Merry Christmas...

I love this time of year when we have the opportunity to reflect upon past Christmas memories and to remember just how blessed we are! This always takes place when we decorate the tree as a family...let me share with you a few of my favorite ornaments... DeAnn gave me this homemade "I love you" ornament when I was in high school and I have cherished it ever since...the boys have known to be very careful with this one at a very young age!! All together now....awwwww! Here is Dillon's first Christmas photo...what a chunk! And look at his puffy eyes! Derek was working horrible hours at the East L.A. station and we celebrated at the crack of dawn....seems like yesterday!

Derek's mom gave him this ornament his first year as a Deputy...I've always loved it and it reminds me of God's goodness and provision in Derek's life (and ultimately mine)...

This ornament was given to us our first Christmas as a married couple...sweet!

Okay, let me just say that my favorite of all favorite ornaments are those with pictures of the boys!! And let me be put on the record to say that when I am a teacher of my own classroom one day, I will always do photo ornaments of my students! I so appreciate the boys' teachers who took the time and energy to make these lifelong memories for our family! Here is Dillon in the 3rd grade...

And Dalton in the 1st grade...

Last but not least, I wanted to share with you the beautiful tree skirt that my mom made us a few years ago...it will be a family treasure always!!

I hope you all take the time to reflect upon all the past Christmas memories and blessings you have had with your families and above all, to reflect upon the real reason we celebrate Christmas...Jesus!

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Isaiah 9:6 "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

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Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means, God with us."

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John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Fulfillment Room...

Here's just a taste of how much jam we have made and are in the process of distributing...welcome to the order fulfillment room! Business has been good and a blessing...I was even able to buy a freezer for all the berries with our proceeds!
I must say, there is just nothing better! ;)

Wordless Wednesday...

A Christmas Puzzle...

Puzzle piece #1... Puzzle piece #2...
Puzzle piece #3...

Put them all together and you get a beautiful Christmas wall hanging especially made by my talented Mom! Thank you Mom for this special addition to our Christmas decor! We, (especially me!) love it!!

Merry Christmas to me...

Since I'm done with school for the quarter {insert happy dance, yahoos, and big smile here!} and I finished with straight A's {insert a repeat of above...} - I decided to do a little something for me! An early Christmas gift if you will... I made myself a holiday tote! And I love love love the name of the charm pack: Figgy Pudding...

The inside has plenty of pockets and I wanted to show you the back too...

I just love my new tote!
It will make Christmas shopping just that more merrier!
:)

Blessings...

On Sunday, Dalton was baptized! We are so thankful and are rejoicing in his decision to follow Christ and to no longer live for himself but for Christ alone!!

Dalton and Pastor Joel - Joel said some encouraging words and thanked the congregation for their impact and ministry to Dalton... :)

Dalton gave his testimony - quoting his favorite scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

I know these pictures are blurry (there is only so much a point and shoot camera can do!) but they captured the moment...

Old creature...

New creature..."Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Dalton and his best friends...his brother :)

Zac...

and Bitsy...

My parents made the trek from Bakersfield which was very special...

Well, who would have guessed that Dalton would be the tallest one in the group!?! {grin}

Please join us in praying for Dalton as he continues growing in his relationship with the Lord.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Philippians 1:6

It's been hard but I'm thankful...

It's been a tough 3 weeks: I still miss Karl terribly and have cried everyday - missing all the routines over the past 11 years (greeting me each morning and throughout the day, running to the gate when I got home, and most of all walking each day - I still haven't been able to go by myself...prayer please!) Anyways, I found this picture of him from last Christmas (that I had forgotten about) and I thought it perfectly portrayed his sweet temperament and faithfulness, as he was sitting right there among us on Christmas morning. Such a good Karl boy!

Onto the thankful part...We had two great celebrations this year. On Thanksgiving Day we traveled to Bakersfield and spent the day with my parents and Grandma Nonie. Below is Derek and Dalton installing a new counter top for my Dad in his garage. It looks great and Derek said that was the most fulfilling thing he has done in a while! :)
A family I am so thankful for...

What's Thanksgiving without Smith's cookies?...

There was lots of sleeping going on...

Even Gunner...

And Axel...

Celebration #2 was held at our house with the Kruzner's. Dillon loved giving Ethan and Kaylynn rides around the property on the quad...

Another family I am so thankful for...starting with Kaylynn and going counterclockwise is Ethan, Dalton, Angela, Maxine, Kim & Rich (all the way from Washington - yea!! *we had an extra special visit with them!), Derek, Larry, Dick, Dillon, and Brooke was able to join us too!

Yesterday I had outpatient surgery and my parents sent me the most beautiful flowers...

(I'm healing just fine...thanks for all your prayers!)

So while these past three weeks have been difficult with the various trials of life....I have much to be thankful to the Lord for! He has blessed me with an incredibly loving family and a husband who turns out to be a great nurse!! ;)

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2