Normal?

I am a very observant person - always have been. My parents swore they thought I would end up a detective because I would notice anything that was changed & little things that were out of the ordinary. I'm fairly good at reading people as well - when we were in Gatlinburg with Julie & gang, we were waiting for a table - I leaned over & told her - the couple next to us are on their honeymoon. How did I know? She had freshly done nails AND pedicure - there was something all over her face - her husband went to go get her a soft drink while waiting - he was attending to her every need while they were waiting & then it was funny because after I said that - she picked up her cell phone & was calling someone & talking about the wedding - Yep - called that!

So Ricky & I were out at Logan's Steakhouse Saturday for dinner. In the middle of the room - there is a little area with just four tables. I looked over & told Ricky to look - it was like the stages of family set right together.

The first table had 2 young couples - you could tell they were married & one of the couples had a baby, probably a year old - they were all cooing around him - enjoying that baby face, gabbing up with each other - young married couples hanging out.

The second table had a married couple - probably in their early 30's with a son with them - probably about 10 years old. He looked completely bored - the parents looked stressed.

The third table had an older couple - probably in their 50's -& they sat alone. I told Ricky, I bet their kids are all grown & have families of their own. They looked happy & chatted the night away.

At the last table was a older gentleman - probably in his 70's - he was all alone. All he ordered was a tea & a sweet potato. He never looked up - never looked around - ate his sweet potato & left.

I told Ricky - look - isn't that a perfect example of a normal family cycle right there - it was just funny to notice.

And then I started looking around the four tables - the tables that circled around it....

There was a table full of young girls going out for a girls night - laughing & giggling & enjoying themselves.

A table with an older couple taking a friend out for dinner - I knew this because I sat next to them in the waiting area - I talk to anyone.... their friend was blind & had a hard time getting out so they liked to take her out for dinner when they could

A table with a mother & daughter only - I wondered where the dad was? Gone? working? in the military? or just a mother/daughter day out?

A table with parents that was FULL of kids.... wondered if some were from previous marriages as some of the ages looked the same

Then I thought - what is the NORMAL family cycle? Anymore - its anything & everything - isn't it? I thought about Ricky & I sitting there - with his daughters all grown up, all scattered over the US, with our grandbaby being in Texas (sniff..... missing him so much during Christmas!) & what people thought when they saw us out together. And I thought about how when I go out with my church family & friends - how they feel just like my own family as well.... It just really hit me how there is not "normal" or "Ordinary" - God brings families together in different ways & what a blessing it is that there is no NORMAL!

Enjoy any & all the family in your lives!

Dollar Tree

I'm tired.... its been a busy, hectic weekend... is everyones weekend like this the closer it gets to Christmas? But its been full of fun as well - even amidst all the running...

Our Committed Couples group came over to our house on Friday night. We decided with how hard Christmas is on everyone financially anymore - we were going to do the Chinese Christmas thing, but the saving way - all gifts had to come from the Dollar Tree.... We had no idea how it was going to turn out. In the end - it was hilarious - full of funny gifts - from everything from a turkey baster, to a set of "Gross Practical Jokes" (which my husband ended up taking), to a nice pedicure set I got (Who can get enough toe nail clippers), to a bag of "Stink Bombs" - our youth minister got those - the kids need to be on their guard! - to Silly Puddy, Window Cleaners, a knife, & reindeer antlers - (see the cute couple? that's our Youth Minister or aka Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation... you cant see it - but he has one the white shoes as well!!!!

Its just the best group of people.... so glad to spend some time with them. One of our couples were sick - darn stomach flu is going around fierce - so we ended up just playing games for the night.... GIRLS WON...actually the boys won one game too but GIRLS WON sounds so much better!

And look at this - me - Mrs. Dont ever Cook - found an easy recipe off another blog & made these... too simple - just Hershey kisses & Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, & 8 minutes... they were delicious!!!

Tonight was the Children's Play at our church.... is there anything cuter than little angels, sheep, donkeys & Mary & Joseph - all under 3 feet tall? There's nothing that can pack a church more than these little kiddos! But it was such a fun time hanging out with the kids from youth & laughing with them.... if you dont know the kids in your youth at church - get to know them - they are an amazing age that have such ideas & such personalities.... you'll be blessed!

So tomorrow-off to try & do more shopping... trying to sneak & get Ricky's done while I can shop without him.... the only problem - what to get him? UGH!

Have a great Monday everyone!

Disney

So I'm home today.... yipee... something to be said for sick days that aren't used. No - I'm not sick - Praise the Lord! - but it is days I'm able to take - so I'm off today & Monday - (4 day weekends are the best!)

So I am getting ready for some friends to come over tonight & was looking at my Disney stuff & wanted to take a few pictures to share

Here is the entertainment center with our favorite piece. Its such a different era look & so sweet. Just added the garland this morning - Ricky hasnt even seen it yet.



You cant have Mickey without Pluto - he lights up too! (& yes, my stocking has Belle on it - shocked?)

here are some shots of ornaments on our tree. Love the Woody Ornament - love all the different Disney characters you dont see much - Meg & Hercules, you can even see Pochantas peeking in there - Hunchback of Notre Dame is swinging by - love Tinkerbell ornaments....

But had to put this one on our tree - to always remember what the season is about!


And someone else is glad I'm home - & changing the sheets - but she's not ready for them to go yet - they are just getting comfy... how cute is Zoe... at least they dont get in trouble when I'm home!

Grab me!

First - get your mind out of the gutter...

But you can grab me.... I've got a GRAB BUTTON now!!! How cool is that!

I have to thank Jen - I havve been loving her blog lately & she had a give away & I won!!!! The prize- she would design a grab button. She took my colors, my name of my blog & designed it all on her own.... and I absolutely love it!!!! How cute is that? So now, if you like me enough to share, you can put this on your side bar & people can just click it & come into my world for a bit... who knew you could even do that? Jen did!!! So if you are interested in a Grab Button - you may want to talk to Jen - she's good!!!!

<center><a href="http://rebecca-belle.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGnPK2ME6QjgGKvx3Terh3UsMXySHSQ8HnK8CiMbXr1xYAnFRR6d_mdgOPiVUGfB3nR4eQ5EuWZyNMgEQmm6dwdCSISu2rMzqnHXdllMyHZCYLgeU8cosrQIvlBa3uoQjZM4p/s1600/Knit+by+God's+Hands+copy.gif"/></a></center>

Coffee

My dad, once again, sent me an incredible thought.... you may have heard this before - but its a good reminder.

A young woman went to her mother & told her about her life & how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it & wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting & sturggling - it seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water & placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second, she placed eggs, & in the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit & boil - all without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out & placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out & placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out & placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see"

"Carrots, eggs & Coffee" - she replied

He mother brought her closer & asked her to feel the carrots. She did & noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg & break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the SAME adversity - boiling water. But each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard & unrelenting - However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened & became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you" she asked her daughter.

When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?

Are you like the carrot? You seem strong but with pain & adversity, do you wilt & become soft & lose strength?

Are you like the egg? You start with a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, do you become hardened & stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside, do you become bitter & tough?

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water - the very circumstances that brings the pain!!! When the water gets hot, its releases the fragrance & flavor it holds within itself! If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better & change the situation around you! When the hour is the darkest & trials are at their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

Will you ever look at a cup of coffee the same now?

Knitting & an award

First, some knitting.... I was so excited about this - but couldnt share anything because it was a secret - & who wants to ruin a secret.... but as we all know - Kelly is getting ready to have her little Harper join this world. Well, with all the stylish things she was receiving & her bedroom that I even would be proud to have myself (maybe a little bit bigger bed though) - I knew I had to do something for this little one. The brown & pink took me over - sunk into my head - & all I know how to do is knit - so knitting is what I did....

Creation - I made a Baby Kimono & added the two colors so that it would have the pink/brown combo. Its cool because it double wraps & instead of i-cord ties, I incorporated pink/brown polka dot ribbon.... I was happy with how it turned out. The yarn is so yummy too.... I hope it just makes Harper look all the more stylish!

Also - I've been knitting like mad on the Charity Blankets... two came my way at one time. Luckily though - I had time & actually finished one in just a few hours on a Saturday. Love to see the finished product when the cordinator gets it back together & seams up the sides... they look fantastic... a knitting project touched by so many hands.... My part on these - both are the shades of green...

Lastly - I have to thank Annie at Junior Mints & Reeses (How do you not like someone with all that yumminess in their name?) Annie bestowed on me an award - A Friend Award!!!

What does this award mean?

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

shucks.... that's so nice.... & I so enjoy getting to know people & developing friendships through the neat little world of blogs.... so who do I pass these on to?

1. Can't NOT pass this award onto my dear friend Lynn - Love you my Sister Friend!!!
2. Faith - who is such a dear friend to so many (I want to go to visit her church - their church family seems amazing!)
3. Amy at Chapters who I just love... what a dear friend who gives me such kind words & always makes me smile...
4. Heather who is another lady I love... she's always so encouraging & I'm so excited & loving watching her go through her second pregnancy.
5. Auburnchick who was one of my first blogging friends & still inspires me with her knitting & her love of her children & her relationship with God
6. Mimi who is actually Faith's mom & is another incredible Christian woman... thanks for being such a caring friend while my heart is wacky!
7. Carolina Girl who is another blog buddy I made a while back... I cant help but love a Southern Girl!!!
8. Pooba whom I have followed just recently but already love everything about her... I want to be a member of her family - they look like too much fun! & she just has the best sense of humor!

Looking through my list of favorites - I have so many other Blogging Friends & am just so blessed to have met so many neat, caring, thoughtful women!!! I wish I could put up 8, or 16, or 24 more... but my fingers are tired.... sigh!

Still Believing

I love when things hit you that you never think of before.... it happened again on Sunday.

Joe delivered a fantastic message about how we need to be like Christ in knowing we were born to die.... we need to die to ourselves daily, we need to know this life is not all we have - a great message.

So I'm looking over at the scene where Christ is on the cross.... & then, BAM - something new...

He's on the cross - people are doubting who he said he was - afterall, he claimed to be the Son of God - how is he on a cross dying then? Some of the disciples are already in hiding afraid for their own lives - it seems like everyone is in a state of confusion - people did not know what to think at this point....they hadn't seen the third day come yet....

But on that cross - Jesus hears a voice behind him of the two men on the cross... one is the criminal who is mocking him by telling him, "So you're the Messiah? Prove it by saving yourself & us too while you're at it" (Luke 23:39)

Then a voice from the other criminal....

"Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong." - Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into YOUR KINGDOM" -Luke 23:40-42

When everyone else was doubting & wondering if this truly was the Son of God - a criminal who was dying, he still believed - he still had faith who Jesus was - even in the sight of such horror - of such finality of what was happening.... he still believed!!!!

And then, the famous line that Jesus said to him:

"And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42)

Jesus assuring this man who still believed.....

May we all keep our faith & always believe in Jesus & His power even when things look so final & bleak!

Fabulous!!!

I have to thank Jen from Following the Footsteps for thinking my blog is FABULOUS!!!! I have loved this award since I've seen it going around..... anything with a stylish lady & the word Fabulous on it - who doesn't want to be called that???? Jen definitely deserves it & as a new blog buddy - I too think she is quite Fabulous herself....So thank you Jen for the kind words & the award!!!

Now, onto rules....

Name five addictions & then pass it onto five people who I think are pretty Fabulous too! So my addictions

1. Of course, my number one addiction is YARN!!! I'm completely, 100%, whole heartedly in love with yarn. I love to feel it, look at it, knit with it, get excited about what it can become... I love to "STASH" my yarn just to look at it & wonder what my next project is.... I know - I need help!!!

2. Blogging... I love everything about it... meeting some incredible people, hearing amazing stories, being inspired & challenged to think, share a part of my life.... its an amazing way to learn so much about others. I truly have to check out others blogs on a daily, (if not hourly) basis to see what's going on with other blog buddies. I truly get excited to see what's going on in their lives

3. Trail Mix.... right now, I'm so addicted to Trail Mix from Sam's Club... it is FULL of Cashews... & M&M's... the real kind - not a knock off chocolate candy... I can't get enough Trail Mix (Actually just had some right before I typed this)

4. Laughing.... I love to laugh - try to laugh daily - & try to do it quite often in a day.... "Laughing is my favorite thing" (know what movie that's from?)

5. And finally & certainly not the least - I'm whole heartedly addicted to my Savior - Jesus Christ.... I keep him at the forefront of my mind every day - want to be more like Him - want to share him with others - want to live for Him!!!! I think He's a wonderful addiction to have!!!!

So - who do I think is pretty Fab - well its hard to pick five - but thats the rules - so here are five fabulous blogs:

1. Dawn's Cottage Corner
2. Ministry so Fabulous - how do you NOT give it to her - she already has "Fabulous" in her name!!!!
3. Simply "Jenn"sational - isn't Sensational & Fabulous close to the same thing?
4. Heaven's Gift
5. All Things in Moddy

Time of their life! Part 2

OK - this is becoming a bad habit!!!! I got home last night & glanced in the back yard & there is something out there again... Ricky went & brought it in - what was it this time- my aerobic pants!!! I was so mad - I only have two really good, comfy winter pair of work out pants - the kind that are loose, comfy, dont cling - the perfect fit.... this was one of the two.... now I'm down to one pair... BOO!!!

So, I made Sydney sit next to them - she's usually the culprit when it comes to clothing.... & as you can tell - she sort of has a guilty look anyways- those ears pinned down. She stayed like the the entire time I had the pants next to her - once I picked them up - she ran & jumped on me like "Do you still love me?" It just took about 5 minutes of a pitiful looks for me to forgive all.

(Buffy isn't looking none too innocent lying there either - is she? I'm sure she was involved in a great tug -o- war event! )

Butterfly Award

AAHH - I click over to a fellow crafty, Christian blogger & what did I see? An award with my name on it.... YIPEE! Who bestowed this on me - Debby from "Useful Hands & Heart"...

How fun!

I love visiting Debby because she knits, crochets, SEWS (which I'm so jealous of anyone that sews) & she signs... you know I love signing!!!! - & she loves the Lord, has the cutest "grandmuchkins" .... I love finding kindred souls in the Blog world!

So Thank you Debby

Book Meme

So my adorable blog friend from Heaven's Gift tagged me for Book Meme. I'm all about books so I think this is great. Here are the rules:

1. Open the closest book to you - not your favorite book, or the most intellectual - but the CLOSEST book to you - turn to page 56
2. Write the 5th sentence... as well as two to five sentences following that.
3. Pass this onto 5 Blogging Friends.

So.... I literally have 10 books around me - & that's just in my office!!!! So I am such a dork that I measured to see which one was the closest!!! I dont want any Book Meme Patrol Officers coming after me saying I didnt follow the rules!! So the winning Book.....

THE BIBLE!!!!

Glad to know that was the closest to me....

Turn to page 56 - Fifth sentence down (& since its the Bible - I just went down to the 5th Verse) - & I actually had to laugh because this is what it says (& that's not the funny part by the way)

Genesis 29:31-33 "When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive. So Leah became pregnant & gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "The Lord has noticed my misery & now my husband will love me." She soon became pregnant again & gave birth to another son. She named him Simeon for she said, "The Lord heard that I was unloved & has given me another son"

Now - the funny part.... that verse has always stuck out to me.... I even did a post on it back in March of 2008 - see - proof!!! That word ' UNLOVED" - or that Leah "Was not loved"... that is just so harsh - especially for someone in a marriage.... makes my heart ache for her all over again.

I just thought it was crazy how I was led through a fun tag back to a verse that hits me so deeply! What a reminder to us that when we feel "unloved" or that things aren't going the way WE think they should - that God is there - LOVING us every step of the way!!!

Now - who do I tag? OK - bring on the Patrol - because I challenge anyone that loves books... anyone that has a book near you - open it up....tell me what's on your page 56....

You all were lucky - it was between the Bible or "Eclipse" - the 3rd series book of Twilight!!!!

Max

The one thing that I love about blogging - you meet so many different kinds of people - you meet people & hear stories that you would never have heard before - you see pictures that make you smile, you get involved in people's lives that live across the country from you - & you really feel like you know a piece of this person.

Yesterday, I ran across a blog - through another blog (isn't it a great chain of blogs out there?) - & ran across the story of Miracle Max. After just glancing around - I had to go back & read all the previous posts. Let me encourage you to go do the same - & let me also warn you - you will leave with tears in your eyes & your heart aching.

See, Max is to be born tomorrow via C-section. Max also has many things against him, including a condition that I'm not familiar with - Trisomy18 - they have links on their blog about it.

But tomorrow is the day that this incredible young couple, Dustin & Trish are going to see their son. They already know they are probably not going to be able to spend much time with him as his life span is predicted to be anywhere from minutes to hours to prayfully, days... our God is mighty though - no one can predict.

And that's where you all come in - This couple is facing this situation knowing God is with them through it all. I literally thought of this couple all night last night & was in prayer for them knowing Friday morning is coming soon for them. So if you can - stop by & encourage them - lift up a prayer for them - let them know that even though they may not know our faces or names - we are all in the family of God & we care & we will lift up their family, especially Max, in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Heart Appointment

Yes - finally... after 2 months... my Cardiologist appointment came around. (Did that two months fly by or what?)

Well, first, I thought I was going to be smart & chugged 3 BIG ole' glasses of Diet Big Red - get that heart pumping so he can heart what's going on.....

I go in - my blood pressure was 110/72 & my heart rate was 74..... PERFECT.... my EKG came out PERFECT.... he said it sounded like there were no problems at all..... of course!!! I was telling him how my heart rate has been sky high & the feeling it has been. Well - he was concerned when I told him about the absess that I had in my gums with all the dental nightmare I had. So he sent me down to the lab for some tests to make sure that the infection didn't get to my heart - there's actually a name for that - cardiosomethingorother - yeah, I think that's it....

So those results will be faxes to him when they get back & I have to go back December 19th for an ultrasound of my heart.

And my brilliant idea - yeah, my heart has been pumping like a manic all night last night - & into this morning, its still going!!! So when my ultrasound comes around - I'll be drinking Big Red the DAY BEFORE!!!!! Live & learn.....

Thanks for all the thoughts, concern & prayers.... it really means the world to me!!!

Merry SITSmas!

The great people over at SITS is having a Christmas kick off - to wish everyone in blog land a Merry SITSmas! They are having some incredible give aways every hour today - the only stipulation - to have Christmas Card on your blog to wish everyone a fantastic Holiday. So here's my Christmas Card to all my friends at SITS & all my fellow Bloggy Buddies!!!!

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich & eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. -Agnes M. Pahro

May everyone's Holiday Season be filled with love, goodness & peace. May you feel the Spirit of our Christ as we celebrate the day of his birth.

Christmas Video

I recently ran across the video from a blog buddy - TIFF..... if you havent seen this - I think you're going to look at the Holidays a tad differently. What we can do as Christians & churches - together.... Please watch... you'll be so thankful you did!

Black Friday

I have to say - Black Friday has been great today. I normally am out doing the shopping thing with but Ricky working & my dental bills eating up my checking account - it was a no go for me to hit the stores. I was thinking I was going to be dreading it, thinking "everyone is getting all the deals" - but I ended up having the best day!

I woke up when Hubs got ready for work - & THOUGHT I would stay up & get a start on cleaning the house. Heck no - I fell right back to sleep & slept till 11:00 - something I can NEVER do when Ricky is home. He panics if I "sleep in" past 8:00!!!!

I got up & started opening ornaments to the tree & my friend Lynn called & asked me to come over for some lunch.... egg noodles were calling my name... YUMMY! I just love Lynn's family - they are all incredible - so I completely enjoyed my afternoon with friends...

Coming home - I got the tree up & got all the boxes up - the only thing left now are our big Disney figures that are scattered around on the tables... much too heavy for me to lift... I got to put in my Beauty & the Beast DVD & sing my heart out while I was finishing up - ain't a better way to put up a Disney Christmas tree.

(Here's a picture with the lights on - I took without the flash & it just makes it blurry....)

But going back - Thanksgiving was great - got to spend time with my family - my nieces - love hanging out with little girls, playing make up games as you go along... what a way to run off sausage balls!!!

Here's a picture of the girls doing "model poses".... the two older ones know what its about - my nieces - I guess their ideal of "posing" is raising their shoulders up.... its cute regardless... The olders ones - one told me "When you model - you can't smile - models dont smile - they suck their cheeks in".... oh how they pick things up quickly!

And of course, Madi (aka Spider Girl) had to find a tree to climb - this child is climbing up EVERYTHING!!!! And I have to tell you - my slow cooker turkey - UNBELIEVABLE!!! Ricky even told me - "This is the best meal I have EVER have....And I can't believe YOU made it".... I could have got offended - but I totally agreed!!! And while waiting for the turkey to cook - I had doggies following me everywhere - the smell must have been getting to them. Here's one picture I took of them - if you look close enough - you'll probably see drool hanging from their mouth!

So hope everyone enjoyed their Black Friday - if it was in stories shopping - or just relaxing or decorating for Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It's official - the kick off of the Holidays! How do I know.... as I'm getting a turkey ready - I'm watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. I always love to watch that parade.... wonder what it would be like in person - is it magical? Or is it just crowded? I'll take watching it from the comfort of my home....

Then I go take my shower & turn on my shower radio - the Christmas music has started - all Christmas - all the time - until December 26th.....

We're getting ready to go through the ads in the paper - see what the hot items are going to be tomorrow. Ricky & I normally are the crazy ones out at 5:00 but he has to work for the first time with his new job - so it wouldnt be the same so I think I'm just going to relax tomorrow. We really dont have money anyways to shop after all the fun with the dental nightmare I had... alas, my house hopefully will be welcoming to Christmas by tomorrow.

And what about today.... I'm trying to keep a positive attitude for all my Thanksgiving crazy friends - Lynn, Deidre, & Dawn immediately come to mind!! We're doing the best we can to make it nice.... Ricky's family & my family are having dinner the same time (as every year) - so this year - he's going to his family - I'm going to mine - so we dont have to rush.... but the best will come tonight.... I'm making a dinner for the two of us... YES - I'm making a turkey!!!! Slow cooker will be my friend again! Its already cooking - will take 8 hours (its just a turkey breast) so it'll be ready by the time we get home tonight... I hope this will be a nice Thanksgiving doing it this way.

I have to say - I was gagging as I was cutting the fat off the turkey - now I see why I dont cook often. It didn't help with Ricky behind me making noises & saying "WHAT IS THAT?" .... I have an easy turned stomach.... needless to say - its now cooking!!!! We'll see how it turns out!

But today - I am truly thankful for so much! My family, my friends, my life, & without doubt, most important - Jesus Christ - who I'm so thankful for every day of my life!! So in closing - hope everyone enjoys today - hope that Jesus is part of your celebration of Thanks - & here's a verse to go on your day with!

1 Chronicles 16:8-12

8 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
11 Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.
12 Remember the wonders he has done,

his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced

Secret Santa brings a tear!!!!

I got involved with the Secret Santa from over at Decisionally Challenged a few months ago & today was the day I received my package!!! Before we even go any further & you see this - know that my Secret Santa made me cry!!!! What a gift....



So this is what I found coming in the door from the grocery - something that I hate to do is grocery shopping - so it was so fun to come home to a package. Instantly, my husband said, "Did you buy more yarn?" - I told him no & had him feel how heavy the package was - no way was this yarn!

So I open it up & get a card from my Secret Santa...Simone (dont you just love that name!!!)

Then look what else was in my box....

The first thing I noticed were barretts. I LOVE beautiful barretts but hate to buy them because they are so expensive!!!! I got not one, not two - but THREE pairs of gorgeous barretts. Then I got a package of soaps & lotions - yummy! Also a coffee mug with the cutest puppy on it (you all know I love me some doggies!) & the mug was FULL of chocolates!! (Gotta keep the hubs away from that!)

THEN - yeah, we're still NOT done!!! There was a Knitting Journal! Now I've seen this journal in stores through the years & have always wanted to get it but chose instead to purchase yarn. I have picked up this journal & thumbed through it many times so I instantly knew what it was!!! Now its mine!!!! How cool....

Now the best part - get ready for the tears!!!! - There was a beautiful silk wrapped package & I could hear metal hitting - I looked at my husband & said, "Knitting Needles?" - but on the outside was a letter from Simone. OH MY - the story brought tears to my eyes & caused my husband's jaw to drop. I have to share what it says.... if you feel this is long - its worth it - believe me!

Dear Rebecca:

Although the knitting needles are old & used, they hold a special significane - the knitting together of friendships.

I met Inja while our daughters trained at a USA gymnastics training center. Her husband was a pastor at Crystal Cathedral & together, they were raising two great kids. Howard was born & raised in California but as God works in his own way, he brought them together in Korea, where he met Inja at a church service.

Theirs was a love that many romance books could be written about. He clearly loved her & Howard was her world.

Unexpectedly, Howard suffered a heart aneurysm without warning & passed away leaving Inja distraught & ready to give up. She cried out to God to take her. She didn't want to live, yet, her children needed her.

God knitted together a friendship between the two of us. Here we were - a Korean woman with extreme talent in knitting, sewing, cooking & me, an African American woman, who also loved to cook & create but from a totally different culture - Yet, we spoke the same language because of our love for God.

She shared with me her passion for creating with her hands. I shared with her the gift of laugher.

Slowly, what was once ashes became beauty. She cried but at times, there were tears of happiness & not from sadness. She missed the love of her life tremendously, but found hope to live & breathe again.

Inja wanted to share her passion of knitting with me so she gave me a gift of tons of knitting supplies as well as needles. I had tucked them away & hoped that I would find someone that would enjoy them as much as she did.

And with you, my secret santa..... I give you a treasured gift.

Enjoy!

Simone

OK - I am ready to cry again!!!! I cant thank Simone enough for sharing the story with me as well as the knitting needles. As you can see - the packages are weathered over time & are very old. There is a set of needles with the cost being 25 cents & another for 75 cents.

The thing that really hit me even more is my friendship with my dear Stephanie who has passed away & how knitting was such a huge part of our lives & how we would tell stories & become sisters while yarn was in our hands. And I look at my friendships now - & how knitting has been such a big part of developing the wonderful relationships.

And now, a person I have never met in person - & have never heard of before today - has shared with me a touch of her friendship that involved knitting..... I will truly cherish these needles - I will put them with all the knitting supplies of Stephanie's that I still have as well. Another story to tell when someone asks why those needles are seperated & what they mean.

This gift is the best gift anyone could have given me.....I can feel it from the heart.....

Thank you Simone.... My Holidays have truly been kicked off in the best way possible!!!!