the holiday

There's no greater gift at Christmas than to have everything you want, before you open presents.

St. Nick

Story of St. Nicholas

He was a boy when he lost his parents very early in life. It was an epidemic that took them, but not before he was old enough for them to help him discover the gift of faith. Little Nicholas went to Myra and lived a life full of self-offering, and giving of himself. His life was full of sacrifice and love, just like Jesus. Nicholas lived such a Christ like life that when the town needed a bishop he was immediately elected. Later he was imprisoned for his Christian faith, but released by the Emperor Constantine. Thereafter, many stories of his generosity were collected and they spread from mouth to mouth all through out the lands. It was told how he begged food for the poor and how he would somehow get money for girls to use as a dowry so that they could have husbands. The story most often repeated was about how he would put on a disguise and go out and give gifts to the poor children. In fact Nicholas gave away everything he had, plus everything he could get. He died in AD 314; his body was moved to Italy where his remains are believed to be to this day. The story of Nicholas has spread all around the world, and today there are more European churches named after St. Nicholas than any other person in the history of the church, aside from the famous Bible characters. People have done many things to old St. Nick. Clement Moore the poet gave him a red nose and eight tiny reindeer. Artist Thomas Nast gave Nicholas a round belly and a red fir trimmed suit. But those things really aren’t that important are they? What is important is that he lived in the mind set and the life style of Christ. And because he lived that lifestyle, the life of Nicholas touched the whole world and it does to this very day. But here is the really important part of the story. That same Christ like mind set and that life style is supposed to be in all of us and lived by all of us. And that is the true story of St. Nick.

-- Author Unknown

friends

It's been a real fun day but I'm dreading to take Lacey to school this week. If you are a parent, you probably remember when your child made their first "real" friend. You know, the friend they chose, they picked out on their own, became close buddies, with no parent interference. Lacey has a friend named Emily. Their teacher has told us several times that they are glued to each other and are best buddies all day at school. Lacey talks about this sweet little girl all week and any time she hears the name of Emily, she thinks of her special friend. She tells me what they do together and how she hopes she can come to her birthday party one day. It's the sweetest thing to hear her talk about this little girl. But I recently found out that her friend won't be coming back to school again but will be staying at home with her daddy instead. Lacey is unaware of this. Last week she mentioned that Emily wasn't at school because she thinks her mommy is sick or something. I just couldn't tell her that she may never see her again. No last name, no parent contact to play together, nothing. Her sweet friend is just gone and Lacey will be heart broken. I'm going to tell her this week because it's really not fair that she expects her to be there, ready to play all day with her.

Her closest friend, her buddy, the one she wants to spend time with, is gone. Things have changed.....no good-bye.......no explanation, just a little broken heart that misses her friend. I guess I can teach her about memories and how to remember all the fun they had together, playing and giggling. Sadly, I can say that I understand. It's not fair but as the lame saying goes..."life goes on."

And......I can only hope that she will see her friend sitting at the table with her next fall as they begin pre-school together!!

just say No!

Sometimes its much better to say No to holiday parties or events and just relax and spend time at home! That describes our evening! Lacey decided she didn't want to go to her school Christmas party since her friend Emily wouldn't be there. So we had a fun night putting up our Christmas tree and laughing as she encouraged us to sing Jingle Bells as we decorated the tree. I enjoyed a long over-due bubble bath with my little girl as she served me with a tea party in the water. We wrapped presents and had dinner together, just the three of us. I had to laugh, but almost cried, as she carried a new present for Daddy to the Christmas tree. I was still in the bedroom but I heard the little voice tell Daddy that the bag had new shoes for him inside! Yep, she told him one of my gifts! Oh well, maybe he will act surprised anyways.

Home sweet Home, the best place to be!

favorite song now

The lyrics don't do it justice, of course. It's a great song, check it out if you haven't heard it. It's funny because Jeremy Camp sounds like Tim McGraw, especially in this song.


Artist: jeremy camp
Song: there will be a day- lyrics

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

fast food?

So, it's only December 6th and I have to follow-up with my previous blog.

Thursday.....Christmas party at the Roadhouse
Friday.....mall shopping....Chic Fil A sandwich
Saturday.....Christmas party at a steak house

Is this considered fast food? or is it worse?
Maybe I should start January 1st instead :)

i think i can, i think i can....

I have decided to ban fast food! At least for the next 30 days!