Frolic and Play the Austin Way!

This Norman Rockwell painting shows a worn-out Santa on December 26th -- and, like Santa, if all that’s left of Christmas for us -- frazzled, exhausted, a bulging credit card balance, and an over-full stomach, then we missed the true meaning of Christmas. I'll admit that after a full-of-fun-and-lots-of-activities week in Frisco, that just two hours of sleep before my drive to Austin, I was feeling a bit like this Santa during the day yesterday. LOL!

But, it was easy to get revived when these three boys awaited me. Such precious sights! Big brother, Braden, and sweet bride, Ruth, were on call-of-duty this weekend -- Braden at the fire department and Ruth at her ICIU nursing job, but I love this photo of Ruth dropping in to have lunch with her Honey yesterday. I was just in the nick of time to watch my kids opening their Christmas morning gifts. They must have been good kids all year long because "Santa" was sure good to them all. After a scrumptuous Christmas breakfast of chocolate gravy, cream gravy, bacon, biscuits and eggs, we headed out for a Christmas Day movie. This year it was the cute animated movie "Sing". We came home and enjoyed our Christmas dinner outside in 81 degree weather. -- certainly NOT a white Christmas, but we were okay with that! Then it was time for our annual pool tournament. And the winner and still champion.....Ryan!

Ryan and Shawntel will leave for their annual "honeymoon" trip this morning -- one they've taken every year since they first married, and as tradition holds, Nana is here to take care of the boys (once upon a time, it was Papa and Nana, but since Papa's exit to heaven, I carry on this sweet tradition with my boys).

Back to my opening paragraph about Santa, and all of us, being worn out after a very busy time leading up to Christmas Day. But, Christmas isn't just about that ONE MAIN EVENT. And neither is all the waiting, planning, organizing and preparing for OUR babies to be born, just about their ONE day of birth. It's about that day and every day after that. Jesus' birth-day was just the beginning of His incredible life. We need to recall how we looked at our babies and how Mary, Jesus' mother, looked at her baby boy, her Son -- a Son like no other Son - the very Son of God - and she saw in his sweet, soft, precious face -- the Redeemer of all mankind. A Redeemer who came to live on this earth to die - for our salvation and all mankind. Christmas is a part of the still unfolding story of God's love which began in the Garden of Eden and continues on from generation to generation, and in you and me as our own Christmas story is written of how God pursued us, loved us unconditionally and how His grace and unmerited favor kept us, gave us the courage to face tomorrow……and caused the peacjoy and love we experience at Christmas -- to stay alive in us each and every day.

As I frolic and play with my boys here in the Austin way for the next week or so, and even when I return to my day-to-day walk with God, I'll be remembering all that Christmas was AND IS because "Joy to the World" came for our taking and experiencing EVERYDAY!

We've Been Together From the Start

This day holds so many precious memories. Today is my son’s birthday. It's hard to believe this many years have passed since that little man sat in his high chair at the end of the table. He changed our lives, and he is changing the world beause he cares about people and making a difference in their lives. He lives his life with purpose and passion. He is relentless in his pursuits and won't stop until he finishes what he starts.

My precious son, I loved you before I met you. You knew my voice and my heart beat before anyone else’s. You were my second love in the world – I was your first love. You and I grew up together -- literally – a young Mom that new little of raising a boy to a man. I made many mistakes along the way, but with God’s help and your Daddy’s help, you made it! It seems like I blinked and no longer did I have a little boy. Now a strong and mighty man stands where that precious little man used to be.

It comes with the "mother" territory -- it doesn't matter how old you get, you will always be my baby boy and I will cherish that forever.
I know, you know, that I love you so much. Thank you for loving me, and for letting me hold on, even though there's just a strand left in my apron strings.

Though I no longer carry you in my arms, I will always carry you in my heart. You will always be my dream come true. You filled my days with so much happiness and joy. And now, today.......you are still my dream come true. No one else can claim this important fact…I am your one and only Mom, and you are my son. I’m thrilled to see where the next years take you. With your tenacity, passion, and determination, that has always been evident….there are no limits. I love you so much and I am so grateful that God blessed me......with YOU!! Happy Birthday, my precious SON!

Mary, Did You Know?

Day 345 of Photo Inspirations -- Mary, Did You Know?
This photo inspiration and this song bring Mary right to where we are.  It helps us to know she was one of us.  She was a woman with real emotions, real challenges, and real love for her baby boy.    In 1984 Mark Lowery wrote the lyrics to, “Mary Did You Know?” in response to his Pastor’s request to write the script for their church's Christmas production.  Not until twelve years later, did Buddy Greene put the script to music.  When Mark was asked to write the script, little did he realize what that little "seed" would bring about in an abundant harvest.    That script was one of those Jeremiah 29:11 moments “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Mark had no idea of the anointing of the Holy Spirit that was on him for that significant moment in time.

"Mary, Did You Know?"  is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs for so many reasons.  It momentarily shows Mary more than the lovely woman in blue and white clothing, radiant face, and a halo affixed perfectly above her head.  She really was one of us.  Like us, she held her baby, she cared for him, she thought about his future -- just like we do.

And, what do you think?  DID MARY KNOW -- that He was her Creator, that He would walk on water, that He would heal the blind man, that He would raise the dead?  Did she know that when she kissed her little baby boy that she was kissing the face of God?

We'll ask her that question one day, but one thing's for sure, she was the vessel God chose to bear His Son, and I believe she was chosen because He knew she would be the role model, the caregiver, the teacher/trainer, the spiritual director, and the guardian that caused her son to “grow in wisdom and stature with God and man" (Luke 2:52).    I believe she recognized that her boy's talents and abilities would "take Him places" and that He would do great and mighty things, because she was "tight with God"  and she held His promises close to her heart.

The question for us is "Do we believe as Mary did?" What God's Word says about Jesus is true.  And her example for being that role model, caregiver, teacher/trainer, spiritual director and guardian, is one we should follow in raising our children and grandchildren to "grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man".

I love this beautiful song, and this amazing rendition by Pentonix.  I share it as a gift for you to realize that Mary's faith and reality is our faith and reality, too. "This little child that Mary delivered, delivered her and us!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE

That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Day 332 of Photo Inspirations -- That First Grandchild Opens the Door to a Love Like No Other

Happy 23rd Birthday to my precious, first-born grandson, Braden Wuerch!  Of course, these would be my photo inspirations for remembering this special day.

Though the love is no stronger for any of my six grandchildren from the other,  there is still "just something" about the FIRST.  Who knew that all those silly, photo-toting, beaming-from-ear-to-ear, incessantly jabbering about their grandkids -- were really just being authentic, and desperately in love grandparents?  And that would describe ME when our first little grandson was born.  It just didn't make sense, until my heart fell in love like that, too.  So here is my birthday love letter to my #1-in-placement of birthdate.

Braden, your arrival into this world changed me irrevocably.  I prayed for your arrival and I prayed over you as I held you in my arms, as I watched you sleeping in your crib, and as we witnessed so many of your "firsts".  Papa and I worked with you so diligently to help you take your first steps.....and our claim to fame was that indeed you did start walking for us. We prayed for your protection, your strength, your wisdom and your God-given destiny in life, and that you would always know God's love for you.

Of course, I’m reminiscing about you today! You were the most precious and beautiful little baby boy -- such joy and happiness we thought we knew before -- but none could ever compare to having a grandson and especially if that grandson was you.  I remember being able to make you laugh, uncontrollably, and I remember how amazed we were at the awe and wonder you had about life. From the first time I laid eyes on the Fax message your Dad sent me of you in your Mama’s tummy -- though you looked like a tadpole -- but for me, it was love at first sight.  And it’s been that way for me ever since.  I am forever thank God for you.     I know God’s hands are on you and I pray you will always so grateful for the gift of you to me and I will know how much He loves you.  You are HERE on purpose -- God’s purpose, and I know you will fulfill every part of His plan for you!

I will celebrate your triumphs and successes as long as I live.  I will pray for you to be tough and strong during times of challenge.   I will love who you love, and she will be my granddaughter who will always hold such a special place in heart.  Because she loves you.....I love her.  I am already feeling such joy and pride in seeing how you are making the world a better place as you serve our country in the Army and as a Paramedic and Firefighter.

Braden Cole Wuerch, you are loved.  You are a such a treasured gift to me, and to this world.  You are a man marked for a specific purpose and you are needed, deeply, by all of us who love and cherish you.  I will endeavor to keep reminding you, as often as I can, that you are a treasure beyond anything I could imagine, and I love you.....TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

Happy, happy birthday, my sweetheart!
I love you so, so, so, so, much!    Nana

The Champ Was Born

Day 179 of Photo Inspirations –  “The Champ” Was Born
#TBT Eleven years ago today my husband and I (aka Papa & Nana) were making our way “turbo speed” to Nashville. Our 5th grandchild was about to make his big debut and we were relentless in getting there before he did. And, complying with our hopes and desires, Brennan Keith Wuerch hung on for us to get there for the “crowning” achievement. And, that made Papa call him his “Champ” right from the get go. He was a perfect, beautiful and precious baby boy who brought even more joy and excitement to our world. Oh, how we thanked God for this little miracle…..#5 in our string of 6 beautiful grandchildren.

Getting to stay on with them for the next two weeks, his sweet Mama, Shawntel, and I, got to see this little “Champ” be true to Papa’s name for him – eating and sleeping like a Champ. We followed the steps in “Baby Wise” and we were consistently giving each other High 5’s at how quickly he adapted to his new world.

Today, I get to celebrate this precious boy and the absolute joy he brought to us. He is kind, funny, sensitive, oh, so smart, loves God so much and is a ball of energy as well as quite the competitor and athlete. He continues to be our “Champ” today as he has become an accomplished baseball player on his  All-Star Baseball Team.

Lots of experiences in his 11-year journey – experiences that will continue to make him into THE CHAMP aka Champion that God destined him to be. I pray that, speak that, and believe that for him and all of my grandchildren. I choose to believe that what we speak and instill in our children and grandchildren is what they will become. And Brennan is becoming all that and more. Happy 11th Birthday, precious Brennan Keith Wuerch. I love you and thank God for blessing our lives with YOU!