12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

 Day 4 - Christmas Memories

Growing up, I remember the anticipation me and my four brothers and sisters had as it got closer to Christmas.  Our house was filled with the smells and flavors of Christmas.  I loved helping my mother make cookies and decorating them.  Although my parents couldn't afford elaborate gifts, there were always lots of simple presents under the tree.  I will never forget the year that I received my first electric raiser.  It was purple and white with butterflies.  I was so embarased.  Now my brothers would know that I shaved.  The year my sister and I both received baby dolls and buggy strollers was another favorite.  I have fond memories of taking our babies for walks around the neighborhood. 

I will never forget the year that I caught "Santa" taking all of the presents which were hidden in my parents' bedroom to the living room to be placed under the tree. At that time Santa and I had a talk about all of the Santa business, and my parents then allowed me to help display the gifts under the tree, as long as I kept this secret to myself and didn't tell my brothers and sisters.  

We always had a house full, with extended family coming to visit. I loved spending time with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  I remember we would sit around and sing Christmas carols until we couldn't remember any more.  

One of the fondest Christmas memories that I have is the year my husband asked me to marry him on Christmas Eve.  We had only known each other for 3 months -- yes, 3 months -- but we knew that we loved each other and believed Christ had brought us together. But I wasn't expecting an engagement so soon.  My husband asked me to come over to his apartment so that we could exchange gifts.  I walked into a dimly lit apartment, there were long stem roses in the Christmas tree, soft music in the background.  Still I did not expect.  After my husband opened his gifts, he presented me with a very large and adorable teddy bear and a card.  The card was beautiful and at the end he wrote how much he loved me and asked me to marry him.  I started crying.  But still, I took this to mean sometime in the future. It took me a while to notice that the teddy bear was holding the ring box in his paws.  I was thrilled. Eight months later we were married. Still today on Christmas eve I celebrate that moment 22 years ago when we committed to be together forever!

I can't wait to read about your memories.  Link up with Cait at The Blessed Life! 

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

 Day 3 - Gift Ideas

Our Christmas budget has been especially tight over the last few years.  Each year my family buys small gifts to give to the children and adults at our church's Christmas Outreach, and then I focus on my children.  After that, I spread out the love as inexpensively as possible, but as creatively as possible.  One gift that people of all ages enjoy are:

No Sew Blankets

These are so easy to make and you can find the material inexpensively.

You can find directions on how to make them here.

Other ideas for Children,

(My kids love to go and buy hot chocolate!)

Some ideas for Teens, 

And for the Men in your life,

And for the special ladies in your life,

I hope I have given you some fabulous ideas for gifts this year.  Link up with Cait at The Blessed Life for more of the 12 Days of Christmas.

12 Days of Chirstmas - Day 2

Day 2 - Christmas Traditions

Here are a few of my family's favorite Christmas traditions:

Movies - Beginning now all the way up to Christmas, my family loves to watch Christmas movies. Some of our favorites are Elf, The Grinch, The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street.  We try to watch a few each week.

Baking - A week or two before Christmas I get together with my mom and/or sister to bake cookies.  We make Sugar Cookies, Sandies, Magic Bars, Snicker Doodles and more!  If I have the finances, I love giving baked goodies to friends and co-workers.

Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve is always spent at my younger sister's home. The family comes over and we each bring something to contribute to eat.  The adults each buy a $10 gift, bring it wrapped with no name and we play the "steal it" game.  The children normally draw names in advance and buy a small gift for the cousin that they chose.  

Also on Christmas Eve, my children open up their new PJs, not necessarily Christmas ones. They all look so adorable on Christmas morning in their new PJs.

After the children go to bed on Christmas Eve, I bring out their presents (which I never put under the tree ahead of time, because they normally only have a few) and stuff their stockings.

Christmas Morning - I lay in bed as long as possible.  My oldest son, who is 16, is usually the first one up, sometimes as early as 5:00a and I make him promise to not sneak a peak into his stocking while waiting for the other kids to get up.  My younger two, ages 10 and 7, usually are up between 6:30-7:00a and I normally have to wake up my oldest daughter (19) and my husband through bribery.  We love to sit with our children and read about the birth of Jesus and pray together.  Then the kids open their stockings and gifts and hubby and I exchange gifts.  Afterwards, I make breakfast which normally consists of Cinnamon French Toast, Bacon, Hash Brown Cassarole, juice and coffee.

Christmas Day - We normally spend Christmas Day at my parents or sister-in-law's home.  We take turns so it depends on whose turn it is, and for the life of me, I can't remember!

Link up to the 12 Days of Christmas with Cait at The Blessed Life! 

12 Days of Christmas

I am participating in the 12 Days of Christmas with Cait at The Blessed Life.  

Day 1 - What Does Christmas Mean To You?

Christmas to me is LOVE.  God loved me so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to earth to be born so that I might live eternally and forever with Him.  It's hard for me to comprehend such love.  I am so grateful that He came.

 

Christmas is about loving others.  Every year for the last several years our church has put on a Community Christmas dinner for those in our community who are homeless or who cannot otherwise afford a Christmas dinner.  We fill their stomachs by serving them a hot meal, and get the privilege of filling their spirits by sharing the free gift of Jesus.  We also bless the children and adults with gifts. It does my heart good to be a part of such an amazing outpouring of love to others.

 

Christmas is also about spending time with my family.  We enjoy getting up early on Christmas morning, reading the story of Jesus' birth, praying together, opening gifts, making a huge breakfast and then enjoying the day with extended family.

 

It's easy to get distracted during this busy seasons. I strive to keep JOY in my heart as I reflect on the goodness of God and all that I have been given through Jesus, God's free gift of love to me.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 13

Day 13:  Goals

I've never been much of a goal setter.  There are things in my life that I desire to accomplish, but sometimes I think I aim too high.  Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I can tend to get impatient when I don't reach those goals when I think I should.  I can tend to be hard on myself.  Nonetheless, here are some of my goals that I hope to reach before the year is out, or at least get close:

1. Read my Bible every day.  This is something I am still working on.  It's getting better.
2. Spend more time in the House of Prayer. I love meditating on His Word in the context of day and night worship and prayer.
3. Tell my husband and each of my children that I love them each day.
4. Lose 25lbs before the year is over.
5. Make weekly menus and do grocery shopping each week without fail.
6. Learn to take better pictures.
7. Laugh often.
8. Exercise more.
9. Be more organized at home and at work.
10. Read at least one book a month.

There you have it.  If you aren't already participating in Katie's 30 Day Blog Challenge, what are some of your goals?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 12

Day 12:  What I Believe

I believe.....

Walking through hard places makes you stronger.

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Jesus has the cure for cancer.

You have to take risks and be willing to fail.

My heart is changed by being in the presence of God.

Random acts of kindness can change someone's life.

I am a good wife and mother.

I have a unique purpose to fulfill while on this earth.

I am blessed.

I am a blessing to others.

(*This one could have gone on forever.)

Visit Katie's Journey for more of the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 11

Day 11:  Favorite TV Shows

I don't get much TV time.  But when I do, these are some of the shows I love to watch:

1.  Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

I cry like a baby every time. 

2.  Iron Chef America

This show makes me hungry, but also provides great

culinary tips and tricks.

3.  What Not To Wear

This show is hilarious. I can't believe what some people wear.

Visit Katie's Journey for more on the 30 Day Blog Challenge!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 10

Day 10:  Something You Are Afraid Of

Missing God's plan for my life.

Not fulfilling my dreams.

Being alone.

Leaving this earth too soon.

Visit Katie's Journey for more of the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 9

(I apologize if this is a double post.  This was someone dated
for Monday instead of today!)

Day 9:  A Picture Of Your Friends

My two best friends in the entire world!

On the left is Laura.  She is beautiful inside and out.  She's a very gifted artist and photographer.  You can check out her blog here.  I do not know where my life would be without her in it.  She is a woman of amazing strength and grace.  I love hanging out with her, watching long movies together, having coffee, and just sharing about the deeper things of God.

On the right is Kristin. She moved to Arizona about 3 years go and I miss her terribly. We were drawn together many years ago through worship (both singing on worship teams) and from the moment we met we were inseparable. She sings like an angel and has truly been an angel to me here on earth. We shared pregnancies, witnessed each others children being born and have walked together through hard times.  We always enjoyed drinking coffee together, sharing a bagel, walking around the lake and shopping. I was fortunate to visit her in Arizona over the summer.

Me and Debbie from Heart Choices!

When I visited Kristin in Arizona, I took Laura with me, and we were very fortunate to meet Debbie of Heart Choices. Debbie's was one of the first blogs I followed.  She is always so encouraging and life giving. I know that when I visit her blog, God will speak. I feel very fortunate to have been able to meet one of the bloggers I love in person. I love her to pieces!

Visit Katie's Journey for more of the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 7

Day 7:  Favorite Movies

Here are some of my favorite movies, in no particular order:

I am loving the 30 Day Blog Challenge at Katie's Journey.  Pop on over and have a look!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 6

Oops, I missed a day. I hope that's okay.

Day 6:  Something That Makes You Happy

I love how my children love me!  These notes always bring me smiles!

Visit Katie at Katie's Journey for more of the 30 Day Blog Challenge!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 4

Day 4:  Your Parents

My parents are two of the most loving, humble and giving people that I know.  Although I was not born again growing up,  my parents' example taught me so much about faith, love and sacrifice.  My father grew up in Mexico.  When He came to the states, he worked as a Chef for a local restaurant for many, many years.  It was the only job he ever knew.  And he was darn good at it.  My father would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it.  As children growing up, he worked extra jobs just to make sure we had the things we needed.  He often would apologize for not being able to give us more.  But he gave what he had out of a heart of love and sacrifice.  He gave what mattered.  He gave love.

My mother is an amazingly strong woman.  I was fortunate to have had her at home most of my childhood (before she went to work).  I admire her for the sacrifices she's made for others, and for her strength and humble spirit.  Mom has had some health issues in the past, a couple of which could have taken her life.  I am so very thankful to God that she is still here with us today. 

My parents are a true examples to me of two people who have weathered the storms in life and have truly taken the term "til death do us part" to heart.  Thank you, mom and dad, for leading by your hearts and helping to show me the way of faith, hope and love in my own life.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 3

Day 3:  Your First Love

I went through my adolescent years without knowing Christ.  I remember as a teenager, I couldn't wait to have my first "boyfriend" and "fall in love".  There was one time in particular where I really believed I was in love.  It came with the swarm of emotions that I always thought it would -- butterflies in my stomach, not being able to eat, wanting to always be with him, etc.  However, that relationship, and a few others that followed, only led to heartache and years of wondering what was so wrong with me that no one could love me.

But then I met Jesus.  He came to me gently, and unexpectedly.  He came with such warmth.  There was a light and truth about Him that I could not deny.  I accepted Him into my life, not fully comprehending this type of love that He had to offer to me.  I remember how excited I was in those first days of our relationship.  I could not wait to spend time with Him.  I would even go without food for a chance to sit and talk with Him, just the two of use.  He changed my world and secured my future.  I am eternally grateful.

It has taken me a long time to understand the kind of love that God has for me.  Hurts from the past have clouded my perception of my loving Heavenly Father at times.  I have not fully come to a place where I can comprehend it.  But I can honestly say that He is my "first true love", for without Him, I could not have known the love of man who came at such a needed time in my life and rescued me from further heartache; or the love of a child -- unconditional, always pointing me back to the Father.  Or the chance to love myself. 

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

(Song of Solomon 6:3)

Be sure and stop by Katie's blog at Katie's Journey to link read about more "first loves".

Filled With Praise Blog Party!

I am so excited to be hooking up with Amy at Filled With Praise to celebrate her one year blog anniversary.  I love parties, I love getting to know new people and besides, she is giving away some fabulous prizes and I love prizes!  To help her celebrate, Amy has asked all who link up to answer the following questions, so here goes: 

• If you could have dinner with any person (past or present) who would it be?  My grandmother.  She passed away about 7 years ago and I miss her terribly.  She always made me laugh and had so much compassion.
• What is your most embarrassing moment that you are willing to share with the blogging world?  I have had several embarrassing moments.  One I remember vividly is when I was on a missions trip to Honduras.  We were on the bus headed back to our guest home after ministering all day at a school.  On the side of the road there was a man selling pottery and I remember asking if we could get off the bus so that I could have a look.  As I was stepping off the bus, I tripped and fell, landing on my backside, bum flashing the bus and feet straight up in the air.  I not only had everyone on the bus laughing hysterically, but the locals got quite a kick out of it as well.
• If you could only use one word to describe yourself, what would it be?  Faithful.  I believe that I am a faithful friend, faithful worker and faithful to my Lord Jesus!
• You found a machine that allows you to fast forward your life to a moment or to rewind your life to a certain moment, but it can only be used for one moment.  Would you fast forward or rewind and to which moment would you choose?  I would rewind to my wedding day.  It all happened so fast and even though I have some very vivid memories of that day, I think I missed some things.  I can't even remember what centerpieces I had on the tables at the reception.
• What is your favorite simple blessing in life?  I wanted to answer Popcorn!  My eyesight.  I love that I get to enjoy the beauty of God's creation with my eyes every day.  His beauty is all around me!

Come join the fun over at the Filled With Praise Blog Party!