What a difference a year makes!

I was cleaning up my photo files and found some pictures from last year.  I can't believe how much the kids have grown....especially Ava.

2007

 

(scanned in blurry)

2008

Thankful

We have so much to be thankful for: family, friends, good health, and countless blessings.  We took Ava to the cardiologist yesterday and her Atrial Septal Defect (hole in her heart) has closed.  Her pulmonary stenosis is improving, and she has a lazy valve we'll be monitoring...but we don't have to return to the Cardiologist for a year.  What a huge praise!!!  We are sooo thankful.

Count your blessings and hope you're having an awesome Thanksgiving!

Grandpa

My grandfather would have been 99 years old tomorrow. He was spunky and lived independently until February of this year. He was a fitness and health fanatic! I believe (along with being blessed with good genes) this attributed to his long life. However, in the past few months, his health had really deteriorated. While visiting him in the nursing home, he said "I'm just so tired, I would just like to go to sleep and float away". Well, he passed away this morning. So Grandpa, may you be floating peacefully in the arms of God.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16

Thanksgiving Prayer

My Thanksgiving prayer
to you from me;
Is for love strong and true
that you hold within thee.

A heart that beats steady
and holds love within;
For your brothers and sisters
and all creatures by Him.

A soul that is worthy
of all of His love;
That is given to you
from the Heavens above.

Food on your table
that you thank the Lord for;
Friends to surround you
forever and more.

A house filled with love
and the light how it shines;
Showing all of its beauty
till the end of time.

Kindness towards others
for all of your days;
To be returned I pray
in many a way.

A good job to keep you
and pay all your bills;
That you spend it all wisely
and not on the frills.

A family around you
that is loving and true;
That you all stand together
for there are so few.

Children to bless you
if that is God's will;
To cherish and nourish
so your life is fulfilled.

Dreams of pure beauty
as you lay there and sleep;
Through the peaceful night
when darkness is deep.

An angel to guide you
through morning and night;
To protect you and love you
till the end of your plight.

And last but most important
your love for God will shine through;
To the Heavens above
for He's waiting for you.

Amen and God bless!

Charm Bracelets

My sweet husband knows my sentimental side and gave me this thoughtful gift ...

a Chinese themed charm bracelet.

This is how the company describes their cute little creation: "sweet and petite" and "Chinoise chic"

Sculpted cinnabar beads, hand carved horn beads, Chinese take out box with hidden heart, gold brushed fortune cookie, Chinese boy & girl with moveable feet, teapot,

hammered circular charm with Chinese "happiness" character.


Brighton also makes three great Christmas themed charm bracelets

HOLIDAY FROLIC

HOLIDAY JOY

HOLIDAY DREAM

Just giving you some ideas to put on your Christmas Lists :)