2008

Well this has been a year filled with alot of different things for us all.

Lets start with Mike. He has had a year of some ups and downs with his work, us not knowing if he would have a job or not. His work place had loss some big accounts, but Praise God, they were able to pull in a couple smaller accounts that has helped keep doors up, and doing ok now. He has also had some serve ear problems! His right ear has been draining with infection and he can barely hear out of it, and the other one ended up getting infected, and causing serve pain. We have gotten the pain under control but the hearing still not to good. Other than that he has been the greatest hubby, very supportive when I have had times of worry, He is are strong one, he is an outstanding father and husband and blessed he is the man I call my Husband.

The Boys well lets see, Chris our oldest has had a year filled with football. He looks better every year, he is really good. He loves the sport, and puts so much into it ., and we are their supporting him all the way He is already for next year, he always showing me his muscles haha . He has had a couple girlfriends this year, and to many that have crush on him. He is a good kid, and makes the right choice, I Pray he continues to be that way. He enjoys church, and is in the youth group.
Austin our middle son has been doing great in school this year !! He has an awesome teacher who Austin really looks up to, which has helped out alot, and Mr.M as every one calls him is a Christian!!! He isn't playing any sports this year, but as he inters Jr. High next year (I cant believe my baby is going into Jr. High) he will be playing football also. I tell you he is going to be great, he is very good at it. He didn't play this year because of how his grades was last year. So he had to prove to us he can stay focused and he has proven that and will be playing again next year. He also has had him a couple girlfriends, which I find to be cute. He also Loves church and is in the youth group and just joined the Choir with me.

Now our little Guy Michael. This kid is so funny and comes up with stuff that gets me cracking up. He is such a good little guy, He has grown up so much this year that it makes me sad, he will be in kindergarten next year. He is so smart and I know he will do great, but I will miss him not being home any more. He also loves going to church and he is in younger youth group and he also sings in the young kids choir Also I know with him starting school next year daddy will have him starting football!!

As far as myself well lets see, I have went through some times of worry, because of Mikes job, and I have learned you know what nothing I can do at all, if they close, and have learned to give things to God and just leave it with him. Oh my and since them I don't worry half as much and he has always provide ALWAYS. WE JUST HAVE TO TRUST IN HIM FULLY.
We changed churches, this year, and was best change we have ever done. I feel myself getting closer to God, and filling things I haven't felt in a long time. I see changes in Mike and the boys. Whenever doors are open we want to be their. We had went through a sick spell and had missed a bit, oh and hated it. Don't like missing, but when sickness hits my home it hits hard and with five of us we spread it back in forth. We became members, and I have never been happier with a church home, this is were God wants us, and cant wait to see what he has in store for us. I just joined the choir, and I haven't sung in a long long time, but believe this is what God wants me to do, so letting him lead and I'm following.
Have enjoyed Chris football games, I so love it, and enjoy watching him. We have had a couple of deaths this year which has been really tough. My dads partner Abby passed away in May and My moms Husband Charlie past away in November. These were so hard to go through, they were both loved and will be missed soooo much.
As a family on Mikes week of vacation we were suppose to go to Gatlinburg, but with finance and my dads partner being very sick we didn't go but think God we were able to keep our cabin and will be going next June. So instead we went camping in Brookville and had a GREAT time, though first night we were hit by a very very bad thunderstorm with tornado watches, but we made it through the night and the next couple nights were wonderful. We went to the Zoo and out to Dayton Air Force and had the best time! We enjoyed it so much, even though we stayed close to home and the best week ever and look forward to many more like that.

I'm thankful for my husband and kids, and that we are all healthy and God has provide are every need this past year, I'm so blessed!!!! Looking forward to the new year.

~Michele~

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out ChristmasShopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after rowOf toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both herChildren asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finallyMade it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time ofThe year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming,Taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for everySingle person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone onOur card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone whoSent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car.She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and allThe bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore andStated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strungUp and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don'tWorry we already crucified him." For the rest of the trip down the elevatorIt was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole ChristmasThing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it,Just think of how different this whole world would be. --Unknown

The Niederman Farm

Well Friday evening we went to The Niederfarm with our church to hear a Choir sing. The choir had some Talented people. Just Beautiful singing. Well the temperature was in the low 20's and with the wind I know it had to been colder than that. We adventured from the barn to take on the cold and view the outstanding lights on display. That all revolved around the Lord.

Was so Beautiful, but I felt as if my toes were froze and everything got blurry half way through because of my eyes watering so bad, but was still a very nice time. We plan on going again to see it when its a bit warmer and can enjoy stopping and reading each display. I highly recommend this farm to visit now and even in the warm months. They have bed and breakfast and animals. Here is the website http://www.niedermanfamilyfarm.com/christmas-walk.htm

I love this place has always a lot to offer.

'Twas the Night for My Lord

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the land, Many children were in need, with an out stretched hand: Their hearts were all broken, and starving for care, In hopes that great love . . . soon would be there. These children were not nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of hunger danced in their heads; The children needed scarves and oh, for a cap, While finding a place for a cold winter's nap. When out in the night there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my spot to see what was the matter! Away to the street I flew like a flash, My head, it was swimming . . . my eyes they did dash. . When what to my wondering eyes should appear? Another drug-exposed infant . . . Oh my dear! Little out stretched arms and movements so mixed, I knew in a moment he could not be fixed! More rapid than eagles, the children they came, They were lunging and shouting, and saying my name.Rescues us, save us, hold us and care! Give us your love, and show us you'll be there! From the top of their heads to the tip of their toe; The needs of them all did so greatly show! Standing up and turning around, Were yet more children waiting to be found. They were dressed in sickness from their head to their feet, Lonely and scared awaiting the death they would meet. Their faces so sad . . . and old from their life, Experiencing nothing but sadness and strife! They spoke not a word, their eyes showed their work, Filling me with sorrow, my heart, how it hurt. Their hands gently touching the tip of my nose Giving me a nod and a smile; my heart, oh it rose!
I sprang to my knees, to my Father a prayer, The children in need, they are everywhere. My Father above, exclaimed in a voice quiet and strong, Care and love for My children and to ME you'll belong.
May your life be blessed and your children strong.
May they be healthy, happy, and have nothing be wrong.

I love this story

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. He had no decorations, no tree, no lights. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. There were no children in his life. His wife had gone. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened up and a homeless man stepped through. Instead of throwing the man out, George, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come in and sit by the space heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy. I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly," George said. He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew. Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh." Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister, can you help me?" said the driver with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold; the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing. George said as he turned away. "But mister. Please help..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went in. George went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building and opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you've ever looked at, but she runs real good." George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. George turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck. Their tires were shot, too. That 'ol truck has brand new..." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on. "Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car. As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Help me!" George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anything," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease. "Something for the pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These oughta work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there. I'm gonna get you an ambulance." The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two-way radio. He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could've left me out there. The guy that shot me is still in the area." George sat down beside him. "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than it is. Bullet passed right through ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time you're gonna be right as rain." George got up and poured a cup of coffee.. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time. The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer. "Son, why are you doing this?" asked George. You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt." The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!" The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop. "We got one too many in here now." He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need the money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away." George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job. My rent is due.My car got repossessed last week..." George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can." He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Being stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out." The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry, officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee," the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer. "Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?" "GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man. Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran." George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other. "That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said. "Just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job." The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?" Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas, boy. And you too, George, and thanks for everything." "Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems." George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go. Something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day." The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you." "And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need." George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours." The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier. "And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family." The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good." "Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after." George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?" "I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?" "Well, after my wife passed away I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was getting a little chubby." The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor. The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man." George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man. "Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again." The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now.I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearingturned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room. "You see, George... it's my birthday.Merry Christmas."George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord."
"What you do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all your tomorrows."Author Unknown

The Thanksgiving history of the pilgrims were apart of the Puritan movement in England during the 17th century. They were persecuted for their religious beliefs and decide to go to the Americas to create a “shining city on a hill.” When the Pilgrims crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1620, they landed on the rocky shores of a territory that was inhabited by the Wampanoag Indians. The Wampanoag were part of the Algonquian-speaking peoples. One year later The Pilgrims were not in good condition. They were living in dirt-covered shelters, there was a shortage of food, and nearly half of them had died during the winter. The Wampanoag gave the Pilgrims the help they need. By spring the settlement was doing much better. They gave a feast in thanks of their survival and for the Wampanoag who taught them how to live in the harsh conditions. The Pilgrims learned how to cultivate corn and other new vegetables and how to build Indian-style houses. For three days the Wampanoag feasted with the Pilgrims. It was a special time of friendship between two very different groups of people. A peace and friendship agreement was made between Massasoit the Wampanoag chief and Miles Standish the puritan governor.

Let's talk about a mountain in our life that we are trying to rely on God to help us get over Blog Challenge.

Well mine right now is losing loved ones. I just don't understand why we have to go through this, its so hard. I worry when my kids face the day when I'm gone and the pain they will feel worries me so much, because I know this pain.

Death has always scared me, But the last couple weeks with losing our dear pa, it has also showed me that we are not in that grave, we go to be with our Father he brings us home. Pa was a good Christian man who showed Christ to all he met, so I know when he took his last breath here that, He was breathing in the presence of God in heaven. God is showing me not to fear it because as a Christian I will not die but have eternal life. Praise God. It still hard very hard, but I'm coping better with it, and the anxiety I don't have through this loss we just had because God is showing me its OK.