christmas is the time

our tree 2012

christmas is a time,

christmas is a time,

christmas is a time

for love.

~~~~

when my girls were little

6 & not quite 4 

(before our youngest daughter was born)

they would sing this song

all day long. :)

~~~~~

and what we should me-member

in all the push -n-shove 

is chrisssssmas is a time for love. 

~~~~

when i hear this song

i think of of their

sweet little voices singing

and it is such an awesome memory!

may you remember

this season

that you are loved.

above all else,

you are loved!

the most precious sign

that we are loved?

that small gift that was given to us

in the manger.

He came to save us!

for this i am so thankful.

close up of our tree 2012

may you be blessed 

today-

linked: titus-2sday-

december one

via graphics fairy

today is the first day of december?

unbelievable how fast time goes by!

i read an amazing post today; 

kristen wrote about lowering expectations 

for this christmas.

so often, i have the expectation of having

the perfect holiday, the perfect vacation,

the perfect family, the perfect house,

the perfect outfit,

the perfect _____ you fill in the blank!

this year our middle daughter, son in law and our soon to be 

four year old grandson

 will be 

in another country as they serve as missionaries!

i have had a hard time

shopping for gifts.

because i will be sending them money instead of a gift...

(they are missionaries and can use financial gifts more than trinkets!)

our extended families are having parties early

and so the actual day 

will most likely be 

pretty low-keyed.

don't get me wrong,

we are planning to celebrate!

our youngest daughter is driving 12 hours to 

get home in time!!! :)

& we will have our oldest daughter & her sweet family here,

which means we will also witness the magic and excitement

of christmas through the

eyes of an adorable two year old!!

so,

i will try to leave that idea

of the perfect holiday,

perfect family,

the perfect christmas tree,

the perfectly decorated house

the perfect table 

filled 

with perfect food...

i will leave it all

behind.

i will concentrate on

being thankful for what

i have.

because if i really take the time

to look at all that i have

in my life 

and what is truly important...

then it is easy to say;

life is lovely

may you have a wonderful holiday season

and take time 

to count your blessings &

to name them one by one!

i wish you a

merry christmas!

what i love this wednesday

oh yes,
these little ones
drawing on
little pumpkin gourds
makes this heart o' mine
warm & gooey-

what a treasure 

these two little ones

are to me

today i am thankful

for the many 

gifts in my life

these two little faces

remind just how

much i love and am loved

in return-

may you too

remember just how

special you are- 

that you too

are loved

in our darkest

hour

when we feel 

like we are 

unworthy,

remember

love is there.

22nd day of thanks

Baby it's cold outside...
we are having an amazing cold spell here
the wind chill is crazy cold
we are having a hard time keeping the place warm
but I am thankful
for a warm fireplace, gloves, sweatshirts and slippers!

Today my niece
gave birth to a baby boy
he is a healthy bundle
and the family is happy!

 I am thankful for all
our families many blessings!

and You? Are you able to keep warm?
I hope you are able to stay cozy warm and
that you can sit for a minute and dwell on all your gifts...

blessings,
melody