Goodbye 2011

On this last day of 2011 I reflect of the year that has passed. 

It has been a good year. 

I have learned a lot. 

I have grown personally and professionally.

My life in 2011 has been another blessed year. 

I finally believe what I have heard since I was a child,

"The older you get the better it gets."

Struggles and all....life is good. 

I am so thankful for what God has done for me. 

In 2011 I did not make resolutions. 

I decided to work toward one thing...balance. 

I actually think I did ok on this. I of course need lots more work.

I will continue to work toward balance in the new year. 

I hope you all enjoy celebrating the year that has passed 

and the year yet to come. 

Ho Ho Ho

Merry 

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I hope that Santa was good to you all!!!!

Christmas Eve

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes of St Nicholas soon would be there. 

........My mom used to read The Night Before Christmas and The Christmas Story in the Bible for 

us every Christmas Eve. Traditions have changed a lot. But I still cherish them all...new and old. 

 I love the magic of Christmas and the reason that we have it at all. 

I am so thankful for the baby that was born of perfection into a world of sin. 

I am thankful that God came in flesh to walk among us, and that he died to save us from those sins.

Thank you Jesus!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Blog Button???

So I was playing around on picnik

and made this little beauty. 

What do you ladies think about me using it for a blog button?

Teenage Sis = Amazing

I have a sister that is 14...Madison.  

She is so different than me now, 

but especially when I was 14. 

She is strong and opinionated. 

She stands up for what she believes in. 

She has a big heart, and she loves Jesus. 

She amazes me. 

I was just texting with her  when she amazed me again. 

She was telling me that she had a friend who just lost his dad. 

He is really sad and is not wanting to get out of bed to go to school. 

This boy has had some trouble in the past,

and the boy (living with other relatives) 

could be in trouble if he misses much more school. 

So her and her 14 year old (8th grade)

 friends all go to wake him up every morning. 

When I was in the 8th grade I was worried about me! 

I went to church, but don't remember being felt led to do anything for anyone else. 

My other sister Valerie (now 25) was always like this,

but we were closer in age.

And I was not aware of her (Val) changing as much. 

I am older now 

and I am very aware of how much Madison has changed.

Being able to see her change and grow is AMAZING. 

The joy that I feel from seeing her grow is amazing. 

It makes me excited to have kids of my own 

and be able to watch them grow in the Lord. 

"Start children off on the way they should go, 

and even when they are old they will not turn from it."

Proverbs 22:6