Happy New Year 2008, dear family and friends!

May this year be a year of growing. I have many areas in my life that could use some improvement. I would also like to get better organized. Sure I am organized, having 6 children sort of forces you to be organized but I would like to take that a step further this year. Tightening my belt on many fronts this year. I do this every few years, especially when a new baby is coming.

I don't really make a "resolution", I just started doing what is needed or fixing what has been neglected. With the move and a new baby there will be lots to do and fix.

Blessings to all and may this year be a productive, fruitful one for all.

Christmas Eve traditions live on...

When I was a child my Grandma Carmen, my Mom and all my aunts would make tamales for our Christmas Eve dinner. This was a huge undertaking for the 6 women. They would be feeding nearly 50 relatives. They would gather together and make 200+ tamales, all in one day. Wow!

After my dear Grandma went home to Jesus, my mom continued the tradition for her own family. And so did my aunts. Since I have been married to my beloved 16yrs, my Mom always made the tamales. I never learned until 2yrs ago. It wasn't easy but I learned and tonight we enjoyed the fruits of my labor. It is no easy task to make tamales but the rewards are delicious.

The Christmas Eve tradition of tamales lives on in my home. A tradition that I choose to continue in honor of my dear Grandma and our Mexican heritage. One that I am already teaching my children how to make so the tradition will live on when I am gone.

(Next year we will begin a new tradition in honor of my beloved's German heritage...but first we need to buy a glass blown pickle...LOL)

Almost a blogging "drop-out"

Who would have thought that having a blog would be so hard to do?
For some,it is a breeze. I read or see something new on many blogs regularly...
you all are AWESOME!
For me, it just isn't easy...call me weird. LOL When I put together "Michelle's Gathering Room" I thought it would be so much fun. Sadly, I don't think about it enough to post regularly. My apologies to those who have faithfully checked to see if I have posted. It really takes a conscious effort on my part and with all the craziness that is my life right now, I see that I may only be posting once a month or maybe twice a month. Just until life settles down some. I thank you all for your patience as I get into a groove with this whole "blogging" gig.

Friday Finale...end to another wonderful week.

Friday's are always lots of fun in our home. It begins with our "Big Friday Cleaning Day" where we all have a chore to do in getting the house clean and ready for the weekend. Once the house is cleaned we run some errands and we always end our day with pizza and a movie. Today is an extra special day, as Daddy is flying home today...YAY!!!!!!


Lord we ask for a hedge of protection around Daddy,so that he may return to us safely. We also ask for Your arms to comfort our friends whom are struggling with life, who are hurting, and who are lonely. Lord you are the great Healer, Comforter, and Protecter. You alone are all that we need. Amen.



This week seems to have come and gone in a blink of an eye. Where to begin for a recap...

A baby, or two is a good place to start. We are blessed beyond belief to be expecting another precious gift from God. All praises to Him for this wonderful blessing. We have been told that my HCG levels are high...TWIN high. We hope to find out soon if we are going to have one precious baby or two. We will be grateful either way. Though twins would be doubly fun! This week has been all about this new life growing inside me. Trips into town to see my OB and meal planning so we will all eat healthier. Praying and praising the whole week long. It has been a wonderful week...

October 25...Happy Anniversary!

Today is a glorious day for those who celebrate an Anniversary, like my parents. My parents have loved each other dearly since high school...yup, they were high school "sweethearts". I praise the Lord for being with them through the good and the bad. Carrying them through the tough times when some marriages can't withstand the waves and buckle. May He continue to be an anchor for you both today and always...we love you!
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Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,

it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,

always persevers.

1 Corinthians 13 4-6