I still believe in Santa Claus...

because as long as I believe the child in me will never die. I can't imagine losing the joy that this time of year brings.

Christmas is such a fun time of year. As I watch my kids and the happiness it brings them, I am reminded of my own childhood. Growing up we didn't have a lot but my parents always made Christmas special. There were always presents under the tree and when I look back now I have no idea how they did it. There were six of us and we were not disappointed. We knew the meaning behind the holiday but never lost the excitement of Santa. I remember the nights that I couldn't fall asleep anticipating the big day.

I hope that my kids always believe in Christmas. I hope that they know the true meaning behind the day. I hope that someday they will look back and remember how special Christmas is, not for the presents, but for the memories. Memories of the traditions we have, memories of family, memories of the feeling of awe when they walk down the stairs in the morning to see that Santa has been there.

I know one day Santa and all the gifts he brought will be a memory but I hope the one gift they always remember is the Baby in a manger. I hope they never forget the gift He brought with Him and gave to them...the Gift of Life, along with Peace that passes understanding, Hope for tomorrow, abundant Love and never ending Joy.

I wish you a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Birthday Tyler

I cannot believe you are 16 today.

Time has gone so fast. I am proud of the man you becoming!

When you have a child
You learn it's a serious business
To have a little fun
You give grace and get forgiveness
Not seven times seven
But seven times seventy one

And when you have a child
Those four walls you call a house
Take on a life of its own
When you bring 'em home
You will cry and you will laugh
When they hurt it cuts you in half
It's your flesh and bone

And year after year
Pictures fill page after page
They never really grow up
Still your baby at any age
The first time you hold 'em
It's like you see God's smile
What a smile
When you have a child

And then boy meets girl
And perfume and gasoline
Reign on your perfect world
Curfews are often broken
Thank yous aren't spoken
He's got the keys to that old Dodge
And she's wearing a corsage
And her mama's pearls

And year after year
Pictures fill page after page
They never really grow up
Still your baby at any age
And the first time you hold 'em
It's like you feel God's smile
What a smile
When you have a child

You pray that phone call never comes
And if God forbid
How would you live
How could you go on
And on and on and on

And year after year
Close the chapter and turn the page
Blue ribbons and losing seasons
Flipping tassles on the stage
Oh but you don't need a photograph
You've got at least a million
Pictures of that smile
When you close your eyes
When you love a child
Ohh when you love a child
"When you have a child" by Reba McEntire