Monday, December 31, 2012

Daddy's New Years Eve!

13 years ago tonight Tonya and I had been married for just a few months and we were laying in the bed as sick as can be. Both of us were running high fevers praying that if Y2K was going to end the world, then we wished it would hurry up because we knew we would feel better than we did at that moment.

So it was ironic that today I woke up sick at my stomach and running to the bathroom a million times. Although it was nothing like that night it was funny to reminisce with the boys all of those past stories.

Earlier this evening Tonya asked the boys what was great and what was bad about this year. Overall, for our family, 2012 was a great year. God blessed our family with health and financial security this year. We were never in want and was always able to praise him for the things that we have and don't have. I see people everyday that struggle with happiness and contentment. However, our entire family praises God for the wonderful blessings that we have.

Most likely, that greatest blessing for us is the addition of the most precious little girl in the entire world. I sit here tonight with her laying on my chest, trying to unwrap myself off of her finger, but I realize that may be an impossible task. We really thought that we were finished with adding additions to our family. With all good plans however, God knows what best.

I also loved watching Eli win the Social Studies award at ALP, Caleb strike out his first batter, and Isaac hit some of the most incredible shots during basketball games. More than that I live their enthusiasm for God and how they "help us" take care of their baby sister.

This year did have some disappointments. The lose of my uncle Thurl made my entire family realize that "life is but a vapor." His life was one that could only be truly realized by the outpouring of love and affection of the people that attended his wake and funeral. Truly an awesome sight to witness the love and respect they had for him. I'm sure those coon dogs are yelling his name tonight... "THUUUURRRRL". :)

Other disappointments such a loss of a job that I thought I had, the heartbreak of watching the boys become upset, and watching both sides if my family mourn the loss of family, helps remind me that God is in control of all things.

With all of this though, I'm convinced that I am blessed to be married to the greatest woman on the earth. She is by far my rock and my help in everything I do. She was there to remind me that God is in control during the heartbreaks and was able to take care of herself (just as she did with the boys) to be sure that Hannah arrived healthy and happy.

It is without doubt that 2013 will hold happiness and disappointments. I thank God everyday that he allows me to share them with Tonya.

God Bless you all and Happy New Year.





Sunday, December 30, 2012

Fragile

It's Christmas time at the Campbell house again, and my how things have changed. It seems like yesterday that we were assembling the baby fence around the Christmas tree, putting the tree up on the 23rd, and taking it down in the 26th.

Here we are with 3 big boys getting paint guns and electronics, and a little girl that can crawl and pull up on the crib. I swear time needs to pause for just a few minutes.

Unlike most of our Christmases, this year we experienced loss, just before Christmas. The loss of "Uncle Thurl" and the loss of all those innocent victims in CT, made us stop and think about how fragile life is. It made us appreciate the moments that we have together.

See, time is moving so quickly, and no matter how many times I wish it to be so, I cannot capture all the moments if their innocence, and keep them this age. This year, maybe a little more than usual, I'm so grateful for my family, and feel blessed I got to spend time with each and every one:)





Monday, December 24, 2012

Overload!

Well, I'm a little behind on my posts, so I think I'll catch up. So much has happened, where do I start..... I have a new job. For those that have asked, I love it. God has some strange ways of answering prayers, but it's funny the way he works things out. I would have never dreamed that I would change positions mid-year, but it has been such a blessing. I have made new friends, strengthened bonds with many people, had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing kids. Trust me when I say it's a GOD thing!

Now, on to one of the lessons I learned in the middle of this move. I had to move things to my new school. It wasn't a ton of things, but it was enough to need about 3 trips. I bet 10 people asked me if they could help me carry anything. I insisted I was fine, and I had it under control. I made the first trip without a problem. When I went back the second time, I had a full armload and one box. It was my treasure box, filled with candy and dollar store goodies. Bribes if you will. Well, I decide that I can simply put the treasure box on top and carry it all in of course without help. I'm sure you know how this ends. I end up dropping the entire contents of the box all over the parking lot. My "treasure", all 1000 pieces were laying on the ground while I stood there in disbelief. I picked up every piece learning these things. First, it's alright to ask for help, even from strangers, and that I cannot carry everything on my own! I am guilty of both of these things on a regular basis. I will often take on the weight of the world without a second thought. I'm not saying I won't try it again, but I will at least try to remember the lessons of my move. After all, if I don't, I might end up with all my treasures on the ground :)

Monday, December 3, 2012

My first real Christmas

I can remember Christmases for many, many years. I remember getting Barbie furniture as a little girl and Dad helping me punch out all the flatware just so he could step on it the next day. I remember getting my first cabbage patch doll. I was over the moon. I remember getting a pink popple with a purple tail just like I asked. That was no easy feat as they were the furby of my day. I also remember getting a puppy for Christmas. When I was growing up, we never had a lot of money, but we always had a wonderful Christmas. My parents made sure of it.
It wasn't until after I had long grown, gotten married and had the boys that I say I had my first real Christmas. See, I always knew what Christmas was about. I grew up in a Christian home. But, it was that year that I finally understood the magnitude of the gift that I had been given. The year the boys were born....
I remember the moment that the understanding hit me. Some would call it an Ah ha! Moment.
Jamie and I were driving to the hospital to visit the boys the week before Christmas. It was late and dark. I'm sure we were headed to tuck them in for the night. We drove around the park on our way to the hospital and I saw the lighted manger scene. Why then, but it dawned on me that I had a son. As after of fact, I had three sons. They were so tiny and fragile waiting for me at the hospital. At that time, I had limited contact with them, and already I had such an incredible bond!
I just like Mary had a boy that I loved dearly. I understood the love of a parent. See, I knew then that Christ had given his SON for me. I am now and will forever be grateful for the gift of his Son. It is a gift so overwhelming to me. I have celebrated many Christmases since then and hope to celebrate many more, but I hope to never lose sight of that first Christmas and that precious gift that was swaddled in a manger just for me. Merry Christmas !