You're a mean one, Mrs. Grinch... but no more.

Lately I have been feeling like a grinch. Christmas is my favorite time of year, but I haven't been as much into it this year as normal. Instead I have been feeling sorry for myself because we don't get to spend Christmas with my family in Minnesota. But today, it hit me. Of all things for me to feel, self-pity is about the last one that I should let ruin my Christmas. I have SO much to be thankful for. Obviously, for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have an amazing husband and son who are here for me every day to make me smile. We have a warm house. We have 2 running cars. We have amazing friends and neighbors. We have the cutest nephews and niece in the world. We have the great opportunity for Bryan to get an education - something that a lot of people aren't able to do. We still get to spend Christmas with family. Bryan's family is nearby and is always here for us, and they have helped us so much over the years that we can't possibly ever begin to repay them. They have always made me feel like I have been a part of their family from the beginning. And even though it's not over Christmas, thanks to help from some family members, I still get to take Weston to see my family. So what have I got to be sad about?

Among all the things I get every day, today I received many little things that just led to a wonderful day. I had the chance to have lots of wonderful kids at my house today, who were so sweet. One of them, a 4-year-old-girl, told me the Christmas story, which she knows by heart. When she talked about Christmas, Santa was mentioned once - and Jesus many times.  I also got to hold her new baby brother. There is nothing like holding a baby to remind us that miracles happen every day. I had the chance to form a stronger friendship with someone who was previously just an aquaintance. Some friends of ours dropped off some spaghetti. it seems like such a simple Christmas gift, but I really needed it today. (As many of you know, I'm not a great cook, so on the nights that Bryan is asleep early, I usually just have a sandwich for dinner.) And as if all this wasn't enough, I got an amazing Christmas gift. Bryan got a call that he won a fabulous new digital camera. You have all seen me complain about my camera on here, but a new camera wasn't really a necessity - so I'm calling it a tender mercy. And just in time to take pictures for Christmas and in Minnesota. :)

Sometimes, when you just need a little pick-me-up, the Lord reaches out and gives you SO many blessings, you can't even count them all in one blog post.

Merry Christmas everyone! Thank you all for being our friends and family. :)