Christmas With My Parents

This last weekend we were able to spend time with my parents celebrating Christmas. I love them dearly. We had a weekend of wonderful food, family, and fun. My mom is often the butt of our jokes, and in the middle of all of our playing wether she likes it or not. She is such a trooper.

Marilyn and Jerry(A.K.A. Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa)

The grandkids all got dart guns and had fun shooting Grandma

My mom giving the turkey an enema.

Mom injected the marinade, Dad fried it, and we all ate the delicious bird.

You are cordially invited to
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Every day.

Traditionally, December 25 but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.

(Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart....

He'll meet you there. (You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are...

grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something aboutnew white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free.

He's already paid for everyone... (He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway...it cost Him everything He had. But you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water,"followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: ; Your life.

He's one of those people who already has everything else.

(He's very generous in return though. Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness,Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power,Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!

(All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!

He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Kids (that's us!!)!Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I willsee at the party, share this with someone today!

Why JESUS is Better Than Santa Claus

(PG) Submitted By: Anonymous

Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters yourheart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi littleboy (or girl,) what's your name?" ... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know ourname, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs brokenhomes and builds mansions.

Santa is a "jolly old elf"...
JESUS is the King of Kings

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

Christmas Cookies

Zach and I had a wonderful time making cookies today. He is quite the helper for about 5 minutes then he is bored and off to do the next thing. I wish that I had half of his energy. The cookies turned out great! They are Andies mint.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to look at Christmas lights. Some of my favorite memories of Christmas are driving around with my family and then going to eat dinner at Pizza Hut. We did that every year and I loved it. Who knew that something as simple as Christmas lights could make such wonderful rememberances. One of these days I am going to make my house one of those houses that everyone drives by because the display is sooo great. I want all of the families to "OOOOOH and AWWWWW" and make there own memories of lights. This year I am thankful that we got this much up but you just wait.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

According to the legend, there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ. The result was the candy cane.

First of all he used a hard candy because Christ is the Rock of all ages.

This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble either a "J" for Jesus or a shepherd's staff.

He made it white to represent the Purity of Christ.

Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood of Christ shed for the sins of the world and three thinner stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him.

Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a Gift from God. The flavor of the candy is peppermint which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the Pure Lamb of God come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

So the next time you see a candy cane, hear the Sermon it preaches: Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, is the Rock of all Ages who suffered and died for our sins.

Wonderful Friends

I had the wonderful honor of hosting 2 of my great friends for the weekend. It was filled with shopping, laughter, catching up, and just plain fun. I blessed to have them as my friends.

Lisa and Kristy
4 very sad girls who couldn't go blow their money at Claire's

You Can't Take Christ out of Christmas

The Month Before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.

Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Warner, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Allen, on Coleman, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Do the Hustle!

Sidney had a 'Dare to Dance' program at school last week. The kids all did several different dances including the hustle. Sidney loves to sing and dance so this program was right up her alley. She was all smiles!

A Day For Change

I decided today that my blog needed a change. Just like yesterday people voted we needed a change in the White House. It was a sad day so I decided to change something under my control. I hope that you all like the new format. I took away the counter because even though it said 800 and some people had visited this site, I think it was mostly me. I come on in hopes that people will leave me a message. I lead a pretty pathetic life.

What are you doing looking at my blog?

Go Vote!

Halloween

Aiden, Zachary, Sidney, Jonatha, and Brooklyn

Brooklyn the vet, Zach as Jack Sparrow, and Sidney the princess(of course)

a pirate with a wedgie

Halloween came and went and you will never meet anyone as happy about that as Zachary. He hates anything that has to do with Halloween. I was lucky to get him in a costume. His sisters on the other hand loved it. We were able to spend some time trick-or-treating with some friends. After we got back home Zach and I handed out candy(Zach from a distance) while Brandon and the girls walked around the neighborhood. All in all it was a good night. Now we need to go to the dentist.

Eat The White Not The Yellow

We had another big snowstorm last week. Zach wanted to get out there and play but he did more eating than playing.

Stinky and Slimey

Brandon and the girls were hard at it Saturday carving pumpkins. Zach and I had the same opinion that the pumpkins were to stinky and to slimey to mess with so we let them have all of the fun.

Football Buddies

Even though it was a rough week for the Huskers it didn't stop my two boys from showing their Husker spirit. Zach loved being #7 just like his dad.

CHOO CHOO!!!

Zach's favorite thing since before he can remember has always been trains. He claims that he is going to be a train driver when he grows up or a pirate but I push the train driver job since being a pirate isn't the most ethical of occupations. Everyday he drags them out, rearranges the track, and plays with them all over again. It never gets old for him. It does, however, get old for me since I seem to pick up more tracks, trains, and other pieces than I want to each day.

Soccer Season

Soccer season is almost over. Brandon and Josh Luse had the great honor of coaching Sidney's team. They were wonderful coaches and looked rather dashing in there pink shirts (that's what they get for letting Sid pick the color). Brooklyn played in another age division. They both had great seasons and scored many goals. We are glad that it is over this weekend since the snow is starting to fall. Winter is upon us.

My Little Monster

Can you get any cuter? Zach is not the type of kid who likes to have his picture taken. He thinks that the only good picture is one with his tongue stinking out. This was a good one so I thought that I better show it off.

Eldorado Canyon

It was a beautiful fall day and we went to have a picnic and hike around Eldorado Canyon. It was amazing. We were able to watch the crazy mountain climbers, play in the river, and just enjoy the beauty of fall. It is a must see for people coming to visit.

Fun 4 Adventure

Brooklyn and Sidney had a fun day at school when they had an outdoor adventure day. They spent the day learning about hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and canoeing. It was right up there alley and a very fun experience.

Lake Isabelle

Brooklyn and I had an opportunity to go on a hike with the 3rd grade class to Lake Isabelle. It was cold and the wind was blowing but it was worth it all once we got there and could see the views.

The WOW!

I promised Zach that we would go to the children's museum after the girls started school and he didn't forget. We ventured out with the Kautz's and had a very good morning. The boys were running non-stop. We all left ready for a nap.

Happy Birthday To Sidney!

Sidney turned 7 on Aug. 29th. She is getting so big. We have a few friends over for a party. They painted, made hats, and were just plain goofy. That is what you expect from 5 little girls. All went well and we had a wonderful day.

1st Day of School

Today was the first day of school for the girls. They were very excited and not one of us shed a tear(a truly big milestone). We were able to walk to school with our friends down the street. A big day for us all. I am thankful that they are not alone but that God is with them at all times and I pray that they will be a light in the darkness. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." John 8:12

Where does the time go?

You are probably wondering why I put such a weird picture on the blog. Well it is that emotional time of year for me because my babies are losing teeth, having birthdays, going back to school and not wanting me to walk them there, running off with friends, and just growing up to fast. We need to take every moment we can to give them a squeeze and a kiss and let them know how much we love them because before we know it they will be all grown up, typing blogs of there own and wondering where the time went.

Sunday Stroll

We ventured to downtown Denver today. We took a stroll to the 16th Street Mall. The weather was wonderful. There were many sites to see. The kids were so impressed by the tall buildings that they thought for sure we were in New York. We spent much of our time riding the escalators because that is pirate Zach's favorite thing to do. He spent the day acting as a pirate and would not take his hand off of his eye for any pictures. We were very blessed to have such a great day together!

Motorcycle Madness

Motorcycle madness is what I go through every day that Brandon gets on his bike. It makes me nervous even though I know that it is all in God's hands and I don't need to worry. The girls have finally gotten a helmet that fits them and they love going for rides with him. I on the other hand have not been on the bike and don't intend to any time soon. Brandon has other plans and hopes to get me on the bike as soon as he can to ease my fears (yeah right!).

My Baby is 4

Zach turned 4 on July 7th. It is hard to believe that my baby could be that old. We had a fun weekend with Grandma, Grandpa, Jessica, Clayton, Colton, and Chucky:)

A Day in the Mountains

We took a day and headed up the mountain to Estes Park. We spent the day playing putt-putt golf, hiking, and driving up to the continental divide. It was a beautiful day until it began to rain but it was time to head home anyway. The Mountains do declare his majesty!