Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Sadly 2011 has come to an end and 2012 has already moved in.  This past year for our family has been filled with happiness and sadness, saying hello to a new little one, Mary Elizabeth and goodbye to our sweet Pawpaw Latta. We have had our ups and downs, our joys and heartbreaks, our falls and time of conquer but through it all our Lord has held us safely in His hands. He has comforted us in our time of despair, picked us up when we fell, taught us valuable lessons and blessed us more than we deserve.

So goodbye 2011 and welcome 2012! Our family is looking forward to see what amazing things He has in store for us this year and how He will use and stretch our family to accomplish His purpose for our lives.

My prayer is that you look at your life, your ONE life, and think about how you could make difference in this world just by allowing God to use you.

Have a wonderful New Year and prayers of blessings to you and your families.

Glory to God,

Brooke Latta

10 things I am thankful for on 12/25-12/27/2011

1. Decaffeinated sweet tea
2. My family and friends
3. Knowing the Lord is control in my life
4. The sound of rain outside as you go to sleep.
5. Coffee gravy.
6. Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
7. Holding my sweet children.
8. Beautiful sunsets
9. My helpful husband
10. The noise the road makes when your car tire gets too close the edge LOL!

10 things I am thankful for on 12/09/2011

1. My 7 week old sleeping almost through the night! Wow!

2. Decaffeinated sweet tea

3. My hubby and son spending time together.

4. Decorating the tree as a family.

5. The "Blogger" app for my phone

6. Firehouse subs (steak &cheese)yum!

7. Our nativity set

8. Good company.

9. My sweet baby Jesus that came to this earth to save me from my sins;
even though I do not deserve it.

10. The smell of Christmas candles.


Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:11-14 NIV)

10 Things I am Thankful for on 12/7/2011

1. My sweet husband. Happy anniversary!

2. Two wonderful children

3. Ice water

4. A warm scarf

5. Volunteers: my husband and I could not do anything without the help from volunteers with a passion to serve. We are so thankful for them.

6. A beautiful sky on a chilly day

7. The Lord's hand on my family.

8. Harvest chicken soup at O'Charleys

9. My salvation in Jesus Christ!

10. Family

May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 115:15 NIV)

Our 9th Anniversary

Happy 9th Anniversary!

Nine years ago on December 7, 2002, I said "I do" to a wonderful man, named Shane Latta! Today, nine years later he is still as wonderful! God has blessed us in so many ways and I am excited to see what He has in store for our family in the years to come.

Us over the years...

Blessings,

Brooke

Smore's Snack Recipe

So I have come up with a new snack for the family... Smore's Snack Mix! It is super easy and super YUMMY! So here ya go...

Smore's Snack Mix

1 box Golden Grahams cereal

1 bag  mini marshmallows

1 bag dark chocolate morsels

1 bag Reese's peanut butter morsels

Mix and enjoy!!!!

Better Late Than Never- Introducing....Mary Elizabeth Latta

Better late than never...
You can tell we have been a little busy with our new sweet little one when I am posting a month in a half after she was born at 2:54 in the morning. LOL!

I will have to hurry up and blog some new pictures

 since she is almost two months old now.

 

Hope you enjoy!

Blessing, Brooke

Sharing the Real Meaning of Christmas with Your Children

The Real Meaning of Christmas

With so much advertising and emphasis on presents, programs, and parties, take some time to teach your children about the real meaning of Christmas. It's so easy to get distracted by the celebration that one discussion or Christmas program isn't enough to help your children catch the meaning and significance of what Christmas is really all about. Here are some suggestions.

Have a daily or weekly reminder of the Christmas story. Use an advent calendar or read through the Christmas story in the next few weeks.

Tell children what the first Christmas was really like. Did you know that a manger is a cow's eating dish? How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem anyway? That would be like walking all the way from our home to _____. What was an Inn like? What were the shepherds doing out with the sheep at night? Did you know that the Bible doesn't say that there were three wise men? Maybe there were ten. Help children think about the story differently than they have before.
Write to a missionary family and find out how they are celebrating Christmas. Talk to your children about how cultures have different traditions but the real meaning of Christmas is the same.
And talk about God's gift of salvation. Why did God start Christmas in the first place? How does his gift change who we are? Keep in mind that this may be time that your child dedicates himself or herself to the Lord in a new and special way.

Christmas is a special time where memories are created that last a lifetime. Take some time to plan your Christmas season carefully to make sure the things you do and say have lasting value.

What have you done with your kids to emphasize the real meaning of Christmas? Comment below your ideas.


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