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The weather has been so cold that we have broken records here on the west coast.  I am not complaining because I know that it's good to have this cold weather that is right across our entire country.  Hopefully it will kill the pine beetle that is destroying our forests.

Here at home everything is shaping up for Christmas....trying to "keep things simple" is my motto this year.  The sun was shining so bright even though the temperature was -9 Celsius. I felt so truly blessed by the Lord....he protected me while driving this week in horrible weather.  He protected my daughters while driving and dh also.  We have an abundance of food stored for the holidays and we are all healthy.  God sent his son to be born, knowing that he would be dying on the cross to save me and the world.  What a more precious gift could I ever ask for...what a blessing to have in my life.

My heart is over-joyed this year.  I'm not sure exactly why, well, maybe I know why and it's God's grace and mercy in my life...he loves me more than anyone...and he Loves YOU more than anyone.  Isn't it great to know that ...For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everylasting life....John 3:16   It truly is the greatest gift...and my heart soars at the knowledge of such a verse. 

The boys brought in lots of firewood so we kept the fire going all evening. The house was quiet as all my children and dh were reading....I was so tired that I just laid on the couch.  Not sure where the tiredness came from, but I didn't fight it...just went with it and had my children serve me. Anika and Stephanie were so sweet as Steph was rubbing my feet and Anika made me Peppermint tea...I managed to get a few photos of the boys sitting by the fire.  They are the most handsome boys around...don't ya think so?   

I put a small turkey in the oven for dinner.  I usually make a turkey a week or so before Christmas so that I will have lots of gravy on Christmas day.  So the gravy was saved for the freezer and we had turkey with mashed potatoes, broccoli'n cream sauce with a tossed salad.  We will have Anika's cookies for a treat this evening.  

Today was the last day of school for the children...will be nice to have everyone home.  Tianna however, will be doing her final course for a Life Guard...so she will be busy starting tonight with her first lesson and every day until the 24th.  I will be so glad when this is over.  She has been working on this ever since she was little and doing swimming lessons.  All her hard work is about to pay-off.

Well, I'm off to serve dh his evening coffee and the boys are "chomping at the bit" to sink their teeth into Anika's cookies. I pray that everyone has a wonderful evening staying warm.

Blessings to each of you!

Saturday, December 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by morningsunshine
very handsome boys, indeed. Did they save any cookies for me?
We have also had some extreme weather here, and it is such a blessing to be able to say "We have enough food to get us through the holidays so we do not HAVE to go out."
Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SherKeith
What a gorgeous family you have! I could just scoop those "babies" up and bring them home! HA I know what you mean about curling up around the fireplace. We've been doing the same thing. It's such a Blessing to know all our needs are being met and we're surrounded by those we love! Have a Blessed Christmas. Hugs, Sher

Monday, December 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by blessedmomof10
Connie,
I am catching with you my friend! This has been a crazy week for me......so I am just now getting back to checking in on my dear friends here at HSB. Loved the pics of the kids..... things look pretty cozy and toasty over there. :) Sure miss that northwest this time of year.... especially when it snows.... the fir trees look so beautiful with snow......
Keep warm,
gloria