Family Traditions Frame the Holidays

It was that time again...time to gather as a family and make our annual trek to the tree farm to get our Christmas tree. We discovered this place years ago when no one else knew about it, and every year it just gets more and more crowded. But that's ok!! There is something wonderful about seeing families spending time together and investing in a tradition that will enrich the lives of everyone involved for years to come. Our whole gang looks forward to this one day where we venture out together in search of ...the perfect tree.

Of course, my morning started out with this...

Mmm...mmm...good!



And Momma didn't get up at 7:00 to make a big breakfast...today it would be CAR FOOD!! One of the special little things my parents used to do for my kids when they came for a visit, was to bring a box of these Entenmann's donuts for the girls. So we brought the memory of their love into the day by having some to enjoy! The rest is stuff I don't ever buy, so they loved it!! (the big girls, too)



We hit the road...and the morning was perfect! Clear blue skies and a chilly 49 degrees out. We have had a few years of getting our tree in 75-85 degree weather...this was a nice change!!



We're He-re!! You step out of your car, and take a deep breath...you just know the air is so clean!!

The owner is former military as well, so of course he participates in the Trees for Troops! I think that is so cool!!



This is what you see when you first arrive...





Everything is so charming and so family oriented. Just delightful!

This is the wood that is used for...



this bonfire!! You can melt smores and marshmallows, cook a hot dog, or just enjoy the warmth of this fire that doesn't go out. It is encircled by benches, and it is fun to interact with other family's fireside. You can see part of the back section of the awesome 45 acres of trees. Back there are cedar and other specialty trees. The bulk of the trees are Florida Sand Pines.



You can see there are trees of every size



Well, that's just the beginning of our time at the farm...I'll continue with more each day and finish with our decorated tree!!

Have a joy-filled day!
Becky

Eduardo

Well, praying friends, Eduardo's parents were to take him off of life support tonight. My daughter was suppose to go to a friend's house where there was a gathering to wait for the news. She couldn't bring herself to do so, so she and her boyfriend came here instead. They got a second opinion and did additional tests and could find no brain function. He is an organ donor, so anything they can save, including his heart, they will, so he can give the gift of life to someone else. You can read the story here: http://www.beacononlinenews.com/ My daughter said he would never start a fight and that he must have acted in defense of someone else. He was a man of character and a good reputation. The young men that did this were absolute cowards, and apparently never gave him a chance to defend himself. They have been arrested, and once he is taken off of life support will be charged with murder or manslaughter. So very tragic.

Thank you all for praying. Please continue to pray for these distraught parents, and all others affected by this awful tragedy. You all are the best!! Never got back to post, but will tomorrow! Off to bed for me...Sweet blessings to you all!
Becky

Urgent prayer request

One of my 22 yo daughter's friends recently moved to Madison WI. Two nights ago he was robbed and beaten, and is on life support with a broken back, inability to breathe on his own, and unconscious. Please pray for a miracle for him. My daughter describes him as one of the nicest, most generous people she has ever met. Please also pray that he would meet His Savior if he hasn't already done so. Thank you so much...his name is Eduardo. I'll keep you updated. If his parents thought there was no hope they probably would have made the decision to take him off of life support already.

I'll post my regular blog entry later in the day.
Blessings, and may we all consider today a gift, and live it accordingly!
Becky