So ... only two days??!!

Wow, only two day 'till Christmas!! Everybody ready!!

Christmas is so much different this year, getting ready for a big holiday without baking 20 pies, and cooking 10 hams :) No big rush to get parents to a good hotel, no huge packages for the boys from relatives. No howling boys singing Christmas songs (Ouch! ... ) And no huge Christmas tree decorated by ranch boys! You just never know when your life can drastically change, and I can definitely say that from personal experience!

It was a month ago yesterday, that I left my house for the last time - not even knowing that I wouldn't be coming back! It seems like longer to me, like forever ago! Almost like a different person, different time. I can't really describe it ...

Here are some pictures from last year at Christmas. We made so many memories when we lived down there. Please continue to pray for all the guys that went through the program. They need your prayers to stay strong!

Ben, Adam, and Shane decorating cookies ...

John having a good time!

Roman and the guys making a mess :)

Eating the frosting - the best part :)

Opening presents on Christmas Day.

Our '07 giant Christmas tree - so pretty!

Samantha and Rick, recently engaged. Awwww :)

My family and I in Gatlinburg, Tn - December 2007

A special post .... to my friends Abby and Lydia!

Abby and Lyd!!!

We miss you both SO MUCH!

This post is remind you that we love you TONS!

Here are some pictures - random ones - like you wanted :)

Getting ready to sing at the Christmas Concert

Yikes!

See our beautiful mini tree :)

Bethany trying to be a ballerina!

Peach, "My book protector" sleeping w/ a blanket over her .

All lit up :)

Decorating the Christmas Tree!!

Christmas is only 12 days away!!!

Time flies, are you ready :)

My Dad and Michael putting the lights on ...

Boof stringing beads

Decorations come next, it looks so pretty!

Beth carefully adjusting a ornament

Me :)

And here's the finished product!!! So pretty!

What'd ya think of the Hance's cat? He's absolutely HUGE!!!

Sometimes problems seem so big ...

They hide the light of day,

Sometimes pain cuts so deep, I can't find the words to pray.

Sometimes heartaches seem to be much more than I can stand,

That's when grace seems to take me by the hand.

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm,

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

I know every pain I feel becomes His very own,

God knows the weakness of my heart that I can't make it all alone.

For He knows what I can handle and He never gives me more,

When my strength comes to it's end, He has more grace in store!

He gives grace, in the midst of every storm,

God gives grace that carries the weary and worn.

He's everything we ever need, for everything we face

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

Grace will help you stand when problems seem so tall,

And grace will pick you up, every time you fall!

So remember when it seems you can't go on,

God gives grace.

I'm in Love!!!

And who wouldn't be???!

Isn't she the cutest thing you ever saw?

She's such a happy little girl! Always ready with a giant smile,

and some "blow" kisses.

Grinning for the camera

Having fun, jumping on my lap ...

She loves having her picture taken. Conceited little thing!

"Aww, Cute!" Is what Hollie said about this picture -
I told you that she's conceited!!

She was trying to dodge the camera, but Bethany got her anyway

My little cutie-pie ...