The Reason for the Season

Those of you who know me well know that I cannot stand preaching or condescension especially when it comes to religion.  Often, because the people trying to spread a message are so narrow minded, the message itself is rejected and lost.  I got this reminder from my "sister" Michelle after Thanksgiving and kept it for the past month to remind myself about the wisdom of this message and try to separate the wheat from the chaff. 

Letter from Jesus about Christmas -- 
  
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. 

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.  I don't care what you call the day.  If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Now, having said that let Me go on.  If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. 

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.  It was I who made all trees.  You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.  Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were.  If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. 

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list.  Choose something from it: 

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love, and hope to soldiers away from home.  They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year.  I know, they tell Me all the time. 

2. Visit someone in a nursing home.  You don't have to know them personally.  They just need to know that someone cares about them. 

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.  Then follow up...  It will be nice hearing from you again. 

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them.  Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here.  Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them. 

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. 

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference. 

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there.  Give them a warm smile and a kind word.  Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.  

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. 

9. Here's a good one.  There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive.  If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you. 

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian.  Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence.  Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. 

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.  Just love Me and do what I have told you to do.  I'll take care of all the rest.  Check out the list above and get to work; time is short.  I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court.  And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Today's BE newsletter from GOOP was also very enlightening.  These newsletters have made me like Gwyneth Paltrow more that any of her movies ever could.

Happy Holidays to you all! Whatever your beliefs may be, you'll always have a place to share them with me.

December Daily 14, 15, 16 & 17

December Daily 10, 11, 12 & 13

Keep Calm...

I know that I am way behind posting but I just had to post these printable calendar's from this etsy store.

They make me smile!

December Daily - 9

Guess where I was tonight!  The kids came too since Josh had his first Basketball game.  They had fun, made crafts and got to eat ice cream too.  No raffle baskets for me this year, which I guess is fair since I still owe Stacy money for them :).  Had to change up the color so it shows better on the white background.  I like it!

December Daily - 8

I didn't adopt a cute bunch of girls!  Boone and I had a date tonight.  We went to the Mall to watch the winter music concert for his school.  He absolutely loves the "Dragon Jam" marimba band and can't wait to be in 4th grade so he can join.  It was pretty fun and these kids are fantastic.  We also watched the orchestra and chorus but...that wasn't the highlight for us!

December Daily - 4, 5, 6, & 7

A busy weekend puts me a little behind but I actually remembered photos every day!
Day 4 - A trip to Hood River for a ride on the Polar Express
Day 5 - A great concert with great seats and great friends at a great venue in The Dalles
Day 6 - Little buddies burning some energy after a weekend together
Day 7 - The real subject of the day, Josh's Grandma Prock celebrates 80 years

December Daily - 3

We went to "Family Night" at Boone's school tonight and listed to Christmas Stories and had cookies and cocoa.  The stories were read by the fantastic librarian, Miss Tri-Cities, and the wonderful retired Principal Sauer.  Mr. Sauer read "The Polar Express" complete with sound effects and a jingle bell for everyone in the audience.  It was great!

December Daily - 2

Time for the tree unveiling.  Now it might take a week or more to add lights and ornaments but it is standing!  We are going fake this year to save a little money.  Not enough time to head to the mountains to find our own, maybe next year.  The moon was absolutely amazing tonight!

December Daily - 1

I love Kindergarten!  I was looking forward to an evening of digging out red and green construction paper, slicing strips and sharing stapler duty between both boys to create the "count down" chain that we make every year.  When Boone got home from school, he excitedly whipped this beauty out of his backpack!  Already done and the top is in the shape of a cute little bell with a poem and glitter.  Let the count down begin...

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving Dinner at Gram and Papa's!
Crab Wontons, Hot Artichoke Dip, Turkey and Roastbeef and Grandma O'Neals Famous Rum Cake!

My Intentions for the 2009 Holidays

My list for Day One in the Jessica Sprague Holidays in Hand Class:

• Emphasize the spirit of giving and the story of the ultimate gift.
• Create new traditions with the boys for the holidays.
• Reach out to those less fortunate than us.
• Bake treats with the kids.
• Explore anonymous giving - Kris Kringle or Secret Santa
• Share the stories behind meaningful ornaments or decorations.
• Participate in outings, more time and adventures together vs. stuff
• Enjoy the wonder of Christmas lights in the dark.
• Make time to be together with extended family.
• Make our own holiday crafts & decorations.

He Is Going To Make a Good Husband

This morning I overheard Boone as he was try to teach Brody to play chess, which is hilarious as Boone just learned to play yesterday.

Boone: No Brody, you can't move that. You'll expose your Queen. She works hard to protect you so you have to protect her.

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Its Coming!!!!

Twilight New Moon collage =)




I just gotta say - MORE WEREWOLF!!

The Fun Theory

I have always loved the innovative development by the folks at Volkswagon.  Here is a new project called "The Fun Theory" with absolutely fantastic ideas to promote behavior change.  I love these clips!

 Thanks for sharing Annie!

Candy, Candy, Candy

No need to do a "What do I do with all of this candy?" post at our house.  Elly Mae took care of that for us last night.  Two gallon size ziploc bags full of candy were narrowed down to 4 pixie sticks, one box of Mike & Ikes, and a small pack of Sweet Tarts.  My poor kids!

I told Josh, leave her out back and if she has a heart attack, Oh Well!  I am a bit exasperated with our black canine housemate lately.  Good news for you all who think I am evil, she's still here and kicking at least 12 hours later!

Recipes

I promised my "daycare mommies" & Betsy that I would get this recipe up tonight! Enjoy!

A Love Story...

I will seek and find you.

I shall take you to bed and have my way with you.

I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.

I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.

I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I’m finished with you.

And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.

All my love,

The Flu

Now get your mind out of the gutter and go get your flu shot! (If you can find one)

Almost Six

I cannot believe my baby is going to be six in less than two weeks!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

One of the Best Things about Living Here...

Dust and smoke haze make for the most beautiful sunsets!

Wicked Weekend!

Angie and I went to see the BEST musical ever in Seattle this weekend! I can say that since I've seen relatively few Broadway shows in my lifetime, less than 15. Just like with Phantom, I would pay to see Wicked many more times. It was fantastic and sounded just like the soundtrack even though the principals were different.

A fun girls weekend and I forgot my camera! Hard to believe, I know. These are a few of my salvageable iPhone pictures. No matter how much they say they've improved its camera, it is no substitute for my Nikon. We had to rush through dinner but it was a fantastic one anyway. Dragonfish is so good, I will be returning there with my hubby - or whoever else happens to be with me! The next day, we got a treat at my favorite mall treat "red mango". That is the main reason I shop at Bell Square when we head west. A stop at the Renton Ikea and we were headed back home to our families. Great weekend and not a complete financial disaster (not quite enough time at the mall for that).

TODAY

Outside My Window - It is dark, they are all closed up in the evening since it is starting to get cool.

I am Thinking - That I really need to be better about recording everyday things.

I am Thankful - For my wonderful marriage.

From the Kitchen - Tonight was cinnamon raisin french toast, had to use up leftovers.

I am Wearing - A tank top and my new organic cotton shorts from REI, so excited to be able to fit into clothes from there and find them on clearance.

I am Creating - Organized files for my digital scrapping supplies.

I am Going - To Seattle on October 2nd to see "Wicked"

I am Reading - Still Dark Fever, haven't done much reading lately

I am Hoping - That my beautiful anniversary roses last through the weekend.

I am Hearing - Snoring Labs reminding me I need to go to sleep and two boys that are still awake at 10:30, are you kidding me?

Around the House - Is a crazy mess from being sick this week.

One of my Favorite Things - My mattress that is calling my name.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week - Soccer, football, and BBQ party at my sisters, gonna be a busy Saturday!

Nine Years Ago...

Tonight I was partying with all of my best friends and family celebrating the best decision I've ever made. I married the love of my life and my very best friend that day.
Then I spent the rest of the evening hunting him down between beer runs. Ah well, just a preview of our lives to come.
I love you babe! Here's to a long and happy life together...

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Please Permit a Little Whining...

'Cause I feel like crap and I want to. I felt horrible yesterday with aches and chills but no fever which was awful especially since it was beautiful out and I am sure there won't be many more days like that. Plus the house is torn apart since we had to bring some furniture back home that was in storage so we are trying to redistribute again. I didn't work on it at all on Sunday. I did manage to get through the laundry one load at a time with big rests in between though. Thank goodness football has started so I didn't have grand expectations yesterday anyway.

Today I woke up and knew exactly what was wrong, still no fever but the pain had localized. Definitely a kidney infection! So stayed home from work, got kids to daycare, me to urgent care and then the pharmacy. Oh, before all of that, the Tahoe wouldn't start this morning and I was too sissy tired to jump it or even hook it up to charge so I had to drive Josh's truck (thank goodness it was here) Now I'm wiped and will be in the recliner for the remainder of the day.

Okay, whining completed! Tomorrow is another day (and the antibiotics will have kicked in)...

Colts - Game 1

Click photo to Enlarge

I figured I'd better get this posted before tomorrow since they have their second game in the morning! The Colts won their first game last season (all five squads won, so they are 5-0). It was so fun to watch and Josh was almost hoarse from yelling when it was over. Can't wait for tomorrow afternoon!

Coach!

Josh is coaching, well assistant coaching, a Grid Kids football team this year. He was a little hesitant at first but knew he needed to get involved so the boys could be on good teams when it was their turn to play.

So much for the hesitation! Three weeks in and it is all he can talk about-he absolutely loves it! He is coaching the beginners (7-8 year olds) which is perfect for him. I am so happy Mack talked him into it. Although it takes a lot of time (M, T, Th, practice and games on Sat), it is great to see him so into something and get a break from work.

Time for Change

Today was sort of Boone's first day of school! We had a small group conference to meet the teacher and settle in for 45 minutes. Boone is doing great but our little guy is taking it hard. It was really hard for him to leave for Angie's without Boone.

Brody was thrilled to see his brother when he got back (before 10 am) but the change was still nagging at him all day. He was so emotional when I picked him up and kept saying things like "It's just Boone's lucky day" or "It's only your special day". He has worked so hard to be like the big boys and now they are all playing soccer and leaving for school. It will take some adjustment for the little man, but he'll make it. He is going to start taking a backpack to Angie's too, just for his preschool projects. Less clutter in the cubby, that should make Angie happy :)

Soccer

I think Boone has found his sport! He is playing soccer for the first time this year and he loves it! It is also the first time he isn't playing a YMCA sport - we are trying Upward Soccer through my sister's church. Mostly the same FIFA rules and a really positive environment for all the kids. It is also great that practices and games are very close to home and my nephew is playing too! That makes one stop shopping easier for us and grandparents.

Boone is really showing skills as a defender. His mission is automatically to run back and protect the goal (no goalies in his age group yet). He loves a break away run down the field too, but he's yet to score a goal that way. We still need some practice with foot control but he is having a great time! He is so excited for practice and games every week-never pouts or whines. Definitely fun for Josh and me to watch! Can't wait until little brother gets to play too!

Seahawks!

Wow - where has the summer gone? We took the boys to their first ever Seahawk's game this weekend. Good thing it was pre-season and the tickets were freebies! The boys loved taking the Sound Transit's Light Rail. Free parking and a cheap trip that let us off about a block from Qwest Field - what's not to love?

The stadium seemed empty until about 5 minutes before kick off - then it was packed! I love that field, the noise is great and so are the fans. Our seat offered a great view of a lot of dedicated season ticket holders and their great costumes. The wind kicked up so I bought a blanket and Boone and I snuggled. Brody cheered at all the right times during the game but was also very interested in bouncing on the seats and eating all of the redvines he could swipe!

They made it through half of the 4th quarter before we decided to head out and catch the train back to the car! Put a little dent in our wallets shopping at North Bend, especially in the Volcom Store. Lots of cute stuff for stylin' little guys and their dad!