Christmas' Meaning from Linus

One of my favorite Christmas traditions that I’ve passed down to the boys is watching the Charlie Brown Christmas special. In it, Charlie searches to find the true meaning of Christmas. He tries all sorts of things: being counseled by Lucy, directing the annual Christmas play and nothing seems to help. When he returns to play rehearsal with a less than adequate tree, he’s filled with frustration, and yells, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Linus, says, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” And he begins to quote the Christmas story from Gospel according to Luke. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,

praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Linus then walks back to Charlie and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

That is what Christmas is all about. So often our society tries to tell us that Christmas is about getting more, about responding to the commercialism and materialism. But Christmas is all about that baby boy born so long ago. A baby that came in the most humble of settings

but one that changed the world forever.

As the days and weeks unfold on our journey toward that holy day, may we remember and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. May we, like Linus, share the story of what happened that night so long ago.  And may we slow down and reflect upon what it really means to be filled with the joy and spirit of Christmas.

May you and yours have a very blessed Advent season and a very Merry Christmas!

For Sunday

She's On Her Way Home!

Carrie's mother found her in Morgantown today and she is on her way home! Thank you to everyone who offered prayers, reposts and offered to help. Prayers have been answered!

Somewhere, Out There

The Gospel text for today was John 14: 15 - 21. Jesus assures his disciples and us that we will never be alone. God sent the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. It's good to know that God walks with us through everything, no matter what. How great it is to know that we are not in this alone, that God is with us along the way. Knowing this offers us comfort, it offers us hope and it helps us to endure hardships.

Last week we heard the sad news that my husband's cousin was missing. Carrie Zucker was last seen on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 in front of St. Lukes Lutheran Church, 401 Scammel Street in Marietta, OH. Her picture is above. She has dark blue eyes, very short brown hair, she's around 150 lbs, 5'5"-5'7" tall. When she was last seen she was wearing a dark brown v-neck shirt, black capris and sandals. If anyone has information on Carrie Zucker's whereabouts, please contact the following authorities: Marietta, OH Police Department: 740-376-2007 or Parkersburg, WV Sheriff Department: 304-485-8501.

We would appreciate it you would pass along the word. We know she's somewhere out there...we just wish she'd come home!

Pray that God will hold Carrie is God's strong loving arms, pray that she might return home or at least contact her friends or family to let them know she's ok. And pray that God's love and strength will wrap around all those who love Carrie. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to My Oldest!

Today my oldest turned nine. It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital giving birth to this little boy. Now this little boy is starting to get almost as tall as me. He's developed into quite a smart, talented, handsome and wonderful young man. Happy birthday. I love you!

Boy, How Time Flies

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our baby's birthday. He'll turn three. It seems like just yesterday he was being welcomed into our world.


He's still my little one who loves hugs and nuggles (snuggles) and spending time with Mommy. But I know he's growing up way too fast and those times will all too soon be gone.








Soon he'll be grown up enough to really play football like his big brother. He's wanting to do that already.

I'm Happy Birthday my baby boy...boy you have grown WAY too fast.

Gotta Give Him Credit

No matter what you think of Michael Jackson's music or the lifestyle he lived, you must admit the difference he made in the music industry will never be forgotten. Some of the choices he made later in life may not have been the best for him or others but the talent he shared is something rare and special.

Our eight year old said he was about like the DaVinci of Pop. The impact he made will never be forgotten.

Happy Mother's Day!

I love this video. Somehow I see my guys doing this some day. Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Star Wars Day!

May the 4th be with you : ~ )

This Weekend

Hey Mommy!!

















This weekend we have made a new focus on fitness. Our oldest trying out new poses/exercises.










This will be my nemesis over the next several weeks, months and years, but hopefully it will get me back in shape.

Days in Pictures

Our oldest working on his homework Monday.











Our youngest with ice cream all over his face.

















On Wednesday we stoked up the grill for some burgers and dogs. It was good to have freshly grilled meat from the grill. Jim is a GREAT grill cook!!














My guys playing out in the yard.

Another Big Day

Today, the Bishop preaching at our church during morning worship. He talked about following Jesus and then offered a blessing for our new addition that is getting closer to completion. It was a joy to have him join us for worship. During the children's time today, the woman leading it gave the children bubbles. My boys enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and day blowing bubbles on our front porch after church.

Big Day in Our House

Yesterday was a big day in our house. Our youngest began sleeping in his big boy bed and our oldest was taught how to mow by his dad. They're really growing up now, which causes me to have mixed feelings right now. They're no longer my babies.

More Catching Up...

Monday our first butterfly came out of its cocoon.







Tuesday I took more pictures...now we have two











Wednesday, on more pic of our butterflies in their hatching environment. Our youngest was especially amazed to watch them. And our youngest cat tried to terrorize them by jumping up and hitting their hatching habitat.


















On Thursday I took this picture of our very clever cat sitting in the hall watching the butterflies.














Friday I snapped this picture out front of the church of a cherry tree.

Picture Catch Up

I'm behind yet again.

Thursday - April 16 - my boys blew bubbles.
















Friday, my youngest does flips, with daddy's help, of course.














Saturday we found a potential playhouse/hideout for the guys.


















Sunday, both boys attended a birthday party at our local inflatable place.

Hey!

Our youngest up close and personal.

I've Got My Glasses!

Our youngest got all dressed up today...put his Elmo snow boots on, his ONU sweatshirt, his sunglasses and was ready to go somewhere. He climbed up on the coffee table and announced I've got my boots, I've got my glasses, Mommy, I have my pants, I have my ear, I have my other ear. I thought of the song I Want to Be a Cowboy. Later this evening, he got out his rocking horse, got on his Scooby Doo PJs and cowboy hat and rode off into the sunset while watching Sponge Bob.

Fun at the Park

The boys had a great day off with Grandma at the Beach. We went to McDonald's playland for a late lunch. After that we went to the Strike Zone to bowl a couple of games. Finally we went to the park to play on the new playground equipment. Here is a pic of our oldest on the stone dinosaur.

He Is Risen!!

Today was a wonderful Easter Sunday!! It started out early for me at the Sunrise Service at Beech Fork Lake. Boy, was it COLD (around 32 degrees) but the setting was pretty and watching the sun come up over the lake was pretty cool. I saw about 6 - 8 deer on the way, which really woke me up at that early hour.

Later in the morning it was time for our service. The sanctuary was decorated with fresh flowers and butterflies. The title of the sermon I did was He's Alive it was a first person portrayal of Mary Magdalene after she found the tomb empty and talked with Jesus. Attendance was AWESOME today...I hope folks come back!

Hopefully I'll Stay Caught Up

Being Holy Week I haven't had the chance to post my pics from this past week. But here they are and hopefully I'll stay caught up from now on.

Monday our youngest posed for this picture....

On Tuesday I got this shot of our ever growing caterpillars are ascending to the top of their container. We're getting close, but still no cocooning...



On Wednesday our caterpillars began their assent to the top of their container they came in. And then they began to spin their cocoons...



Thursday I took the lining of the lid out and this is what it looked like with the 5 cocoons.

Friday I took this picture of the cocoons that have been transferred over to their hatching environment. This is where they will stay until they come out of their cocoons and are ready to be set free to fly.





Yesterday we had an Easter egg hunt at the church. There were several children that came to find eggs hidden throughout the church. Here's a picture of most of the kids that came.