Beautiful...

Beauty is all around us...if we take the time to look. My children are beautiful! I know...nothing new...a mom saying her children are beautiful. But I'm talking about on the inside, too!

Jonathan's compassion and beauty is still masked (for the most part) behind being a 12 year old boy. I see glimpses when he holds the door for an elderly person, rushes to give me a hug when I come home but most profoundly is his love of animals. While he certainly enjoys hunting. If an animal is in need...he's there. He has a lassie vision in his head...even though I don't think he's ever seen the show. He loves that when Sidney is tired she curls up on his bed to sleep, and sleeps there every night.

Morgan's beauty has been shining brightly for sometime. Not only her stunning outer beauty when she's ready for a dance but her inner beauty when spending time with challenged friends. Most of you know she loves her sign language and has a good friend with CP. Well thanks to her Christmas gift from Nana and Pap Pap I get to show you a glimps of another side of Morgan...perhaps HER favorite side. We all know how much she loves her drag racing. Well Dad has also thought it was important for her to be able to take care of herself. I agree! She knows how to change her own oil. She's played a part in changing many engines, big and small. And now she knows how to change her tires. And no I don't mean a flat. I mean CHANGE her tires. Her grandparents bought her new tires for Christmas...I detect a little worry of a young girl on the snowy roads of Ohio. So Frank and Morgan went to his shop the day after Christmas to put her new 'boots' on. (that's racing talk) She loved it..really! She takes great pride in being a prima donna one minute and then going in throwing on her jeans and hoodie and getting dirty.

We were blessed with a beautiful snowfall this morning. I have always said "if it has to be cold...it better snow". The maple and oak trees are all ladden with snow on every branch. The pine boughs are almost touching the ground. It's that squeaky snow...the kind that the snow balls hurt.

So you see...beauty comes in many forms...if you take the time to look. I would like to wish everybody a very Happy New Year! Bring on 2010!!!

Merry Christmas...

It's Christmas Eve! Wow...I should be stressed beyond repair! My wrapping isn't done, the puppy ate all the gingerbread last night (and Christmas cookies), and I have to go to the store to get food for Christmas breakfast. But instead I'm feeling rather relaxed enjoying a cup of java posting to my blog looking forward to heading to the gym with my dear friend Jack. What is wrong with me?! Well actually...it's what is 'right' with me. The peacefulness I feel is because God is with me...and I accept Him.


Don't misunderstand. I want my family to have a wonderful Christmas with gifts and goodies. And they will! It will all come together. And if I'm wrapping and watching Ralphie at midnight, it won't be any different than in years past accept for one thing...the smile on my face. Laughter, peace, friends and family...life...those are the best gifts.


I thought I would share a few pictures and thoughts before I "get busy". This past year has been a rough one...and to be honest I can't wait for 2010. But as I was looking through pics to post I realized 2009 was a good year too.


We said good-bye to a dear friend whom I miss beyond measure (as does the rest of my family...mostly Momo). But, we welcomed in a new friend. And believe me, she is providing lots of mischief....but love too. We ventured to a new school and realized the grass was a beautiful shade of green right where we had been...and we're going back (can't wait). I remembered what a beautiful land we live on...and what amazing friends we are blessed with.


As Christmas approached this year our hearts began to open! Jon has begun singing the hymns in church and soaking in the sermons. I peaked in Morgan's room the other night and she was laying on her bed reading her Bible! Wow! We have always been Christian's. But I'm really beginning to feel Him. And it is amazing. Frank went hunting last weekend. While he walked through the ankle deep snow he also talked with God (something he's been struggling with as of late) and thanked Him for all his blessings. He is ALWAYS listening...even when your not talking!





My Christmas wish is for Peace and Love! I know, corny...but true. For all the little children to rest easy. For our soldiers to be safe. For the homeless to be warm. For the troubled hearts to be calmed. And most of all...for everyone to have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

'Tis the Season...

Christmas concerts, baking and decorating...ooops almost forgot...shopping. I do NOT like to shop. I know it's unusual for a female but I really do not like to shop. I love to bake, spend time with friends and family and enjoy how the decorating makes the house feel when it's all done.


We have been very busy! Virtual juggling is my new, greatest achievement! Jon's concert was last week. He plays trumpet and seems to be really enjoying it. He's pretty good too...he's only in 7th grade!


This past Wednesday was bussier than usual. Jon had a basketball game at Crestview school and Morgan had her Christmas concert at Leetonia. We raced from Jon's game, finished making soup, gathered the items we needed for the concert and were back out the door. I was so happy my Mom was able to attend Jon's ball game and Mo's concert. She was also gracious enough to help me put together one of the raffle baskets for the concert...she makes it look so easy. I even enlisted my dear friend Jack. He was typing address labels that needed to go with me. What would like be without great friends and family?!
Morgan had a solo in the band concert and nailed it! It was beautiful! You could really forget your listening to kids play when you come listen to our kids...they are that good!!


I have been very involved in the Band Boosters for several years now...and I have to say the band kids are the BEST kids ever! And every year the seniors shuffle out and the "young ones" shuffle in..and they are still the best. I am not only impressed with their integrity and musical ability but their ability and willingness to step outside their comfort zone. During their concert Sammie had some french horn malfunctions. So Jon Dean grabbed his guitar and played an impromptu version of White Christmas. He did a fine job. Jon and Morgan have gone to school together since pre-school...how cool is that!?


Tonight after work, school and basketball practice we decided we should decorate the tree...afterall, there are only 8 days 'til Christmas. Jonathan and I strung the lights and we all helped with the ornaments. I have to confess that when I got home Morgan and Frank had rearranged the furniture, brought down the decorations and had already started decorating. Christmas carols were playing and they were both giddy! The Christmas Spirit was swirling around them both.

The plan for the weekend is to finish up the shopping (are we ever 'really' done?!) and get a firm handle on the baking. A little snow would be nice...

Merry Christmas to All!