haven't written in a while

I haven't really written a real blog post in a while and just sort of feel like other things are demanding my attention lately, but thought I might punch on the computer keys and see what comes out.

Brandon

Si (pretty sure there was more flour on him than the cookies)

cookie decorating as only little boys can do

The kitchen counter is my "office" for the moment.  The alarm on the dryer is calling me to fold clothes, I just finished wrapping the latest Christmas gift to arrive in the mail, the boys are in bed, my hubby is filling out his Christmas wish list as he goes from website to website on the dining table behind me, and Christmas songs on my iPod fill my home.  The tree lights are on, the house Christmas lights are on, and my elderly neighbor across the street tells me every time I see her in her adorable Irish accent, "Oh Kori!  I am truly the one who gets to enjoy those lovely lights you put up. I just love them!"  She tells me this every year and if she can't tell me in person, she will call me on my phone.  Good neighbors are a treasure.  And since I am sure my dearest neighbor is reading this post, I will give him a shout out.  Wilson, you're the best!  My neighbor to the back who I lovingly call "Wilson" is my patriotic partner-in-crime.  And the eccentric couple who moved next door to us a few months ago painted their house orange, green, and purple.  Yes, you read that right.  But what utterly delightful people they are.  I steer clear of all conversation regarding politics since I am quite sure in this very left-wing community I live in, they have very little in common with me.  But we do value and trust each other as neighbors.  Oh, and the colorful Easter egg house has grown on me.  Don't tell Jamie, but I actually like it now.  :)

Content in life even though things aren't always smooth.  Things may not always be easy but they may always be peaceful as we trust the Lord to bring us to that place in Him.
A nugget I gleaned from listening to Beth Moore yesterday:

Part of spiritual maturity is ceasing to equate "hard" with "bad." 

Just because it's easy doesn't mean it's good.

I spent a few hours today with two delightful friends: precious ladies who warm my heart, share my ideals, and make me a better person, mom, and wife just by being who they are naturally and letting some of their wonderful-ness (not a word, I know) spill onto me.  This Summer while at the Mom Heart Intensive Training in CO, Sally said we need to surround ourselves with people who are better than us.  I am so glad to have had the opportunity to do that today.

For all who may read this, I truly wish you the most magical and miraculous Christmas.  What must it have been like to welcome the Savior of all mankind into the world as He made His humble debut?  And how we eagerly anticipate His righteous and just return.  If you have some time, check out this message (click on Psalm 110 from December 12th) given at my church this past Sunday.  Awesome!

And perhaps you can join me in prayer over something that has been on my heart this week and really for a while.

• President Obama's salvation; that our leaders would respond to conscience
• that the true Christian church will walk the straight and narrow of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and this nation will turn course
• the wombs of women will be a safe place for the unborn

Bless you,

p.s.  I have a beautiful manger that I lovingly place in our home at Christmastime and today as I walked past, I noticed a toy gun laying on top of baby Jesus.   You know you're a mom of boys when....