Merry Christmas.  Much love to you all.  

merry CHRISTmas.

So... this is our life.  I thank God everyday that he has given these three little cuties to us.  Friday's events reminded me yet again how quickly life can change.  Those families reminded me to hug and kiss my children even more than I already do.  I'm quite sure that the images of those faces will stay in my heart forever.  

It is hard for me sometimes to remember to not stress out in my life and to just enjoy the moments. Like the photos below... the moments of complete lack of interest (see photo #1) or the moments of complete breakdown (see photo #2).  I would say (and my bffs would agree) that I'm NOT a real go with the flow type of gal.  My two BFFs are for sure that way and I envy them.  I know my and accept my control issues and really do try to confront them and change.  But most of the time I go back to my OCD ways.  Both #1 and #2 photos resemble much of our life right now.  Complete abandon to anything going the way I want it to.  Isn't that what life is about anyhow?  What I want?  Ok... I know that's not really true.  This CHRISTmas season is reminding me in many ways... It isn't about ME.  In the bible there is a story of Martha and Mary with Jesus.  My mama didn't know she was giving me the perfect name when she named me Tiffany Martha.  Now... I am named after a beautiful, strong, smart and God loving woman (my grandmother) but as I grow older I see I am like Martha in the bible in many ways.  You see... Mary was the one who dropped to her knees and just spent time with the Lord when he walked in the room but Martha.... dear Martha... she was too BUSY doing other things.  I imagine... making sure things were picked up, clean, cooked, put in there correct spots ... anything but just being with the Lord.  I don't' like to admit it but that is me.  I am Martha.. in more ways than one.  

"Martha, Martha" the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one".  Luke 10: 41-42

As today is beginning... I will continue to Love my name.  In fact the people closest to me call me only that.  But today I will be Tiffany Martha.  My grandmother's daughter.  I will try to not be Martha of the bible.  I will be different.  I will remember what this season is really about instead of being stressed in a home under construction...Instead of being stressed that I'm not done shopping... Instead of being stressed about all my teeth pains... Instead of being stressed about schedules.  

And maybe... just maybe....

I will have more moments like these.  Moments where even if just for a second... everyone is behaving and happy and in the moment of just being together.  After all .... My mama always said..

.THIS IS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE.  

Merry CHRISTmas to you and your families.  I pray this season reminds you too to hug and kiss your loved ones.  To forget about how different we all are and just remember how much we are alike.  We are humans created by an amazing God to LOVE each other.  

my heart is sad...

My heart goes out to the families of those loved ones who died today in CT.  I am so deeply sorry for your loss.  My prayers and the prayers of my family will be with you all.

take a breath..

take a breath.  take a breath.  take a breath.  

i remind myself this many times each day.  i find us rushing. all. the. time.  between the big kids and school and activities and the little one and all his fits... it is hard to slow down.  if i am being honest... it is hard for me to just sit down and enjoy life.  i see dishes, laundry, toys, unfinished projects, meals that need to be prepared, more laundry and on..   i always hear my mama in my head saying they won't be this little forever... this is the best time in our lives.. yet many days i am counting the hours to when my head gets to hit the pillow.  today i want to be different.  today i want to stop rushing.  today i want to sit and enjoy the minutes with my little loves.  today i want to live in the moment and be grateful for them.  

one cool family....

I was so super happy to spend some time with this seriously cool family.  They are the type of people who don't try to be cool... they just are.  Dana is such an awesome mama.  I can see it.  Her boys ADORE her.  She has such a beautiful spirit.  And just look at those cutie boys.  So fun.  

little sweets....

So much fun!  These little sweets are my dearest friend's children.  I see their mama in each of them.  They are smart.  They are fun. They are beautiful.  I'm so glad I get to see each of you grow up.