Oh how I have missed you blogging friends...

I know I have been absent for the past twenty days or so....but it is not because I had nothing to blog about. On the contrary! I would sit down to blog and have so many things to post I could not decide what to blog about.

So, here goes....my top 15 things I have been dying to blog about, in condensed form....

15) I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR! For whatever reason, I got really excited about Christmas this year, and super early. I can hardly wait to be with the fam and just be. I love celebrating the surprising arrival of our Savior. LOVE IT!

14) My brother is bringing his live-in girlfriend for Christmas.....whoa. This is a huge step for him, and for our family. I hope she has a wonderful time, and feels comfortable.

13) Sometimes surprises happen that we aren't quite ready or equipped to handle....this seems to have been happening more in my life. Will I ever learn to give these things over to God?

12) The Astros are totally going to suck in 2007.

11) I don't care what you say, if you tell me not signing Andy Pettitte was a good decision on the part of the Astros, our friendship will be terminated. And sadly, this was not the only HUGE mistake we made this off season.....

10) WE GAVE AWAY three of our brightest young stars.....not to mention that Willy Taveras was only partially hitting his stride and still held a hitting streak record this season. So, why the heck would we want to keep a player with that much promise????? SHEESH. All of this for a pitcher no one has ever heard of, and that the Rockies certainly aren't crying over his departure.

9) Which leads me to another post about how the Astros have no hope for the 2007 season. NONE.

8) I love hearing children talk about Christmas. I just love it. The wonder of Christ is not lost on them, they are actually the ones who understand it so deeply. It always brings tears to my eyes.

7) A post is in order about the joy of giving. Our church did the coolest thing this holiday season, and I do actually want to write a whole post about it....but a little teaser for you.... we gave everyone in attendance MONEY. That is right, cold hard cash!

6) I love tradition. And I really love how many traditions my family has at Christmas. There is safety, security, and comfort that passes explanation.

5) There was a cookie making event that included two children under the age of four. A happy memory I will never forget...gosh I love those girls.

4) Sometimes the only way you can help is to have coffee. I thank God that He has always provided "coffee" friendships for me. Thank you coffee friends.

3) I figured out something I am good at...making peanut brittle! I knew I could, but apparently it just comes easy to me....and I love it!

2) Which can not be discussed without my new candy thermometer from Williams Sonoma. IT IS FABULOUS!

1) Vince Young is my hero. I love him. I love how veteran players are saying they have rarely played against someone with his ability and passion. I love how his teammates are saying he makes them better. I love how he asked Reebok to start a scholarship fund for seniors at the high school he graduated from instead of commericals or other selfish promotions. I love how he enjoys life, gives God credit for his ability, and plays with his whole heart. I heart VY.

Merry Christmas to you all, and may the birth of Jesus resonate deep within your heart this holiday season. May His life give you yours.