Thursday, Dec 25th - Hero: Jesus

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

So far, so good! We had a great evening at my Grandma's last night. I got to 'wrassle' around with some little boys (something I don't usually get to do), my brother James was there with his bride Natalie (James just got back from Iraq), and we sang carols and ate good food. Awesome night.

Afterwards, our girls made cookies and treats for Santa, made homemade ornaments, and took some goofy pictures in their new PJ's. They all got their big gift wishes fulfilled, so all is Merry and Bright.

Now we will be off to my Mom's for the afternoon. She's making Christmas dinner this year and I CAN'T WAIT. Beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. Should be fantastic. My uncle Dale will be there, which always a special treat. I just think this will be a very special Christmas. Trust me when I say Jesus Christ has made his presence felt in our family in a big way this Season. It's His birthday, but we are the ones who have been given gifts.

So, Merry Christmas everyone!!! Here's some pictures from our celebrations:

Wednesday, Dec 17th - Hero: My Brother

They say the measure of a person comes from how they handle the bad times.

My brother has been handed lemons lately, but he's made some great lemonade!! He's not let his Christmas spirit be diluted, and he's made the women in his family SO happy by taking all his girls to church, and being really and truly PRESENT while he's there.

There's not enough men in this world who are good leaders for their family. Men who wake up each day with the needs of their family foremost in their mind. Men who make their kids feel safe - not because they are perfect, but because they are always, always there. Jason is one of them. God bless you and the others like you out there.

Love ya, little bro...


Peace, Love, and GOD,
Tracy

Monday, Dec 8th - Hero: My Mom

Ding Dong the Grinch is dead!!!

Yes, my Mom has long worn the Grinch mantle, but no longer!! This year she has the Christmas spirit in spades.

Yesterday afternoon I got a call from her to help her buy a tree. Naturally, I dropped what I was doing and ran to Walmart with her. After all, it's one of my goals in life to help others discover their Christmas Joy.

Well, she got downright excited and even though the Walmart was stuffed tighter that a Christmas goose, she didn't even seem to notice.

When we got home, our husbands were crawling on the roof, stringing lights and wrapping garland around the newell posts. I'm telling you, I could have cried with joy. We went in and not only put up the most beautiful tree, but also decorated the front entryway, the dining room, AND the kitchen. And it looks fabulous. Truly.

Afterwards we ate a fantastic meal that the men fixed and sat around the living room listening to Elvis singing about our Lord. Even the men were wiping away tears.

To top it all off, she is having our family out to her house for an old fashioned Christmas Dinner where we will tell the Christmas story, listen to hymns, and pray together. In other words, we will be wallowing in Christmas magic.

This will be my favorite gift.

Thanks, Mom!

Peace, Love, and GOD, Tracy