Just this morning, mom and I were walking through the living room discussing grocery lists for our Christmas celebration. As I pointed out that William was quietly gazing at the Nativity scene, mom commented that she used to spend hours doing the same thing when she was little. When I bent down to kiss the little man , I noticed something different, and told mom I didn't think she used to gaze at it the same way William does now. After a closer examination, she agreed. What do you think?

Do you see what I see?

Here, take a closer look. :)

If you have a funny Christmas story, please share!
I'm hoping to get another post up before Christmas day, but if not, have a very Merry Christmas and remember the Greatest Gift ever given...the reason we celebrate, and the only reason we have the Gift of Life!

**NEW VIDEO AT THE END!!!

The big day finally came. We had kept this secret for sooooo long, and we were afraid that news of what we had planned would leak out. Last minute slide-shows, music selections, letters coming in that needed to be printed, and then leaving early enough to get there on time to decorate, but late enough that we wouldn't look suspicious were just a few of the details. I still can't believe we pulled this one over! A surprise party for dad in honor of his 50th Birthday!

We love you so much, dad and hope that you had a wonderful party...we enjoyed every minute of the planning process and being there with you! May you celebrate many, many more birthdays and continue to see the blessings of our Lord and Father as you seek His face!

Now, if you get through the many pictures below, there is a special video at the end....no, don't skip down, look at the photos! :)

Decorations being put up...can you imagine why?

A special tree, full of pictures of what I think is a special family.
Yes, Caleb is missing from the tree...somehow his picture didn't get printed.
Oh, and Joshua is on the back waiting for more grandchildren to join him.

Lovely cake, eh? And it tasted better!
Thanks Grace B. for making it!

Natalie was getting excited and so she took it out on Meli.

James and the girls waiting.

Joshua watching the door waiting for...

Nope, not Peter, nor Jeremy....oh, there he is!!!

The birthday boy himself!

Mom bought dad a special hat and HUGE button to wear for the party.

Awwwwww...aren't they so cute?!

The guests listening to the program.

D2, D3, and D4 read the many letters that were sent it to dad. Beautiful, encouraging letters from family, friends, loved ones and fellow pastors. It was a special time.

A few people who came had letters prepared, or just wanted to say a little something.
L-R: Mr. Butler, Ashton the Crackshot *cough* I mean, Bandy, Meli, and James.

And then "the girls." Yes, I read something, but there isn't a picture of me, so these will have to suffice.
L-R: Christa, Jess, Mel and Mom

Something must be awfully funny!

Ahhh! The Deacons are sang a little song Jess and I prepared for them.
Video is below!

More laughter.

Some of the letters were very touching.

So many good friends to surround dad on his big day.

Momma and de' baby.

Yes, I'm talkin' to you!

Meli wants to be 50 too!

Sorry, she changed her mind and now Jess does.

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

He huffed, and he puffed and he blew the flames out!

Dad trying to help get the slide show set up. No, he doesn't have a pink computer.

Uncle Bubba?

My darling dad.

A few small words from a wonderful father.

Can you guess what he is saying in this picture?

Sweet moments.

Here we are again!

Now really, does this picture need a caption?

The BIG card.

Dad and me.

Dad and Jess.

"Dad is great...he gives us chocolate cake!"

You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get a family photo. Just think we'll have to do this all over again in a week and a half!

I shall leave you with this little video. A small gift for our wonderful, amazing and darling dad:

Looking back on all the events of the year, it's hard to believe how many things I squeezed into this year...

The kids and I waiting in the airport.

Everything from visits from dear friends, a few trips myself, family vacation, exploring a few museums, riding in a RV and sleeping in a Wal-Mart parking lot for the first time, another wonderful Reformation Day faire, watching as the Lord has deepened a special friendship, sharing precious memories with my amazing family through everyday life and special events, like Thanksgiving...etc...

Hugs all around!

It has been an incredible year and as I continue walking walking the path set before me, I've come to this point with a few thoughts.

William sharing his old toys.

My mom was reminding me that each and every season in life has it's own beauty...like the four seasons we have here. The miracles that we see in the Spring are very different from the ones we experience in the Fall. While each one has it's own unique specialty, they are all different, and they all beautiful in their own ways. As fallen people, we oftentimes dwell on the grass that is supposedly greener on the other side. By doing this we miss out on all the joy, beauty, and the importance of the season we're in today, right now. We can't dwell on yesteryear, or wish the future was here today. Each day is a gift that the Lord of all creation has bestowed on us.

My darling little nephew.

So treasure the memories from yesterday. Give thanks for the events that brought you to where you are today. Look forward to what is to come with joy, anticipation and yes, a little patience! Don't idolize it, but pray that the Lord will give you the strength to shine forth His glory in that day. It will be here before you know it! Don't let today escape from your grasp as you wish for something that cannot be.

More hugs for the baby.

But most of all....live today. Don't just exist, really and truly live. Make each moment count, view every breath that you take as the incredible gift that it is. The precious time that you have today will only come back as a memory. Laugh with those who laugh. Cry with those who need a shoulder. Love those whom you really love. Bring a smile to every person you meet. Share the light of Christ in this dark world. Be a stepping stone for those who will come after you. How do you want people to remember you?

Live the moment to it's fullest, and seize the day!

The best kind of cuddles come from Grandma and Grandpa.