The Seasons Of Our Life

I Kind Of Fell Off The Blogging Wagon!!!

2012-01-24T23:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone, I really was doing well for a while, I was blogging everyday and I had everything planned out (just because I am that weird) I was on a roll.....then life got in the way and January came!! We pretty much took the month of December off, it was great!! Sydney really loved the break, we both needed it!! We had a fantastic Christmas and a great New Year!!! January has been a good month so far, but I have to say that it is hard to get back into the swing of Home School but we are doing our best. Sydney is doing amazing her grades are wonderful she is all straight A's and we are so very proud of her, and now her new thing is learning Italian! she is teaching herself, I really don't know where that child gets her smarts!!! lol

I have been working overtime on my health and fitness...I have been doing pretty well too! I had my three month doctors appt and she was impressed with my progress, I have lost 22lbs and 23 inches in the past 85 days. I have a long way to go...62lbs to be exact, but with the plan I am on I am certain I will reach my goals! I feel amazing and I am loving wearing smaller jeans!! that was fun shopping for them!!! Kory is also doing well he has lost 10lbs in two weeks!! I am so proud of him!!

I can't believe January is almost over this month has just flown by!! I am ready for summer for sure!! Syd loves the snow and we have spent a ton of time sledding and snowboarding but I need some flowers and sunshine!!!!

I can't promise that I will blog everyday, but I will try to do it more than once a month!!

Christmas Day Fun!!

2012-01-04T04:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day is always a great day at our house, sometimes is just Kory, Syd and I but this year my mom joined us. Then on Christmas eve we found out that Jason and Anette were not doing anything, so they came too! And we got a special surprise and my nephew Thomas (Jason's oldest) came to dinner too!! This year I decided to get out the China (my mom gave it to me several years ago and I rarely us it, and if I do only on Christmas or Thanksgiving,) Its allot of work getting it out, because I keep it packed away in bubble wrap, I don't have a china cabinet, (YET) Anyway my table was beautiful!!!

Here are some pic's of Syd opening her presents, she got some fun stuff this year, as she gets older the things she gets are really changing!! She is getting more grown up things! Like a beautiful hot pink coat, and cute grey boots, and a make up case filled with make up ( she does plays and sometimes needs to put on makeup!!)

She got some books, and games, and PJ's, a movie and a few Wii games, she did get a Webkin, it was a cute leamer!

Oh and she got a sock monkey hat!! Soo cute, she got a fluffy pink robe too!

And one of the games was Quelf!! its a really fun game!! We played it after dinner and we laughed till we all about peed our pants and if you know my mom it really does not take much!! lol but we really had fun!!! I highly suggest buying it if your family loves games and loves to laugh!!!

Bella (our boxer dog) gets presents too! she got two this year one was a stuffed duck and one was this purple and yellow thing she loved it!!!

here is our naked tree with the presents gone!! And the day after Christmas the tree was gone too!!

Here is Syd with her jammies and rob, and hat and pink slippers !! with Grammy in the background cooking!!

and here is my beautiful table!!

Christmas Eve Pic's

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

Every year we go to my brother's and celebrate Christmas Eve, we have ton's of food and we play Dirty Bingo, or something similar, and we let the kids open presents and we all give mom her presents. Each year we all try to see who can make mom cry the most!! It sounds cruel but its really all in good fun and usually I win!!!!! This year, I did make her cry, but my sister Emily WON!!! (with a little help from me, since she is in Utah!!) Here is my daughter (right) Sydney with her cousin Abigail!

Here is Kory (my hubby) and my brother Jason, the two Santa's I don't know what Kory is laughing so hard at, but I'm guessing Jason is pinching his but!! lol

Here is mom crying after opening Emily and Ira's gift, its a copy of her Marriage Certificate (she thought she lost it)

This is my brother Jason with his fiance Anette, aren't they a cute couple!!

Jason's son Chandler!! What a cute Santa!!

Me and Syd

Jason and Anette's Tree

Syd and Abigail opening up their gifts!

Lisa posing for a pic, with her daughter, Isabella to the right...

We had a great time!! I should have taken more pic's Anette's kids were there too, but I didn't have my camera out when we were playing our games....oh well it was a great Christmas!!

New "Life" Resolutions

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Every year I make my list of Resolutions, usually its about the same list every year anything from Loosing weight to reading my bible more, and everything in between!! And this year is no different I am still going to make a list, BUT I am calling it a New LIFE Resolution because the changes I want to make are Life changes not just for the year!! So here is my list;

1. Keep loosing weight ( I've lost 17 lbs so far)
2. Eat healthier things ( I am doing this already)
3. Exercise every day ( I am doing this already)
4. Read my Bible everyday
5. Finish projects around the house
6. Plan a family vacation
7. Get to know some of my neighbors better
8. Blog everyday
9. Keep making and achieving my goals every month!
10. Read at least 12 books this year
11. Continue to learn along with my daughter as I home school her
12. Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day (already doing this)
13. Run in a 5K by the fall
14. Add to this list and keep checking back to make sure I achieve my goals!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

I pray this year is a blessed one for all of you!!!

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T04:30:00.000-05:00

What do you and your family do on New Years Eve??

We usually have friends over, or go to a friends house, we play games eat food and just have fun!! Then we go to sleep at 12:01AM!! LOL The one year that I went to sleep before the New Year came was 1999 I was pregnant with Sydney and my sister in law Lisa was pregnant with Abigail and we were both SICK!!! so we layed on the couch and slept!! then new years came and we woke up and went to bed!!!

Looking Forward To A New Year!!

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

I really am looking forward to a new year!! This past year has been (in my husbands words) a character building year!! We have had our ups and downs we made some bad decisions but we have made some good ones too! We have allot to look forward this year and I am so very blessed in my life to have a wonderful husband that I have been married to for 22 years and a beautiful healthy 11 year old daughter!! What ever may come in the new year at least I know I have my family and God beside me every step of the way!!

Advice

2011-12-29T05:30:00.000-05:00

I got this from a friend and thought I would share.......... Some good advice for the new year!!

When you stop chasing the wrong things you give
the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

The New Lerner!!

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

A new dawn is coming for the arts in Elkhart as the elegant Lerner Performing Arts Center (formerly Elco Theatre) is restored to its original 1920s opulence while at the same time being outfitted with state-of-the-art, 21st century acoustical improvements. The renovated theatre is poised to become the cornerstone of a thriving arts and entertainment district in the heart of downtown Elkhart.

The Lerner has moved into its new home on Main Street! All of our productions are now on stage at our beautiful, new facilities.

An Update On Me

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

This has been a really challenging year, its had its good times and bad times, I'm sure all of you have had your ups and downs this year, but really for me looking back I can see what God was trying to do with me and my family! Sometimes he has to bring us through tough times to help us realize the good times.

I started out this year with a goal of taking care of myself, (physically) and I did really good for a few months, but then life hit and I got off track!! I spend the year basically getting through some stuff, but about a month ago I decided it was my time again and I am happy to say I am back on track and feeling better than ever!!

We also made a big decision to home school Sydney this year, and I have to say its the best decision we have ever made!! She is doing so well all A's since we have started!! We are enjoying the freedom that home school has given us. And we have so much less stress than ever!!

Kory is doing well with his endeavors too!! We are a very blessed family and God has given us so much!!
Sydney has started acting in the local theater, she has done 2 musicals and is trying out for her third, she loves performing!!

Well I pray your Christmas was a blessed one and I pray your New Year is the best ever!!

Heaven Is For Real

2011-12-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

I read this book a couple of days ago, and I have to say it touched me in a way few books have, its an easy read and I highly suggest it!! I even got my husband to read it and he NEVER reads!! He loved it! It really is a special book.

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2011-12-25T02:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!! May you have a blessed and very Merry Christmas!! From our home to yours!!
The Christmas Story

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. - Isaiah 9:6
"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." Luke 2:1-17

1 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

The Night Before Christmas

By Samuel Clemens

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his now like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stocking, then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT."

2 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to visit this fun site!! North Pole.com

3 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-22T09:01:00.000-05:00

Food is obviously a huge part of the holidays, what are some of your favorite Christmas foods??

4 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

I copied this from a friend, I thought it was worth sharing!!
Next to Jesus himself... there is nothing in the life that is more important than family/friends... so maybe - just maybe this year... everyone will realize the gift of Christmas is LOVE.... being together is ENOUGH... (so I share this with you all.... ) I WISH YOU ENOUGH! Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, "I love you. I wish you enough." She in turn said, "Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy."They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. Saying that brought back memories I had of expressing my love and appreciation for all my Dad had done for me. Recognizing that his days were limited, I took the time to tell him face to face how much he meant to me. So I knew what this man experiencing."Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?" I asked."I am old and she lives much too far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is, the next trip back would be for my funeral," he said."When you were saying goodbye I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?"He began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." He paused for a moment and looking up as if trying to remember it in detail, he smiled even more."When we said 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them," he continued and then turning toward me he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory. * I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.* I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.* I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.* I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.* I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.* I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.* I wish enough hello's to get you through the final goodbye.He then began to sob and walked away.My friends, I wish you enough!

5 Days Til Christmas

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Sydney's opening night!!! from A Christmas Carol!!!

6 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our city had its annual Christmas parade and tree lighting with fireworks!!! This is our first year going (mostly because this is the first year we've heard about it....and we have lived here our whole lives) but anyway!!! It was very very cold!! but fun! The parade was short but fun!! And the fireworks were nice!! I think we will make this a tradition!!!

7 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Candy!!! a big part of Christmas celebration! do you make candies for the holiday?? What are your favorites?

8 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-17T04:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Miracle

by Susan Leonard
When I recall precious Christmas memories, I think of a very special story, one which represents the magic and glory of the season. This is a true story, as told to me by my husband -- a professional Santa Claus -- of a real Christmas miracle which he experienced. A story that I think will cause YOU to believe ...

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see my Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl.
"Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?"
"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw herdabbing her eyes with a tissue.
"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.
Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.
"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.
"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ...." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph ... my granddaughter ... well, you see ... she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa ... any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."
Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do.
Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."
When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital. "Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face. Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.
Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.
Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with a weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah.
Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!"
"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IV tubes intact.
Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes.
His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room. As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes.
Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands.
Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels. "Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.
"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you," he said.
Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, Holy Night ... all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all.
When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own. "Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!"
He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he had to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.
"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.
Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him. "My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.
One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap. "Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"
"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down at her. After all, the secret to being a *good* Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the only child in the world at that moment.
"You came to see me in the hospital last year!"
Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before.
He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.
That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed -- and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle of hope.
This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered,

"Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, merry Christmas!"

9 Days Till Christmas Special Guest Blog

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

You are in for a treat today, I have asked permission to post this blog from a friend of mine, Emma Miller, she has a very popular blog called "Not So Usual" you can find here!! She is a fantastic writer, blogger!! I can't wait to see what she will write about next! This Post really stood out to me it touched me! And I hope you find it inspiring as well! Thank you Emma for letting me re-post this!!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Spirit

What is it, exactly?

Some might define the "Christmas Spirit" as the feelings of joy one gets from the holiday music or the rush they get from the hustle and bustle of trimming the tree, hanging the stockings, shopping for the perfect gifts, attending the best holiday parties, or baking the best-ever pumpkin pie. And while those things can surely bring Holiday Cheer, the Spirit of Christmas runs a bit deeper than that.

If the true meaning of Christmas is Christ-centered, then it would make sense to assume that the true Spirit of Christmas is also Christ-centered; to live Christ-centered lives. I've heard it said before that service is the one thing above all others that can bring us closest to the Savior, and cause our souls to become more like Him. It would make sense then, that if I am a true Christian - which I profess to be - then I would have a desire to be like Him and to serve others.

As a kid I remember singing Christmas Carols with my youth group at the nursing home. In college, I helped serve up warm food at the local shelter. As a young mom, I took my kids with me to shop for other families less fortunate. Anytime we'd pull into a retail parking lot with a bell-ringer, I'd clear out my cup holder, giving the change to my kids to drop in the red tin pail before entering the store. These things make us feel good, and not because we feel like we are such goody-goodies; but I believe that when we serve others, we are more open to feel of God's love, and THAT is what brings us joy -- for THAT is the true spirit of Christmas.

The last few years, we haven't been able to shop for other families less fortunate because, well, as a single-working-college-student-mom it's just not in my budget. In fact there have been times throughout the past 4-5 years that I have had to learn to swallow my pride and be on the receiving end of things. It can be tough because often times I have sat wondering, "What can I possibly give? What do I have to offer?" Nevertheless, I have still tried to think of ways to serve and to teach my children to serve so they too can feel the true Spirit of Christmas.

This year my oldest used some of his own money to buy a toy to donate to Toys for Tots; and it wasn't just some cheap toy either. No, he really got excited and put thought into it, trying to think what he would like if he were little. Makes a mama proud.

As I have thought about what I want to do this year to "serve" others, I've come to the realization, that serving doesn't always pertain to monetary or physical needs, although having those resources surely makes it easier. I have really tried to think about the Savior and most of all how He treated people. I have recently felt the need to push myself out of my comfort zone, to friend people I may not normally associate with, and to really understand them and their story, because let's face it -- we've all got a story, right?

It's amazing to me, that as I have done this, I have really come to appreciate people better and I've come to have a greater love for humanity in general. It's like I've morphed into something greater, or at least evolved into someone more loving and understanding, and less cynical. There is so much blecky-blahs in this world, I want to focus on the nice-itie-nices. I have to say that even if the people I have met don't turn out to be people I spend a lot of time with and even if they don't become my next best friend, I have learned something from them; gleaned something good from the opportunity in getting to know them. I've also learned that what we see on the surface doesn't always accurately reflect what lies beneath. Some of their stories are heart-breaking or tragic and I feel blessed for knowing about them. If nothing else, other people's stories and trials surely seem to help me put my own in perspective.

Some might call it karma, but I believe that when we strive to serve others, somehow our own needs get met and suddenly what little we have becomes "enough". I have already witnessed first-hand the generosity of friends and neighbors this holiday season, for which I feel blessed and truly grateful. And suddenly, what I have is becoming "enough".

The most I can afford this year is to buy a few toys to place in the Toys for Tots bin, and let my younger kids drop my spare change in the bell-ringer's bucket every time we run into Tarjay or Walmart. But the best I can do is try to love people the way the Savior would; see them as He would and hopefully become more of the person He already know me to be.

For me, this is how I have come to feel the true Spirit of Christmas this year.

By: Emma Miller "Not So Usual" Guest Blogger on "Seasons Of Our Life"

10 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Bells......From the Bells.....hahaha.....Merry Christmas :)

11 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

Sydney is going to be in her first performance and the show is "A Christmas Carol" She is playing an Angel, and we are so proud of her!! She is very excited!!

12 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-13T04:30:00.000-05:00

This speaks for itself! I love this photo!!

13 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-12T04:30:00.000-05:00

I love candy canes....I can eat a ton of them....but do you know what the candy cane stands for in relation to Christmas???

The history of the candy cane can be traced back to Germany. In 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral was said to have bent straight white candy sticks into the now-familiar "J" shape to represent a shepherd's staff. He then gave them to children in the choir to keep them happy during long Christmas services. The custom soon spread throughout Europe.

Later, candy canes came to America. A German immigrant by the name of August Imgard was the first person to decorate his Christmas tree with candy canes, back in 1847.

Up until this time, candy canes were all-white. It wasn't until about 50 years later that the first red-and-white striped variety appeared. No historical records exist to show who or why the stripes were added, but prior to 1900, Christmas cards only showed all-white candy canes. After that year, striped candy canes became more common.

Around this same time, it's thought that candy makers started adding peppermint flavors to their candy canes, and this soon became the norm. Now candy canes can be found in all sizes and flavors, from green apple to chocolate, but the familiar red and white stripes are still the most popular.

Was the Candy Cane Invented as a Christian Symbol?

Many believe the Christmas candy is a symbol of Christ

History suggests that the familiar staff-shaped candy cane does have Christian roots, as noted above, but no evidence exists to suggest it was invented as a secret symbol for Christianity or to represent Jesus, as some legends have suggested. However, many people still find it a powerful symbol of the season, and prefer the Christian legend.

This is one version of the Christian candy cane story:
A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy for Christmas that incorporated symbols from the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white candy to symbolize the virgin birth and the purity of Jesus. He then shaped it in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus and the staff of the "Good Shepherd." Finally, he added red stripes to symbolize Jesus' blood and suffering on the cross.

The candymaker hoped that each time someone ate his creation they would be reminded of Jesus and the great love God gave us at Christmas.

14 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-11T04:30:00.000-05:00

Peace....one of the definitions of the word Peace is....

a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors. Do you live in peace with in your group of friends, family and church members? I would say that I am doing that, and I feel a peace about things in my life right now.....how about you?

15 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like a warm cozy fire on a cold winters night!! Unfortunately we don't have a fire place so the closest we get is our virtual fire place On Demand! but hey its something!!

16 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Music is a huge part of celebrating Christmas, I look forward to Christmas music and the joy it brings into our home!! Sydney loves Christmas music, and we sing it loud in the car!!

17 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, I love Its A Wonderful Life.....but you can't forget "A Christmas Story" its a classic!!!! And we love it!! We have already watched it and its not even December!! But that's okay!.........."I can't put my arms down" What is your favorite line from the movie!!!??

18 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-07T05:30:00.000-05:00

We love to spend one or two nights driving around the neighborhood looking at lights and decorations, most are beautiful but some are...well...gaudy!!! But its fun all the same!!

19 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-06T05:30:00.000-05:00

Leave Christ in Christmas, its a saying you hear allot these days, but I wonder how many of us really do that, its easy to say, but is it easy to do when everything around you is screaming Santa and "Holiday Spirit" ??? I don't know but I am going to try and keep Christ in Christmas, because Jesus is the reason for the season!!!

20 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

I love this photo, it reminds me of my favorite Christmas movie "Its A Wonderful Life" I watch it as many times as I can during the Christmas season!!

21 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

We always decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, this year was no different for me, but for Sydney she started decorating her bedroom a month ago!! She spent her own money and bought lights and tons of decorations. We really scaled down this year, but the tree does look beautiful!! and we did put lights outside!

22 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-03T05:30:00.000-05:00

This Santa, brings me back to my childhood, this is the Santa I grew up with. When I was a kid we had great Christmases, my mom and dad always made them special, I know they struggled because with 6 kids, they didn't have allot of money to spend, but there were always presents under the tree and we always had a wonderful Christmas dinner. We also spent every Christmas Eve at my grandma and grandpa Shelly's house, with my cousins, we really had fun and Christmas day we would go to my other grandparents house, it was a fun filled two days!!

23 Days Till Christmas

2011-12-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Last Christmas was a wonderful one, we had our annual Christmas Eve at my brothers and had an awesome time, and we will do the same this year!! Christmas morning is always the same, we wake up when ever Sydney gets up and we open presents right away, then we make breakfast, and Syd plays with her presents and we watch movies all day and just hang around the house, sometimes Grammy comes over and hangs out. Last year, Sydney got a snow board, so we spent most of the afternoon outside, so this year, I'm hoping we get to relax in our jammies all day :) I feel so very blessed that I am able to have my family around me and we have our health. What are your plans this year?? And what are you thankful for?

Happy 22 Anniversary To Us!!!!

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Can't believe its been 22 years!! Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband! I really have to say I am a extremely blessed woman, my husband is my best friend, my everything! He has always been supportive of me in every way and has loved me no matter what! I could never have imagined having such a wonderful husband in this life!! He is also a wonderful father, we love being parents, Sydney is the joy of our life!! So, here's to 22 + more years!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

25 Days Of Christmas

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

As of today there are 25 days till Christmas....Wow this year has gone fast!! I am going to spend the next 25 days reflecting on this past year, and what blessings its brought to my family. And how grateful I am for the people and things in my life! And what the new year will bring!!

Regret

2011-11-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

Celebrate

2011-11-29T04:30:00.000-05:00

This speaks for itself! I am trying to do this more and more!!