Impromptu Praise Time

The kids and I spend so much time in the car going back and forth to activities, that we usually talk, or they watch a movie, or read. Tonight, however, on the way to take Emma to ballet it was different. I had in the new CD from our church band. The kids were so cute....clapping and singing Sing, Sing, Sing. It warmed my heart to hear their sweet little voices singing out to Jesus. I am so grateful that our children know Jesus, in a way that Marcelo and I didn't as children. Although we went to church, it was not very interactive for us. I am so amazed at how much my kids know, and that they truly have a relationship with Jesus. If there is ever a wonderful gift to Jesus, it is those sweet little voices singing out! Happy Birthday Jesus!

My Best Christmas Present

As a mother, my job is to raise good kids - thoughtful, caring, unselfish, good kids. I feel as though Marcelo and I are getting through to them!!! Back in the end of November, about when all the silly, materialistic Christmas stuff starts coming out, we started discussing with the kids what they would like from Santa this year. We go to Colorado to ski and spend Christmas, so the kids do not receive any additional presents from us. Our gift is the trip, skiing, and most of all the gift of our uninterrupted time. It is a great present for all of us, and we wouldn't want to spend Christmas any other way. It is my favorite trip of the year!

Anyhow, the kids couldn't really come up with anything they wanted or needed. We discussed how awesome that is - to live a life where you have all you need, and most of what you want. The church we go to does a lot around the community and the world, and they have also been discussing this concept with the kids. So Emma and I are sitting in the car one day shortly after these conversations about Santa gifts, and she says to me, "You know what I really, really want for Christmas Mommy? I want to help someone else, even if that means I don't get anything." I practically started crying right then and there. Then I discussed what Emma said with Nicholas and Dylan, and they agreed and got really excited about making money to help buy presents for someone. Could I ever ask for more wonderful children, or a more wonderful Christmas present??? We have always done things for others at Christmas, but this time it came from them on their own.

Long story short, we ended up adopting a family from church that has a 10 year old girl, and then boys that are 8 and 4. God works in strange ways, considering that Emma was the mastermind of this idea and the family has a 10 year old girl. However, this family has a particular struggle - the 10 year old girl has brain cancer. Her name is Allison. Please pray for her. She needs healing and for the tumor to be reduced. The surgery they need to do is extremely risky. Please pray for strength for her family, and for her brothers to feel loved and not left out. We started out trying to bless someone else by sharing Christmas, and we have definitely been more blessed ourselves!





We are off to Colorado on Thursday (the kids and I), and Marcelo is joining us next week. I will blog from Colorado with pics once Marcelo gets there with the laptop. Please pray for safe travel for the kids and I....this is my first solo venture in winter up there! I hope that everyone has a blessed and wonderful Christmas. Don't get caught up in the presents.....enjoy your family, your kids, and remember Jesus. He is our greatest blessing!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband Marcelo who is 39 (& holding!) today! You are my life, my world, and my better half. God has blessed us with you for a husband and father - what a blessing you are! We love you more than you know. So long 38.....let's hope 39 is a fantastic year!

It's Snowing!

It didn't stick, it lasted about an hour, but this is Texas so we'll take it! It happened right before the kids got out of school.....so there was a lot of excitement when they were released. I'm so grateful it happened when they could enjoy it! One week from now my kids will be knee deep in the snow in Breckenridge....this was a nice little trial run to get us all excited!

What a Weekend!!

Emma and her party brother!

Yuriko and Jared from the American Ballet Theatre - the guest artists

Five shows later, Emma's first Nutcracker experience is over. She is very sad it is over and wished it lasted for a few weeks. It was a fantastic weekend. Emma was a girl for 3 shows and a boy for the other 2. I worked backstage a few times, and got to watch it with everyone on Saturday night out front. Emma even got to come out and watch Act II. The guest artists from the ABT were amazing. Emma was so excited to be in the same show with artists of that caliber. However, I will say that we had some pretty fantastic ballerinas from HRB as well. The Snow Queen was awesome! It is really cool to see what Emma is working so hard to become. I have no doubt that one day we will be watching her on a big stage somewhere in all of the major ballets!

Emma was thrilled to have so much family come to watch her perform - that is a rare treat for her! We are guessing that in a year or two we might have a Clara on our hands......

Emma as a Nutcracker Party Girl / Party Boy

Marcelo got the chance to snap a few photos at dress rehearsal.....isn't Emma cute as a boy??? Last night was her debut performance. She was so excited and enjoyed being on stage tremendously! I only got to see from the wings of the stage, but tonight I get to watch from the audience. I can't wait!

2 Days and Counting.....

until Emma's Nutcracker debut!!!!

Perspective

A friend sent this.....check it out!