Merry Christmas

Another Christmas gone... Yesterday we took down the tree. Couldn't deal with all the needles and M hammering all the ornaments. However, we are thankful to the friends and family who graciously and generously gave to our family. We are overwhelmed with the kindness. Here are some snapshots of the day.M with his Flicker attachment to the Handy Manny workbench. Thanks, Nanny!

L loved her little petshop stuff. Thanks, again, Nanny!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Melting Snowmen

Psalm 119:28 - My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

California has held lots of sorrow for our family. In the nine years we have been here, five family members have died (3 in the last 3 years). I woke up this morning and planned on making Grandma Sol's jelly cookies and MomMom Sykes' cheesecake - all requests of my husband. I was reflecting on past holidays when I've been with different family members. There have been many holidays and anniversaries that will forever be etched in my mind. Then I turned to God's word and found Psalm 119:28. This verse touched my heart in a special way; mainly because of the word sorrow - I was already dealing with my grief stricken emotions. I thought about things that melt away and snowmen came to mind. Living in California with no snow for almost nine years, I have begun collecting snowmen. Have you ever seen a snowman melt? The process is most often slow and tedious as the sun warms the cold air. However, eventually, the snow melts and becomes a puddle. Sorrow is like that. It is strong, powerful, and overwhelming at first. Gently, it fades and melts (although it doesn't totally go away). What I have found in the past years is that God strengthens me through my sorrow. He ministers to my soul as the sorrow melts away. He is an awesome God who graciously blesses me.

A Quick Update and Christmas Pics

Life has been so busy...I went back to work for Macy*s for the Christmas season. This year, I am at the flagship store which is a little closer home and am working full-time - four days a week at 8 hour days. My computer time has been limited to just email and some Facebook. Glen and I are thinking it is time for another computer - one for Mommy and Daddy. L is doing more things on the computer and it seems that anytime I want to go on, there she is. Oh, well.

Last week, one morning before going into work, we started a new tradition. Usually, we take the kids to see Santa on the week-end or in the evening. This year, with homeschooling, we were able to go early on a school day; therefore there were no lines to see the big red man. We got a special treat too. After picture time, we went to Denny's for breakfast and who should walk in but Santa himself - more time for just the kids. Then later when I was at work, Glen took the kids to the zoo and guess who was there! The kids had three visits with Santa in one day. M believes that Santa is everywhere watching him....Here's some photos.

L with the zoo Santa.M with the zoo Santa.Together with the first Santa of the day!