Happy New Year!

Wow, 2009 is drawing to a close and I don't want to let the year end without a shout out to a few people. These people don't even read my blog (I know....there are precious few of you readers out there), but I LOVE looking back at old posts, so I'm doing this more for posterity's sake than to actually thank these terrific people.

To my husband - Wow...our 20th Christmas together. I'm excited to see what happens in the next 20 years. Life with you is always exciting.

To Alyssa - You, my dear daughter, have blossomed into an amazing young woman. I'm privileged to be your mother. Thank you for being my "guinea pig". I'm excited to see what God has in store for you next year.

Kevin - Your desire to serve the Lord here and abroad is such an inspiration to those around you. I'm truly thankful for the "front row seat" that I have been given in your life. I can't wait to see what all God is going to do through you.

Hannah - You are amazing. I love watching you cultivate those things in your life that you are passionate about. Thank you for being patient with me. Sometimes I think we are too alike for our own good. :-)

Victoria - Your zeal for life is precious - thank you for making me smile. I love watching you dance and your stage presence is amazing! You are soon going to be 11 years old...I guess I don't have little girls any more.

To Wendy Jeffries - YOU are a blessing, a true gift from God! You are more than a riding instructor, horse trainer and owner of the most beautiful stables around...you are a tremendous mentor to my daughter. What a privilege to see her blossom under your tutelage.

To Mark Linton - Thank you for imparting life to my children. You inspire them to seek the Lord for themselves, not just attend church because that's what our family does. Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

To the friends of Carenet Pregnancy Center of Coastal Georgia - Thank you for your prayers and generosity. In the midst of strange economic times, YOU have been faithful and Carenet is thriving. What a blessing to look back over this past year and see God's faithfulness. It's because of YOU women are served and lives are changed.

May God richly bless you in 2010.

Merry Christmas

As a lover of Christmas music of all kinds, I like to think I'm pretty well versed (no pun intended) in traditional carols. However, at the Christmas Eve service last night I was struck by the richness of the lyrics of some of the lesser known verses of common carols. This one especially caught my attention.

What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

[CHORUS] This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Okay...so we all know this part. One of my favorites.

Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

[CHORUS]

Okay...so we hear this verse occasionally.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

[CHORUS]

Wow...the entire gospel, right here in this hymn. I LOVE this verse.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

[CHORUS]

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Hope you have enjoyed the season!

Happy Birthday Patrick!

In the midst of all the Christmas hustle and bustle, we did pause to celebrate Patrick's birthday. All kids were present (no small feat considering everyone's conflicting schedules) and a good time was had by all. After a delicious birthday dinner, some chocolate cake that was to die for, and a couple of presents, we topped the night off with our annual viewing of It's a Wonderful Life.

Mmmm...just gotta love Publix bakery's decadent dessert line.
My goal is to try them all.

Patrick's office is about to be refurnished, so I thought he needed something new on the wall, you know...something trendy and sophisticated...like a quote from Winnie the Pooh.

Christmas with a Toddler

In the midst of my hurried house decorating, I forgot that a toddler roams the house four days a week. I wasn't worried about her getting ornaments from the tree, as she's quite obedient and rarely out of sight. However, Caitlyn did manage, in a brief moment, to find some baubles on a little side table. Most were plastic, so when she threw them down, it was as if she was playing with balls...toys of her own. But when she threw down a glass one, we all came running. We found her staring at the shattered, red ornament saying, "Uh, oh...NO, NO baby!" We all burst out laughing...how do you reprimand a child who chastises herself?