Jackson Christmas

Sunday we headed to Granny & Granddaddy’s house to share Christmas with our Jackson family. This is always a full day of visiting, eating, and swapping funny stories. This year we had an extra added bonus with several great-grandchildren singing. Would you believe there are fifteen great-grandchildren now with one on the way?! We also had a nice surprise with Uncle Richard & Aunt Melba from South Carolina with us. The three girls did great (considering no one napped much).

Ellie & Amelia are still on Christmas break. They will return to school January 6th. Amelia recently asked, “Daddy is Santa sleeping now?” I was curious as to what Bill’s answer would be. He looked at me, grinned and replied…“I guess so”.

Christmas Day

The girls had a big time Christmas morning. Ellie & Amelia got bicycles this year! They were thrilled to open all their gifts. This was also a special time since it was Isabelle's first Christmas. She was more amazed with the lights on the tree. We are very thankful for all our blessings this year.

Counting each day

The past couple of weeks have been somewhat a blur --- my days still run in 24 hour intervals. Isabelle continues to wake around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. Sometimes I think out of necessity and other nights just to greet me. She is however growing. I compared her 2 month picture against her 3 month and it is amazing to visually see the difference. She continues to “talk”. Her favorite thing to say is “I’m goood” (or at least that’s the interpretation I get). Aunt Becky is continuing to care for Isabelle throughout the week while Bill and I work. We are thankful for this added benefit.

Ellie and Amelia are now counting down the days left until Christmas. The other morning I heard Ellie explaining to Amelia whose gifts belonged to whom under the tree. It was sweet. I still am working through my last minute Christmas shopping.

Strangely this thought has been brought to my attention on two different occasions within the past week, so I wanted to share. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”. Corrie ten Boom. I do know the Lord speaks to His own; and in times past has chosen to whisper to my heart. Recently through my uncertainties and doubt the Lord spoke again to me. I love the way He is intimate and knows right where we are, with what we face. He is worthy of my trust.

Happy 3 Months!

Three Angels

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

to keep thee in all thy ways". Psalm 91:11

A dear friend was thoughtful enough to give us Christmas tree ornaments this year -- an angel for each girl. Such a wonderful reminder that the Lord has given his angels charge over us. This includes guidance to keep us, to go where others would not venture, to stay with us.

Christmas Parade

Bill and I bundled the girls up Saturday evening for Bartlett’s Annual Christmas Parade. Ellie and Amelia were charged with enthusiasm as we parked a good distance away and walked to find our family & friends. It was cold! Every year Santa Claus makes his grand entrance into our town riding on the top of a fire truck. The girls sat on the side of the curb all smiles as marching bands and floats passed them by. What a great way to welcome the Christmas season!

P.S. Isabelle slept through the whole thing!

Starting a full week...

We started this week with me returning to work full-time. Each day starts at 5:30 am. I had forgotten how exhausting a long day can be. Isabelle is still waking in the night to catch a late or early morning feeding... I then crawl back into bed for a few more hours of sleep.

Ellie and Amelia are thrilled about Christmas. They enjoyed helping put up our tree over the Thanksgiving holiday. Ellie was quick to note that Isabelle needs a stocking.

I wanted to share two scriptures I've clung too in the last few days.

"STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage". Gal 5:1

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." Psalm 57:1