Christmas Day, a week later!

I can hardly believe it has been a week since Christmas.  How did the time go by so quickly?  

Indy's Mom was out to visit for the week, and the children were thrilled to have her here to celebrate the holiday...our last Christmas in Colorado.  There was no snow; but, it was still a very relaxing time that we got to spend with family and friends that we treasure!

The presents before the kids opened them

Sissi's favorite gift was a "baby set" from Playmobil, to go with her Disney Birthday Castle

Gwangi had wanted the Playmobil Pyramid; but, he was content to settle for the more inexpensive and smaller Sphinx

My reader is always thrilled with his books!

Krypto was so thankful for the book his sister gave him..."Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid".  He still claims he wants to be a teuthologist when he grows up (look that one up ;)).

I am so thankful for my kids, for their graciousness, for the fact that for the most part they are grateful for what they have, and for their joyful spirits and love for one another.  Did they have quite a few presents under the tree...yes, they did, I am grateful for generous and loving family and friends that helped to provide that for them.

I know this is the time of year when we make our "changes" and try to do things better.  I want to thank all of you that have helped me through this year and hold me accountable on so many things.  Whether it is committing to working out, asking how we're doing in school, asking how we parent our children, how we relate in our marriage, or how we are planning to spread the Lord's message throughout the world.   I want you to know that you make a difference for me, for our family and I value and treasure you, just the way you are.  I thank the Lord for putting you in our lives and I remember the verse in Proverbs (27:17) that says "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  Thank you for sharpening me this year...I look forward to more "honing" as we walk this path together!