Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry

At my job this past week, I've wished my customer's a "Merry Christmas" when I was done with their transaction. As we are approaching Christmas Eve & Day; with excitement in the air over Christmas vacation, presents, making memories, etc. it occurred to me for many Christmas may not be so "Merry."

Is there an empty seat at your Christmas Dinner table this year? Do you have a loved one serving in the military? A strained relationship with someone? A loved one that has passed away? Someone close to you battling illness? Is it hard to sometimes find joy in the holiday?

A young (32 years old) mother, from the church we attended in Willmar, passed away from a long battle with cancer a couple days ago. She leaves behind a husband and a young son. My brother-in-law, Kevin, had his Mom pass away a few years back. I believe her funeral was on Christmas Eve.

The holidays can be about toys, togetherness, but also tears. This week as we gather together with friends and family, let's try to remember those that may be mourning, are alone, or can't shake being "down" and say a prayer for them. May God's love, peace, and joy fill up our hearts and minds as we try to focus on the birth of God's Son and having a real "Merry" Christmas.

Boy Time

Last Friday Sam had his belated 10th birthday party. In October, Sam's real birthday month, we asked him what he'd like to do with his buddies for a party...Sam picked tubing at Great Bear (a GREAT tubing/skiing area here.) Since there wasn't any snow in October we decided to wait until December. If truth be told, the snow the boys tubed on was man-made since we hadn't had any measureable snow fall yet this year. (That all changed in a day - got 8 inches on Saturday!) Anyway, after pizza, presents, and tubing til 10pm all the guys headed home. Sam had a great time and we hope the other guys did too. The coaches of Team Utzig sure enjoy these guys and it is a pleasure watching their friendships grow along with their height and shoe sizes!! Thanks for checking in!

Gingerbread House Day

Last Friday was a big day for the Kindergarten kids...Gingerbread House Day! 5 years ago I remember doing this with Sam, now it was Summer's turn. The kids were soooo excited to have a parent or grandparent at school to help with this project. There are some very creative people out there as their gingerbread houses were outstanding. Us girls just had fun being together, getting messy, and sneaking a sweet treat once and a while. Along with our finished house and Summer's photo, is a picture of Sum's best bed Grace. They are having a super Kindergarten year together and have a wonderful group of little friends...we are so thankful! Hope you liked these "sweet" photos!

Mary Did You Know - Mark Lowery

Can you tell I like music...just a bit? I've often thought my name should have been Melody as I LOVE music...all kinds from Hymns to Contemporary. You may get tired of me posting videos but hey, it's my blog. Something I tire of is the lack of Christ in Christmas. I've heard of schools where kids cannot sing Christmas carols that mention Christ, people that only say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," running around to find that "perfect" gift, people nervous about preparing the "perfect" meal, Santa Claus getting more attention than the Savior of the World.

This video is of the song "Mary Did You Know." This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. As a young girl, I thought it was neat that I shared Jesus' mother's name. Now, as a mom myself, I often have wondered what it must have been like to give birth to, raise, watch my son...who was also my Savior. What stories, wonderment, and amazement must have accompanied Mary many times.

Christmas cookies are nice (just ask Mark..he's addicted), presents are great, family time is nice, yet without Christ in Christmas it is just another day. So, let's all not worry if the meal isn't done right, we couldn't find that "perfect" gift, or if someone blinked on the Christmas Card photo. HE is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas Everybody!

Hunting 101

Yes, you really are seeing Mark in hunting gear holding a dead pheasant...that HE SHOT!! Thanks to some of my Dad's conservation land with plenty of pheasants; and our niece's husband, Mark, who invited my Mark to come along with his band of brothers to find some birds. For his first time out hunting Mark U. (two Marks in one family is confusing!!) was proud of himself (as were we!!) I have a feeling this may become a Thanksgiving tradition. On a side note, besides pheasants, the guys saw lots of deer, and even a coyote. Thanks Mark T. for inviting Mark U. along, and helping him get his mark! Nice job guys!

Party Time

50 Years Ago on December 30, 1960 Mel Bulthuis & Joyce Roelofs were married. The bride wore a white velvet wedding dress, her two bridesmaids were in red velvet. Miss Roelofs chose red roses for her bouqet, white ones for her attendants. After a honeymoon to the Ozarks in Arkansas, they made their life on a farm in MN. Why am I telling you this? These two people are my parents. Their three children, in-laws, grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild threw them a party over Thanksgiving weekend. The first photo is of the bride & groom (50 years later) at the food table. Next is of their children - in birth order - Michael, Michele & Mary (hey, that's me!) The third photo is of granddaughter Elizabeth, her husband Mark, and great-grandson Landon (got my baby fix with this sweetie pie.) Fourthly is my brother Mike, his wife Lenae, and their daughters - Elizabeth, Stephanie, & Melanie, son-in-law Mark, and grandson Landon. Next is my sister, Michele, her hubby Kevin, and their sons, James & Matthew. Last of all is me with our Team Utzig. With half of marriages ending in divorce now, it is a great reason to celebrate one that has stood the test of time. Along with the test of time is the passage of time; I was sure reminded of this as we all have aged, grandkids have sure grown, and another generation is already on its way..little Landon. God is good all the time and all the time God is good..from generation to generation. Hope you liked the photos!

End of the Beginning - David Phelps

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! While making my pies for tomorrows feast I, as always, had Life 96.5 FM flowing in my kitchen. The DJ was speaking about the different things he was thankful for. Along with counting my many blessings such as husband, kiddos, home, country; I needed the reminder that on the top of my list should be Jesus' sacrifice for me (and you!!). This song is another thing I am thankful for...what a message...what a God-given talent this man has! I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family, safe travels, and say a big AMEN at the end of this song. I hope you enjoy it!