lay me down

The last couple of days have been really sad. Two people I know (including my brother's old roommate) passed away within two days of one another.

When someone dies, I usually turn my thoughts to God and pray for the family. I then pray for the ones who passed away, knowing they found their place in Heaven. He is a just God and I know our eternal home is far greater than anything we will ever experience here on earth.

When I look toward 2011, I know that anything can happen. I find my peace in knowing that He will guide and watch over me. The things I pray for in the new year are continued good health and happiness. I pray Danny and I continue to grow in our walk with the Lord and we help one another along our spiritual journey. But all I can ever really ask for has been given to me - my Father's love.

If I die young, bury me in satin,

Lay me down in a bed of roses.

Sink me in the river at dawn,

Send me away with the words of love song.

The sharp knife of a short life,

But I've had just enough time.

Rest in peace, boys.

the holiday

Danny and I had a great Christmas this year - we are so blessed! My sister, Ashley, flew in town from San Francisco and Danny's brother, Christian, flew in town from Costa Rica! My younger brother Tyler drove down from Oxford, my aunt Mary Pat flew in from Chicago and of course my mom, dad and aunt Debra were all celebrating together!

I also turned 24 years old on Christmas Day! I honestly cannot believe I am already 24; it feels like just yesterday I was celebrating my 21st. The last few years with Danny have been so full of joy and love, and I thank God every day for bringing us together.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy my little recap of our holiday!

I took off work December 23-28, and it was SO nice having 6 days off in a row! Ashley got here on the 23rd and Christian arrived the day before on the 22nd.

Danny and Christian rode bikes in our neighborhood on Christmas Eve before we got ready for church.

Our tree with all the presents finally wrapped! 

Danny and I before the Christmas Eve service at St. Joseph's. 

Danny and Christian 

After church we went back to our house to change and gather up all our presents to bring to my parent's house. We always do Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day at my parents. This is me and my parents' dog Bella! She is so sweet. They got her last Christmas and she's a year old now! 

Mom 

Debra, Mary Pat and Christian 

We had so much fun on Christmas Eve! My parents had brisket and tons of other sides and I made baked cheese dip.  

My dad is such a great cook! 

Paula Deen Baked Cheese Dip   :) 

We ate and drank way too much and just enjoyed each other's company. 

We spent Christmas morning at my parent's house like we do every year. And it was also my birthday! So sweet to have my whole family together on my birthday each year.

After opening presents the boys played outside and the girls relaxed inside with wine and coffee cake. My parent's make coffee cake for brunch every single Christmas and I literally look forward to it all year.

Dad's delicious turkey! 

My parent's cooked a big, yummy dinner that evening and then we had a little birthday celebration for me.

It was a great Christmas filled with love and laughter!

My Italian buttercream birthday cake! 

I feel so blessed and thank God every day for my family. I thank Him for the gift of love and for His grace. I think of the nativity story and how Mary was in awe of her beautiful King. I think of the kings and wise men who came to praise our infant Messiah. I will forever worship Him!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." -Isaiah 7:14