The Christmas Spirit

So as most of you know we just moved on post. We live in a house kind of like a town home. So its smaller then our other house, but hey its free!! So I didn't have much to work with this year as far as hanging lights, but I did it. This is my favorite time of year. I remember all the Christmas's in Idaho when Dad used to hang the lights. I always thought we had the coolest decorations. We even had a tree out front one year that had green lights and when you went across the street you could see a money sign! He even handmade a snowman, painted it and all, to hang up outside. I loved the luminaries. I love all the little village houses he has collected over the years. My parents always had the best decorations inside and out at Christmastime. Then we moved to Arizona, where it was a little harder to enjoy Christmas without any snow. I remember asking my mom if we were going to have a palm tree for our Christmas tree. But my dad still made the best of it. He still hung all the lights and did everything the same. But it was probably better for him cuz he didn't have to deal with the snow and the cold putting them up in Arizona! Well then I moved to Alaska and I lived in a town called North Pole. So there was Christmas 365 days a year. All the street lights were candy canes. Every store you went into had some kind of Christmas theme or decoration. They even had the Santa Claus house..... Here are a few pics from the Santa house last year.....

So here I am, 25 years later, hanging lights outside for the first time. When I get home from work its already dark outside and the minute I get Madi out of the car she says PITTY (that means pretty to her!!!) MOMMY.... So those 2 little words make it worth it to me. She gets so excited to see those lights. She wants to point to every bulb and say pitty!! We haven't taken her to see Santa yet, but hopefully this weekend!

Also I found this poem that I would like to share. It tells the true meaning of Christmas. I don't remember what site I found it on, but it is worth the read.

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer Not only on Christmas Day But until I see You face to face May I live my life this way: Just like the baby Jesus I ever hope to be, Resting in Your loving arms Trusting in Your sovereignty. And like the growing Christ child In wisdom daily learning, May I ever seek to know You With my mind and spirit yearning. Like the Son so faithful Let me follow in Your light, Meek and bold, humble and strong Not afraid to face the night. Nor cowardly to suffer And stand for truth alone, Knowing that Your kingdom Awaits my going home. Not afraid to sacrifice Though great may be the cost, Mindful how You rescued me From broken-hearted loss. Like my risen Savior The babe, the child, the Son, May my life forever speak Of who You are and all You've done. So while this world rejoices And celebrates Your birth, I treasure You, the greatest gift Unequaled in Your worth. I long to hear the same words That welcomed home Your Son, "Come, good and faithful servant," Your Master says, "Well done." And may heaven welcome others Who will join with me in praise Because I lived for Jesus Christ Not only Christmas Day -- Mary Fairchild


Merry Christmas to all.....