Read it and think about it

I wish I could take credit for this, but I can't. Read it and think about it.

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. Or someone in your own family that is alone a lot.

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. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

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

““Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

The laundry is all done.
And folded.
And put away.

The kids' rooms are all clean.
Beds are made.
Toys are put away.

We are calling it the miracle on Cooper Street.

Merry Christmas everyone.

And a blessed new year.

Day 1 of 19

Today is the first day of the kids' holiday break. Woohoo! I'm so excited! Tonight we are going to the big city to look at lights, ride a tractor train, and see Mr. Claus himself. The shopping is almost done. I think we will make cookies on Monday, so if you live nearby, expect a nice tall plate of sugary floury goodness soon.

The hubs' top secret present is coming along well. I am pretty sure I was busted yesterday when he returned home from work. He usually arrives home between 6:15 and 6:30, but he made it home right at 6, while I was still knee high in downloads and transfers. Hopefully my quick thinking ninja-like "switch to the facebook screen" move evaded him a bit. Probably not.

Please keep my grandfather in your prayers. He had a small stroke sometime last week. He should be alright, but it is just hard seeing him start to "show his age". Just a little about him. Quite simply, he is the most awesome grandpa anyone could ever wish for. He can talk to anyone, from a two year old grandchild to a PhD level Physics professor and engage them on their level. He has an insatiable love for science, mostly geology and physics. He was the one who most encouraged me to go to college and to study the sciences. When I first received my acceptance letter and scholarship paperwork to attend college, he was the first one I wanted to show. When I handed him the folder, he looked at it and tears came to his eyes. He grew up in a time when poor kids with Mexican mothers simply did not go on to higher education, but he has always been passionate about learning and has always encouraged his children and grandchildren to do well in school and go to college. He is always up for an adventure. Who else can say that their 80 year old grandfather still goes deer hunting (we all know it's really rock hunting!) every year? He's always upbeat and always has a way of making you feel like you are the most important person in the world when he's talking to you. I want to be like him when I grow up :)

It's a secret....

...I bought the hubs his Christmas present this afternoon. He's having dinner with his dad tonight, so I figured I would take the afternoon and set it up.

I got him an mp3 player. He mentioned wanting to be able to listen to something other than sports talk radio during his commute, so I am loading it up with songs, church talks, and anything else I can find. I hope he likes it!

The Baby Boy

I can't believe the baby boy is half-way finished with his first grade year! He is in the middle of yet another growth spurt. He's getting huge! I swear he's going to be taller than me by the time he's 10! Every day he comes home from school and eats 3 or 4 bananas as his after school snack. He might turn into a monkey if I don't watch him closely ;) In school, he started out the school year a little bit behind. Luckily, he has a very strong work ethic, so he is all caught up. He loves reading and learning. Nature fascinates him, so he usually reads books about animals or watches shows about how the earth was made. I feel lucky to be his mom.

The Big Baby Sister

The big baby sister is so sweet. She is finally coming to accept the fact that the baby will be staying with us permanently. The past 17 months have been a huge challenge. I was expecting some resistance to the newcomer, but never imagined it would be quite so intense. Lately, however, the big sister seems to be growing more secure with the baby. I still don't trust her to be alone with her baby sister, but at least she doesn't kick her in the head right in front of me (we celebrate the small victories in this house).

Anyhoo...school has been great for the big baby sister. She is learning quite a bit, and is enjoying being around some of her old friends from both Jane Jane's and The Learning Center. She recently decided she wants her hair done every day. It's fun learning how to do her hair!

The Big Brother

The big brother is such a blessing in my life. He is so smart. He is in an advanced reading class, and made the 2nd grade UIL writing team. He is showing a great interest in science and art. His inquisitiveness astounds me. I have a half-finished masters degree in Biology, yet he still manages to stump me with his questions. It is neat to be able to use the internet to point him in the direction he needs to go and let him answer his own questions. He has read over 100 books this semester, and is reading at a 6th grade level. He is also very responsible and tries his hardest to be kind to his brother and sisters. He is really close to the baby, and is always so sweet to her.

The Baby

Every morning the hubs and the baby are the first ones awake in the house. The baby serves as the family alarm clock, and since the hubs has to leave every morning by 6 to beat traffic, he wakes up with her, gets her breakfast, packs his lunch, and plays with her for a bit before leaving for the day.

This morning was no different, except that I laid awake in bed and listened to their early morning interactions. There's just something so heartwarming about listening to the man you love fawn over the baby you both love when you know that he is unaware of your eavesdropping. As he carried her in to me before leaving for the day, I took a minute to thank God for blessing me with him. And her. And the big kids. I don't know what I did to deserve the little family I have, but I feel honored to share my life with them.

I cannot believe this year is almost over. A year ago, John was graduating from college. So much has changed, but quite a bit is the same as well. Maybe I should write a blog post about that- compare/contrast life before and after spousal graduation....hmmm... sounds promising. Maybe I'll put it in the pipeline for future use.

Anyway, with the end of the year comes end of year preparations for tax season. One of the things our church does each December is tithing settlement. Basically, you set an appointment with the Bishop and declare whether you have paid a full 10% in tithes on your increase. If you have, you get a nice pat on the back and are reminded of the blessings that are promised to you for doing this. If you haven't, you get challenged to do better next year. It's a bit of an internal control mechanism as well, as it gives you a chance to compare the church's records with your personal records and reconcile them if necessary. Sometime this past month, the hubs decided to sign our family up for tithing settlement. As we were riding home a couple Sundays ago, he informed me that we would have our appointment on the 13th at 8:45 am. In other words, on Sunday before church. Have I mentioned we drive approximately 20 miles to church- each way?

So last Sunday was the day. The hubs woke me up before 6, and we proceeded to get the kids breakfasted, showered, and dressed. We were shooting to leave about 8:00. Well, lots of shouting, some tears, and some very unladylike expressions from me to him later, we were on our way. We ended up getting on the road around 8:35. On the way, I told him that I had looked at the sign-up sheet, and that our appointment was actually at 9:15, so we should be okay on time.

We pulled up to the church, exchanged one more round of pleasantries, unloaded everyone, and headed for the bishop's office. Upon reaching the door, we looked at the sign-up sheet and noticed that our 9:15 a.m. appointment was actually for 9:15 PM. (!!) On Wednesday. (!!)

Oh well, at least we got to sit in the soft seats at church.