Blessings

Ever hear that old hymn, "Count Your Many Blessings"? It suggests naming your blessings one by one. It would be impossible to name ALL my blessings, but here's a good start: God's love God's grace God's mercy God's forgiveness God's friendship The Holy Spirit Jesus Jesus' sacrifice for me God's promises My husband My daughters My son in law My 2 granddaughters My grandson My mom and dad (whom I miss like crazy) My brothers My sisters-in-law All my nieces and nephews and their children My home My job Friends Safety given on so many trips and running around Good health Springtime Flowers Trees Laughter!!! Rest Salvation Love Hugs Kisses Butterflies Kittens Healing Answered prayers Easter I could go on and on. But I think it's important to take time to be thankful for what God has done!

Post-Valentines Day

I'm really not good about keeping up with my blog. I think about it every once in a while and have good intentions, but I just don't do it. I think my niece is right...I need a camera! Then maybe I'd be a little better about posting on my blog because I'd have some pictures to share. Maybe someday.

Yesterday was Valentines Day! Of course it's easy to kind of easy to criticize the card makers and the florists and the candy makers by thinking they just want to make some money. But it is a great day to be reminded how important it is to let those we love know that we love them. Agree?

So, with that said, I have to share about my love for Dennis. There is no doubt that God gave me the most wonderful, fun, loving, caring husband ever. He is the love of my life. His love for me is true and he loves me unconditionally. I told him yesterday there just aren't words to truly express my love for him. I thank God for him.

And my girls...two of the most beautiful treasures in the world to me. Kristen and Kendra bring so much joy to my life! They are both wonderful Christians, and how could I want anymore than that. They are both filled with love and life. They are fun and funny. And caring and compassionate. Kristen is a wonderful Mommy to my 3 precious grandchildren. Kendra will be a wonderful mommy someday too. When I was growing up I wanted to have a daughter and God blessed me doubly good.

God has also blessed with me with a terrific son-in-law. Cliff is such a good man and has so much love for Kristen and their children. As a mom, I could desire nothing more from my son-in-law than to see the love he has for his family. What a gift.

And talk about gifts...Kayla, Grace and Benjamin. Oh my goodness. My grandchildren are the most precious, beautiful babies in the world. My love for them cannot be explained. Grandchildren add a whole new level of love that, until you have them, you cannot believe is possible. The joy those children bring me is unbelievable!

I have the 3 greatest brothers in the world, and I love them with all my heart. I cannot imagine my life without them. Again, I am so blessed to have 3 very special sisters-in-law who make our family complete. What makes our family even more special is all my nieces, nephews and their children. I'm so thankful for each of them.

I could go on and on about the love I have for my family. I thank God for each and every one of them!

Time keeps on slipping...slipping...

My mom always told me that as I got older, time would go quicker. As usual, Momma was right.

It's amazing to me that January 2011 is already more than half over. Wasn't it just yesterday we were talking about New Year's Eve plans (which for us were non-existent:))

Now it's creeping up on the end of January and my Kendra is going to be turning 20 years old. Talk about time slipping away. It doesn't seem possible.

Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and hold both my girls just a little longer, play with them a little more, sneak in and watch them sleeping again, read to them some more, and watch them grow up. They've both grown up quiet well and I couldn't be more proud, but I miss the days when they were little and loved to be held close.

Time does slip away a bit too quick, especially as you get older, so make all the memories you can and enjoy the ride!!!

I must have done something good...

Oh I knew this would happen! I'd start a blog and then not post regularly!

Allow me to be completely mushy for a while!

On January 7, Dennis and I celebrated 37 years since our first date! We were in college and had returned that day from our Christmas break. I have to admit, over the break I thought of nothing else but Dennis! I had already fallen for him and was hoping he was starting to feel the same about me. Dennis called me at the dorm and asked me to go out that evening to see the movie, "The Way We Were." I don't remember a thing about the movie---honest! I remember who was in it, but nothing about the movie itself.

Dennis is the light of my life. He makes me complete and he brings me so much happiness. He makes me laugh (a lot) and has loved me unconditionally since our first date! Well, maybe he didn't love me on our first date, but for a long, long time!

I thank God for Dennis all the time. Like the words from a song in my favorite movie (the Sound of Music)...I must have done something good. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but how I thank God for him!

After Christmas

It's hard to believe another Christmas has come and gone. It was a very blessed Christmas and I am so thankful to have been able to spend time with my family.

I'm very thankful to God for sending Jesus to us to be our Savior. That is the greatest gift ever and one I never want to take lightly. I want to love God more and serve Him more in 2011.

May God bless each of you in the new year!

Christmas eve

Christmas eve. What a beautiful night! The rush is over. Stores are closed. Traffic is quiet. The best gift we could ever receive was given to us over 2000 years ago when God sent His Son Jesus to us.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas is coming...

I'm still not sure I can get used to doing a blog! It would be nice to have a camera so I could add some pictures to make it a litle more exciting, but I forgot to put that on my Christmas list, so I don't think it will happen. For now, I guess I'll just write.

This Christmas feels a little different than before. This is my first Christmas without my mom. I am so thankful that I have precious memories of many happy Christmases with my mom. Momma enjoyed being with family on Christmas and she always loved telling about Christmas was when she was growing up! She liked to see lights and hear the music and she especially loved all the holiday treats! Cookies were her favorite! One year Momma went with us to the Cincinnati Zoo for their Christmas light festival and Santa was there. We have laughed so much over how Momma flirted with Santa and he flirted right back with her! I miss her so much this Christmas.

I have a dear friend who recently lost her mom and another friend who called today to say his mom only has a matter of time. My heart goes out to them.

On a brighter note, I'm truly thankful that Jesus is the reason for the season! He is worthy of all our praise!