early morning goodness.

Hallmark seems to say it best: 

Life  is a special occasion.

our own {Christmas story}.

6:45 p.m.  Christmas Eve and we find ourselves enjoying chinese buffet after a beautiful church service.

It was perfect.

Good food, happy boys, and our own version of the movie A Christmas Story.

the only thing missing was the {ra, ra, ra, ra, ra ... ra, ra, ra, ra}

on the eve of Christmas.

It's Christmas Eve and I find myself driving the feed truck.

The sun is shining, and the sky is blue with these amazing white clouds.

The cows are hungry ... eating for two (and maybe even three).

The hay flies off the back of the pickup and I watch.

I watch the shadows of my husband's arms and hands.

They cut twine and lift flakes.

They're strong - even through the shadow.

And then I see the line up of {girls} that trust him.

They follow him - knowing that they are a priority to him.

They matter.

And he will not let them down.

And then I look ahead and see the view of my house from a direction I rarely see.

And although I'm sitting next to him now, I know that this view I'm blessed to have is because I followed him ... and HIM.

It's not what I ever envisioned.

It's not always what I want, but then again - it really is.

I want him to know that I'm beside him.

That I'm one of his followers that knows I'm a priority.

That I know without a doubt he will take care of me & our boys.

And that following his lead and this life, well ... it's what I'm meant to do and I will because of HIM.

I feel like this mess of twine the colors of Christmas ...

And I know that I have purpose, but am not always sure where I'm headed or how I'm going to be used ...

but I'm going to etch these words in my mind so that they stay forever.

“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible.
What a pity when we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” -A.W. Tozer

Life seems a bit impossible at times.

The bills pile up, the boys fight and whine and create chaos, the laundry is never caught up, the kitchen floor needs to be mopped, and ... and ... and.

They're not impossible things, but then again - I can do nothing {absolutely nothing} without Him.

So as the every-day things continue to wrap their way around my heart and soul - sometimes causing distress and frustration - I'm going to pray that God sees me as one He can do the impossible through.

One that doesn't make her own plans, but trusts in the plans He has already made for us.

{He and I ... and my family... together}.

Us.

The neighborhood puppies.

 

A definite highlight to the afternoon of {Christmas}.

Thanks Mimzy for organizing the neighbor mystery walk!

reindeer beer, guns and lava lamps.

The Murdock gathering is always entertaining.

There are funny conversations, crazy kids, and usually a gift or two that provide laughter for years to come.

The itenirary is always subject to change ...

 

Ian usually consumes a lot of egg nog and turkey.

 

This year we got to pose for a family photo this year ... and I chose to post the best one - although the outtakes are definitely more of the real {us}.  

Be looking for those in January as I'm trying to keep our best feet forward through the holiday season.

 

Mack likes to pretend he's an adult drinking some unnamed beverage - usually whiskey.

I wonder where he got that idea from?

 

5 of the 6 grand kids were asked to pose - over and over again.

 

My boys finally agreed to a photo - but I think they were paid.

 

There were numerous guns given this year.

I'm looking for a gun cabinet just for Nerf guns ... the garbage can seems to be the best option.

 

 Bryn and George visit and swap educational stories.

Mack just heard about my idea of a gun cabinet.

 

We all take a break from snacking to update our facebook status'.

 

 And then we realize we've been caught.

We all make guesses on the {mystery vegetable}.

Morgan makes jewelry for her aunts.

 

Bryn - held hostage - and should be tied to a chair for her rowdiness ... but no one can seem to stop her. 

Go figure.

Derrek sporting yet another gun.

 

Donna gets a quick hug from Mack.

 

JP got the gift I wanted - the redneck wine glass.

 

More guns are passed out.

 

Books are read.

 

 ... and lava lamps are plugged in.

 

Christmas 2011 - filled with goodness from the beginning to the end.