Happy and Hope-Filled

As I read my devotion those two phrases really struck me. Both words can describe our attitudes or our feelings. As we come to the close of another year, I reflected on this year and realized my attitude has not always been happy or hope-filled. At times it has been one of frustration, disappointment, and down right anger. However as I face a new year, I know I can ask God and hope that He will find it His will to help me be happy and hope-filled. I already know of many reasons why I look forward in anticipation to 2010. It is a year that has several milestones....my mom will turn 80, my baby boy, Kyle, will turn 21, my oldest, Heather, will turn 30, my other son Owens is getting settled into his new home, and we look forward to our family growing. Good new stuff on the horizon :)

God has always been in the business of doing new things and I hope each of you enjoys a year of new things and God's blessings! Happy New Year.

Christmas

This past weekend Heather, Trav and MK came for a visit. It was her first time seeing our Christmas tree and boy was it fun! I remember being excited about putting up the tree when our children were young but I think I was so in the moment that I really didn't take the time to step back and take it all in. When MK was here I did step back, I watched her every move, watched her eyes literally sparkle at the lights and I listened as she tried to express her approval of what she saw. She immediately wanted to touch and feel the tree, the ornaments and oh boy, she even got into the gifts. Christmas with a small child is such an amazing thing.....I wish I had taken more time to appreciate the moments when our children were younger. As parents, I think we get so busy that we don't stop and enjoy the holidays like we should. I'm trying this year to do better...to stop and observe and watch the joy of Christmas unfold in the eyes of a child. I can't wait to introduce her to the "traditions" set by our family. Some of our traditions include the annual candlelight service at our church followed by dinner at my mother in law's house for my husband's side of the family. On Christmas morning, we all go in at the same time to see what Santa has brought, then we enjoy a breakfast casserole and coffee ring, we open gifts, enjoy fellowship with one another and then close out Christmas Day with a supper for my side of the family. This year we will introduce having a birthday cake for Jesus so that Morgan Kate can blow out the candle and start her traditions. What are some of your family traditions....please share. Merry Christmas everyone! May we all remember the reason for the season.