the power of Christmas Music

I have not been able to catch the "Christmas Spirit" much until today when I went to choir practice after church. We are singing "Come Ye to Bethlehem" - a Sacred Christmas Cantata for Choir, Narrator and Piano by DAVID NAYLOR. I am telling you - It got me in the true spirit of Christmas. I could have stayed for hours and sang these songs. Our choir is small, but the power of these songs is HUGE!!!

Half way through, the narrator reads "And so it was, that, while they were at Bethlehem, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn." (Luke 2:6-7). as the piano and flute are playing music the narrator continues......Thus begins the mortal mission of Jesus Christ foretold by prophets since the beginning of the world. Knowing this, Mary must have known the impressive responsibility that was hers. What was it like for her to look into her son's face and see the face of God? Such a sacred trust would certainly require an honest heart and a soul given to much prayerful meditation.

These words, and the words to the songs made me ponder so many things.

Mary sure did have and impressive responsibility - and so do I!
I realize I am not raising the Savior of mankind as Mary did, but I am raising 5 children of God. I am so thankful Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to be a mother. Am I being the best that I can be? Do I see the face of of God in my children? At times it can be SO overwhelming, but I love each one of them so much, and I will try harder to do "my best".

This week my friend(LeOni) pointed out some of the words in "Drummer Boy"to me and help them have new meaning to me.
It says "I played my best for Him".........."Then He smiled at me"
If we are trying and doing our BEST - He truly does smile at us!

(if you listen to my play list - you can hear "Drummer Boy" sang by Josh Groban- it is amazing!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN

This is when John was three - I love this picture - our three boys have eyes just like their dad!

This is a page from a scrapbook that John's mom made for him. It includes pictures from his 1st birthday all the way through his Senior year!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY-HAPPY BIRTHDAY- HAPPY BIRTHDAY-

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

THANKSGIVING TRADITION

My dad does NOT go shopping the day after Thanksgiving- His "day after" Tradition is going FISHING up in Cascade(leaving at around 4 a.m.!!!) He has been following this tradition for 33 years now. He would take ALL of us when we lived at home- but now he takes whoever is willing and wanting to go. Those who are consistant at going with my dad are my brother Randy, my Uncle Terry, cousin Terrell, and my son Eric. (this year Nicole and Rachel went also). I think there are probably only 2 years that they have missed! It is such a strong tradition - that my Uncle Terry and his son Terrell got up and went on Thanksgiving morning since Terry was having knee surgery the day after and didn't want to miss out!!!

THANKS DAD AND RANDY FOR TAKING ERIC AND NICOLE -
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Here is Randy, Eric, and
DAD with his tape measure out to show you how big his fish(story) was........................

Eric - with a disappointed face - because he did NOT catch any of these...............

Randy with his 17&1/2" catch of the day..................

THANKSGIVING 2008

helping out

Last Friday our Neighbor and Friend, Maggie(whom we celebrated her 90th birthday a couple of weeks ago)was outside and she fell. Thankfully she has a "life line" necklace, and they were able to contact us. When we went to check on her, her shirt was covered in blood and she was not able to get up. We called 911 because she had split her head open pretty bad.
It required 22 stitches to sew it back up!!!
The kids were all so helpful. They got a blanket to help keep her warm, and helped flag the ambulance down when they came down our lane. They did NOT like seeing Maggie with her "big owie". We decided that since the elementary kids are out of school all this week - that we would rake her leaves for her.
She is such a great neighbor and friend to us!























..........raking AND playing...........

my BABY is THREE

I am THREE!!!




THIS MORNING MY GOOD BUDDY,STEVE, DELIVERED BIRTHDAY CARDS WITH $$$ IN THEM FROM HIM & FROM KEN AND IRENE - THANKS GUYS!!!

TONIGHT -WE HAD GRANDMA BRINKERHOFF COME OVER FOR DINNER & CAKE AND ICECREAM....

ALSO, MY GRANDPA AND GRANDMA WALKER.....

HERE'S ME WITH MY BARNEY CAKE THAT I HELPED MOM MAKE....(Jason has been loving Barney videos for about the last three weeks. The big kids are not too sure about his choice in Barney - but I remind them that the only reason we have Barney stuff is because they once liked Barney too.)

I think Jason has had to smile for the camera one too many times lately!

ANYTHING STILL IN THERE????

THE PARTY CAME TO A CLOSE AFTER A SURPRISE VISIT FROM THE "CLUFFS" (Jason's most FABULOUS nursery teachers!!!)

OK - THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN IN AUGUST NOT NOVEMBER - BUT I DIDN'T GET ALL THE KIDS TOGETHER IN ONE PICTURE TONIGHT......