Oh What Fun It Is!

It's Christmas morning! Isn't this the coolest morning of the year! I love seeing the excitement in Emile and Brie's eyes. They were really looking forward to Christmas this year.





The most wonderful thing happened to our family this year. I've been short one client since Aug. I just got a new one starting last week. With money short, gifts were going to be a little lean. That was ok. The girls would still have gifts. Christmas Eve the phone rings and the caller asks for me. Em asked who was calling the was told "check your porch." When we looked out front nothing was there. Out back we found a HUGE bag FULL of gifts. The presents were great. The girls really loved everything they received. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He visited our house for sure this Christmas. Thanks so much to the "Elves" who reached out in love to serve and bless our family. We truly appreciate it.




The entire day was too short. We went to Michael and Sarah's house for breakfast. It was fun to see Alexandra and Isabel with all their toys. The magic in their eyes was catching. Christmas dinner back here at the house with the three of us was delicious. We had a wonderful day but now it's over for another year. A little sad but then on the other hand I guess we wouldn't appreciate this special time of the year if it was every day, would we? I LOVE Christmas.

My Little Momma

It is with much relief and a bit of sadness that I write this day. Although it's Christmas, I felt it important to post this anyway. This picture was taken about two hours before my little Momma... Betty J. Shoemaker passed away. She died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006 at 2:15pm. I would like to tell you a little about my mom. She was born on Sept. 2, 1930 in Welch Run, PA. She already had two brothers, Gene and Cliff and one would be born after her, Don. As the only girl born to Thaddeus (T.S.) and Beulah Shoemaker, she was a "bit" spoiled by her dad. I think that's to be expected in most cases. Mom shared many funny stories about growing up with her brothers... many involved roller skating or swimming in the quarry pond, or building up the membership of a "new" church in town when she and her family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Mom was beautiful. She had striking eyes and long dark hair. Of course she turned heads and I'm sure broke some hearts too.
Eventually Mom married and had children. Teresa is the oldest followed by Cindy then me and finally our brother, Tony. We may be spread out over the U.S. some, but the bond still exists. We were taught a respect for the gospel, music, reading, and family. Even though our family was not a "Leave it to Beaver" family in any way, we still knew the importance of family, particularly extended family. We took comfort in one another many times and still do. Mom was a loving grandmother who enjoyed bragging about her grandchildren to anyone who would listen, and probably some who really didn't care at all.
Mom was, like all of us, challenged in her life. Choices led to some painful consequences, which led to growth and opportunities. She had some incredible talents and heartbreaking weaknesses all at the same time. Sometimes true happiness seemed elusive to her. I believe she has finally found it. She is home. She is at peace. She is safe. She is complete. I will miss you Mom. Thank you for the things you taught me. For pushing me when I didn't want pushed. For standing by me when I experienced some of life's biggest hurts... and most wonderful joys! Much of what you did made me who I am today. I Love You. I will miss you.... and I will see you again.

THE JOURNEY HOME
by Kate Watkins Furman

Don't worry about anything,
For don't you know it's true.
A loving God has launched the ship
That gently carries you!

Each boat that sails the sea of life,
That rocks with every storm,
Is guided through the straits of faith
To a harbor safe and warm.

The hand that knit you in the womb
Will never cease to care -
A ballast in the wildest wind
A love that's always there.

And each man hears a special call
That beckons him alone,
While God provides along the way
The stars that guide him home!

Mary and Christ

One of my most favorite Christmas songs is "Mary Did You Know?" I'm not sure who wrote it but the message is so touching. I can't help but think of Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ without wondering what she really knew, or didn't know. Did she indeed know he was the Savior of the world? Did she have any idea of the miracles he would perform? I can't imagine she truly understood the magnitude of the suffering her precious Son would have to indure at the very hands of those he had come to earth to redeem. When she stroked his cheek or brought him to her breast could she begin to comprehend that he was the King of Kings? At times throughout my life I've questioned my role as a woman and particularly now as a mother. Am I even remotely as loving a mother as Mary was? Certainly she was most blessed to have been the mother of the Savior... of having the priviledge of bringing God's Son to earth. I can only begin to imagine how wonderful she must have been, as well as the strength she had to be able to see her Son through the challenges mortality brought. I'm ever thankful for her. And at this special time of the year, I'm greatful for my elder brother and Savior, even Jesus the Christ. Without His birth, atonement, death and resurrection, my life would be hopeless. I would have nothing. May we all keep His mission in our hearts and minds this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Lights

Here is the front of our house ready and waiting for Santa's arrival. The only thing missing is the snow... which they say we may have a little bit of tonight. There's nothing like a white Christmas to make the season right. Happy Holidays to all.

Christmas Is Coming!!

What would I do without Emile? We have a beautiful 9 1/2 ft tree which requires a bit of time on a ladder to put up and decorate. It's so pretty when we're finished but a lot of work putting it up. Em handles most of the high decorating while I "instruct" from the ground. Brie had the honor of putting the star on the top this year.

Late Thanksgiving

Andy and Emile look as if they're particularly ready for the food. I think Andy's about to chomp Em's head off!

Too bad I'm not as organized as my fellow family bloggers are. I had every intention of posting our Thanksgiving get together and dinner long before now. I had to wait for Em to put the pics on the computer for me. It was truly a wonderful day and for me to say that it really was. You see, I'm not a person who likes to travel on holidays. Travel for me means backing my car out of the driveway. I'd much rather stay put safe and sound at home. I must say though that this was a great family and friend get together. We had tons of delicious food and conversation. Of course the guys had to do the male hormone thing and play basketball but what do you expect (remember the knuckles dragging the ground thing). We really are blessed and it was an honor for me to share this day with all my loved ones.