Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

 

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

 

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

 

I hope you dance.

 I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

 Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean taking chances

But they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake

 But it's worth makin'

 Don't let some hellbent heart leave you bitter

 When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out

or dance...

I hope you DANCE.

(You never have been one to sit it out.)

 I love how you DANCE through life. 

("I Hope You Dance"  Lee Ann Womack)

One Word

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be STEADFAST, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  

1Corinthians 15:58

Just one word.  Not a list of resolutions.... things I do for two months and then they fizzle.  I can't really handle the list.  Andy makes a list every year.  He checks it twice and lives up to it...for the most part.  I love that about him.  I hate that about me.

For the past two years, I have just chosen one word for the new year.  You can read about those here and here.  In my life, I am learning the secret of resting in Him...whatever comes our way.  And boy, do those things COME OUR WAY.  On this blog, I share the happies.... the moments in life that bring joy.  I suppose I could share the hardships and the disappointments and the things in life that stink.  But I don't.  That's why it's called "Joy Making Days."  This life is temporary. The older I get, the more we face, the more I understand that, and the more grateful I am of it's truth.  SO this year I choose a word that He's already been sowing into my life:  Steadfast.

I long to be steadfast in my prayer life... going to Him with every step.  I long to be steadfast in my service.  I hope to be steadfast in the endeavors He turns my heart to.  I wish to be steadfast in my devotion to my husband and marriage.  Steadfast...immovable, always abounding in His work, His plans, His purpose.  Grateful for the promise that when it's for Him, it's not in vain.

Steadfast.

Happy New Year, Everyone!   

 

Sisters

On December 27, 2000, these two became sisters.  Rebecca was just 18 months.  I can distinctly remember her kissing Caroline at the hospital and saying, "I wuv you, Tarowine."  It was the beginning of the sweetest friendship.

Caroline has just joined her sister in this new season of "teenagerhood."

They do things now like close the door to one of their rooms and tell secrets.  

Secrets that I don't get to be a part of.

Although they have their momentary scuffles, they really don't like to be at odds with one another and don't waste much time before they apologize and make things right.

They take up for one another and try to convince their daddy 

and I to give grace when the other is in trouble.

They pray for one another, and encourage one another, 

and hug each other when they part ways.

They are invited to the same parties now and have the same friends.

They are goofy and drive us batty in the car with hysterical laughter and loud, obnoxious songs.  They curl up together on one of their beds and watch teeny-bopper movies on the teeny-tiny screen of the iPad. 

Thirteen years ago, God gave us these sisters.  

I'm glad.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Caroline!

Christmas 2013

 It all started with our annual Christmas Eve-Eve feast of Thai Spice Take Out.  

And then Daddy opened his gift 

with which he found great delight!

 

 The girls exchanged their gifts to one another 

and then it was off to bed so Santa could come.

 But not before one last gift of new pajamas and boot slippers.

 The girls woke to a few fun surprises...

And then we opened the stockings...our favorite!

 Daddy snuck one last Christmas treat on their beds.

 And Rebecca found the pickle ornament 

for the third year in a row.

 Then it was off to Uncle Duke and Aunt Viki's 

for a scrumptious Christmas Eve feast with family.

 We all enjoyed every bite!

 Then we exchanged some gifts...

 ...and took the annual cousins pic.  

 When we arrived in Birmingham, 

this little chick came running for me and jumped into my arms.  

(Be still my heart.)

On Christmas morning we went to the nursing home to see Granddad Lamb 

and to sing some carols for the residents.

 

 It was a favorite time of this season.  

Sweet and fun and beautiful all wrapped into one.

 Then we came home for more presents at Nana's.  

I made quilts for a house divided.  War Eagle!

 

 And then there were more stockings.  

While we waited for lunch everyone curled up with their "devices"...

 

...much to Nana's dismay.

 

And later on we had some visitors.  

(Rosie was the life of the party.  That cutie!)

 

 And the big kids played some games.

 Nana made salad bar for Caroline's birthday (Her favorite!)...

 ... and we all sang "Happy Birthday to You!"

 Joining the crowd, the littlest cousin gravitated to her Uncle Andy.  

 Nana took Caroline for her first French manicure!

And then it was off to have lunch with some long time friends!

 

So much fun to see all our little ones piled in together.

 

Then it was off to Steel City Pops (our fave!) 

for Caroline's birthday treat.

 

 Yummy-lish!

 En route home, we got a call from our sweet neighbor 

that our tree had fallen and she had pulled off all the ornaments and propped it up.

When we arrived, the girls and I pulled off the lights and Andy drug it to the road.

 

 And just like that... Christmas was over.  (But not really.)

The End.

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10