Our Christmas Ornements

The start to our Ornament collection...Handsome got it for me while he was at Myrtle Beach and sent it to me while I was in college!

Our first Christmas together!

2003

2004 (from my Mom, aka~Grandma Pancake)

2005

2005 Ornament exchange at church!

2006

2006 ~ the Princess' first Christmas!

2006 ~ for Princess, from Grandma Pancake!

2007

2007 ~ Boo's first Christmas!

Princess (2006)

2008

2008 ~ Princess

2008 ~ Boo

2009 ~ Princess

2009 ~ Boo

1992 ~ To from Grandma Jeanne

1994 ~ From Grandma Jeanne

2007 ~ Meshach, our Pomeranian

2007 ~ Nema Jaylee, our Mini Doxie!

We this year decided to only put ornaments that have a story or are one of our 'special' ones on the tree!  This is most of them, and we did get one for us as a couple for 2009...but I do not have a picture of it yet...it wasn't on the tree when these pictures were taken!  How fun to have a Christmas tree full of so many special memories, rather than just being pretty!

There will also be two more added to the tree later today, the ones our kids made at daycare yesterday.  They are red ball ornements that we used white paint to put their handprints on and we turned each finger into a snowman!  Pretty cute they are!

Christmas Tree adventure 2009

Starting out the walk through the snow to find the 'perfect SMALL Christmas tree!"

Happy to be in his snow boots and snow pants in the SNOW!

We found it!

Seeing Daddy carry it down the hill...excited!

Very excited!

It's a good one!

Loaded up to head home!  The kids thought it was the coolest thing to have the tree 'up top the stuburban'

All decorated and PRETTY!

Checking things out...I used to do this and fall asleep under the tree when I was a little tyke!

He would have stayed there for hours if we had let him!  He loves the Christmas tree and puts his hands in front of his mouth and says, "Oh my word...OH MY WORD!" often...it is going to be a fun year!  The next morning when they woke up to presents under the tree it was wonderful...except they thought they could open them right then, but nope...they have to WAIT!

One year ago...

One year ago yesterday we had the most wonderful day as a family creating this cozy little winder wonderland!  We tromped through the snow (I actually ended up carrying two 2 year olds while Handsome took care of the tree!) and found the most beautiful perfect 13 foot Christmas tree.  We tied it on top of our Suburba.n and drove 'home.' It was a crazy day, princess had dance class that morning and we hurried home so we could get up the 'mountain' and get back in daylight.  The kids went down for a nap when we arrived home, they were so tired they slept straight through the night!  After 6 years, our tree lights gave up and I made a 8 o'clock trip to Walmar.t for new ones.  We decorated the tree as a couple and while Handsome worked on his message for the next morning, I wrapped gifts for under our Black.Hills.Beauty. 

After he finished we discussed a meeting that was to take place that Sunday evening and how the outcome could be unfortunate.  I even told him that we might need to find a new place to live!  You see it had come a time when part of the church had ideas to go one direction and part of the church had ideas to go another direction.  We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning praying and talking and praying some more for Gods direction and wisdom.  We are a family that takes a stand no matter what the cost may be...God should be first in our lives and that is the bottom line.  We do not want to get to heaven to find be reminded of all the times we 'sold out' when it was conveinient for us.  Anyway, we woke up that Sunday morning and went to church as usual...but that Sunday evening, things turned out the way I feared they would...people came with preconceived ideas and however it played out my Handsome was no longer the pastor of the church and we needed to find a new home....in 30 days!  As my F.aceb.ook status read this morning, "All things work together for good to them that love God." This is true in this situation too...to our amazement some now wonderful freinds had a home they hadn't been able to sell who were willing to allow us to have a contract for deed and take it over right away without all the paperwork being finished!  We started getting up to daycare standard and were able to move in a week before our deadline was up!  That time between our notice and being moved into our new home was amazing, God provided in ways that still just amaze me!  Someone heard about us having two young children, loosing part of our income and our home right around Christmas during a VERY cold snap and gave us a quarter of beef we just had to pick up from the locker...she wanted to give us half, but we didn't have room for it!  Another family gave us $350 to help with moving expenses....another gentleman that we didn't know put in time during the day helping paint or do different jobs at the 'new house' to help us meet our deadline!  The list could go on and on...but it was amazing and we are blessed to have been through it.  It made us stronger.

This year our number one goal for Christmas was to keep it about Christ and be able to sit back and enjoy it.  Last year was a blurr...except for the pictures I do not even remember the tree, we didn't get to enjoy it.  And honestly I do not even remember a single actual Christmas gift....sorry to those who blessed me with them...my mind was somewhere else! 

Merry Christmas...and please take time to remember what it is all about, the Savior born in a manger that came to bear the sins of the world...that includes myself, what a gift that is!

Ulitmate sacrifice of a three year old!

Of a two year old that is...  I have seen the bond my children have with their father, my husband and it is incredible.  I sometimes get a little jealous because they have a relationship that I cannot be completely part of, but I am thankful for it.  You see the fun times they have together when Mommy has to go to the store or has a meeting and they always say Daddy is the fun one.  But tonight, the love of my son for his Daddy was shown in one of the most sacrificial ways an almost three year old can show it...he wanted his Daddy to sleep with his blankie!  This blanket has been around for only two of his three years, but it very quickly became his favorite (good pick Grandma Pancake!) It is the comfort and do not even think about going somewhere without it.  The way he lights up when he sees that thing is crazy and cute.  But tonight, while we were getting the kids jammies on Boo decided that he would like Daddy to sleep with his blanket.  I (being the mean one) was going to make him follow through on his gift, because we need to learn to keep our word...but I didn't even have to be stern about it.  He asked if he could put it on his Daddy's pillow and he did.  When Handsome tried to 'give' it back I saw the droopiest sad eyes ever look at me.  I understand that my husband only wanted him to be able to sleep with his blanket but Boo didn't understand why his Daddy was rejecting his 'gift.'  So now, as my children are both snuggled into their cozy little beds my husband is showering and we will retire to our bed and the very special blankie that awaits a very honored Daddy for one night!  Being a parent is amazing!

My two little ones help me see daily why God instructs us to have the faith of a child...

Thankful Thursday (for REAL!)

So I have been having a difficult time doing Thankful Thursday posts on Thursday (instead of Friday) but today is the Day!

With Thanksgiving being only .ONE.WEEK.AWAY. it seems only fitting that everyone is suddenly thankful for everything in their lives.  There is a challenge of sorts on Face.book. right now that you need to post something you are thankful for every day through the end of the month.  It is encouraging to see so many positive status' instead of the regular negative ones (I am guilty too) but it makes a person wonder what we need to do to make sure that we remain thankful throughout the year, not just in November!

Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday...the warm colors that go along with it, the great smells, the together time with my awesome parents, brother & his wife, and of course Handsome, Princess, and Boo; along with so many other things.  Time off from work, a trip as a family, talk time as a couple (this year we will be discussing how to handle the son and his sudden need for NO sleep) but there is just so much to be thankful for!

On the flip side I could look at the fact that a 14 year dream of mine was within arms length and seemed like a very real possibility and just as quickly as it jumped into my lap it jumped out just last week...it isn't out forever, but for the time being and let me tell you that stunk!

I could also look at the fact that it seems that something is up with my 'good ear' (I cannot hear out of my right ear for somewhere around 4 years now) and am all of a sudden having a hard time with my right...to the point it is effecting my singing, my balance, and several other areas of life.  Will be getting this checked out right after Thanksgiving!

I could look at the fact that we were very much hoping to have added our E or O to the family by this Christmas...

Or that my daycare went from being full and receiving calls every week to having openings and no takers...

Or that this year it seems that while the holidays will bring us together with much of my family, my husbands family and us are 'seperated' and we will not be with them at all.

But that is not what it is all about.  God has blessed us as a nation greatly.  100 years ago if I lived a state away from my family I would have been lucky to seem them once a year...if that.  I can be thankful for the fact that I can by the shampoo at Wal.mart for 5.97 instead of the 0.97 stuff.  I have two (mostly) great children, a husband that is 100% commited to me, and I have parents that love me.

You look at a good chunk of this country and they have homes, with food, and clothing.  I know that isn't the case for everyone, but it is the case for most.  I am thankful today that God is in control and that He knows what is best.  My 14 year dream maybe isn't what is best for the family at this time, or maybe God has something better!

Give Thanks!

Pumpkin Patch with Grandma!

After the party Grandma thought it would be fun to go pick pumpkins for the kids...Boo had no trouble finding one for himself!The Princess on the other hand needed a little help"Thank you Grandma!"

Our Little Angels

Due to a few different reasons, I have been thinking of our little angels...both the ones that are here with us and the four that are in heaven with God. And when I get to thinking of the four precious lives that were with me for 6-8 weeks each and the impact they have had on the rest of my life I go back to a certain CD that helped me cope with the hard times after each of them were called to heaven. The CD is called 'From Heaven With Love' by the Hooker.Family. This is a great Christian family with six daughters that sing very beautifully together! The CD itseld was made in memory of two children that passed away in a train wreck and another that passed away in a car accident.



This is what the back of the CD says:

'When tragedies occur in our lives, it is hard not to question, 'Why Lord?' This is especially true when tragedy involves the Home-going of a precious child. Recently, God took RL (10) and LL (8) Home with Him via a train wreck in Illinois. They were the children of dear friends of ours, M&CL, from Tennessee. Both girls had received assurance of their salvation from their parents just a few weeks before the accident. It has been a great source of comfort to them to know their children were saved. Within a week's time of the train accident, our preacher lost his grandson JDH (5) in a car accident. Our church was heartbroken for his parents, D&BH, and the H family. Both sets of the children's parents have exhibited unbelievable strength, courage and faith, in spite of exruciating pain. To them and all who have ever lost a little one, we dedicate this tape. The poem, From Heaven With Love, and the two songs, The Touch of Angels and Never Fear, were written especially for them. How about you, dear reader? If tragedy were to occur to you or someone you love, do you know where you or your loved one would spend eternity? There are verses from the Bible included on the inside of this recording that can help you know." It ends with the verse Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertaied angels unawares."


The songs are each just wonderful songs to have!

But the two songs they speak of are FANTASTIC!


"From Heaven With Love" is spoken by a young girl:

Mama, Daddy, don't cry for me
I'm not so far away.
I'm having so much fun, you see,
All I do is play.
The streets are of the purest gold,
Amazing just to see.
And the gates of Heaven are of pearl;
Hard to climb - even for me!

There's a stream of crystal and water.
I love to splash around.
Only, Mom, there's no snakes or worms to dig,
Not a spider to be found!
I got to sit with Jesus,
On His very knee!
I didn't burp or squirm too much,
You'd have been so proud of me.

Don't worry 'bout my clothes either,
They do a trick up here that's neat.
Our clothes don't get dirty or full of holes
And the shoes grow with our feet!
There's lots of other boys and girls
For me to have to play.
So I'm not lonely, not a bit,
And, oh Dad, by the way,

Since there is no night here
I don't get scared at all.
I can't look up and see the shadow
Of a monster on my wall.
And I get to help groom horses
Jesus has up here in stalls.
He says we'll get to ride them
When the angel Garbriel calls.

So, you see, you shouldn't worry
Or cry or be so sad
If you can pretend that I'm at camp
I know you will be glad.
I love it here! It's an awesome place!
There's so much to see and do.
I'd like to stay and not come home
If that's okay with you.

Tell everyone I love them,
Can't wait 'til you all get here.
'Cause Heaven is a real neat place
I sure am glad I'm here.


And then is goes into the song, "Touch of Angels"

♫Sometimes God lets us see a bit of Heaven't shore,
By sending little angels down to fill our lives with joy.
Innocent laughter, smiling eyes,
The touch of cherub hands,
Unmarred faith, unwavering love,
Untainted trust that firmly stands.

Little angels missed so much
Your message still was clear,
Heaven't real and I'll be there
One day to share it, dears.
So, until we meet again,
I'll tell everyone I know
How we were touched by angels
And the path to Heaven show

Though not ours on earth for very long, Jesus we did see.
And Heaven is a sweeter place, than e're it used to be.
We're more caring, loveing too,
Because of your sweet lives.
We've learned to live beyond ourselves
And you are the reason why.

Jesus, tell my babies please, their lives were not in vain.
For they showed us how to love you more
And bear sweet sorrow's pain.
I'll never take another day for granted, oh you see,
For a day with a loved one is a gift
More Precious now to me.♫


It is amazing. You can get the CD here...if you know someone who has been babylost or you yourself...this is a great way to be reminded that God is taking care and knows what is best!







Tomorrow: "Never Fear!"

The Minnie Mouse Party

The wonderful Heather made the fun and YUMMY cake!Happy Birthday to you...♫

She blew all the candles out!

Lots of fun gifts from family & friends!

Ethan even opened some!

The great doll house from Grandpa & Grandma!And a kitchen from Mommy & Daddy!

Eric eve got in on the fun!

Thankful Thursday

So today it is a little more of a challange to write this, for some reason I kind of have a grumpy heart today and while trying to fix it I am just getting bogged down farther...so bear with me.

But in the midst of this down spirit, I am reminded that God is always there, always working, and always faithful.  That is something to be thankful for.  It seems God is working in our lives even now and while we do not know the out come, we look forward to what it will be...

A wonderful blessing...an Aunt!

*Please other Aunts & Uncles do not feel left out, each of you have special moments and things in my heart that some day, too, will probably come out on this blog...but today....today is for Aunt C!


Today is one of my Dad's sisters birthday, AuntCarolyn was brought into this world today and she has been a blessing to me many MANY times over. There are times I didn't always realize what kind of impact she has actually had on my life...but it has been great. There are things I probably do not even realize...but I know alot started when her and UncleDave would allow my brother and I to stay with them and go to VBS at their church. It was their church where I realized I didn't want to live my life without Jesus and in my small little mind knelt beside my bed and asked Him to come into my heart and take me to heaven when I die. Now, as a 26 year old, it seems that is way to easy and there should be more to it...but that is why we are to have child-like faith!

Anyway, I know they prayed for me, and they have always encouraged me. And when it was time to go to college they really encouraged Bible College, and I am thankful for that. But I have a wonderful letter that she shared with me just before I was going to have a pretty major surgery for a scared High School girl. You see when I look back at many of my 'big' things in life...somehow Aunt Carolyn and/or Uncle Dave were there...surgeries, plays, graduation, wedding, preparing for both graduation & wedding. It is amazing. The really cool thing is that my children have already had the blessing of spending some fun & quality time with them when they stayed with us overnight in July of this year!

Something that used to bother me (mostly because I didn't see it, but so many other did) was when people would tell me that I resemble Aunt Carolyn. And I do, I laugh like her and I do carry traits of that side of the family. But as I realized yesterday that today was her day I realized that now when people say that it is a huge compliment...one that I need to strive more at really following, because she is a very godly lady. If I could only watch and learn from her in any and every interaction I have with her there are many things in which I could take and use in my own life to have a better relationship with God. So thank you Aunt Carolyn, thank you for stepping in to make mints for our wedding because I didn't have Grandma to help, thank you for allowing us to stay with you, thank you for sitting in the hospital while I was in surgery...it was still good timing on my part, but most importantly thank you for your prayers and your godly example!

And with that I want to share the letter that I have kept for going on 12 years...the letter that pops up at just the right times here and there when I need a reminder that God is good! I hope it is okay, Aunt Carolyn, that I share:

"Dear Ashley, I want you to know that I have been thinking of you lately regarding your impending surgery. While I have never been in your position, I can easily imagine that you are apprehensive about the surgery and subsequent recovery. We all have fear of the unknown, especially when it involves medical procedures. I am remembering back several years to something you told me when you stayed with us during Bible School. On the way to the program practice you told me that you had put your trust in Jesus. That trust is the only way to have real peace bout your surgery. God will watch over the surgeon and guide him as he corrects your problems. We don't know the end form the beginning like God does, but we can trust him to work things out in the way that is bet for us. Wednesday night I intend to mention your upcoming surgery to the people who are at prayer meeting. We will all be praying for you that night, and I will be praying for you every day. Dave's dad has both of his knees operated on some time on Monday, but I plan to see you in the hospital on Monday as well. Love, Aunt Carolyn"

Now I know this can sometimes be misunderstood...so don't get me wrong here, but when I received this letter in the mail from her back in May of 1998, for my surgery that was on June 1st, if I remember right, it was almost as if God was wispering in my ear that everything was going to be fine. I am greatful for this letter, there were many times laying in waiting between when I received it and when the actual surgery happend less than a week later that I reread it...knowing it was all going to be okay! God did take care of me, and the doctors we amazed at how fast I recovered from such a big sugery. I was actually able to try out for the summer muscial and do some of the dancing in scenes that I was told before hand wouldn't happen! So Aunt Carolyn, I pray you have a wonderful and blessed birthday....thank you for being such a godly example in my life.