It's here...

The clock has ticked passed midnight and it is officially Christmas--our first Christmas as a family of 3. Santa is on his way, we are sure (though it looks as if he has already landed). Is that the sound of reindeer on the roof?

At church tonight I was reminded once again about the real meaning of Christmas--Jesus came to Earth as a baby. He came as an innocent, little baby who grew into a busy toddler exploring the world He actually made. He grew into a little boy who loved to learn and listen to His Father. And finally, He became a man. The man who gave His life for me and for you. He died so that we could live--live life abundantly.

Our preacher, Bob, seems to be speaking directly to me in the many sermons of late, and so I feel compelled to write that while Chad and I feel so blessed and are so thankful for ALL God has given us, we know that we are not perfect and therefore, hesitate that we really deserve all of His blessings--we are not perfect people, we are not perfect partners, we are not perfect parents (by any means).

In fact, no one is perfect. Each and every one of us makes mistakes. We make mistakes, mess up, hurt feelings, and generally screw up royally--if you are like me, this happens more often than not. But what so many of us forget about (myself included) is that God loves us BECAUSE we are messed up. He chose us even though we didn't deserve it. He forgave us even though we continually screw up--royally. Did you get that? How in the world did I deserve such a sacrafice? Me? Someone who gets frustrated with random strangers in Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve. Someone who fusses at slow drivers on her way to work. Someone who harbors hurt feelings for those she knows she must face...

????

So...on this Christmas Eve (er..uh..Christmas Morning) my heart is so filled with the memories of this wonderful, crazy, fantastic, heartbreaking and blessed year and I dare to dream about what 2009 will bring us. One thing is for sure, it will bring more mess ups...and hopefully a softer heart for random strangers, slow drivers and those whose lives we drift in and out of...

There is only one perfect person in the whole entire world, and so many years ago, He came to Earth as a little baby boy, grew into a curious toddler, a smart young man and died so that I could live--so that we all could live...even in our imperfections...

Well...it is late. And this post has pushed me to droopy eyes and sugar plums dancing...

May you and your family know the

True meaning of Christmas and keep it in your hearts all year long, especially when you or someone you know has messed up royally...

S~

The Holidays are Here!!

And we are so excited! Besides fighting the stomach flu the last few days, The Hoene's are looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of 3. We can't wait to celebrate with all of our family in various places over the next few days. This slide show is of our first Christmas celebration at Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. We had a great time and Logan really cheesed it up with for the camera. Enjoy!!

More to come...
S~

So Thankful!!

There are so many pictures from our wonderful Thanksgiving's (PLURAL). We began at my Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. night, then my other aunt's (Aunt Anita and Uncle J) on Wednesday night. Finally, on the actual day the Hoene's hosted Thanksgiving for our family. We recently were able to finish our basement (thanks to my wonderful hubby, dad, and Uncle J) so our home was able to accomodate the whole crew. This year we have so much to be thankful for...of course Logan being at the top of that list. In fact, we asked some of our family to share what they were thankful for and here is what they said...I am Thankful for...
" Family, phone, health, school, pets, Holidays" ~Kaelyn H.

"God giving me a wonderful fiance, precious daughter, family and great friends. We are thankful for Ginger and Toby (the dogs), our health and our family's health." ~ Carrie Lea

"My family and friends and especially all my new little nephews and grandson. My wonderful wife for all of the caring love she gives me." ~ Corky

"Our ENTIRE family and the many blessings God has given us. Our son has completed our family in so many ways." ~Staci, Chad and Logan

Soon Logan will be turning a year old. It is so hard to believe the time has passed so quickly.

My little prince, when you one day look back on this make-shift baby book of the first year of your life, know without a doubt that each and every day, we thank God of blessing our lives with you...

~Mommy