We have always tried to make something homemade for our tree every year. When the kids were in elementary school it was easy. Our kids always get a new ornament for the tree each year as well. The last couple years the dogs have even gotten in on the tradition. This year we are starting a new tradition. When we were first married we always had a live tree, but when the kids came along an artificial tree was easier. This year the kids are getting a real tree on Sunday. Lord willing and we don't have another illness. Jacob has been sick with the stomach flu all week, thankfully we haven't gotten that. I have had a pain in my right chest since Danny had surgery on the 5th and I just kept putting off checking it out. I finally couldn't stand it anymore so I went to the doctor and turns out I have pneumonia too. It feels like we are running a hospital around here. Danny is still in a lot of pain and still om his oxygen 24/7 but he is hanging in there.

Christmas Traditions

Our family used to go out every Christmas and go to a tree farm and pick out and cut our own tree and they usually would have hot chocolate and snacks when you came in to pay for your tree. Also I bought my kids an ornament every year and you would be surprised at how they still love getting their ornament, I have now included Kim and Garett.

We always purchased the children an ornament for the tree every year. When Amy left home, she took her ornaments with her for her tree. We do the same thing now for Clara and Brooks.

Thought for the Day

1 Peter 5:6-7 says: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." The devil would like you to try to handle things on your own. He would like nothing better than for you to think that if you can't do it, then it will not get done. He wants you to believe that if you can't come up with an answer on your own, then life will be without answers. But in this passage of scripture it tells us we must humble ourselves - knowing that God is bigger than we are, that He is mightier than we are, and that He will be faithful to us - all of which are acts of humility. If we will humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, then He will lift us up and exalt us. The devil wants you to handle things on your own, but God wants to give you a miracle. Don't give up hope, don't give in to unbelief, and don't cave in to fear. Know that God is on your side, and you are but a moment away from your miracle. Keep walking, keep praising, keep saying the Word, because the next moment your miracle may break through. Stay faithful because He is faithful.

Checking In

Trish how are you and Danny doing? Is everyone ready for Christmas? Does anyone here have any traditions they have started in their own family they would like to share?
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Tell Danny to hang in there things have a way of working out , and we will keep you both in our prayers, love you .

Looks like we are going to come home. pneumonia on the left which is opposite of where he had his surgery. he got some IV antibiotics while here and hopefully that will jump start him. Thanks everyone for your continued prayers~

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We are in the ER....looks like pneumonia l. Lung.

Thanks everyone for the wishes and Trish, its 46yrs.

BLESSINGS TO YOU

PEACE BE WITH YOU As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in this honour and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me.. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honour. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honour and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be with them and share their table.. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as if the party were in his honour! At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to eat and drink, and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party. See you soon. I Love you! Jesus Share this message with your loved ones, before Christmas.

Good Morning all,
Happy Anniversary David and Vonda, how many years?  Steve, Teresa, Helen and Jesse, and Ruthie all stopped by yesterday.  Lonnie stopped in this morning.  Danny is sleeping in his recliner because he can't lay down.  He is still in a great deal of pain.  This morning he was coughing and something happened to the opposite side in the rib area.  But he was in a tremendous amount of pain and nothing seemed to help.  He is still on oxygen.  His levels drop pretty quickly still.  So the most he is off of it is if he goes to the bathroom.  Tanner went home last night, he, Emily and Zac have finals this coming week.  I have been trying to put away my Haloween and fall decorations so I can get out some Christmas decorations!  I think we are going to put up a real tree this year so when the kids get done with school I am going to send them on the hunt for one.  If I buy an artificial one, I never take it down!  I would love to know what everyones plans are for Christmas.  If Danny feels up to it, we will go to Helen and Jesses for Christmas eve after the Candlelight service at church.  Then Zac's dad is preaching at our church on Christmas day so we hope to go and then we will have christmas here with the kids and watch football!  I miss the excitement and wonder of Christmas when my kids were little so I want to hear all about the little ones and how they are enjoying all of it!  I have seen pictures of Clara and Brooks making Christmas cookies, and Marleigh decorating her tree.  Janet what about Olivia and Kaiden?  would love to see some pictures!  Emma  has been visiting me the last couple weeks so I am enjoying Christmas through her eyes!  I have to share this story that her Grandma Susan shared with me.  Susan took Emma to see Santa at the mall and Emma told him what she wanted for Christmas:  books and dresses:)  After she left and they continued their shopping Emma stopped and exclaimed, Mamaw!  I forgot to tell Santa about the high heels!     I thought that was so funny.  I have another Emma story to share.  Around thanksgiving I was babysitting her and we were getting ready for a nap.  I asked her what she was thankful for.  After much thought she started telling me.  Of course I was expecting, toys, dolls etc., but she said and in this order, I am thankful for Mommy and Daddy, my "brudders", my friends, and for Jesus because He died on the cross for my sins.  Needless to say I didn't know quite what to say after she said that.  Not expecting that from a 4 year old. 
Love and Prayers to all,
Trish

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful mom and dad. Thank you mom for teaching me what the bible says about marriage and to not listen to what the world says. You are a inspiration to me and set a high example. I try to be the wife you are and to lean on my Lord. Thank you for staying with dad all these years and for taking such awesome care of him. I love you both and ask God to pour His blessings upon you.
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