Treasuring Christmas Traditions

Hey! I just finshed reading the most awesome book by Noel Piper. It is all about creating traditions in your home that center on Christ. Yeah I know, you've probably read a million of those too, but this one was really good.

It got me to thinking about what Christmas traditions I had as a girl and what I've included in my family:

1. Remember the little pixie elf that sits on your shelf? Yeah, my mom always let me sit it on my dresser. I loved that little raggedy elf whose left leg had been chewed up by the dog. I saw one online an ordered it. Next year will be the return of the pixies elf.

2. My Dad always made the world's BEST fudge, He greased the pan with real butter and we loved it--- I make peanut butter/choc fudge every year. Virginia loves it but for some reason does not call it fudge-- "Mom, will you make that stuff, you know it's peanut butter on the bottom and chocolate on the top." "You mean fudge?" " Yeah" that's it!"
Same conversation every year.

3.Shrimp chowder every Christmas Eve.

4.Chevy Chase Christmas vacation watch it and laugh every Christmas eve.

5. My dad always read the Christmas story before unwrapping gifts. Wonderful idea, but I laugh when I think about how we were really wishing he would read faster---you know spiritual pastor's kids! :)

6.This year I started Advent candles

7.My brother-in-law writes the most wonderful cards to his wife and kids in their stockings-- I'm stealing this one and writing a Christmas Love letter to my hubby and kids this year.


What are your traditions that I could borrow?? I've always loved traditions. That's what memories are-- What are yours??

Viva Las Vegas

Time would not permit me to tell you all the reasons I have been delinquent in posting. BTW- It is my New Years resolution to not only blog at least once a week, but also to buy a digital camera and catch up to 2008. Blogging is so much more interesting w/ photos and I feel like I am back in the stone ages. Hello Santa-- I'd love digital camera! :)

We went to Vegas. !! What fun!! It is truly like no other place I've ever been. We had such great time. I kept my eyes pealed the whole time for Brad and Angelina, but they managed to stay hidden the entire weekend.

We stayed at the Green Valley ranch. It was wonderful and also about 10 miles off the strip, so was plenty quiet .

Here's the best of Vegas:

Wayne and I in front of Ceasar's Palace.I wanted to see Celine-- but not bad enough to pay $475 per ticket.




Hoover Dam!! It's a long way down!!


OK- the fountains at Bellagio were my favorite! The music made it seem like the water was dancing. Right after taking this photo, some man on the corner stuffed a picture of a naked woman in Wayne's hand and I decided it was time to go---

Las Vegas, fun place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there!!

Diet Coke

What nonalcoholic drink is your vice? I am addicted to Diet Coke. I said it, it's true I drink upwards of 4 a day. This was the topic of conversation with my self reformed decaffeinated,carbonated beverage drinking husband last night. After complaining about the pain in my boob that occurs every 4 weeks,he suggested that I quit whining and lay down my Diet Cokes! The thought strikes fear in my heart. It's not just a drink to me, it's a daily part of my life. From my after morning run DC, to my late afternoon pick me up, its deeply ingrained in my self.
So, I made it until 3 pm when the overwhelming yawns just had to stop before I swallowed my face! I had a huge DC with my shrimp burrito and El Amigo's.
Tomorrow is another day in the quest for a caffeine free lifestyle and release from my Diet Coke bondage. Pray for me.

Macedonia

I have not posted in a long time-- Seems like I had a hard time getting my thoughts sorted out to intelligently write about it.

Who knew that my career choice to be a nurse would turn into an avenue for ministry? Pretty interesting that when I made my career choice, God's will for my life was not of huge importance to me. This mission trip was cool to show me how really shallow my Christian life is---

Biggest lesson learned- I emphasize too many superficial facets of my life instead of focusing on glorification of God through spreading the gospel to others. So as a result I have asked Him to start to weed out things that are of little or no value and show me what is essential- Scary-- He is great at letting you know that your time and money is going to things that are little value to Him, While affirming in your spirit when you focus on Kingdom work.

Here are some really fun pics of our group:


At a restaurant in Greece- Food was fantastic!




Here's all of the gang in Phillipi

If you get a chance to go an short term mission trip, it will change your life! We are planning on going back in the spring.

Oh- and I was so glad that my plane did not crash! Wayne was not the least bit surprised I made it back safe and sound.

leavin' on a jet plane

In two hours I will be n my way across the Atlantic cean. This is my first tansatlantic-longer-than-four-hour flight. As a very anxious airtraveler I am not to thrilled with the prospects of 10 hours inside a metal tube approximately six miles above the ocean. BTW- where do you make an emergency landing when you are over the ocean??? Wayne lovingly pointed out to me this AM that when God wants you to come home to Him, it really does not matter where you are, you will go. So, I guess thinking from God's point of view, there is no way that I am increasing my chances by flying :)

I am going to Macedonia today, along with about seven others from my church. We all work in our indigient health clinic and are going to go visit our friends in Macedonia to look at helping them with health care outreach.
All the clothes are washed, suitcases packed and faces kissed. My two competent, beautiful daughters have assured me that they will mange just fine for a week without me. They know how to cook, wash clothes and bathe themselves. There's somthing to be said for leaving the baby phase of parenting.
Wayne has also assured me that although he will miss me, he will somehow muddle through the week.
Secretly, I am excited. I mean really excited. Besides getting away from work and day to day stuff, I can't wait to see what God is ging to show me this week. Have you every just got away from everything distracting and been in a place where you could let God really speak to you and see Him move? This is my week. I have spent the last month in prayer, I'm ready. James 4 tells us that the reason we do not have is becuse we don't ask. I have asked Him to do a much needed work in my heart his week.
Pray for me-- especially today, over the ocean, way high over the ocean.

ginny girl

My Ginny girl--

Here is proof that time flies--- Just eleven years ago she was a 7#, bald, screaming, wonderful bundle in a pink blanket look at her now---

She is just like me- I watch her mind work as she looks at something and I know exactly what is coming out of her mouth.

She is quiet and thoughtful most of the time, but will jabber her head off about her daily adventures on the way home from school. She stops and picks up Ginger, the dog, as soon as she walks in the door, getting wet kisses as a reward.

She has the uneviable job of being the baby in the family. This means she has to balance the joy of being everyone's pet with the frustration of being the little sister, to a 14 year old who is all to quick to point our her childish ways.

I love her,without any reservation. She brings me so much joy. She still smells like a baby when I snuggle her in my bed and we watch "Raven".

Having one daughter already going through the throes of adolescent makes me want to hold on a little tighter before the wirlwind begins. She'll be fine. I know that she will transition just like her sister, beautiful and strong, but she will still be my baby---always

Fast running feet

These are Adidas Cushion Response size 9. The absolute best running shoe for a large frame female with high arches. I know this for a fact. I have been running in this style of shoe for over 10 years. That's alot of shoes. The lovely pair you see here are now officially retired this weekend. "But they look like they still have some wear left in them" you say. Ahh yes, to the naked eye they do, but to my feet, they have served their usefulness. This morning's run logged 500 mniles on these shoes, and my knees tell me it's time for another pair. I'm dreaming of my next cushy pair waiting for my at Academy Sports. Fighting the battle of the bulge is alot more fun with a new pair of "scooby doos" as we call them in out house. So back to school shopping tomorrow will include a little treat for mom too!

Memorization Technique

Hey- Here's a link to the technique used in yesterday's post:

http://www.fbcdurham.org/pages/5/

Once on this page just scroll down and read Approach to Extended Scripture Memorization.

Hope this helps!

summer days

Ok... So here we are after shopping in Cozumel and I threatened the girls with bodily harm if they did not stand there and smile like they were loving every minute of this! It was 150 degrees and we were dehydrated and smelled awful at this point!:)



CAn you say tourist?? We thought we were all that on this private beach in Cozumel!




Let me tell you about "Aunt Lynn". She is Wayne's older sister and perhaps the funniest person I know. She can make me laugh so hard I wet my pants! She knows how to fully enjoy hereself. The girls adore her. (and think she's a little wierd) She makes them do strange things like paint her toenails and tells them hilarious stories about their daddy when he was a boy. She says words that they are not allowed to-- and then they all giggle when she says "whoops- I'm sorry I didn't know you where standing there" Everyone should have an Aunt Lynn-





Who is that hot sexy man?---He's all mine girls!




It looks like we are about to go overboard here! The wind did great things for your hair! How did my girly get to be taller than me?





The best part of the cruise is getting all dolled up after a day of sun and act like a super star while eating cool stuff you never would at home-- like lobster, escargot, and strawberry bisque. These two chicks had the time of their lives!

James

Well, it all started out when I was reading a John Piper book. That guy is so deep, I have to stop and come up for air ! Anyways, while reading "When I Don't Desire God- Fighting for Joy" (How's that for an honest title?)I was in the midst of a very dry spiritual season. I guess the title is what attracted me to the book. One of his chapters discussed Scripture memorization. UGH! How I hate using my brain for anything more taxing than reading People magazine. I decided that perhaps this dry spell was in fact that the Holy Scriptures had to compete with daily doses of the newspaper, online magazines, etc.-- so I decided to enlist the help of my prayer partner (see picture) and memorize the book of James. Why James? Why not? It talks all about big mouths of which I am chiefest of sinners:)
Using his really cool technique- we have made it to chapter 3:10 as of this morning. It has taken us 5 months so far. The hardest part for my ADD mind is to stick to it daily! However, can I tell you that it has been life changing? My dry spell has gone and I feel much more fruitful!
My prayer partner and dear friend is Michelle. I love her! Don't you love it when God plants a complete polar opposite in your life?

Gone campin'

We just got back yesterday from the cruise. It was a blast! I will have pictures posted soon. It was everyting I wanted it to be... relaxing, fun, and as romantic as you can be with your two kids in the room with you :)
We are on our way to go camping in the mountains at Enota RV Resort. Gotta cram in all the fun we can! Ahhh- Camping. One of the great pleasures in life!. Where else can you forget about laundry, let your husband do all the cooking, and let your kids run around dirty and half naked? Here is my grown up girl Leslie standing in the door of our new camper. It has been such a fun summer!

Three days and counting..........
Only three more days until we pack it all up, jump in the van and head to Tampa. Then we are set to enjoy five glorious days aboard the Carnival ship- The Inspiration. According to the website, we will eat fabulous food, my children will be constantly smiling and laughing-no time for arguing or fighting. Wayne and I will be sporting awesome tans, holding hands, and dancing under the moonlight. No unrealistic expectations around here! Listen, I'll be happy to spend some time on the Leedo deck, sitting in a lounge chair and reading my new Francine Rivers book. Wayne is focused with a detailed mission of tasting every buffet. I'll certainly let you know how summer vacation 2007 goes, complete with pics when I return!

Gatlinburg pics

Here are Gatlingurg pics:


Prettiest spot I know! Cades Cove











Wayne was in heaven!
























Here are all the cousins!
My Ginny-girl was a maniac on wheels!

Reunited and it feels so good.....

We just got back from a family reunion in Gatlin burg. My 3 sisters and I live in 4 different states. Getting everyone together at one time for a weekend takes lots of work and planning. Heather (sister #3) planned this weekend about six months ago. I am so glad, because we had such a great time. Gatlinburg was beautiful! Highlights included:
- Early Sunday morning ride through Cades Cove (Wayne's favorite place in all the world, 2nd only to his mama's home in Tenn.)
- Watching my girls laugh and hang out with cousins they don't see to often.
-Watching my nieces, nephews and girls drive like maniacs at the NASCAR track

I am planning our next reunion for summer 2008. I need some great ideas for a family place in Tenn. or Kentucky.

Random Wednesday Thoughts

Today is "hump" day. I kinda feel sorry for Wednesdays. I was born on a Wednesday, and besides Mondays, which no one seems to like, it is a day that gets no special recognition. Think about Fridays, now there is a day we all look forward to! Or maybe Sunday, my personal favorite. Ever since I read Matt Buchanan's book "Restproing the Sabbath", I have looked at Sunday in a new light. Sunday is more than just "go to church day" for me. I used to dread Sundays, not the worship part, but the "trying-to-stuff-everything-in-on-Sunday-afternoon- then-rush-back-to-church" part. Well, we have now instituted the new Sunday rule. After dinner, there is naps and reading, or maybe floating in the pool, nothing that makes us exert too much work. It has been revolutionary in the mindless rushing of our week.