Peace on Earth

God blessed us so much this Christmas.



All the drama of Thanksgiving was totally gone as Brett's parents braved the 18 inches of snow they received in Roanoke earlier in the week to drive down here to celebrate Caleb's first Christmas! That was really amazing, I totally expected them to forgo the trip. They were even kind enough to put on a straight face and eat what I attempted to cook for them... It was a humbling lesson in grace all in all.

We went to see the lights at Riverbanks Zoo. AWESOME! We had a dinner party at my house where I attempted (and pretty much failed...better luck next time) to provide the food. We opened gifts with my relatives in Cola and Brett and I even got a chance to go on a date to see Avatar. ;)

Caleb got TONS of stuff, even his own laptop since he always seems to want to play with mine or Brett's. Adorable! Brett got a Nook, I got a Flip, and Caleb already got his two front teeth so everybody got what they wanted. :D

Most of all, we got peace.

"Love is raining down on the world tonight There's a presence here I can tell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us Emmanuel He's the Savior we have been praying for In our humble hearts He will dwell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us Emmanuel"

Family Photos

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTmas! :)

17. Where do I want to go?

To the Riverbanks Zoo to see the lights with Caleb for his first Christmas. :)

18. Who do I want to meet?

All my friends together in one place for a minireunion. It feels like its been forever!

19. What adventures do I want to go on?

I'd love to be able to travel more. I refuse to believe that the time for that has come and gone just because I'm a mom now. The Spanish teacher at my school is here in the U.S. on a work visa and she spends every holiday break in a different tourist spot. It's not a bad idea. :) She's seen more of this country than I have and I'm a native!

20. Do I care too much about what others think of me?

Absolutely. Anybody know the cure?

21. Do I take offense too easily?

Probably. I wear my heart on my sleeve so often and invest so much of myself in all that I do, I take criticism too personally.

22. What makes me happy?

Making other people happy. :) Meeting needs. Giving gifts. Snuggling with my son. Kissing my husband. Watching children "get it".

23. Do I procrastinate?

Why wait? Procrastinate now!

24. Do I stand up for myself?

I'd like to think I do. But I'm more likely to stand up for others than for myself. I have a tolerance level and I will definitely speak up if you cross it but I'm more likely to forfeit my rights to keep the peace than make demands on principle.

25. Do I hold grudges?

I wish I could! Ha! No, I get really hurt and have a hard time forgetting but God doesn't seem to ever let me get away with keeping animosity in my heart towards someone. It's almost funny. I never seem to be able to move on without getting in awkward and unlikely situations where I am forced to take a hard look at myself and my own need for grace... then I have to forgive! :P Like, cmon God, my college nemesis just happens to win the housing lottery and move into the apartment with ME? *sigh* Ok, we'll make amends....

26. Do I constantly dwell on the past?

Not constantly. I reflect. But I also look forward. I need to spend more time in the present.

27. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me?

Too often.

28. Do I forgive myself?

That's harder than forgiving others.

29. Do I smile often?

Almost to a fault. People never know that I'm angry or sick because I just can't stop! ;)

30. Do I laugh often?

I do. Thank you Lord. :) I have many reasons to laugh in my life. But no one makes me laugh like my mama.