Holders of Grace

Today is Christmas Eve. The day before we celebrate the birth of the Savior.  This day for my family has a special tradition. We call it Christmas Eve Gift. Since I was a young child, one of us has woken up early, and yelled across the house,  "CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!" You see, whoever yells those words, gets to open one present before anyone else.  Only one.  Over the years my brother, sister, and I have gotten this down to an art. My older brother joined the military when I was eleven, and this magic window opened up for us younger sisters to take the Christmas Eve Gift. We would fight with each other over who would get to say it. On December 23, we would think about it and no one would talk about it.  No one wanted to remind anyone else about the gift,  because then they could potentially steal it.  The biggest rule, is everyone in the house has to hear it.  If not, it doesn't count...so you better say it loud! As we got ...

Who isn't busy this time of year?  This Christmas season when there are parties, and gift exchanges, and cookie swaps. Gifts to buy, hide, wrap, and place under the tree. Loved ones to travel to see. If you aren't traveling, a house to clean and decorate for people to come to you. So often in the business of this season, I forget to stop and worship.  To remember why I am celebrating. Why this time of year is so important.  In all of that crazy, I am feeling worn down this year. Tired. Weary.  So many other things are swirling around us, and they clammer for my attention.  I have to be reminded to slow down and worship.  Jesus tells us this in Matthew 11: 28-30 :  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,  and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If you...

     There is this idea that has floated around social media for a couple of years now. I see it pop up and cannot help but laugh! You have probably seen it too. Parent Hack: Keep a bunch of wrapped empty boxes under your tree.  If your kid misbehaves, throw one in the fireplace!      While we all know this is a joke (please do not traumatize your kids like this), parents everywhere can understand the need to have our children obey. This is not a post about how to discipline your kids or why we should. Today, I want to talk about why we give gifts at Christmas.      For our family, gifts are a super fun part of Christmas. My kids always have their list ready to go and eagerly await the day they get to open their gifts. While it is fun, this is not our focus during this season.       Through giving of gifts to each other on Christmas, we show our children that we love them. We give these gifts free...

    Recently I had my fourth baby. Most people have stopped at two or three, but no, my husband and I knew that we wanted to have four kids. Yes we are crazy and we fully accept that! This was our plan since before we got married, and God has blessed us greatly.  This means that yes, I am done having children.      My body will never carry another life. I will not nurse a sweet baby in the wee hours of the morning. I will actually get full nights of sleep (HOORAY)! Wait...I will actually get full nights of sleep (cue sobbing).     Now those who have been through this phase of life know what I am talking about,  but those who haven't...this is for you.      I was definitely not one of the amazing women who love every minute of their pregnancies. I have the things that I cherished and loved, but I most assuredly have the things that I will not miss at all. I think anyone who has ever gone through bringing a child into th...

I have four amazing kids.  They are my pride and joy, my reminder of God's grace, and the constant crazy in my life.  I wouldn't trade them for the world!  You see, as parents, we all know that there are specific times  and ways  to get our children's attention.  No, not by calling their names repeatedly. Not placing a warm, nutritious meal on the table.  Not by snapping my fingers or clapping my hands at them.  Jumping up and down on one leg, doing flips with flaming torches and firecrackers going off. No, these are the inconvenient ways.  The times when you don't really want to get their attention.  I have a short list of these that I have thought about for a while.  These are the #FastestWaystoGetMyKidsAttention .  They are in no particular order but all are extremely effective. 1. Turn on the shower.      It never fails. The second that shower head starts spraying nice war...

Hi there! This being my first blog post EVER , I am kind of nervous...but I guess that is to be expected.  Feeling pressure to be super spiritual or super crafty or super funny or super...whatever.  All I can say, is I am super nothing. I am a mom, and not the super variety.  I am a wife...again not super. I have no idea if anyone will ever read this, but here I am, putting my self out there  for ridicule and shaming all over the internet.  I have been told by many that I have something to say, and I guess that is true.  I am a constant work in progress and have no idea how this will go.  This blog will shift and change I am sure.  Join me on the journey and let's see where it goes! So...here it is...my first blog post.  More to come, and I hope to hear from you!