Todays Gospel Reading

Matthew 5: 1 - 12
1	Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him.
2	And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3	"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4	"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5	"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6	"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7	"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8	"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9	"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10	"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11	"Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12	Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Funny Things My Kids Say IV

January 2, 2011

During Mass Jack hears a baby crying and shouts "momma listen. Its baby jesus crying"

During Mass Jack asks what the priest is doing with cups and I tell him he is pouring the wine to be changed into the blood of Jesus. He tells me "I like juice box"

Nicholas biggest concern at mass this morning was that only "dults" could get communion. So he kept his eyes pealed for little kids trying to sneak one. Any kids getting communion got pointed out and he would ask "is he/she in second grade?"

We were sitting at the kitchen table and jack was telling us som sort of story that none of us understood when Nicholas said "that boy is all about the talking"

Instead of oopsie jack says ospies. And they are back in the back singing "I whip my hair back and forth" while we ride in the car.

January 4, 2011

Me: nicholas did you have a good day today? Nicholas: yes, kelsey bit Morgan today. Me: oh no, did morgan cry? Nicholas: no I told him to tell a teacher so kelsey got in trouble.

January 5, 2011

Nicholas: Mom you look very pretty (im thinking, oh how sweet) but if you put some makeup on maybe some lipstick you would look much much prettier....seriously? He is 3!

Me: nicholas what did you learn today? Nicholas: its dangerous to stand on rocking chairs.

January 7, 2011

JACKTOOK HIS STRAW OUT OF HIS CUP AND WAS FLINGING SODA AROUND. I SAID "JACK PUT THE STRAW BACK IN THE CUP" WITHOUT LOOKING BEHIND ME. HE PUTS THE STRAW IN (AND I SEE HIM DO IT) HE LOOKS UP AND SAYS "I DIDN'T MOMMA, SEE ITS IN THE CUP" THEN FLASHES ME A TOOTHY GRIN.

Nicholas was just explaining to Jack: you say stupid, that's bad. But if you say stupendous that's good. Just like sucks and shucks.

January 9, 2011

Jack: "Momma, can you get me a toys that i can do something on?"......hmmmm no idea what toy he wants.

January 10, 2011

First thing Jack says this morning: "I want soup"

i tricked my boys into eating tuna casserole by calling it "cheesy noodles" bahahahahaha! i also got nick to eat it.

January 12, 2011

I stepped out of the shower and Nicholas bursts into the bathroom and says "that man said there was an accident and the roads are closed" then he closed the door and walked out.

Nicholas just said "mommy, your hair would look really pretty purple" oh, if he only knew.....

January 13, 2011

First thing jack said when he woke up "no that's my toilet"....ok maybe he was still sleeping.

I asked jack what he was dreaming about he said his ipod

January 14, 2011

Me "jack, you like to sleep close to your mommy?" Jack "well,no monsters got me" always on the positive....

January 20, 2011

Im downstairs getting laundry when I hear a bunch of noise coming from upstairs. I shout up to the boys to see what the noise is about. Nicholas says "nothing I was going potty" I said "then what was that loud noise?" Nicholas shouts back "that was just my pee"...I must be missing something.

Nicholas: "if I went to heaven I think would say, what the heck is this place?"

January 22, 2011

Nicholas: momma, I hope your not sick tomorrow.

January 24, 2011

Jack sang me a song today "I love my mommy, I love my mommy because my mommy is my best friend" melt my heart!

January 25, 2011

Nicholas: Who is playing tonight daddy? Nick: Ohio State and Purdue. Nicholas: Yayyyyyyyyyyy! I hope Ohio State and Purdue win!

January 27, 2011

Jack: only monkeys can jump on beds......I not a monkey.

January 29, 2011

Nicholas drinking his milk: uh, I don't really like this. Me: Why not? Nicholas: I don't think I like the flavor. Juice has a good flavor. Maybe I will drink it like a cat.

Nick's Birthday

Last night we celebrated Nick's Birthday by going to Rascal Flats and hanging out with our great friends the Jordans.   I was sick last weekend on Nick's actual brithday and Nick was such a great sport.  He took good care of me.

We got a limo, cruised the WSU campus, had a great time at Rascal Flats and even made an appearance at W.O. Wrights.  It was so awesome to see Nick cut loose, dancing, smiling and having a good time.  I love when he is happy. I love him so much.  I want him to always be happy and I want to be happy with him.

Today's Gospel

Mark 4: 35 - 41
35	On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."
36	And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37	And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38	But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?"
39	And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40	He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?"
41	And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"

Know what you got.

Today's GR makes me think about counting my blessings.  The unclean spirits and disease knew when they were in the presence of Christ, why is it so hard for me to see my blessings and be grateful? Or, even more, why is it so difficult to take on a new challenge and accept the blessings it brings?

Today was a good day. It took me an hour to get to work and another 90 minutes to get home but I cam home to my happy healthy boys.  We ordered pizza and soda and are playing wii as a family. I can count these blessings for sure, and be grateful!

So go tell John I know something good when I see it....but how do I talk my husband into seeing it?

Today's Gospel

Mark 3: 7 - 12
7	Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed; also from Judea
8	and Jerusalem and Idume'a and from beyond the Jordan and from about Tyre and Sidon a great multitude, hearing all that he did, came to him.
9	And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him;
10	for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him.
11	And whenever the unclean spirits beheld him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."
12	And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

Lamb of God

Today at Mass father Jim talked about how we perceive animals.  He said when we are children we dream of ourselves being animals and those animals are representative of us as people.  Just as countries, teams, schools all represent themselves as animals we are subcontiously associate ourselves with animals.  I will be honest with you, I don't think I have ever dreamt of being an animal.

But, to stick to his point.  Some animals are perceived as strong (lions, tigers and bears) some are perceived as smarter or faster and some represent freedom like birds. But in todays gospel we have a different animal a small, young and gentle lamb ("behold the lamb of God") representing God's love, commitment and sacrifice to us.  What courage it must take to be a lamb among wolves, what love.

I pray that in the trials that are put before me, in the tasks that are asked of me I too can be a lamb. I hope that I can have the gentle courage to take on my tasks. I want to be an instrument of God and when I am not the lamb I pray to be a shepherd protecting the sheep, bringing Christs flock to him.

So, go tell John that I am willing to follow the Shepherd, I just need some signs and some direction.

Todays Gospel Reading

John 1: 29 - 34
29	The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30	This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.'
31	I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel."
32	And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him.
33	I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
34	And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

Get the help you need.

Its funny how when we know there is something we need we just ignore all of the signs. I sit a wonder why I feel like I'm in a funk but I don't do the things I need to feel better.  The overweight need a diet, the sick need a doctor, the sad need a hug and the sinners need Christ.

I missed my boys, I needed some hugs.  This morning was so cool. My boys playing with eachother, watching playhouse disney, eating breakfast together then the museum center.  One nap later and I am making dinner.  The weekends go by too fast.  I need more time with my kids.  There it is, I know the answer now how do I get what I need? Only prayers and time will tell.

Todays Gospel Reading

Mark 2: 13 - 17
13	He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them.
14	And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.
15	And as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.
16	And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
17	And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

To have that much faith.

Wouldn't it be cool to have so much faith that you would lift a roof to get closer to God. You would lower your friends in to Christ to heal them.  That would be cool, I struggle with my faith everyday. I think I need to pray for more faith.

On another note. Nicholas had a great day at school today. He was on the green apple all day and his teacher even told me he had an "awesome" day. I am so proud of him.  He is doing a great job of using his words and controlling his temper. I know its not easy being good but he does a great job.

Jack is doing great too. He gets stickers everyday for helping clean up.  He is such a lover, always hugging and kissing. He is starting to understand things really well and everyday asks so many questions. He is getting very smart.

These boys definitely help me to have more faith. I look into their sweet little faces and see all that is good.

Todays Gospel Reading

Mark 2: 1 - 12
1	And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
2	And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them.
3	And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4	And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.
5	And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
6	Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,
7	"Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8	And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts?
9	Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'?
10	But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic --
11	"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home."
12	And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Cast Away the Evil

 

I can't stop yelling at my kids.  My boys know just how to tip me off so that I scream like a crazy person. Nicholas especially like to get me going then laugh at me when I shout. It is enough to seriously drive me crazy.

I want so bad to not yell at my kids. I want to be nice and pleasant and loving, but there is something they do that just gets me going like nothing else.

When I read todays gospel reading it was perfectly like what I am thinking about after every single screaming fit. "Dear God, please cast away this meanness from me. Please help me to be a loving, calm parent (and please teach my kids to listen)"

But, I have to say that today I am super grateful for the extra time I got this mornng to be with my boys and at the end of the day today. I am so blessed to have such good boys a great job and this life of mine.

Todays Gospel Reading

Mark 1: 21 - 28
21	And they went into Caper'na-um; and immediately on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
22	And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
23	And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit;
24	and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God."
25	But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"
26	And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27	And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."
28	And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

Change, she is a coming.

I have always had a problem with change.  Whenever things are different from what I know I can't stand it.

 When I would go to summer camp I would cry my eyes out, so upset that I wasn't home with my family, with what was familiar. I remember the last day of 8th grade I was so upset that I was going to be at Seton and not Visitation anymore.

Then after highschool I had to transition from Seton to Wright State. My Freshman year was very emotional and a tough one. I don't know what I would have done without my Fuzzies Sophomore year.

Then their was going from college to where I am now. I graduated in 2005 (and moved into our house the same day), got married in 2006, had Nicholas in 2007 and Jack in 2008. Switched jobs a couple of times and I am finally back to being comfortable. Back to not being anxious. I love it.

Now I am the me I knew I always was. So different from the me at Seton and the me at Wright State but totally the me I have always been.

But...I have to say this transition from 2010 to 2011 is really hitting me hard. I've been out of Seton for 10 years! How can that be that I am so removed from something that I so heavily identify myself with. I have been away from WSU and my AXiDs for 5 years.  I have been away from the American Diabetes Association for 4 years (4 years since I have been to a Diabetes Camp, unbelievable).

It will be 3 years since I last had a baby and 4 years since I didn't have any at all. 

But, change is good. I know I have some challenges ahead (Nicholas will be a teenager in just 9 years!) of me, but I am happy where I am. I am happy where I am going.

Go tell John, change is coming, but I'm ok with that.

GR 1/8/11

John 3: 22 - 30
22	After this Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea; there he remained with them and baptized.
23	John also was baptizing at Ae'non near Salim, because there was much water there; and people came and were baptized.
24	For John had not yet been put in prison.
25	Now a discussion arose between John's disciples and a Jew over purifying.
26	And they came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, here he is, baptizing, and all are going to him."
27	John answered, "No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven.
28	You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.
29	He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full.
30	He must increase, but I must decrease."

Todays GR 1/7/11

Luke 5: 12 - 16
12	While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."
13	And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him.
14	And he charged him to tell no one; but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people."
15	But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities.
16	But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.

Todays Gospel

Luke 4: 14 - 22
14	And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country.
15	And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16	And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read;
17	and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
18	"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19	to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20	And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21	And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
22	And all spoke well of him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth; and they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?"

Todays GR 1/5/10

Mark 6: 45 - 52
45	Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Beth-sa'ida, while he dismissed the crowd.
46	And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
47	And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land.
48	And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,
49	but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out;
50	for they all saw him, and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
51	And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
52	for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Humility

Today I am posting the First Reading instead of the Gospel Reading because the gospel is the same today as it was December 4th and I think that today's first reading speaks to me today.

Today I spoke to, for the first time a mother with a severely handicapped child (forgive me if I use the wrong wording here, I am not familiar with the proper words to use). This child was born perfectly healthy, a beautiful child growing up just as he should. When he was 23 months old he fell into a landscaping pond at a family members home on Easter Day.  He nearly drowned yet survived with a very serious brain injury.  He has lived 8 years since that accident and requires 24 hour care, feeding tubes and extensive medical services. His mother, who I had the honor of speaking with was the most beautiful soul, a humble soul.  We talked about how there is so much support in the begining but 8 years later newness and "tragedy" of it all wears off. The constant struggles become everyday and there just isn't as much help.

I think the one thing I remember most about our conversation is that she said any help would be a "wonderful gift". She told me she was "past being proud" and as we got off the phone she said "God Bless You".

How easy is it for me to have great faith? It should be really easy; I have a home, a job and a safe happy healthy family. I should be rejoicing in the name of the Lord! I should be praising God for all of my blessings...but I find myself being very humbled by this mother. What gift I have received today.

How humble was it of Christ to come before us, live among us and suffer because of us. Have we ever seen a more pure form of love than that of Christ?

So, go tell John that I am humbled before the Lord.

Todays FR

Philippians 2: 5 - 11
5	Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6	who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7	but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8	And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
9	Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,
10	that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11	and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Funny Things My Kids Say III

12/23/2010 And my boys want to go bowling, again. - we went bowling on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, because that is what they wanted to do.  Jack mainly ran around and got yelled at Nicholas as usual was being competive and came in second (but I think Daddy cheated, he played the bumpers)

Nicholas has a cut on his forehead he told me "im frustrated this keeps bleeding" I said "do you want a band aid" he said "no I can just deal with it and hold something wet on it" as he holds a wipe up to his forehead.

12/24/2010 Jack got out of the bath and was touching his nipples. I said Jack what are you doing? He said playing with me pointys.

So I looked up on norad.com where santa is and told the boys that he was in Barbados. Jacks response was "nuh uh, he's in town. Santa Clause is coming to town!"

12/26/2010 I asked jack what he wants for dinner today and he said "tookies" i guess that's better than his usual request for "tandy"

12/27/2010 Nicholas and Jack first thing both of them did when I got to the daycare....asked for their chapstick. Jacks was in his pocket nd Nicholas in his cubby.

Nicholas just told me he was on the Yellow Apple today for doing something dangerous, but he can't think of what it was.

We just went through McDonalds and Jack ordered a cheeseburger with just cheese.

12/31/2010 Taking Nicholas, Jack and their friend to Run Jump and Play. They are watching Imagination Movers in the car and cracking me up with their silly conversation.

I was telling jack to be careful while climbing a ladder. He stops, looks at me and says "I AM being careful MOMMA!" With his best big kid attitude.

1/1/11 We are headed to the "UD Flyers Basketball Game" Nicholas says that entire phrase everytime he mentions it. Nicholas got to "five" and "rock" "UD Flyer" AKA Rudy Flyer.

My favorite 4 words "mom, i love you"

Nicholas "Mom, if we were in a cave and couldn't get out, we would just have to stay there."

2010-Top 10 List

 A great whole year! I have to say this whole year was great, full of positive attitude and surrounded by loving people. I don't know that "bad" really happened (yeah, the car accident and stomach ulcer were kind of trying but we are all ok and we got a new car out of it). So here is a list of the Highlights

10. The Hewitt Jordan Wedding - Our really close friends and neighbors Scott and Louise were married this year.  I can't even explain the beauty of this occassion or the amount of love we have for these two.  But the wedding was breath taking and the reception was too. True love, these two are lucky to have eachother and we are lucky too.

9. Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker - So, I have always loved Hootie and the Blow Fish and ever since college have been into Country Music (Thank you to my Big Jen Schubert Finney). It has taken years and years to get Nick into it but he has an appreciation for all music and Country Music is no different.  For our anniversary he got us tickets to see Brad Paisely, we had so much fun and I had the opportunity to touch Brad on his hot sweaty shoulder (at the time I said I would never wash my hand again, but I have unfortunately). I would say that was the best show I have ever been to of any kind. It was awesome.

8. 4 year wedding Anniversary - No new babies! This year we celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary, and it was the first anniversary we celebrated with out being pregnant or having a new baby.  This hole year was a new experience of being married, being parents and just being a family. But it was awesome, best year yet.

7. Fish Fry Circuit. If you don't know what the Fish Fry Circuit is, then you haven't lived yet.  Our dear dear dear friends The Jordans and a few floaters travel the Miami Valley every year lent hitting up the local Fish Fry ahd Monte Carlo Nights. We lose money and eat fish. Its just awesome.

6. Trip to Baltimore, Maryland. My baby sister moved to Baltimore and is working for Under Armour as a designer. This October Nick, the boys and I drive the 8 hours (10 for us) to Baltimore. We spent an awesome weekend with "Sissy" celebrating her birthday, seeing the amazing city and eating great food.  It was nice to see the city with someone that had been there a while and new her way around.  We saw all of the kid friendly highlights and even stopped off at Charm City Cakes and DC for a day. On the last day we stopped by and saw the Elizabeth Anne Seton house.

5. Vacation in Hilton Head, SC. It has become somewhat of a family tradition to vacation in Hilton Head. Even when we were in highschool Nick, my family and I would drive down and spend a week in Shipyard.  We do a lot of sun bathing, sand castle building, pool swimming and eating! We had a really great time and this year Nick's sister Korie came along. It was a lot of fun for all of us.

4. Trip to South Bend, Indiana - Notre Dame. My Aunt MaryJo and all of the Pratt Clan live in South Bend, Indiana. Uncle Tom works for Notre Dame and MaryJo home schools her children.  We visited for Gregory's First Communion and had the opportunity to tour Notre Dame with my cousin David who was a Freshman in 2010.  This was quite the experience for all of us, it gave us a spiritual renewal and helped us appreciate our family and faith.

3. Saints Helping Saints. What can I say about SHS? We started this group to help a couple of Seton Alumnae and it has just grown to become so much more.  I am so grateful for the girls involved, our board members, committee members, donors and volunteers have been instrumental in the success of the organization.  We have had the opportunity to serve 4 families and come together as a sisterhood.  I am most thankful for the bonds we have made with eachother, for the friendships we share and for the Christlike efforts each individual has made.

2. A great year personally and professionally. 2007-2009 were tough years professionally. I went from working at Cincinnati Bell (top rep in Dayton) to not returning after maternity leave and trying to figure out where I wanted to take my career. At the end of 2008 I found myself at Nations Roof and the first 14 months were rough as I built a book of business, grew accounts and found my niche in this new company. Nations Roof has been amazing, we have great employees and I have been able to grow in the position.  This year was especially successful for me and the company. I appreciate having a job and even more for having one I love.

1. Watching my little babies grow into little kids. Wow, what a difference between 1 and 2 and then 2 and 3.  This year was so cool. I got to see these little baby kids turn into little kids.  Their likes and personalities have changed and developed into such cute and thoughtful little people.  These boys are polite and listen. Sometimes I get frustrated with them and quickly realize these boys are amazing, they are smart and thoughtful and I am so proud of the people they are becoming. 

So go tell John, 2010 was awesome. I am so grateful for the year we just had....And you can tell John that we are ready for 2011, we are going to make it the best yet. We are ready for new challenges and we embrace all of God's blessings!!

Happy New Year!!!!

GR Today

Luke 2: 16 - 21
16	And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17	And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child;
18	and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
19	But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
20	And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
21	And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.