a tribute

My Aunt Maria read this on Christmas Eve and I needed to share.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

for Sandy Hook Elementary

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38, 

when 20 beautiful children stormed though heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say......

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"This is heaven." declared a small boy.

"We're spending Christmas at God's house." 

When what to their wondering eyes did appear, 

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked to them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

Then he opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in the moment was joy, that only heaven can bring.

Those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of his embrace, 

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as He could read all the questions she had, 

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then he closed His eyes and He outstretched his hand, 

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" 

"May this country be delivered form the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then he and the children stood up without a sound; 

"Come now my children, let me show you around."

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran;

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I hear Him proclaim as he walked out of sight, 

"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

by: Cameo Smith

I love those little kiddies and their families just the same! I send more than just love their way.

christmas

I love Christmas.
It is my favorite holiday by far.
The month of December is filled with family gatherings, good food, laughter, memories, and generous hearts. I could thank a lot of people for making the holiday season so great but there is one person who makes Christmas time my favorite. That person is my Grandma Sandy. Each aunt, uncle, cousin, and sibling will agree. Grandma makes Christmas what it is. My grandma's spirit is everywhere. On every table, every decoration, the christmas carols, the memories, each detail, she is there. No one will understand but she makes Christmas magical. Our family traditions keep us close and remind us of the amazing person who influenced who we are today. Each Christmas eve before singing carols around her grave the girls in my family gather around the piano and sing the forgotten carols. It is the same song every year, tears are shed by all around, and grandma is there with us. Just hearing the song gives me chills and I am sure it does each member of my family. I can't wait for Christmas.

***

I cry the day

that I take the tree down

I want the season

To last all year round

And I'm dreaming of

Christmases when

We'll be together again

***

love

3 months ago today my relationship ended.
Since then, I still have a hard time getting out of bed,
I stay up late with my mind wandering,
and I most definitely have not fallen out of love.

3 months people....
that is a long time.

In the last 3 months if we have had a conversation, I have more likely than not asked for some sort of relationship advice or internally felt more pathetic than a spineless hedgehog.

Well to say the least I have gotten really good advice... sometimes it helps... other times not so much.


I have heard that these emotions make you feel alive.


I have heard that getting out of bed can be an accomplishment somedays.


I have heard that time is good.


I have heard that I just need a little hope and faith.


Hope, faith, time, waking up, and being alive.

This is what I need and you may need it too.

I don't know if it is just me but a lot of the relationships that surrounded my life the past couple of months are deteriorating. Does this mean that February, March, and April of 2013 will have a staggering less amount of engaged couples than in previous years?

probably not.

But it does mean that I am not alone.
And that is what keeps me together most days.
Knowing that my hardships are not unique and that if I expect others to pull through, I need to too.

craze

I am going crazy.
We had almost a week long break in which I spent every minute of it at my family's cabin. I managed to get a little studying in, a lot of family time in, some great laughs, some good gaming, and a whole lot of food. I am having a Thanksgiving hangover currently. While also in spirits of thanksgiving we also celebrated birthdays of my dad, mom, and piper, and had a few housewarming parties at the cabin with great friends.

Take me back.

thanksgiving

Guilt

forgiveness is hard.

forgiving yourself is even harder.

Piper

I love this girl.

She is 17 today, so it is only fitting I right 17 great things about her.

1. She is my best friend.

2. She is a princess.

3. Piper doesn't get mad at anything besides stealing her clothes or making her kill spiders.

4. She loves to sing no matter how good her voice is that day.

 5. Piper would go out of her way to make anyone feel better.

6. She is the best cuddle buddy.

7. She doesn't stop caring.

8. She doesn't stop smiling.

 9. Her pain tolerance is unbelievable. 

10. She loves sleepovers.

 11. When Piper loves you, she makes it a point to show you.

12. Piper talks louder than anyone I know but I have heard her yell maybe twice.

 13. She calls just to say hi.

14. Her laugh is ridiculously contagious.

 15. She is patient. very patient.

16. The important things in her life are her sister, cupcakes, and clothes.

17. She is the best sister the best friend and is turning into an even more incredible person everyday. 

Happy Birthday Baby!