Our Christmas

Well, another Chistmas has come and gone. Of course, the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in our daily lives - PTL!!
Actually, I am glad that all the rushing around is over. I am so exhausted by Christmas day that I usually don't enjoy it as much as I could. Yesterday, at my parents house, I fell asleep on the couch. I was a bit embarrassed but I just couldn't help it. Thankfully, the family was very understanding and didn't chastise me for it. They were also very merciful and didn't do anything mean to me while I lay there. LOL But, we had been running for several days doing the family things. My little guy had a birthday last Friday (the 21st). He was 7 years old. I can hardly believe he is 7 already. So, we went out to dinner and then had family over for cake and ice cream. Saturday morning we headed to my sister-in-law's house (2 hours away) for her family get-together. We got home at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Missed church. Then, I had to do some last minute shopping and hit the grocery store.
Monday, we had to drive to my aunt's house for lunch with my Dad's side of the family, back home for Christmas Eve with Frank's family. Of course, then I had to come home to fix things for the next morning (Santa). So, on Christmas morning, I got up early to start preparing my food items to take to my parents house. Meanwhile, the kids came over to open gifts with us and have breakfast. They don't go to my parents with us anymore - they have grown up and flown the coop. So, we were at my parents (45 minutes away) by 12:30 for lunch. I was in such a tizzy I forgot one of my Mom's gifts and the plate of deviled eggs I had prepared. See what I mean??

Now, don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful Christmas. Jacob really hit the motherlode in toys. Plus, Granny and Papaw bought him a new bicycle. Last year, they bought him a four-wheeler. I warned them about buying vehicle-type gifts for him - when he is 16 he will expect a new car. LOL
But, I am really glad that he enjoyed himself so much. He went to the jewelry store with his Daddy to buy me a beautiful silver bracelet. The links are hearts and each heart has a letter spelling M-O-M. I love it. But, what I really enjoyed about it was the excitement on his face as he gave it to me. He was so proud and could hardly wait for me to get it open. It was a very sweet moment, for me anyway.
My darling husband purchased himself a Christmas gift - well for both of us - a new truck. He deserves it - he works hard and the old truck was 12 years old. Definately time for a new one.
Well, that catches everyone up on the last few days. It has been a whirlwind of activity and personally, I am glad to have the next few days to chill. I received a couple of new books and a copy of the Archealogical Bible. So, I've got me some good reading ahead of me. Tonight, I am going to watch all three dvd's of the television epic - John Jake's "North and South." It just don't get much better than that.

Hope ya'll had a great Christmas!! Let me know how it went for you.

We got elfed!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Check us out here.

Hope you enjoy!!

Guess I should start decorating for Christmas

I am so ashamed to admit this - but I have not started my Christmas shopping yet. Yes, I know how that sounds and I definately know what that says about me. Nevertheless, it is the truth. Sadly, I just haven't been in the mood. This is a very unusual thing for me - every year, I get so excited over Christmas and all the little details that surround it. But, this year, I just haven't been able to get myself excited over it.
Well, that is, until tonight. Tonight, our church had the annual "Secret Pal Dinner." Each year, the women of the church put our names into a basket, then draw one out. We keep it secret (hence, Secret Pals, duh)and send cards, remember birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions and of course, the holidays throughout the year. It's really alot of fun. Then, on the first Saturday in December, we have our annual dinner. The men cook the dinner and we have a program, then reveal our Secret Pals and exchange gifts. It's a wonderful occasion.
Now, to be truthful - this morning, I was dreading the whole thing. I just didn't want to go. And, I had not purchased my Pal's gift until today. But, I did a quick trip to the mall this morning and found a beautiful red, silk pajama set and a soft robe to match. I bought her some fuzzy slippers and wrapped it all up in a pretty bag with a big gold bow. Yet, I still wasn't in the mood for Christmas.
UNTIL - during the program at the dinner - a friend of mine stood up and read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. As Terri read, suddenly, my spirits began to lift and I began to look forward to preparing for Christmas.
You see, it hit me - the shopping, the decorating, the baking, the wrapping - all of this is a gift of sorts. It is my gift to my family. The things that I do every year to get ready are as much a gift as the presents I buy. These are the things that make Christmas time feel like Christmas time at our house. In doing all of these things, I can help make a way to bring the true meaning into the season.
Is it just me, or do you get the feeling that God is smiling down, saying, "Now you get it."
Maybe, I'm just crazy - but that's what happened. And, I feel more like getting ready for Christmas. So, tomorrow after church, the three of us are having a decorating party at our house. Frank and Jacob are in charge of getting the tree up and we will all decorate it together. I will bring out the Christmas linen and the Christmas dishes to use for the next few weeks. The lights will go in all the windows and the wreath on the door. My collection of Christmas carolers will come out of the closet and the stockings will be hung on the mantle. Then, tomorrow night, after dinner - we will all sit in the light of the tree and maybe watch Polar Express for the umteenth time (and love every minute of it.)
Another one of my favorite Christmas movies is The Bishop's Wife (with Cary Grant) so that is a possibility.
But, it all sounds so wonderful now. I am actually looking forward to some serious shopping this week.
God is so cool. I am always amazed at His ways. I am so blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loves me and never gives up on me.

Oh, by the way - what are your favorite Christmas movies?? I would love to know.

Blessings,
Lisa

And now, on to Christmas!!

Thanksgiving was a blast! The weather was cold and dreary outside - but the atmosphere was warm and cheery inside. The food was wonderful - Paula Deen didn't have anything on us yesterday.
We ventured all the way next door to Frank's Aunt Sharon's house. Forty-six of Tennessee's finest graced our table(s). The kiddoes had a blast playing outside - even though the high was 44 degrees. Of course, Jacob managed to fall into the creek along the edge of the yard. And, of course, he was wearing his school shoes. And, of course, I had to trek back to our house for clean (and dry) socks and shoes.
Oh, it was a lovely day.

Several of the cousins were making big plans last night for thier annual "Black Friday" shopping adventures. Me? Oh No!! I don't get out of my house on Black Friday. I'm afraid!! The stories I've heard are scary!! People snatching and grabbing. The arguing and the fighting over that last do-ma-jiggy. The running around in the wee hours of the morning for THAT bargain. Nope! Not me!!
I'm a firm believer that 4:00 a.m. is made for some serious sleeping.
However, I have the greatest respect for those of you who dare to catch those unbelievable deals. As a matter of fact, you have my prayers, too.
I just happen to be very traditional. I go shopping with my list - pay the regular prices and of course, it's usually at the last possible minute. I love everything about Christmas EXCEPT the shopping. Oh, how I wish there wasn't such an emphasis on the "perfect purchased gift." We've already been given the most perfect gift of all - shouldn't we simply rejoice in the birth of Christ? Shouldn't we enjoy the true meaning of the season? Oh, how I wish!!! But, I am just as guilty. I want my family and friends to love the gifts I give. I love to see the look on my son's face when he rushes down the steps on Christmas morning to see what Santa has delivered. I adore the sights, the sounds, the smells, the feeling of Christmas - I love it all. But, I love my Jesus more. I adore Him for coming to this earth on that first blessed Christmas night. I cherish, yet am humbled by His love for me - that He would love me enough to die for me. Oh, my wonderful Savior! You are Christmas. You ARE Christmas! Maybe that is why I love Christmas all year long - because I love my Jesus all year long; every day; every hour; every minute. He is everything to me.
So, even though I will still have to go shopping. I am going to do my best to share the love of my Jesus a lot more than usual this Christmas season. That is the truly the best gift to give. And, anything that makes it home in a shopping bag to get wrapped in pretty paper and placed under the tree can be counted as a bonus.

As we embark on yet another Christmas season - I pray that each of you will be blessed with the true meaning of the season. I pray that the Spirit of Jesus will be on you every moment. Many, many wishes for a blessed, happy and safe Christmas season.

Warning! Too Much Drama Could Cause Gray Hair

Honestly, I did not plan to stay away for so long. There has been so much going on - I feel as if I've been in a whirlwind for the past two weeks.

The rather large nutshell version is this - Jacob has been having stomach issues - mainly vomitting at random. First visit to his doctor yielded zero results - because he (the doctor) did virtually nothing, no tests, nothing. Jacob's blood pressure was elevated and doctor did not seem to be aware of the fact that I was concerned. He didn't even order Jacob's bp to be monitored. I was not happy. Also, doctor just simply said that "sometimes kids just throw up." Well, not my kid!! This very doctor's visit was Jacob's second - yes, second, sick visit in his entire life. So, don't tell me that kids just throw up - my kid doesn't just throw up!! Thank you, very much!!
So, I did what any calm, cool and collected mother would do - I took Jacob to another doctor . . . a woman doctor!!! And, she is awesome. She listened, she asked questions, she answered questions, she ran tests and more tests. AND, the pinnacle - she called me at home when she got the blood test results. I am so glad that we found this doctor. She is very thorough - just what a mother wants in her son's doctor.
The test results showed that Jacob has H Pylori bacteria in his stomach. It is the type of bacteria that, left untreated, can cause ulcers or eventually cancer. So, Praise the Lord that it can be treated. Jacob is on two antibiotics (first time ever for him) and Prilosec for the next fourteen days. Then, he'll go back to be rechecked to see if the bacteria is gone.

As if that isn't enough to keep me up at night - this past weekend my Mom and Dad were travelling to Richmond, VA (about six hours away) and were involved in a car accident. By God's grace and mercy, no one was hurt. But, the car was damaged and they were unable to drive it home. So, my darling husband, Frank and my sweet stepson Alex, hitched up the trailer to the back of the Dodge and went to Richmond to rescue Mom and Dad.
Can ya'll see the Hand of God in all this??? He is all over it - every little element shows His love and His protection.

So, I'm tired and I haven't felt like blogging lately. But, I hope the holidays will bring me lots of good news to share. I'm really looking forward to the Christmas season. Jacob was born just a few days before Christmas, which just makes the season more special. This year we are reading Lisa Whelchel's book, "The ADVENTure of Christmas." I recommend it for anyone with children or grandchildren. There are so many wonderful things to do for the Advent season. You can find it here or here or other places.
I know this may sound awful - but, I'm really not a big fan of Thanksgiving. I don't need one day a year set aside to remind me to be thankful. It's a daily event in our house. But, Christmas - oh, my - I just adore Christmas.

For now, I pray blessings to all two of you who will read this blog and special blessings to all those who will never know this blog exists!
Good night!

Stuff Just Keeps Happening

Well, I love my job! O.K. I know I've only been there two days but it is just wonderful. Dr. Principal is so sweet. She worked out my schedule so that I can still substitute one day a week if I want to. She said she wanted to give me the opportunity to earn a little extra money. How sweet is she?? And, how good is God to give me a boss like Dr. Principal? All, the teachers are so nice. They have been most helpful and seem so excited to have me in the classrooms.
During the morning, I travel from class to class. I begin my day in 3rd grade classes and then move on to the 4th grades. I assist with the kids who are struggling. So, I'm actually having the opportunity to teach. I'm so excited.
Then, after my lunch break, I go to the kindergarten for the rest of the day. I just love those little guys. And, Mrs. W, the teacher is such a good Christian. We had the best discussion today about our favorite Bible teachers and books we've read. We have so much in common, we are already good friends. Also, I've discovered that many of the teachers and staff throughout the school are Christians. The teacher's lounge is always abuzz about church events and Bible studies. It is just a great place to work.
I am praising, praising, praising!

Then, there is a little bit of other stuff going on. My bff, Lezley may be moving away. Notice, may be moving. Her husband is a regional manager for a credit company and was offered a position in Louisville, Kentucky. That is 6 1/2 hours away. They went there Monday for the interview. Brian said it went very well and he should know something by next Monday. If he is offered and takes the position, they have to be in Louisville by December 1st.
I'm having a little bit of trouble wrapping my mind around the whole thing. You see, Lezley and I have been friends for about 4 years, but it feels as if we have been friends all our lives. We are as different as night and day - but we compliment each other. We are sisters and I love her dearly. She is such a rock for me. But, there are so many good things for thier family if this move happens. Money, for one. Brian will be making more money - we all know how handy that can be. And, Lezley wants to go to Asbury Seminary, which is close to Louisville.
I hope and pray for the best for them and I'm especially praying for God's will to be done. But, the selfish part of me really wants them to stay.
But, I have to wonder if God has provided me with this fantastic new job to help me get through if they do move. I mean, my God is such and awesome God and He loves me so much that He doesn't want me to hurt. So, it makes sense that He would be preparing me ahead of time to make the transition easier.
So, for now, we wait - and pray - and know that God is Good all the time!

It's Been a Crazy Week But Full of God!!

I have had the craziest week - but crazy good! It all started last Sunday night. I was browsing through some of my favorite websites - you know, just checking to see if there was anything new going on. I clicked on the website for the local school system to check job postings (something I try to do on a fairly regular basis.) Lo, and behold, there were several new listings for a State Instructional Aide in the elementary schools - one in my son's school. So, I promptly printed out an application, typed me up a resume and a nice cover letter.
On Monday morning, I dropped Jacob off at school and made my way to the school board office. I talked to God on the way over there asking Him to show me His will and that whatever was His plan, I am good with that! So, I waltzed into the office, politely handed my application and stuff to the lady at the desk and asked if I could speak to the director of Human Resources. She kind of looked at me like I had asked her for all her money - but she went into the inner office to forward my request. Mrs. R came out to meet me. Now, let me interject a very important little tidbit here - Mrs. R is not a friendly person. Yeah, I know, she is the Director of Human Resources and works with people all day long - but that does not make her a personable person, not by any means.
So, in her very stoic way - she stood and stared at me while I rambled on about how I appreciate the opportunity to apply for this job. How lame can I be??
Anyhoo - she thanked me - shook my hand and disappeared back into her inner santum. So, I left. What else could I do? The rest was in the Lord's hands. I'm good with that.
Tuesday afternoon, there was a voice mail on my home phone letting me know that I had an interview scheduled for Wednesday morning. So, on Wednesday morning, I dressed as professionally as my closet would allow and waltzed back to the School Board office. When I was finally called in for my interview I had the nicest surprise waiting on me. The principal from Jacob's school was sitting in on the interview. Talk about relief!! Did I mention that Mrs. R has zero personality?? I was really feeling some anxiety about interview with her - but with Dr. Principal sitting there - I relaxed a ton. Dr. Principal is a wonderfully warm, Christian lady who has become a good friend. Now, having her in there was just God - He was taking such good care of me.
My interview went very well. I felt really good about it. As I was leaving the building, I just felt in my heart that I was going to get the position. Mrs. R had told me they would make a decision by noon and only the successful candidate would be notified. So, I went home and waited. At five minutes to noon - yes, FIVE minutes to noon - the phone rang. Mrs. R called to let me know that I was selected for the position. Well, I did some serious praising!!
Maybe I haven't made clear the importance of this position. I've been substitute teaching since the beginning of the school year - but it's a feast or famine situation. I might get five calls one day and then none for the rest of the week. Hard to earn a paycheck that way, you know what I mean?
So, this position will give me a steady paycheck AND a position in the school system that could lead to bigger and better things later on.
Can ya'll see God in all this??? He is all over it!! I needed a steady job - He provided it. I wanted a position, either in my son's school, or very near by - He provided it IN my son's school. Is God cool, or what??!!! I LOVE HIM!!!

Now, more God. While I was at the School Board office waiting to go into my interview, I was reading "In Touch" magazine. Dr. Stanley wrote an article about waiting on God (something I have a LOT of trouble doing.) And, I really felt God telling me to slow down for a while. I believe God wants me to slow down regarding graduate school for right now. I don't think He wants me to give up - just wait a little bit longer. Why do I think this? Well, I'm not sure the school I had chosen is the one God has chosen for me. The whole grad school application process has been very frustrating for me. So, I'm going to sit still and wait. And, you know what? I feel really good about it. Hey, I might be growing a little bit here! How cool is that?

Well, there's my week FULL of God and I am still so excited about it. I hope you have had a week full of God too. It's a great and wonderful thing.

Blessings!