Christmas Traditions

I thought I would ask my fellow bloggers to comment on some of their favorite annual Christmas traditions. What does your family do that is unique or special to you?

On the Greene side of the family: A couple years ago we started cooking a different ethnic meal every year, whether Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We have done German, Hawaiian, Irish, Chinese, and this year: Italian (yummy!). We have really strived to find authentic recipes, and some have turned out to be very good, while others...well...almost unedible in my opinion. :) But it has been fun and creates a memory in the process. All of the grandparents come to Aaron's mom and dad's house, which is very nice!

On the Maris side of the family: There is always a little confusion as to where we are spending the holiday: with my mom's folks, or my dad's folks...but it generally works itself out. :) This year we are trying something a little different Christmas Day ...chili and cinnamon rolls. Can't complain about that! Maybe it will stick as a tradition. :) Also, my mom always does stockings. That is a tradition I hope to continue with my own kids someday.

In our home: Aaron and I have done the stocking thing for each other a couple times. This year we had a $20.00 limit and were not allowed to shop online. Will be fun to see what we come up with. :) There have been some years that I have had the tree up, some that I have not, but I always get out my nativity set that my grandparents brought me back from Columbia when I was a little girl. I love unwrapping each piece and arranging it a little differently each year.

So, those are a few things that make our holidays special. Feel free to share some of your traditions and memories on the comment link!

'Tis the Season

I haven't blogged anything with pictures for awhile. I keep forgetting to take my camera places, and we have been on the go lately. Last weekend was the EMS Christmas party, this weekend was supposed to be the firemen's Christmas party, but it got cancelled due to the weather. We went Christmas shopping in North Platte on Friday, after our eye appointments in Ogallala (I will be posting pics of new glasses in about a week!), baked and decorated Christmas cookies on Saturday, and went to our pastor's open house today. Thanks, Todd, Sonja and family, for a fun afternoon! The next couple weeks will be filled with get-togethers, more shopping, more baking, church events, plus all the normal day to day activities.

It is crazy how the holiday weeks fill up and fly by so fast. It is so important that we remember that the reason we are even having Christmas is because God sent His son to the earth in the form of a helpless baby, to ultimately die on the cross for our sins and give us eternal life if we choose to believe in Him. This has been so much more meaningful to me this holiday season than in the past. Part of me is sad about hearing all about "baby" this and "baby" that this holiday season, in light of our miscarriage. But then I remember: that Jesus was God's first born, and only son. And He knew that He was going to watch Him suffer and die on the cross, even before Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. God knew His baby was going to die before it happened. And He did this for us because He loves us so much! It is hard enough to lose a baby or a child, let alone allowing that child to die for someone else, and all the while, knowing you could stop it! What a sacrifice God made for us! Take a moment to reflect on that fact, and thanking God for what He did this Christmas.

I thought that I might start doing a few short movie reviews on my blog. I preview quite a few movies from work, so will post a few of my favorites as I watch them. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and you may not agree with my viewpoints, or might have a different idea of what is acceptable for your family. For detailed opinions on content, I have found this website to be very informative and family friendly: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/. Also, I am not going to be a spoiler. I hate that!
So far this month, one of my favorites has been "The Dark Knight". PG-13 It is a dark and edgy movie...probably not the best for the young crowd, that unfortunately, it targets. Full of on- the- edge of- your- seat action and drama, the acting was superb. The late Heath Ledger plays The Joker, and is very convincing in his role. Had I not known that he was playing the part initially, I would have never figured it out. I guess the one thing that I liked about "The Dark Knight" is the fact that it made me think. I found myself finding spiritual allegory in parts of the movie, questioning human nature in other parts and contemplating all the twists and turns that the plot took...even after the movie was over.

When We Get Bored

When Tubby was small, we introduced him to a new experience: Bath Time! He is kind of lazy, and doesn't much like to lick his paws clean, so every few weeks, we get bored, and toss him in the bath tub. He doesn't bite or scratch. Just meows like his world is coming to an end. Cheap entertainment.

My Hero

Aaron, Congratulations on the IVFD Fireman of the Year Award, and Training Award. You deserve it! I am so proud of you. You are my hero and my best friend. I can't imagine walking down this road called life without you. I love you so much!

Rough Week

Well, after my blog on being real, I guess the Lord is prompting me to do just that. It has been a week since my last blog. And it has been a rather long week. I am not even for sure how to say this, or what to say, but I will do my best.
Most all who are reading this probably don't even know that Aaron and I were expecting a baby. We had planned to tell our families on Thanksgiving Day...that wonderful 12 week mark. But, God had other plans in store for us. On Friday, November 21st, I went to the doctor with some complications. He sent me on to McCook for an ultrasound to see what was going on. Aaron was in Holyoke and couldn't make it back in time, but the Lord had worked it out that my mom just happened to be in McCook that day. It definitely wasn't the way I had planned to tell her that I was expecting her first grandchild. I drove down there, and she met me at the clinic. I was so nerve wracked, I honestly don't know how I drove. It had to have been the prayers. We had the ultrasound. I knew something wasn't right. At 10/11 weeks, I should have seen it...seen the heart beat. The ultrasound lady wouldn't say anything at all, and told me to go back to Imperial to talk to my doctor. I knew. In my heart I think I knew before I even had the ultrasound. I cranked up KJLT on the radio and sang all the way home. Aaron met me back at the
Dr. office and the doctor came in and told us that there was no heart beat and I would miscarry within a week and a half. I can't even begin to describe how that felt, other than heartbreaking. We told some of our family, and then we went to the Fireproof movie with our friends as planned. I know that sounds strange, but I knew there was nothing I could do about it at that point, and just wanted my mind on other things. Well, it didn't take a week and a half, it took an evening. After the movie, we went home and it happened. Without going into detail, it was the worst night I have ever experienced. Aaron slept in the hallway so he could be near me and kept reminding me to keep drinking water. At one point, I asked him to go get me some Powerade out of the fridge. I heard a loud crash (this was at 3:00 in the morning). The bottle had slipped out of his hand and the lid had broke and blue Powerade flew all over the kitchen. At that point we were so exhausted and emotionally drained that we both started laughing. Anyone ever laughed while they were crying? I know now, it was God, helping lighten up the situation for us, and it was needed at the time. So, keeping it real. It has been a hard week. I have cried alot, felt empty, been angry, wondered why this happened to us? But in the midst of it all, we have been surrounded by wonderful friends and family, both near and far. I have very dear friends and family who have dealt with this exact heartache, and some who have dealt with heartaches very similar who are closing in the gap and walking beside us. And I am reminded that Jesus loves us so much. I know that Aaron and I will have a baby to see in heaven someday. And I know that God has a plan for our lives, He has given me such hope and comfort. I could not deal with this without Him. My prayer is that He will fill our arms with another baby in our future, and that He will use our pain to help others going through this down the road. It is not an easy road to travel. For right now, I am going to let myself cry and heal because I know the Lord cares so much about us that he places our tears in a bottle ( Ps. 56:8) Not my will, but Thine.

Fairy Tale, Anyone?

I don't know about anyone else, but on certain days I have found myself getting depressed when I spend too much time reading blogs. Often times it seems like blogs unknowingly depict perfect lives and perfect families. After putting more than enough thought into the matter, I realized that scrapbooks and photo albums are often the same way. Who really wants to put the grime and gunk of our lives on display?
I want to convey a realness on my blog--and in all areas of my life. I don't want to be a different person to different people. So here it is: My life is not perfect. I have bad days, bad hair days, pimples, and times of depression and anxiety. I struggle big time with trusting God to take care of my future. I get crabby and snappy and often times have to pull sock fuzz from between my teeth due to sticking my foot too far into my mouth...especially when dealing with family. My patience is lacking and there are days when my temper runs on a very short fuze. Now, I am not saying this stuff to be down on myself, but to remind my readers that I am living the real life-not a fairy tale.
I want to be a good witness of Christ and live a life of integrity, but integrity involves honesty and consistency. Displaying a form of godliness and an appearance of perfection when reality proves otherwise is a form of hypocrisy. I have been guilty of it. I am sure we all have from time to time.
Lord, help us to be real and let our realities be glorifying to you, no matter what state we are in.

On Monday, Ryan and Jane, Aaron & I took Wynand to Denver to the airport. It was a fun trip, but still a sad day. Wynand made it safely to his destination, and we made it home safely (after a day of shopping) despite nasty road conditions from the state line to Imperial. I am thankful we were in a vehicle that could handle the deep snow!

A Spider or a Small Cat?

Here is a picture of a strange spider that Jane discovered outside our front door Tuesday evening. The photo quality is not very good, but its head looked like a cat head. Here is a link with a much better picture and description of the little critter http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/catspid.htm

Guest Book

Please sign our guest book at the bottom of the page if you haven't already! :)

Send Off for Wynand

Last Sunday our church had a send-off potluck for our friend, Wynand (pronounced Vanant for those who don't know). He was presented with two quilts before lunch. He came here from South Africa to work. Although he has only been here since April, he quickly became part of our church family and a dear friend. Many blessings, Wynand, as you head down the next road God has in store for you!

Election Ramblings

I don't think I have ever shed tears over the outcome of an election as I did last night. Certainly not out of joy, but sadness. Sadness that a large part of our country supports a candidate who stands against so many of God's absolutes. I can say, with a clear conscience that I voted for McCain/Palin. I could not support a man who is openly pro-abortion, anti-2nd amendment, pro-taxes and pro-homosexual marriage. As a believer in Christ, I cannot knowingly support those agendas. And I am not afraid to say it. Certainly the next four years are going to prove to be interesting.

However; we can have peace and hope in the midst of what is yet to come. God would not have put this man in office had He not wanted him there. God has a plan, and nothing can set itself up against it. God can use anyone, whether they have good or evil intentions, to further His kingdom. I know that God will be glorified through all of this. And He will protect His children. If you do not have the hope of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ, please don't wait. We never know when we might breath our last breath. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life". Believe that Jesus died for your sins, confess your sins to him, and ask Him to come into your heart and forgive you. This is the true hope that we have...the only hope in a dark and depraved world.

As for those who have already chosen to follow Christ, please pray! Pray that the Lord's will, will be done. Pray for God to work in Obama's life, and change his heart. Pray for people to get their eyes open to the truth that God is sovereign and that we need to humble ourselves before Him. Pray for the Holy Spirit to begin moving across our nation and a revival of believers.

Happy Birthday, Scott

 We had a busy day today!   After church, we met up with our friends, Brad & Heidi, and took family pictures of each other.  It was such a beautiful day for it!

  After lunch they invited us to Scott's birthday party.  That was a blast!  We got involved in a several games of dodgeball, opened presents, had cake, and followed up the afternoon at Pizza Hut where Bruce & Travis W. joined us as well.   Happy Birthday, Scott & thank you for sharing your day with us!  We are so blessed to have you as friends.

    

Thanks, Aaron & Ryan!

  When we got new linoleum at our front door, it messed up the threshold, so here are Aaron and Ryan, grinding down the door to make it fit.  Thanks guys!   

 And thank you, Aaron, for taking time out of your day to do "honey-dos".   I love you very much!

Trunk or Treat!

   Our church held a trunk or treat activity for kids last night.   Fun was had by all.   I only got a few pictures of the cute costumes, as I helped serve soup & cinnamon rolls inside.  It is such a blessing to gather together with other believers to serve our community and shine our light for Christ!  Check out Dillan's blog for more great pictures!  Put this on your calendar for next year...it is a blast! 

Congratulations, Caleb!

I find it so neat that today's verse is "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph. 2:8

I found out today that my cousin's little boy, Caleb, asked Jesus to come into his heart this week.  Praise the Lord!   Welcome to the "family" Caleb!

Fruits of My Labor

Aaron and I decided to plant some pumpkins in our garden this year.   Here are the before and after photos of one pumpkin's demise.   So sorry, Jennifer. :(

  P.S.  There were no cats baked in the making of this pie.

Okay.  I know...I haven't been posting.   A friend of mine emailed me and griped that she checks my blog, and nothing ever changes. :)

I have been helping with youth group on Wednesday nights, and last night we had a fun night of collecting canned goods for the food pantry and followed that up with a game of dodge ball at the city gym.   Thanks Lighthouse youth group for letting us join you at the gym!  Fun was had by all.  Initially we had planned to do this tonight, but conflicting schedules arose.  So, alas, I came to youth unprepared and without a camera!  Go figure.

Today was one of those fun, spur of the moment days.   Aaron went to a men's shoot with our church.   Their day involved target shooting, steaks off the grill, ect.

So, my friend Heidi called and asked if I wanted to have a girl's day in McCook.   Shopping?  Who, me? :)   Needless to say,  she, her daughter Katelyn and I headed that direction this morning.  We hit some good bargains and had a great day! JC Penny's is having a huge sale!  We finished the afternoon off by attending Katelyn's soccer game this afternoon.

I am obviously going to have to get into the habit of hauling my camera around if I am going to make this blog interesting.

Meet Our Babies

Welcome to our blog!  I finally got a new computer and am trying my hand at this.  Please be patient, I am a slow learner when it comes to technology. :)