Home-made Christmas

Last year we decided to decorate the tree with only home-made decorations.

We loved our tree.

SO....we decided to do the same thing this year....

After enjoying a "white Thanksgiving", the kids decided that our tree this year should have a "Winter Theme".

SO.... we set out making "snowballs" (pom-poms) for garland and for our ornaments.

We continued the theme with glittered snowflakes and some soft billowy snow on the branches.

Add all that to the soft white twinkle lights...and it feels like

A Winter Wonderland.

I love our tree. ALL Home-made .

Stay tuned for the rest of the decorations......

Visits with family

My brother Keith, my sister-in-law Angelia and their VERY wonderful and VERY TALL boy, my nephew , Hunter came for a visit this weekend. Hunter was visiting local colleges in St. Louis. After his college tour, we had the rest of the weekend to just hang out, visit, play games , eat and catch up.

I love my brother. He is a real goof, he teases the kids, and tells embarrassing stories about our childhood. He loves the kids, and they love him too.

My sister, Angelia is one of the most amazing people I have ever been blessed to know. She has the MOST amazing heart. She is one of those people that make you know that GOD is working thru her. She is so loving and caring. She is ALSO one of the MOST fun people to be around. She has a GREAT laugh and is not afraid to share it.

Let's talk about Hunter. I will state the obvious. He is a giant. He has grown so tall. He has his mom's positive outlook on life. His smile and happy attitude remind me of his dad . He knows what his beliefs and morals are...and he is proud of them. He is a hard worker, and really amazing young man. Hunter really impressed his cousin, Jake. They played video games together, and talked, and had so much fun together. Jake was sad to see him leave. Jake secretly hopes Hunter decides to choose a college in St. Louis, so he can hang out at our house on the weekends.

This weekend was lots of fun. My family is spread far and wide across this country.
Any chance I have to spend time with them..... Count me in.
Thanks for a great weekend.
Love you .

I Am Blessed

Today, I just wanted to blog about .... being blessed.
I am not exactly sure I can explain why I am feeling especially blessed lately...but I am.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...
My family is so wonderful. My husband and children have been very helpful lately.
My hubby and kids have been pitching in more around the house. Emily and Jake have been bickering less...and helping each other with homework, studying and chores.
My family enjoys being together. We do things as a family...because we like each other. Our time together playing games, laughing, and making memories make each of us a better person.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...
I have GREAT friends. Friends that are there to hear my frustrations...and my laughter. Friends that I look forward to seeing each day at work. Friends that get me. That understand my goofy quirks, my silly behavior and ...well Love me in spite of all those things.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because the holiday season is upon us. I know that I am fortunate enough to not have worries that I will be able to provide food, shelter and a pleasant gathering around the holiday table and tree.

Maybe I a feeling especially blessed because I know people who are dealing with divorce, loneliness, serious illness and death of loved ones. I feel empathy for their hardships, for their heartaches. I feel relief that I have a strong, happy marriage, my family is healthy and I know love and friendship.

Maybe I am feeling especially blessed because...

I am blessed!
Thank You GOD for all the blessing you have bestowed upon me. I am forever thankful for your love.

I AM BLESSED>

Jake

Jake is growing up before my very eyes. He offered to help me "practice" taking photos.

He volunteered. What a great kid! He got all dressed up, and we headed to the sculpture park.

I think he wondered WHY he ever offered to help.... but after we got started...I think we had a good time.

I look at him and wonder where the time has gone. It seems like he is just so grown up. I hate it.

I am proud of him, and think he is maturing into an AMAZING young man....

but I want my little boy.

Please Jake... promise to stay my little boy....forever!