After Holiday Pictures/Post

My Family...so blessed to add our new son lil' J

Well we made it through Christmas and the New Year. It was actually pretty smooth. I had my shopping done before Christmas Eve (miracles can happen!) ALL my kids were with us this year along with their significant others. We went to an awesome Christmas Eve church service.

My boys gettin' down to the Christmas songs

Family + Beautiful Girlfriends

Next stop was my brother & sis-in-law's for dinner and a gift exchange.

The older kids exchanged gift cards (white elephant style where they picked numbers, then blindly picked cards and could steal from each other.) it's always so much fun.

This was a pic I took at my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary...we had it put on Canvas.

Then my competitive family headed outside for a basketball game. They peeled the layers of dressy clothes off as the sweat began to build. We take our sports seriously. I loved that the girlfriends joined right in. You better be ready for adventures in this family!

Elijah trying to dribble around his big (little) sister;)

We got home by 11:00 p.m. and all the kids stayed the night. We had hot chocolate, popcorn and watched Elf. Then it was present opening chaos first thing in the morning before every body headed off to make the rounds to other family members houses.

And this is my heart!

This was seriously one of the most special Christmas's we've had in a LONG time. ALL the kids together makes my mama heart soar. Yes...I'm SO BLESSED!

Last Minute Christmas

All the Grandkids on my Husbands side.

My Family-They're so grown up!

Me & Jullien (I'm standing on my toes to look taller)

My Hubby & His Sisters

Sister In Law Brigett & her kids

Sister in Law Erika & her kids

Stepdaughter Tashy & Niece Adrianna

Me & my Sister In Laws-I'm liking the Black & White

Anthony's Parents & ALL of us (except Josh-left for work)

Adrianna & my Sister in Law Vivian

Why does it always feel like the older you get the faster the time goes by? Christmas is almost here and I haven't even started shopping! We just barely took Christmas pictures, and got our tree last week, which is still not decorated.

Anthony's family came over to have me take Christmas pictures of everyone. We had it all planned to go down to our normal spot in Corona Del Mar, but Josh had to work and so everyone came over and we just took them at our house. Not the picture perfect area, but we made it work. Luckily my husband has our tropical back yard looking good.

It was quite a fiasco! We were pressed for time because the boys had a basketball game, someone left the door open and our husky got out, ran across a busy street, almost got hit twice. We were all chasing her down yelling and freaking out. We finally got her across the street in a shopping center and some guy started yelling at me to keep her on a leash! I've been working on my mouth so I actually kept my cool and didn't let him have it! PROGRESS...yay!

Every year I make the whole family go together to get the Christmas tree. This is always a big deal for me, I love traditions. They however don't look forward to it. I can't get just any tree, it has to be the perfect tree, a Noble at least 7-8 ft tall and perfectly shaped. This isn't easy to find and can take a few hours! LOL! The kids start getting frustrated with me after the first 30 minutes. Anthony usually has had enough after 15 min. Then it's total drama the whole time...and it happens like this every year...awwwwe traditions!

This year Anthony's kids couldn't make it...which I'm sure didn't upset them too much, but I missed them. I was happy that all three of my boys were able to go. My oldest son Josh even brought his girlfriend. It was different this year, the lot didn't have anything over 6ft., we found the perfect tree after Anthony & the boys lifted and turned them so I could carefully examine them. It only took three trees & 20 minutes...a new record! I wish it was taller though...I know, I know...I'm a freak!

As for shopping...which I can't stand doing under normal circumstance let alone in the holiday rush, I will be out Christmas Eve, this too seems to be a tradition for me. Not one I plan...just me procrastinating!

My Birthday Surprise

Today was my birthday and it was really special. I got home from work and standing at the top of the stairs was my son Jullien. He told me he wouldn't be back from NY at all this month and would not even be able to be here for Christmas. He said he was going to be working all day but would try to call me on his break.

He found a cheap flight, booked it, and arranged a ride from the airport, just to be here for my birthday! No one is ever able to pull anything like that on me...I'm known as the family detective. I can always tell when somethings up and figure it out. This caught me completely off guard! I hope my age isn't affecting my skills?

Anthony cooked tacos and all the kids came over, along with two of my sister in laws. It was so much fun. I'm one lucky lady...what an amazing family I have!

Thank you everyone for making my day sooooo special!

Xerox & You-Thanking the Troops

Every Christmas season I want to do something to help others. Unfortunately I never know where to begin. In the holiday rush...it seems to pass me by. I always have good intentions but it doesn't usually go past that. This year I received the following email about Xerox making it easy to send Thank You cards to those serving in the armed forces this Holiday Season. IT WAS SIMPLE...here's the info:

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, (Click this Link~ www.LetsSayThanks.com) you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time to send to our troops and then please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's. Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Children have decorated several cards, you just have to choose one you like. You can click on a pre-written letter, or you can click "other" and leave your own. This was such a simple way to reach out to the troops who will be unable to be at home this holiday season as they fight for our freedom.

Continue to stop by and join me as I post new ways to reach out and do things this Christmas season!

The Little Drummer Boy

Preparing for the holiday season can be overwhelming. Please stop and take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this amazing day.

Pondering the words of my favorite Christmas song, I realized how each one of us has a "drum" to play:

The Little Drummer Boy
Composed by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati & Harry Simeone in 1958.

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

We often feel as though we haven't any gifts to give our Savior. Struggling through our everyday lives to live in a way that would honor him. We are often poor, broken, and hurting, without anything fit for our King. The Lord asks us to, come as we are.

He has bestowed upon us gifts and talents. He only asks us to use them to be a blessing to others. Prayer warrior, comforter, musician, motivator, encourager, writer, pastor...we each have a "drum." Step forward and use it to honor him.

This Christmas and throughout the year, remember to play your "drum" for him. Play your best for him, as he smiles down upon us with unselfish love and forgiveness.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16

Watch part of The Little Drummer Video

Faith Hill's Version of Little Drummer Boy

David Bowie & Bing Crosby's Version of Little Drummer Boy

Which Version do you like?

Have a very Merry Christmas!