifestyle changes, start exercising and lose weight. So Sunday I woke up early and walked to a video I have - gave me a mile exercise in 20 minutes including stretching. I felt pretty good and will continue it 3 times a week to start, building up to 5 days of 30 minutes per doctors instructions. I've also been considering joining Weight Watchers because I like the fact that you do not have to buy their food like some other programs (and there is nothing wrong with that, if it is your thing.) But I like to cook - Dave likes to cook and so tonight - I did it. I went and joined. Went to my first meeting. Didn't kill me - I think I'll even go back again. Actually, it was really a good meeting, I enjoyed the leader and the people there. Next week they are rolling out the new program for 2009 so it seems it was a good time to join. The thing I liked was I already lost 3.5 pounds - and I just joined tonight! That is what I call success... lol. No, but I did lose 3.5 pounds since I went to the doctor last Monday and that is exciting to me! I have made some changes on my own this week - the exercising, cutting down on sodas (not having one first thing in the morning. . .that is huge for me), watching what I eat - taking salad for lunch and veggies to snack on and of course, drinking more water.

So, here starts my journey into getting healthier and hopefully getting rid of some of the issues that have been popping up as of late.

In other matters, Dave left this morning to go to Canada on business. He will return on Friday. Tomorrow I am taking Scott to see Celtic Thunder. He is so into their music and wanted to buy tickets since July. He never got around to it between quitting Safeway and everything else he was committed to. So last week I checked and tickets were still available - in fact, we got 2 seats on the floor in row 7 - he will be so excited. He thinks he is going to drama rehearsal, but I let them know he would be missing it and I'm going to have him get ready to go. I've told him we'll go get some dinner before rehearsal - just him and me and then I'll take him to the concert. He will be so surprised! I can't wait to see the look on his face.

Dave just called and said that they lost his luggage between Chicago and Quebec City. Apparently there is only flight a day in and it is at night so he'll have to wait till at least tomorrow night for his baggage. Now, I don't understand how hard it is when suitcases have this colored labeled tag on it telling the baggers which city the bag is going to - how hard is it to make sure it gets on the right plane? Apparently for some - it is difficult. Ahhh, such is the traveling life, I guess it is bound to happen at some point.

Have a wonderful evening and I'll post - maybe a pic of Scott's face when I tell him where we are going - later.

Not Me! Monday

In my blog readings, I came across this and it looked like fun - so I thought I'd try too....

I did NOT laugh hysterically when my 17 year old daughter told me that she rubber cemented her hand to her face.. just to see what would happen.

I did NOT break down in tears when my beef stew burned because I forgot to turn the heat down. This was after I had gone and specifically bought all the ingredients for said beef stew.

I did NOT put off doing my schoolwork until the last possible minute tonight - even though it is a major project for school - (hrmm, I wonder where the kids get it from now?)

I did NOT rush out and buy the second book in the series I am reading because I might finish the book on Sunday and need the second book before Monday while leaving said homework undone.

I did NOT go to church last night and because I had a few minutes (like 30) go into church library and borrow same book bought at bookstore to read until time for service to start.

I did NOT laugh hysterically, again, at same 17 year old daughter as she was telling stories of how her "invisible friend" has hooked up with a real guy in another town and they were going out. I did not continue to laugh as she explained how she was going to have them break up because "he has an invisible girlfriend and doesn't even know it!"

Oh, this is fun - I'll try again next week. Have a great Monday everyone.