Kids say...

Andelise was crying the other day. Nikelle came over to me and said, "Mommy, when Andelise is crying so loud it makes my mind kind of spin." Yep, I thought. That's how I feel all the time with three kids talking at me all day long. Still, they're quite the blessing.

Goodbye 2008

Goodbye 2008. There are mixed feelings in saying goodbye to the year past. In a way, it feels like a final goodbye to our dads. That chapter of life is closed. Their influence will still be part of the story but the people, themselves, are gone from the current story.

It was a difficult year. No doubt about that one. I still shake my head in astonishment that our dads are gone. Each day I am more accepting of this fact. Each day it is easier to take another step into the future.

I would love to cling to the past. I want to hang on and yell and not let go. We must press on.

I feel a small spark inside my soul. Not a good spark. It's a spark of anger. Anger towards cancer. Whenever I hear the word I feel the embers of anger begin to stir. Cancer robbed us of our dads. Cancer stole some of our most valuable moments in life. Cancer makes me angry.

I posted earlier this year about a friend of ours that was diagnosed with cancer (see post). Our friends ended 2008 with a call from their doctor's office. He was told that his latest PET scan came back clear!

Goodbye 2008. Here's hoping for 2009 to be cancer free for us all!

Isn't this the cutest?!

Little Sucker

Last night I checked on the girls before I went to bed. After making sure the older two were covered, I peeked in on the baby. She was asleep with her thumb in her mouth. Too cute! We may have problems in the future breaking this habit. For now, we have a cute little thumb sucker which makes for a happy baby!

Christmas with Jesus

Dad loved Christmas so much. To think of him saying these types of things to me are a comfort. I do believe his perspective is different now. He must see things in a whole new way. He's with Jesus. What a way to spend Christmas. Couldn't get better than that, huh Dad? Actually it can. Just wait until that Christmas when we all get to be with Jesus together!

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
please wipe away that tear
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sound of music can't compare
with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.

I have no words to tell you
of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description
to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending CHRISTMAS
WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR
or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS
WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face

I'll ask him to lift your spirit
as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirit sing
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
and I’m walking WITH THE KING.

~Wanda Bencke