It's the most wonderful time of the year . . .

Hopefully now you will be singing that all day! Ahhh Christmas. I love this time of year. Yes my husband would tell you that I get stressed beyond recognition in those days prior to our travels, but as soon as our car pulls out of the driveway I will relax again. And then Madison and I will watch Polar Express on our journey to Kennett just like we always do -- and I'm sure we will sing a few Christmas carols, probably just enough to drive daddy bonkers!

Personally, I love the magic of Christmas and the feeling of happiness that surrounds it. I love the songs, the decorations, the awesome lights and of course the reason for the season.

As we head into the last week before the big day I just want to remind myself (and maybe others) to not sweat the small stuff. Maybe it's not the perfect gift and maybe my house isn't clean but is that what Christmas is about?

Well, there is a feeling of excitement in the air at my house right now, because Madison has her "first Christmas" today with the in-laws. So I think I'll go sing some carols and drive my hubby bonkers :-)

Giving Thanks

Well, it's that time of year that we all gather around the table to give thanks. I have an amazing family and group of friends that I am so thankful for. I hope that you all know how much I love and appreciate you.

I think it's important to remember to be thankful for the smallest things in life (food, heat). I've heard stories locally of families needing blankets, etc. and it makes my heart ache. I found this little 'poem' and it's a perfect reminder to be Thankful for all that you have. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Things to Be Thankful For

Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have
enough to eat.

Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have
been surrounded by friends.

Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you're employed.

Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because
it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.

Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.

Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it
means you can walk.

Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it
means you can hear.

Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we
have freedom of speech.

Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it
means you're alive.

~ Taken from Ann Landers’ column—11/22/01

Houseboat Weekend

My in-law's had the wonderful idea of renting a houseboat for a long weekend on Table Rock lake. My husband has a large blended family - 7 kids (only one girl in that mix!) - 3 of the 7 have spouses - and so far there are 3 grand kids.

Anyway.... last weekend a total of 11 of us were able to make it to the Houseboat for an amazing weekend together. It was a great way to spend a weekend together out on the water - laughing, drinking, talking, drinking, fishing, drinking, eating....I think you get the picture. The water was still warm enough that some of the crew braved swimming and skiing. And of course everyone tried their luck at fishing. I think we had enough food to feed a small country!

A huge thank you to all of Madison's Uncles for their amazing patience and diligence (fishing!). She looks up to all of her uncles and of course drives them crazy sometimes, but they never let it show.

I'm already looking forward to our next trip together! When you put that many guys together it's always entertaining! Much love to all of you!

I'm including links below to my albums of the trip photos - check them out! (two different albums!)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53883&l=a943e&id=670232022

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=53888&l=6d384&id=670232022

This crazy thing called love . . .

Love: a strong positive emotion of regard and affection.

You are probably wondering why in the world I am writing about 'love'. At church we are the middle of a series on Love. It's been great. We are on the 3rd week and of course as luck would have it I have to miss the final 2. Thank goodness for podcasts!! I am also attending a Women's class and the theme this past week was Love. So I have Love on the brain.....

I have been with my love for 13 years (married for 11). He was only 19 when we first started dating (gasp!). So I think to myself what is love to me? That is so hard to put into words and I don't even think I can. Sometimes I hear a song, a mushy love song, and I think...yep that's exactly what love is. Or I read a card, and I think... yep that's exactly what love is.

I truly feel that 'perfect' love, is what we've all heard a thousand times at every wedding. These words were at my wedding too: Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

These words are so simple to read, but sometimes so hard to follow. Wouldn't the world be a much happier place if everyone lived by these words?

They played an awesome song at church tonight by Brandon Heath, "Love Never Fails" (I've already downloaded it!) ... here are some of the lyrics:

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

M-I-Z .... Z-O-U

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head .... Tigers Over Nevada, 69-17 .... and it was worth every single raindrop! I must say that the very stylish Mizzou ponchos that I purchased on Friday for $5 were an awesome investment. They really did keep us pretty dry.

Madison and I took Jesse's wife, Tina to the game on Saturday. (For those of you who don't know or need a reminder....after all his family is confusing....Jesse is Will's brother). Tina wasn't too sure about going and tried to give me some excuse about not knowing much about football, little did she know but I wasn't backing down! She had never experienced a college football game and I knew she would love it.

We started at a tailgate where my friend/client Andy was flippin' burgers. We walked into the stadium just in time to hear the National Anthem and see the Stealth Bomber do a fly-over. That's always cool to see...gives me chills every time!

I think Tina was impressed with the loyalty of the fans and all of the craziness surrounding the game. I was impressed that I still could remember all of the songs and cheers from my good ol days. (and yes, I do sing Old Missouri loud and proud, did you expect anything less). There's nothing like being in the middle of the crowd and jumping to your feet as a touchdown is made and hearing the cannon explode.

Or hearing the roar of the crowd as they chant MIZ ZOU in unison....it's just exciting!!

We shared smiles, giggles and love. Thanks Tina for going to the game with us. I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Ok, for some reason Madison decided to

take shelter under my poncho??? Plastic bag over kid's head...not good. I'm surprised I wasn't

arrested.

Reflection

I love country music. Those who know me well....know why. I am weepy, sappy - you know the type. So I must say -- and I'm so serious when I say this -- country music moves me. So as I do every year on September 11th....I reflect.

Alan Jackson has a song "Where were you", referencing 9/11/01. I remember that morning perfectly. It was one of the happiest mornings of our days together. I had a just taken a home pregnancy test and it was positive so I floated into work but then my world halted as news hit of what was happening and we all sat glued to the one tiny TV in our office. I remember not knowing what to do in the days that followed. I remember crying a lot. I remember sitting in a church pew with co-workers during our lunch hour for a nation wide moment of silence and prayer.

What I am reminded of now, is simply to not take life for granted. My brother-in-law bravely served almost 2 years in Iraq and is safely home. There are many people that haven't been so lucky. But on this day (and many others) I remind myself to be thankful for the people who so bravely protect us so we can have the freedom that we love. I remind myself that life is very fragile and to handle it with care. I remind myself to not things for granted and to appreciate all that I have.

Give your family and friends an extra hug today! And be sure and say "thanks" when you see someone serving our country.

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of

That black smoke rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in anger

In fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride

For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

Discipline

I've been sick and I'm going to whine about it. I'm just now starting to feel better...I can actually sit up and drink coffee today, rejoice! I have been down and out since Monday (I know, poor baby). My familly has been great, the dog however, has been sitting on my head while I try to sleep on the couch during the day.


This morning I talked to a dear friend of mine that is battling the terrible two's at her house. Which brings me to the title of this post....Discipline. Wow, that's a tough one . . . and I'm not just talking about with our kids! What about Self-Discipline.


I think about all of the times I've committed to start something new: a diet, a workout, being organized, better communication ... and I've failed because I didn't have the Self Discipline to follow through. It's obvious that these are things that I am avoiding, which is why the self discipline is so hard. If these were life or death situations I would kick into gear. I am starting to think that maybe I need a naughty rug like I discussed with my friend this morning for her 2 year old. Maybe if I had to sit in time out on the naughty rug I would make more of an effort ... let's see one minute for every year of age .... 35 minutes on the naughty rug, yep that's a pretty good nap! Honey, we're buying a new rug!