Changes, but they're good!

Life has been moving so fast, and so many things in my corner of the world have changed. Change can be a hard thing, but I actually don't mind the change. I like a fresh start, a new outlook. It's refreshing and challenging and makes life that much more interesting.

CHANGE #1:
In July 2009, I went back to school to get my real estate license. After completing the course and a few months of studying and passing the state and national exams, I had my real estate license. When you're a new real estate agent, the State of Colorado requires that you "hang" your license with a managing broker, or another agent with two plus years experience. I interviewed a couple different brokerage firms that appealed to me before making my selection. I chose a large company to be apart of. The training was intense at the beginning. There was a lot of come to this meeting, do this marketing strategy, hold these many open houses per week, and the list went on. After about six months and no clients or leads and quite a bit frustration, I found another brokerage firm that better matched my needs and acknowledged and welcomed that I had two kids (at the time) that I was raising during the day while my husband worked full time. I was so excited to have found this firm and I ended up switching brokerage firms. The company name was bigger, the owners were interested in helping me launch this career and make it a success. There was a lot of come to this meeting and let us teach you. Within a few months, I had leads coming my way. And, by the end of September, I had my first closing, and then another a week later, and then one more in November. I was feeling very confident. I was working the referral system that my broker had helped me put in place and it was working like a charm.


After those leads and closings, things just kind of came to a halt. I was still pursuing business and did daily and weekly activities to gain clients. I had some leads. Nothing that was going to be an immediate sell, but leads nonetheless. Then, I got an email from my broker saying that we needed to have a meeting to re-up my independent contractor agreement. So, I went in for the meeting. I had a feeling things weren't going to go well when it was a Saturday morning and I recognized both owners' cars in the parking lot. Generally, you'd only find one car, unless there was a special event, which there wasn't this Saturday. I went inside, made my way to the conference room and waited. I had brought my business plans, activities I had been doing, and questions. There was a bit of chit-chat that came crashing to a halt when I was asked if I would rather stay home with my children and raise them and lose my job OR would I rather work 8-10 hour shifts, 6 days a week, putting my children in daycare. First off, I couldn't believe that my employing broker was throwing an ultimatum at me. But, I didn't even blink, I immediately said "I choose my family." They suggested another brokerage firm that I could go work for, one that didn't require as much as they were going to require out of me. I left that meeting, called my husband and he said he already had a feeling this was going to happen simply because of the time and changes the owners had already made to the meeting. Funny thing is, I never cried or felt poorly about this. And, that afternoon, one of the owners emailed me to tell me that she still thought very highly of me and thought I was lovely person, but that they had to make a business decision. She knew what my choice would be, and she was right.

 After much prayer and discussions with my husband and God, it's very clear that my place (at least for now) is to be home with my children, raising them, spending time with them, teaching them, loving on them. And, I think that as important as it is to show our children that they can be whatever they want to be and it's good to pursue our dreams, I think it's good to be humbled by God and shown that His way for us triumphs all. I truly believe this is an act of God, and I feel he has slammed the door shut on my real estate career. I'm not sure if it will be reopened. And, I'm okay not knowing. God has proven time and time again that He will provide for my family and I. All we need to do is trust with our whole hearts. And, we need to realize that things in our life will happen in His timing and not our own.

And, with that said (about God's timing in our lives), comes CHANGE #2:

When Kevin and I celebrated our 8-year wedding anniversary early this month, we were discussing what our 5-year and 10-year plans looked like. We talked about where we wanted to be financially, spiritually, career-wise, geographically and as a family. One of the biggest things we felt God was telling us that he wanted us to pursue was leading our own LifeGroup (small Bible study group) with people from our church. We were currently in a LifeGroup and we weren't really thinking of changing or leaving. It was all part of our 5-year plan. But, then, things happened and one Sunday, our LifeGroup leader approached us asking Kevin to lunch and then expressing that they felt that God was moving them in a different direction to stop leading the group and to take on a new challenge. After the lunch, our LifeGroup leaders decided to step down, and we stepped up to become the new leaders. Our group consists of three families (including ours). Both families are near and dear to us and we were thrilled at the challenge of leading this group. It's just amazing to me how you set a timeline for your life and something you plan to do, and God says, nope, now! Amazes me.

As we enter into this time of new challenges and new, fresh things ahead, it makes me so excited. I am willing to do whatever God has called me to do. And, I really believe that when you open your heart to what He has to teach you, and where He has to lead you, you will never be lead astray. So, here's to our changes...

One month left

Seriously, there's only one month left before my baby girl turns ONE! It doesn't even seem possible. Time has gone by far too quickly. It makes me sad and excited at the same time.

Tierney is such a wonderful addition to our family. She has an amazing personality, so bubbly and bright, so inquistive and so sweet, so gentle and so loving. While she's a true Mama's girl, there's nothing more that excites her than when her Daddy comes in the door after a long day at work. He's greeted with loud squeals, smiles and a "Hi Dada!" The only thing that comes close is the excitement she has when she sees her sister for the first time in the morning or after naps. I can attest that being greeted by this precious little one by a squeal, a smile and a giggle just makes you melt into a puddle right there. She's not much of a sleeper at all and because she hates her crib and being confined, she sleeps on a little kid sized pull-out sofa on the floor of her room. It works, and she's gotten a few full nights of sleep, so we're sticking with it. She crawls everywhere and tackles the stairs like they're nothing. She loves to play and when her big sister pays all the attention to her she just lights up. But, I can say, that as much as her face lights up at the sight of us, our faces and our hearts light up so much because she's a part of our lives and a part of our family. I'm so thankful God choose me to be Tierney's mama (Brooklyn's too!). Nothing in life is sweeter, more challenging or more rewarding.

Here's to one more month of my baby being a baby before she is officially a one year old...

A mom's heart

Being a mom is the hardest but most rewarding job I will ever have. It's a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, awake in the middle of the night, then up for the day at the crack of dawn and exhausted before the 10 o'clock news kind of job. It's a job where you're on-call all the time and have to be prepared for anything that is thrown your way. It's a job where you are paid in hugs and kisses. And, it's a job that you will have for the rest of your life. Sure the day-to-day duties will change, but a job that involves your heart, sweat and tears is one that will stick around forever. And, I'm so glad God choose me to be mom to my amazing little girls! I work every day to be the best version of myself for them, not because they demand it but because they deserve it. I want to be a good role model for each of them, and I truly desire for them to both grow up with a sense of who they are, feeling secure in that, and ready to take on the world.

Recently, I have had the chance to just sit back and watch Brooklyn interact with others, and it makes my heart feel so warm. She does listen to everything Kevin and I tell her. She does hear us and she does pay attention. It's a very rewarding feeling. At home, she definitely tests her boundaries (what kid doesn't though!?), and we've both come to the realization that we can be pretty strict with her. I don't know if it's because she's the first child and being a first child myself I know that parents can tend to hold that child to a higher standard than their siblings, or if it's because we know what she is capable of and always want that from her. But, she is a kid after all, and a darn good one, if I do say so myself! She's got an amazing sense of humor, loves to play mommy to all her babies and stuffed animals (she even nurses them!), is quite fiery, but loves a good snuggle.

Tierney's personality is just starting to blossom and I love the chance to get to know my baby girl that much more. I can already tell, she's going to be a risk taker. There isn't much we try with her that she objects to. She'll try anything at least once before she decides if she doesn't like it. She's a pretty calm baby, simply loving to people (especially kid and other baby) watch, but she does love to be held. She's very grabby, gets her hands on anything and everything she can, and boy is she quick! I can't wait to see the person she's growing into. She may be and probably will be my last baby and I am just soaking up everything all the time.

My girls are so very important to me and how they turn out is a reflection of how they were raised. I want them to be responsible, loving, caring, independent, inspiring, strong, courageous, honest, Godly women. And, when they look back on their childhoods, I want them to have the fondest memories. And, when they grow older, I want to be their best friend and the person they can turn to for anything and everything in life because I will always be here for them no matter what. I love them both unconditionally and completely now and forever.

My Blast from the Past

Brooklyn was a few months shy of turning two when this video was shot. I found it today on the computer while I was looking for something else and oh my gosh, she was so tiny, had the cutest curly hair, her voice sounds so little and her vocab wasn't as advanced as now. It's hard to remember those days!! So, enjoy with me, my blast from the past...

Finally I feel like an adult

There are times in life, in my life anyway, that you get to examine where you are at and where you are going. And, in the process of doing such, you may find things that surprise you. After becoming a mom for a second time, I finally feel like an adult. I know this sounds crazy because I known I've been adult for awhile now. When I was a teenager, I used to wish and wait for the day that I was on my own and could make my own choices without having to clear it with anyone. I officially mark the day that happened when I moved out of my parent's home and became someone's wife - my wedding day. Of course, I was able to make choices for myself long before that, but it was always in the back of my mind that I needed to run things by my parents, partcularily because I lived in their home and under their roof. Regardless, I made choices. After I got married, I had to make more choices, but this time with the person I chose to spend the rest of my life with. Well, we've recently made a few choices in our life that we decided upon together, and without permission from anyone else, and that's what made me feel more like an adult than anything else.

Change #1: We changed banks. I know insignificant to most, but it took almost a year for us to complete. The main reason I was afraid or better yet hesistant to change was my mom works for the bank we were thinking of leaving. I didn't want there to be any type of hurt feelings there, like the bank she works at wasn't good enough for us anymore. It wasn't that. We wanted a bank branch closer to our home, something that wouldn't take us 30 minutes to drive to simply make a deposit. So, we switched banks and no, this bank doesn't put more money in our bank account each week or give us anything special for banking there, it was just time for us to make a change.

Change #2: We changed churches. Unlike with the bank change, this decision took us less than three weeks to decide. After a Christmas Eve Eve service we went to, Kevin and I both felt that we were missing out on something going to the lutheran church we belonged to for three years. This other church's members were excited to be worshipping God and after all we're all going to the same place after we die, so why shouldn't we be excited and have some enthusiasm in the way we worship. We found another church close to our home that is non-demoninational and where those that worship there have energy, are excited and passionate about worshipping. We've gone to four services now and each service is different with a crystal clear message you can relate to and wonderful worship music. Brooklyn can even attend Sunday school, which has been such a blessing to her. I jump out of bed on Sundays to get ready to go to church, something I haven't done in a long time. And, as we're leaving church on Sunday all of us feel pumped up for the day and ready to tackle the week ahead. Leaving the Lutheran church was a difficult decision, particularly for Kevin because he didn't want to make his parents think that what they taught him growing up didn't mean much to him, because it did. But, the first Sunday the pastor spoke about how parents bring their kids to faith, but it's up to the kids to take off with it and make it their own. And, that's what we're doing and we couldn't be happier about our decision. God is really working in our lives. We couldn't and probably wouldn't have made this change without Him.

And, of course my two beautiful girls remind me everyday that I am an adult, I am their mother, the one that they look to take care of them, to teach them, to raise them and to love on them. But I tell you what, changing banks and changing churches really made me sit back and realize how far I've come, and made me finally feel like an adult...good timing, right since I'll be 29 this year?!

Don't just do it for the holidays

I've heard it twice just tonight and I have to say I completely agree with it. What have I heard? That people (i.e. homeless, less fortunate people, orphans, etc.) need help all year and not just during the holiday season (starting at Thanksgiving and continuing until Christmas). This makes perfect sense to me and it makes perfect sense that if you're going to help these people out during the holiday season, why not take on the task of helping them out all during the year?

Tonight at our Advent church service, our pastor reminded all of us that it is so much better to give than to receive, which is so true. And, then he pointed to the Angel Heart gift tags hanging from the Christmas tree in the narthex. He made the comment that he didn't understand why we were giving gifts to these people now. Why not give them gifts in July when they are not getting anything? After all, don't people have needs all year long and not just during the holidays? Good point, and yes.

Then, as I'm watching the 9 o'clock news, there's a segment about people volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission and how the volunteer coordinators would much rather people sign up to help in January or February because they will need people then too. Good point.

It's a great thing - helping people out that need it - but I think people too often tend to only worry about it during the holiday season because they feel guilty for what they have or feel sorry for those that don't have what they have, or simply want to help others. Part of my family has been asked to not give gifts this Christmas but instead do something for another family and a child in the name of Jesus. I get it. It's a good idea. But I certainly don't want to just give to these people this December and then come March, or heck August, forget they exist until November or December when the holidays roll around again and I'm feeling extra giving.

And, then, I think about Salvation Army volunteers that stand outside various stores ringing their bell in hopes of getting people to put money in their kettles. Shouldn't these volunteers be out there 365 days a year and not just in December?

I guess what I'm saying is, if you're going to give to people this year, challenge yourself to give to them all year long, not just during the holiday season because people have needs year round.

35 months & 6 weeks

Brooklyn is exactly 35 months old today and it's also Tierney's six week birthday. These milestones, if you will, are leaving me with the distinct feeling that my girls are growing up way too fast. I look at Brooklyn and I no longer see a toddler, she's totally a little girl, having lost all of her baby look. She can carry a conversation like she's an adult. And, Tierney is growing like a weed. At her one month appointment last week, she weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 22.5 inches tall (that's almost 2 more pounds and 2 inches taller that when she was born). She's smiling and cooing. It's so incredible. Both of my girls will always be my babies, no matter how big or old they are, and I feel so blessed to be their Mommy. I love them more than they will ever know.

Here's a few fun current photos of them...

Brooklyn in Daddy's wig

demonstrating how old she's about to be

An attempt at catching Tierney's beautiful smile

Sisters before their baths, just talking away

Simply in awe..

I feel blessed beyond belief, overwhelmed with love, respect and admiration for my wonderful husband. My husband, without one selfish thought, took on an undesirable task, something that he really didn't want to do, but did it nevertheless. He did because it needed done. It wasn't glamorous, fun, or anything to boast about. Now that he's nearing the completion of it, I look back at the effort and responsibility he took upon himself, and I find myself in awe. In awe of this amazing man that I married. In awe because he never requested a thank you, he never played the martyr and he never expected anything from me in return. I'm proud to be his wife and I'm proud that he's the father of my children. He's just simply amazing, and I don't know if I say it enough.

My Girls

I don't say it enough, but I really have the World's BEST Daughter! I really do. The kind of girl that melts your heart by wanting to hold you when you're feeling down or tired and tells you "just put your head on my heart Mommy, I'll make it better." The kind of girl that wants to be just like you so much that she'll imitate your every move. The kind of girl that makes you laugh because there's no other response you can give when she throws you for a loop by saying "taking away my toys Mommy isn't going to work." The kind of girl that can be all girly with Mommy but then turn around and two seconds later be wrestling or using tools with Daddy. The kind of girl that can be super shy around everyone but with Mommy and Daddy she lets loose to dance, sing or share one of her funny faces.

How did I ever get to be this lucky to have such an amazing person to care for and raise? How did I get chosen to be her mother? I don't have the answers, but I tell you what, I'm in awe and full of gratitude every day for the chance to spend time with her. She has truly made me a complete person and has shown me how to live life to the fullest and how to have fun every single day, every single moment. And, I thought I was supposed to be the one doing all the teaching!

As the birth of our second girl is right around the corner, I often ponder what she'll be like. Will she be like her sister? What will she be interested in? And, the thought that has crossed my mind several times, will I ever be able to love her as much as I love her big sister, and will we share the same kind of bond? I don't know who she'll look like or what her interests will be, but I know that like her big sister, she will be mine and I have already fallen in love with her. I can't wait to meet and greet her into our family. And, heaven knows, she's going to have one amazing big sister. Oh, I can't imagine how my heart will grow when she is born, but I know it will. I will get to be a mommy to two little precious girls! I just feel so blessed.

Growing Up

I remember my first blog post. Brooklyn was two days shy of turning 5 months old. I reminisced and was in awe over how she was growing up and changing so fast and right before my eyes. It's always something that veteran parents warn you about, but it's not until you actually become a parent that you understand the full meaning of what they are saying. You really, really have to be careful not to take for granted your children growing up, because it happens so fast and in my case, without my even realizing it at times.

At the beginning of June, we started something new, but something that we wanted to tackle before the baby is born. Kevin and I had talked in great length about it and when the right time was to start, and we figured it would take a good amount of time to be set in place. It's okay to admit we were wrong. After only 10 days, Brooklyn was officially potty trained, and wearing her Little Mermaid panties. Of course, we're still in the process of doing a complete and total potty training, because she is still wearing, but not wetting a diaper during her nap, and then again overnight. We are charting her process through her Potty Chart which was an idea that we stole from my parents as the chart idea was something they did to encourage me to do chores when I was growing up. At the end of the week, she gets a special surprise to reward her for being a big girl! She's very aware of when she feels the need to go and will tell us whether we are home or in public. It's wonderful. And, it does give Mommy and Daddy a nice break of changing diapers before the baby is born. We couldn't be more proud of her.

Brooklyn has always been interested in music, from a very young age. She has staked her claim of favorite songs and bands over her two and a half years, and most recently her favorite is Maroon 5's Makes Me Wonder. Kevin and I have become a bit tired of the song as she requests we play it over and over again on the iPod. She loves to jump and dance to the music and tries out all kinds of new moves. She is quite the dancer. So, I guess this next part comes because she enjoys music so much, but she has really, really taken to singing. She sings songs all the time. They are not necessarily ones that we taught her, as she has really taken to making up her own songs, but whatever the lyrics, she's always singing or humming. She sometimes sings herself to sleep at night. She sings while we are driving in the car, usually along with the radio. She sings while she is showering or getting a bath. She really sings a lot. It's very sweet, and she has such a sweet singing voice, something she obviously didn't inherit from her parents.

On Tuesday, her and I went on a date to a late breakfast, shopping and a movie. It's amazing how she can carry and lead a conversation the whole time. While we were eating breakfast, I just looked at her and realized, holy cow, I really don't have a baby anymore, just look at her! She's just so much fun to be around and it's incredible to think that she's my little girl, my precious daughter. And, to watch her grow up is something both Kevin and I delight in. We loved holding her on our chests as a baby, but every milestone or new thing she learns, we're right there with her celebrating and encouraging it. We so blessed to be her parents and start every day with her, trying to capture every moment, because she really is growing up so fast!

A special day

Today is a very important day of remembrance and praise in our household. Two years ago today, we (Kevin and I) dedicated our little Brooklyn to the Lord. We stood before our church congregation and our families and vowed to continuously praying for Brooklyn, instructing her in the way of the Lord, setting a godly example, and disciplining her as the Lord would discipline us.

But, it's important to point out that even though today is Brooklyn's baptismal birthday and tonight we will relight her baptism candle, baptism isn't something that just happens once and then is forgotten. Jesus certainly didn’t see baptism as the end, but as an entrance to a way of life. Baptism is how we live our life in Christ. We daily ask for and receive forgiveness of sins. We put down our guilt and shame at the foot of the cross and use our precious life energy to serve God’s family, to continue to learn about the God, to help God’s kingdom come here and now. How can we help our children say “I’m sorry” to God, to know they are forgiven and called to forgive others? Model saying “I’m sorry” to your child, your spouse, your friend, and to God in prayer. It will be contagious. In shared prayer, invite children to ask for God’s forgiveness and for a heart willing to forgive others. Remind your children daily that the Holy Spirit lives in them as the way Jesus is with them always.

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." ~Matthew 19:14

Building A Great Cathedral

This is a wonderful story and a great inspiration to all moms...

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, and she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Sharon, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Sharon. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot see if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Bring The Rain

I've been following a blog about a family of five with another little girl on the way for some time now. Their story is heart wrenching and they are experiencing a pain I cannot even fathom. But, through it all, they have turned toward the Lord and believe whole heartedly that His will has been done. They thank God for the 2 1/2 hours they got to spend with their precious newborn daughter before she went to heaven.

Today as I checked the blog, I found this letter that Angie, the mom, wrote to her daughter Audrey Caroline. Angie gives everything to the Lord. She truly believes that He has a purpose and reason for taking her newborn daughter to heaven, and she is at peace with that.

This whole story just makes me so very grateful for my precious, loving daughter, and it reminds me just what a miracle it is to bring a baby into the world. It's also is reminder to me to cherish every moment with my little ones in the flesh and in the womb.

Makes a Mom proud

On Monday, I took Brooklyn to her pediatrician for a 2-year-old well baby check-up. We always thought she was a tall little girl, and our thoughts were confirmed. She is 35 1/2 inches...just a mere 1/2 inch away from being three feet tall. That puts her in the 95th percentile. Her weight, 27 pounds, 4 ounces, puts her in the 50th-75th percentile, which the doctor was pleased about. Her head measured in at 19 1/8 inches putting her in the 75th percentile.

So, what does this all mean?

Well, Brooklyn is a tall, slim girl with a big brain! The doctor determined that developmentally, she's where a 2 1/2 or 3 year old should be. Brooklyn was chatting with the doctor too, and the doctor said with how well she communicates verbally that she's up to the 3-year-old mark there. We understand quite a lot of what Brooklyn says, and she's been combining words to form 5-6 word sentences. Some of the things she says, we're surprised she knows and can say them as clearly as she does. The doctor gave us a few things to work on in the next year to help her become even more advanced such as problem solving tasks, learning her ABCs, colors (she knows green and pink), numbers (she can already count to 10) and her shapes.

We're so blessed to have such a beautiful, healthy, intelligent little girl. She makes our lives so full, and gives us purpose in the world. After her doctor's appointment, we stopped by Daddy's office for hugs and kisses and because after her shot, Brooklyn called out for Daddy. He gave us a gift.

He had gotten 2 gift certificates to Mimi's Cafe. He handed one to us and told us to go out to lunch. So, Brooklyn and I did, just the two of us! It was such a wonderful experience and something we are going to have to do far more often. There's something about it just being us. We talked throughout lunch. Brooklyn stopped eating several times, folded her arms, put them on the table, lowered her head, and say "So, Mommy, day?" meaning how is your day? I'd say great and ask her the same. She ate an incredible meal. I just left the restaurant feeling so full of love for my little girl. She is just the best person to be around and I am so glad that Daddy gave us this opportunity. Afterward, we went home with the intention of napping and then giving her tricycle a whirl outside since it was a beautiful day. But, by the time she started her nap, sleeping for almost three hours, it was time to get going and get dinner started.

Oh well, Monday was just a perfect day all the way around!

A Christian Life

Growing up in a Christian household where prayers were said at meals, before bedtime, the Word of God was taught by my parents and shown through by their living examples, I wanted to provide this to my children as well. I desire for each of my children to know their Lord and to have a personal relationship with Him. If I could only teach my children one lesson, this would be it. This is the most important thing in life.

My family went to a non-denominational church for some time and I was raised Presbyterian. Our church met at a middle school, being that we didn't have our own building. The worship service took place in the auditorium while Sunday school took place in classrooms. When I close my eyes, I can still imagine walking through the halls. My family became quite involved with church activities. My parents were part of a couple's Bible study, my mom played Mary in a Christmas play, I was in several plays and participated in junior high and high school youth group. I honestly can't remember what my sister participated in, but maybe that's because she was still pretty young then. We were an involved family though. We, my mom in particular, would help out if someone needed anything. That's why it came as such a shock and heartbreak to us that when my mom broke her back, and was unable to do much of anything, that no one from the church called or offered help. The details are a little fuzzy to me about everything that happened, but let's just say we didn't go back to that church. And, because of our experience, our family was a bit burned from finding a new church. We did go to another church, the one where my grandma went to and still does, but we didn't call it our home. We didn't get involved like we did at the last church. My parents always have believed that faith is a very personal thing. They have always said that you don't have to belong to a church in order to believe in the Lord, to walk with Him daily or to be a Christian. So, slowly we stopped going to church each Sunday.

When Kevin and I got married, we had a couple fights over a Presbyterian or Lutheran (which is how Kevin was raised) church for our ceremony. The decision wasn't solely about your church or mine, it was what faith we would become as a married couple, and how we would raise our children. We each had our opinions of the opposing denominations including how the church service was conducted. With parental guidance and disagreements on both ends, Kevin and I chose the Lutheran church to be married in. After all it doesn't truly matter which denomination as long as the Lord is at the center of our marriage. Since we were married Lutheran, we went to Kevin's church for quite a while before deciding it was time to find our a church near our home.

Two years ago, Kevin and I wanted to explore our options and find a church that we could call our home church, one that we would become involved in and one that our children would become involved with too. We decided to go to to the Lutheran church near our house. That first Sunday we were instantly greeted by this nice, very loving, older woman that introduced us to so many people before we even sat down for the service. The service was a blessing to us. We really felt at home there, and we really felt this is a church were we could grow not only our faith, but a place for our children to learn the Word of God. We kept going week after week, and soon joined the church. We have since become involved members, taking on roles as scripture readers, greeters before church, junior youth group and participating in Bible studies. One of my favorite parts though is the fellowship and the friends that we have met at church. And, that is something that was something that I always overlooked. I feel blessed for the people I have met and continue to meet and get to know on a personal level. There are several woman who I feel so blessed to have in my life. And, it excites me at the number of young families with children because as a mother I want our children to have church friends and become involved in church activities just like Kevin and I did as kids.

But, the most important thing is helping our children find their way to the Lord and being a daily example to them through the way we live our life. After all, that's what our parents did for us.

Playing Santa

Now I know how Santa feels, minus the whole sleigh and eight reindeer thing. I just finished playing Santa to a few of my favorite clients. Our company sends around a Christmas list in November. Everyone gets a chance to put down clients, contacts, or organizations to give Christmas gifts to and what we would like to give them. The first two weeks of December we hand deliver all the gifts. This year I had five people/companies that I love working with and wanted to give them a gift to thank them for their business, and to let them know I love working with them. Now, for those that don't know, I work at a newspaper in the advertising department, so when I say thanks for the business, I mean thanks for using our newspaper for advertising.

So, yesterday I started out meeting a gentleman who does carpet installation and sales. He works out of Parker, which would have been a long drive, but instead we met in Denver where he was working that day. We had never met face-to-face, but have talked over the phone dozens and dozens of times. The minute I introduced myself, he said, "Oh, honey, let's hug!" and gave me a big hug. I gave him his gift (a gift bag full of Mountain Man goodies) and told him that we really appreciate his business and that he's a real pleasure to work with. He thanked me, offered the same to me, and told me I am SO young! Not sure how to respond to that (I didn't want to say, and you're SO old!) I said thank you. We chatted for about 10 minutes and then we said our goodbyes and I was off to my next stop.

I pulled up across the street from the Brown Palace Hotel in Downtown Denver, paid my parking fees, and made my way into the lobby of the hotel. The first thing I noticed was the Christmas Tree, so beautiful! As I made my way down the employee staircase, lowering my head so I didn't hit in on the low ceilings, winding past the kitchen, I came to the Human Resources office. I entered the office with the gift, a lovely red poinsettia, and was greeted by all the people that I had talked to on the phone. They thanked me profusely for the gift and gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the Brown Palace. Much like any other hotel, but since the building is old and has history, it was fun!

My next stop was an advertising agency. These two ladies that own the agency used to work at a daily newspaper and opened the agency after they left the daily. It's only the two of them in the office, and the minute I walk in, they are all smiles and waves. I have met them before, so I know who they are and apparently they remembered me. We chatted about holiday plans, business and what the impending snow storm would do for the ski slopes. I got two hugs from these neat ladies, and was off again.

This morning, I drove to Brighton to meet the Human Resource Manager at United Power. As I walked into the building, I immediately wanted to work there. What a very cool green office! The lights turn off when you walk out of the room and turn back on when you go back into the office. When I met for the first time the HR Manager, she shook my hand and looked into my eyes and said "I have a personal question to ask you...are you Kevin's wife?" When I said yes, she immediately turned on this beaming smile. She said she loves his writing and finds herself laughing at all of his columns. She knew all about Brooklyn too. We talked for quite a while about Brooklyn, Christmas Day plans and life in general. What a wonderful woman! So down-to-earth and a true genuine person. We hugged before I left.

My final stop was to ITT Technical Institute to meet with the executive secretary. When I got there, she wasn't in yet, but I got to leave her gift outside her office door. I was a bit bummed I didn't get the chance to meet her.

The experiences I have had meeting people for the first time, getting to thank them for all they have done this past year, and to chat with them like we are old friends, was truly special. I look forward to next year's visits. But, until then, I have to finish my Christmas cards for the rest of my clients and get them sent out real soon!

It's about the Cross

Pause my song list, as you listen to this! It's really beautiful and a great reminder of what this time of year is truly about!

Decorations Galore!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! I just love the holidays...the decorations, the music, the smells, sights and sounds, the hustle and bustle in stores...I love it all!

One of my favorite things is putting up the Christmas trees and decorating inside and outside our home. This year, we got Brooklyn her own tree to decorate. It's 3 feet tall and is covered with Dora the Explorer ornaments, babies and angels, her Hawaiian Santa and teddy bears. She pretty much wanted to put all the ornaments on her tree! We compromised and put the heavier ornaments that she loves on the big tree, but down low so she can visit them. We completed her tree by putting on a string of garland that has green, silver and red stockings hanging from it.

Mommy & Brooklyn picking out

the first ornament to hang up.

Brooklyn admiring her tree...
and as she said "all done."

One of the tradition we started last year is to have Brooklyn place the star at the top of the big Christmas tree, with Daddy's help of course. This year, she got it on the first try and was pretty proud of herself!

Reach, lil' one, reach!!

Yeah! We did it!
I love the way she is looking at her Daddy, so precious!

Christmas Thoughts

I was driving home late one night last month while a local radio talk show host was lamenting how he wasn’t looking forward to Christmas. He went on to gripe about how Christians just “get up in your face” this time of year.

I was tempted to call and immediately offer an apology. How dare we, as Christians, spoil the spirit of Christmas? After all, people are busy buying presents, running up those credit cards and fighting over mall parking spots and here we are, wanting to talk about the only begotten Savior born to free the world of its sins.

Of course, the effort to take Christ out of Christmas is nothing new. Nothing irks me more than to see a “Merry Xmas” sign. The little Algebra I know taught me that you could insert anything in place of X. But, alas, it wasn’t quite as catchy as Christmas.

So the emphasis has returned to not attacking the message but, rather, attacking the messenger. So the popular wisdom becomes “we’ll keep Christmas but we’ll mock those Christians who are celebrating it for all the wrong reasons.”

The ironic part is we’re the only ones who have it right. There is only one reason to celebrate Christmas. I shudder when I think about how many people don’t know why we celebrate Christmas. I shudder more when I think about how many people, like this ignorant talk show host, are trying to forget why we celebrate Christmas.

And, in a world that continues to take a dimming view of Christianity, I think “up in people’s faces” is exactly where we need to be. We need to be proclaiming the love of Christ and we need to be sharing the wonderful story of salvation.

It’s a great story, it’s a miraculous story and it shouldn’t be some cheerless anecdote to all those other Christmas activities. We can share the love of Christ and we can still buy those presents, hopefully not overcharge those credit cards and eat plenty of holiday cookies. They don’t have to be separate. We can celebrate Christmas without forgetting the meaning of Christmas.

But, if proclaiming the birth of our Savior, ruins somebody’s holiday, then I’ll gladly stand up and be called Scrooge.
--
(My dear husband wrote this, but I really wanted to share it!)

Giving Back

On Saturday, our church's junior youth group volunteered at 9Cares Colorado Shares, a huge, state-wide food drive.

9Cares Colorado Shares started as a simple food drive in the old 9News parking lot. A lot has changed but the goal is still the same - to feed, clothe, and provide a happier holiday season for Colorado's less fortunate families. The holiday drive is the largest one-day food, clothing and toy drive in our region, with nearly 30 sites along the Front Range and into the mountains. Combined, the 30 sites, collected 383,025 pounds (191.5 tons) of food. Our youth group worked at the Firestone King Soopers and collected 4,441 pounds of food and $563.

It was so incredible to be a part of this food drive. To watch people head into the grocery store, as I am sure they do every week, but to come out with bags upon bags of food that they bought just to give away, it was amazing! And, the youth group kids really got into it, helping unload van loads full of goods, passing out fliers of the top-10 most wanted items, sorting the items once they were donating, weighing the boxes and loading them in the truck.

Brooklyn even got so very involved in helping the little kids with their donations. She would run up to them, grab their item hand it off to be sorted and say "thank you." So precious!

We really had the best time volunteering, and our family plans to participate next year. Like I said, there's no words to describe how amazing it is to watch people just be so giving and selfless.