Today...

Today I am reminded of how very precious life really is.  Today I am trying to live a more authentic, genuine, truthful life.  Today I listen to my instincts more and become more honest with my loved ones.  Today I am so very thankful for my family and good friends.  I know that at the end of the day good relationships are the substance of life.  I know that life is worth living well.  I know that we are all here for different reasons and at the same time we are all here for one another.  Today I am so grateful for my husband, the choices that he makes and the incredible person he is at his core.  I hope for you that you find peace this holiday season, that you make time to tell your loved ones what they mean to you and to live your life better today than you did yesterday.

This season....

A few weeks ago we were at a cider mill celebrating the start of the fall season and Matt noticed a booth for a local non-profit where you can 'adopt' foster care kids for christmas and get them presents that are on their wish list.  We decided to sign up for two 14 year olds, a boy and a girl.  We were sent their first names and a few of their favorite things and we were off.  We asked our families to contribute if they felt like getting us a gift this year, they could instead get something off one of the kiddo's wish list and that would be our gift this year. Our family stepped up effortlessly and we were able to send two big red santa bags that were jam packed with goodies.

The kid's both got some great art supplies, lots of cool clothes, some fashionable boots for the girl, and a sweet Chiefs hoodie for the boy, some gift cards, scarves, gloves, and the list goes on.  I got to deliver the big santa bags one morning this past week and it felt great giving to those that truly need it way more than we do.  I love any chance to help young people and I know our gifts will make their holiday at least a little brighter.

THANK YOU TO OUR FAMILIES' FOR CONTRIBUTING AND THEIR GIVING SPIRITS!

I also think we are at a point in our lives where we don't need 'things', we don't want more stuff just to have some thing.  I think it's great to take a few extra minutes to really think about a gift you are getting someone and to know it's purpose, whether it be fun, relaxation, inspiration, or something sweet that will make the receiver of the gift feel special, than it's worth it.

We hope you are enjoying this holiday season and more than anything gaining great memories.

WHAT a weekend!

I'm gonna go picture crazy with this one... we had a very busy but very fun weekend celebrating with the family.  My 6 week old nephew Ashton was baptized and we spent the weekend with family celebrating... My mom, sister and I saw the Von Trapp family sing with the Kansas City Symphony (no pictures but just start singing 'raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...' now in your head and you can imagine the fun).  Then a pizza dinner with about 20 of us last night, Chris' family was in town to join in the goodness.  Today we went to church, Ashton was baptized and we went to my mom's house for lunch, watched the Chiefs game and some intense ping pong games.  I can officially say I could play ping pong for hours, my dad and I played against one another and that was the first time we had played each other in probably 15 years and it was fun!  It was a fierce competition and although I beat him in overtime (24-22) he won 3 out of 5.  It was nice how home like my mom's house now feels to me.  I have always said wherever my mom is that is my second home, but now her warm, cozy home with Steve really does feel like my second home and it's great.  I cherish every moment with our families and feel very grateful for all the good times... Oh also Matt and I picked out our Christmas tree last night and it is finally fully decorated and I LOVE it.  The tree fills the house with the lovely fresh pine smell and the twinkling lights between different ornaments shine reminders of fond memories.........

These are some of our favorite ornaments.  The red santa on the left hangs at the top of our tree as our 'Christmas star' and I've had it for years.  The Lindsay ornament reminds me of my childhood as us three kids (Shan, Jeff and me) all had our own names spelled out just like this.  The Sugar Bear is Matt's favorite, isn't it cute?  He has has it for twenty years, and it still plays jingle bells when you squeeze it!  The Star Wars one on the right I got Matt a few years ago and he loves it because it is Star Wars of course.

Shan, Ashton sleeping soundly and me and my dad after our ping pong match.

Our tree!