Are You Hiding Sparse Areas?

I have a very important tradition every year that drives my family crazy...I have to find the *perfect* Christmas tree. This year our hunt was way behind schedule due to our trip to the Packers game. So this afternoon, I got up out of my sick bed so we could find it. As we pulled up to our normal lot it looked like they were tearing it down. The man said, "All trees are $20.00 and you have until sundown, we're closing shop." Woah...we just made it! As I went through row by row of the tiny, sparsely branched trees, I became discouraged, asking one of the workers, "Do you have any large trees left hidden in the back or something?" "No, this is about it," he replied. I continued back and forth, having my son, little Josh, grab one just in case I couldn't find anything better. I finally narrowed it down to three best of the worst, giving in to the tallest one. Once we got home it looked even worse than I anticipated. The hubby tried to console me when he noticed the dismayed look on my face by saying, "It'll look better once we get it decorated." But there were too many bare spots to try to hide. So we rotated it to camouflage the worst parts and shoved it up against the wall. 

Friends, my poor empty branched tree reminded me of what I'd done for years in my own life. I tried to fix the outside while camouflaging the empty areas in my heart and soul that were in dire need of mending and growth. Year after year I put up a great front, but inside I was wilting. All my hiding began to become very apparent to those closest to me. I needed to make some big changes. 

So today because of this reminder I'm choosing to be thankful for this less than perfect tree! I'm thankful that when I decided to stop trying to hide, opening up my emptiness to JESUS, giving HIM access to all of my brokenness, I no longer felt the need to hide my flaws. HE took my less than and filled me with more of HIS Love and Forgiveness, causing growth in every area of weakness..the very things HE already knew I was lacking.

Friends, are you hiding sparse areas? Join me in continually taking it all to The LORD in prayer. We don't need to attempt to conceal...HE already knows. Let's expose those flaws to the Unconditional, Restoring Love and Light of CHRIST. 

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."~John 15:5

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

Catch Up!

Wow…I've had so much going on in my life that I haven't been able to keep up. To start off, we received a special gift this Christmas…we brought a young foster boy into our home. It wasn't planned but God put him right smack in the middle of our lives and heart. I've definitely learned over the years that the safest place to be is in "God's Will"for my life.

It's crazy how we can plan a direction for ourselves and when God steps in…He brings you to a screeching halt and says, "Go this way," tugging & pulling at your heart. It was a very short process and through the whole thing we continued to pray, "YOUR WILL GOD, not ours." The doors flung open, one by one until I received the final call, "He will be coming to your home today."

"Woah...what, really? Am I ready? Am I capable? Can I do this? I've never done anything like this before." Doubt. Fear of the unknown has always stopped me in my tracks. A pattern. A place that I needed to learn to walk out in faith; knowing that when God answers prayers…HE will provide everything that I may be lacking.

He answered in a big way! Our little guy is blossoming quickly. He has adjusted to our home, our kids and us. I know it won't always be easy and rosy. I know that everything takes time. Patience. Love. Understanding. Routine. Love. Love. Love.

God is in charge and I am learning to walk out in faith as never before. I pray this coming year is one of increased faith, love, joy and trust, as you allow God to work in and through you to shine the light of Christ on those around you. You'll be amazed at what you can do through HIM!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas

Our Family (Missing Josh & Jullien)

As I've become older, I've realized that nothing is as special as family. Even with all it's drama...family is the most important thing we have in our lives.

This Christmas was my first time without Jullien, who wasn't able to come home from New York. Luckily, all our other children live close and we were surrounded by love, and laughter.

We celebrated Christmas Eve at my sister-in-laws house, we at tamales (Costa Rican & Mexican style.) We exchanged gifts & we tried something new this year to keep the costs down. Each of the older kids brought $20.00 gift cards, & did the 'white elephant' gift card exchange for the first time. It made it really fun for them, especially when they found out they could take each other's gifts...definitely a lot of laughing, yelling & trying to hide the most sought after gift cards from each other!

Adam & Elijah rough housing w/cousins

THE GIRLS (Nieces, Sister-in-laws, & step-daughter)

Christmas morning, we opened presents with our kids & headed off to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. After an amazing service, I was still wiped out from my 4 hour, non-sleep nights over the past week...so we took a nap. Later that evening we headed out to Glendora for Christmas dinner with my sister, Stacy, Jay & family. I'm so grateful she's such an amazing cook, because, I'M NOT!

It was another joyous, wonderful year spent with the love of my family...I'm truly blessed! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Elijah posing w/his new Pierre Cardin

Joshy & gf Charmaine-joined us later @ my sister's house

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!

Merry Christmas

I just got home from my sisters house and realized that there's nothing quite like spending quality time with your family. We ate, my hubby and kids took guitar lessons from my brother in law, we sang our favorite Christmas songs, laughed, and just had fun family memory moments.

I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ than with the people you love.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:11
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

1 John 4:9-10
9By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Watch The Elf Dance!

Our friend sent us this Elf Yourself Dance...it's a CRACK UP! I did one for my husband and his kids & one for Elijah. I'm going to add one of me & my kids tomorrow. I wanted to do one with the whole family, but they only let you do five elves...we need 8. Click on the two links to watch the dances:

Petrarca Christmas Ho Down
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/TlyTIcqNVrqKgFeMWTL3

Elijah's Christmas Hip Hop Routine
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/egDBUqmY8yTL9xka

I have so much to do and instead of working on that, I would rather post funny dances. I'm going to be soooo stressed tomorrow...finishing everything up. I did get a lot of shopping done today, I dragged my husband out with me. That's always a lot of fun...NOT!

Hope you enjoy the dances! I'll post the other one tomorrow. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!