It's A Wonderful Life

This is without a doubt my all time favorite Christmas movie. Although it does not mention the name of Jesus, it shows how we are used to change lives.

George Bailey did not believe he made a difference. I can understand how. As I walk this planet and live and love, and work and play, I ask am I making a difference?

George's daily strength in battling Mr. Potter saved Bedford Falls. Do I have the daily strength to make a difference?

George sacrificed going to college, a trip around the world, his honeymoon, his saved money, and almost his life, for others. Am I sacrificial?

I wonder if the little things, like smiling at a stranger, letting a car go in front of me, holding a door for someone, or thanking a store clerk for their service would make any difference at all?

I want to have friends like George's friends. Not necessarily bringing me baskets of money, although I would not turn it down(!), but people who know and love me for my character and sacrifice to others. 

Family

Thanksgiving through Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Family comes together and eats like there is no tomorrow! You light a fire, play games, pick out the family Christmas tree and decorate it, and reminisce over holidays past. It is just a cozy time of family that is like no other time of the year. I dream of the time that all our family can come together for the holidays.

   

Laughter

Last Saturday we celebrated Mark's mom's birthday along with Tammy's dad and niece. They all are in November and have traditionally celebrated together. This was my first combined celebration, so I was a little nervous. I soon realized that there was nothing to be nervous about! Tammy's family was so welcoming. They are gracious hosts. We BBQ'd (or grilled for our southern readers), had cake and ice cream, and gifts for the birthday girls and boy. 

We sat around this beautiful yard on a sunny November afternoon, talking about everything and nothing. We laughed and laughed! We laughed so much we were crying!!! 

Michael's Leave::July 2008

Welcome Home Michael!!!

Michael hugging his grandma.

Michael hugging his grandpa.

Michael and Grandpa visiting

Uncle Michael playing with Regan

Michael hanging out at Chipotle's

Michael being... Michael! :o)

Michael and Dodger - the super dog!

Michael and Jenn at Chipotle's 

Boys will be boys... Michael and Tony playing on the swings at the house in Pismo.

This is the life... relaxing on the beach at Pismo. 

Drums

Tony got a new drum set for his birthday!  

Tony's friends and family came together to give him this gift after one of his "friends" sold his drums a couple of years ago without Tony's knowledge.  Who does that?  Anyway, Lauren got everyone together to give Tony a new drum set for his birthday!  How awesome is that!? 

Tony is a fantastic musician, teaching himself to play the guitar.  Excelling in the drums with only six months or so of lessons.  Never taught to read music, he plays by ear and amazes me with his natural ability.  He is so artistic and now can again gift the world [or at least his neighborhood] with his music. 

  

Family

Tony and Lauren came up to Modesto for the weekend!  We love spending time with family.  In a perfect world we would have all our family in the same area and be able to see each other whenever we wanted. But in reality we have two sons in Iraq, one daughter in North Carolina, one daughter in Missouri and one daughter and son in Fresno.  So, we will have to wait to have a family reunion when the boys come home! 

Having the kids here just makes me realize how much I miss everyone.  And how much I long to get to truly know Mark Jr, Malissa and Michael.  To know what they were like as children.  What their dreams and desires are.  To know what makes them laugh.  To know what they are passionate about.  To understand who they are.  Did Malissa dream of being a mom?  What did Michael want to be when he grew up?  Did Mark always want to be a Marine? What was their favorite color?  Were they afraid of the dark? I know all the little details of Jenn and Tony's childhood.  We recall silly times so warmly.  I wish Mark had been a part of that time in their lives as well.  

I look forward to making memories over the years. Building relationships with Mark, Malissa and Michael, getting to know each of the grand kids and enjoying family, looking back one day and laughing warmly at fond memories we shared.