Christmas with Sami and James today

We got to celebrate Christmas with Sami and James at my sisters house today.  How fun!  We had tacos, chips and salsa, chocolate mousse cake dessert, and shrimp dip and crackers.
The kids all got to play the dice game, and each one got to bring something home with them.  Now the kids are off with uncle Kirk to go sledding.  A fun day!  It was nice seeing Sami and James.  All in all a great day.  We also all got to meet Joshua's girlfriend, Lauren.  She is so sweet, and we just might see a future for the two of them.  

Abby with her bestest smile!

Is Emily taller than Grandma Peggy?

Mr. Jimmy G

Josh and his lovely girlfriend, Lauren

Kirk

Kaitlyn

The Patriarch and Matriarch of our clan

The 3 girls

The Dice Game

Enjoy it now, this is the only time I've seen him smile!  haha

Sami and James

Dane

Caleb

Beebz and Lubber

 

A tribute to Lionel Sr~

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas,
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear the angels sing.
I can't tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another,
As you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm Spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I'm walking with the King.

This is Lionel Sr's first Christmas with Jesus.  The firsts are always the hardest.  We miss him all the time, but Holiday's seem to bring out those feelings of longing to be with our loved ones.  And as hard as it is to believe, this will be Danny's 5th Christmas with Jesus..Wow...
Let's remember our loved ones today and always.

 

Snow Days!!!

Its so nice knowing Emily and Caleb can still play in the snow!  Michael took them sledding at a park the other night, and brought them to McDonald's afterwards.  He even brought hot chocolate for all of them, and bought them tubes for their Christmas presents.  It was a kind gesture for their oldest brother to take that kind of time to spend with them.  As you will see form my pics, Juno loves the snow too!  She never wanders far from her "pack", sticking close to the kids who have quickly become her best friends.  They had a great time!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

The snow has fallen, the tree is up, the stockings are hung, and the gifts are bought and wrapped.  This is the first time since Danny died that I put up our big tree, and it feels really good.  The ornaments hold so many memories for all of us.  I am so blessed to have my family, so full of love, so united.  Let us not forget the real reason we are to be celebrating Christmas.  The birth of Jesus.  Because of this act, God's intense love for us, knowing full well that this child of His would one day be hung on a cross, beaten, bloodied, spat upon, knowing the suffering He would endure, He did it anyway.  So that you and I can live forever.  No, this world is not our home.  Lord we are just passin through!  ( do you know that song?)  So as we celebrate with family, our loved ones, and keep memories of those who have gone before tucked safely in our hearts, let's also not lose sight of the real reason, the beautiful story of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.