Reflections

Today Matt and I attended a funeral for a dear friend, Shona Echols. Shona was our friend, Hamilton's current teacher and a church member we had all served with in Bible School, Sunday School or anything else that had to do with the children of our church. She was 39 when she died. She was an absolutely beautiful person.

While at the funeral, through the tears, I was inspired. Inspired to love more. Inspired to laugh more. Inspired to soak up the giggles of my children. Inspired to enjoy their youth, enjoy my youth. Inspired to be a better friend. Inspired to be a better wife. Inspired to be a better mother. Inspired to be a better daughter & sister.

I am so blessed. Blessed by a wonderful family. I have wonderful parents and parents-in-laws. Loved by many friends. I sleep, with my wonderful family in a warm little house. I eat wonderful food that I am able to prepare for my children. I enjoy health. I am able to run with my boys, tickle them and be tickled and laugh so hard with them that I have to stop to breathe. I have the most wonderful husband who supports me in all that I dream to do. Our family is blessed with an incredible church that assists us in raising our boys in Christ's love. And, I am blessed to personally know Christ's love for me and mine.

While it was a sad morning, a hard morning, I was inspired - renewed. And thankful. Very thankful that, today, I am able to love and be loved. I hope you are able to soak up and bask in love and able to then, in turn, give that love back.

Janelle

Our Wii

We've been playing our Wii today. My shoulders hurt!!!! I think its as much fun to watch people play than to actually play.

The boys have been playing with their new toys and, I think, have taken the last new toys out of their boxes.

I'm tired of ham and turkey so I think I'll make some enchilladas tonight for dinner.

We hope everyone is enjoying some time off like we are!!!

Janelle

Christmas Day!!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas today. Matt and I woke up at 5:15 so excited for the boys to wake up. We sat on the couch until 7:00 when the boys woke up. They NEVER sleep that late, so we were surprised. To think, we could have slept almost 2 hours longer!!!

Santa was good to the boys. Buzz Lightyear was a big hit. Santa also left a Polar Express train set, and lots of goodies in the stockings. Matt and I got the boys tons of other toys too - mostly building sets. We probably went overboard, but what the heck - it's only once a year, right???

Mom had Christmas dinner today. Its a tradition to wear your "jammies" to lunch over there, so everyone sports their new Christmas PJ's. We had turkey & ham and all the trimmings. YUM!

I love this time of the year, just time to relax and spend time with loved ones and reflect on God's love for us.

Merry Christmas!!!