Favorite memories from Christmas 2007

Every year there is the same mad rush to get all the Christmas chores done and before you know it, it is over. For me, the end of Christmas is always a bittersweet time. While it is good to get back to a more "sane" (ha) routine, there are some aspects of Christmas I wish would and could linger a bit longer--maybe even forever.

Below are just a few pictures of some of my favorite Christmas memories for 2007...

Watching Lindy with her great grandparents. I have fond memories of my sweet great grandparents and loved seeing Lindy with my dear grandma and grandpa.

Seeing Lindy experience snow for the first time. It was almost like I was experiencing it again for the first time.

Seeing my mom and dad read to and love on their grandkids. I loved this. Seeing my parents as grandparents gives me just a glimpse as to how they must've loved me as a child.

Watching the cousins play together. Sure there was some fighting, some tears, and some meltdowns but what an answer to prayer to see the next generation.


Hearing Don play Christmas carols on the piano and hearing Lindy sing along. Just like her momma, Lindy loves Christmas songs. I was moved to tears several times hearing our little girl sing various songs completely unprompted. She would proudly exclaim, "This is my favorite one!" or "That's my mommy (daddy, grandma, grandpa) singing."

Watching Lindy open her presents and show great interest in everyone else's presents. Many times I'd hear her say, "What is it?" and ooh and aahh with great delight.


Eating yummy meals together and for a few days not worrying about calories, fat, and where the frosting on a sugar cookie will land on my thighs.


Being with family and being a family.

Being with friends.

Sometimes I get frustrated because I know so many moments go uncaptured on camera or on tape. These are the moments I just need to resolve to remember as long as I am able.

I pray your Christmas was filled with joy and that your treasured memories will remain with you all throughout the new year.

Thankful Thursday

Is it Thursday? I think so...I'm still in a bit of a fog after not getting to bed until about 2:15 this morning. Here are some things for which I am thankful for today--this last Thankful Thursday of 2007...

I am thankful for safe travel to and from California. ExpressJet wasn't so express this time on either end but I am trying not to let things like that bother me as much as in the past. It's really all out of my control. I can CHOOSE to let it get to me or let it go. This time I chose to let it go, even though I was traveling with a two year old.

I am so very thankful I got to spend some time with my Grandma and Grandpa before Christmas. I am thankful they were healthy enough to make the drive from southern California to my brother's home. It is truly a blessing to be 39 years old and still have grandparents who are a special part of my life. I am thankful Grandma brought along some of her fabulous homemade peanut brittle. YUMMO! It was also such a joy to see my grandparents as great grandparents.

I am thankful we got to see our friends the Barons, Moores, and that I got to meet Pam & Mani's beautiful new son, Garrett.

I am so very thankful for getting to spend Christmas with my precious family--Don, Lindy, my parents, and Jeff, Danielle, Bryce, & Brendan. That was my best present.

Last but not least, I am so thankful for my brother and sister-in-law's incredible hospitality. They made things so easy for us. We didn't have to rent a car, bring a car seat, bring a crib, booster seat, or anything. We were basically on auto pilot. It is hard work and stressful having a house filled with guests and I am really so thankful for every grocery store run, every trip to the airport, every fabulous meal, every dish washed, every load of laundry done--just to name a few things.

I must get back to all the things I am not so thankful for--unpacking, reorganizing, laundry, etc. However, I just wanted to get this posted.

What are you thankful for today?

Merry Christmas

The Meaning of Christmas

Far away in Bethlehem, a Baby Boy was born;

Born with neither riches nor with fame,

Yet Wise Men came from all around to bring to Him their gifts,

And peace was felt by all who heard His name.

Angels watched Him as He slept, and gently rocked His bed;

Their voices singing softly in His ear;

His Mother and His Father both gave thanks to God above

For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear

They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled with wealth,

They also knew He would encounter strife;

But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving Child,

And teach the love of God throughout His life.

At Christmas, as we celebrate this Birth of Jesus Christ,

Let's keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day;

For it's not the Christmas wrappings, nor the gifts that lie within,

But our gift of love to others in every way...

--Poet unknown

Today we're off for California for our Christmas celebration.

May the true meaning of Christmas live in your heart all year long!

Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas.

Love,

Don, Lisa, & Lindy

Thankful Thursday

Here are some of the things for which I am thankful:

My mom and dad are safe in Kansas City. I was worried about the ice storm and how it would impact them but thankfully they aren't having it as bad as other places. Please pray for those who are suffering as a result of this devastating storm.

Our dossier was officially logged in on November 7th. Check out Lindy's mei mei's blog for more information.

I got my teeth cleaned yesterday and an A+ on my dental exam. Yea!!!

Christmas cards that come in daily from friends and family. It is great fun for me to see updated pictures and read about the events of the past year.

All my Christmas packages have been shipped and most of my shopping is complete.

Lindy is thoroughly enjoying the Christmas season and delights in so many things. I love hearing her expressions of wonder, excitement, and glee.

We've had a couple days of "cooler" weather. When it is foggy and cool, Lindy likes to put on her coat and hat (which shocks me) and she even thinks the mist in the air is snow. Sorry dollface. Keep dreaming!!!

I got to meet Jennifer and her son last week and they were DTC for Karleigh Mei on 12/7/07.

What are you thankful for today???

Menu Plan Monday

I've fallen off the wagon a bit and haven't been as diligent about planning my menus, so I'm going to try to get back on the wagon...

Monday, December 3rd-Chicken marsala, rice, asparagus (Lest you think I'm fancy, I must admit I am cheating. The chicken is a pre-made dinner that I bought from Sam's. Trying to clear the freezer!)

Tuesday, December 4th-Giada's Parmesan-crusted pork chops, broccoli, green salad

Wednesday, December 5th-Out

Thursday, December 6th-Minestrone with Italian sausage, garlic bread

Friday, December 7th-Leftovers

Check out this link for other menus. What's for dinner at your place this week?