Christmas Morning

Before her eyes are even open or this year before they were even closed Toni always wishes Jesus a Happy birthday and this year was no different. This year was the first Toni had alot of questions about Christmas. Why are we given gifts on Jesus' birthday? We spent most of December answering questions and realizing Toni is growing up. I did not expect it to be such a big deal. I was preparing myself for a hohum day. WHY!!!! Do I forget who my daughter is! Here is one of the many videos I took Christmas morning. Yes she really was that excited over EVERY present even the new under garments. Are all 8 year olds this excited over gifts????

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

As I reflect back on the last couple of days I am blown away with how Mary must have felt. I look at Toni and am filled with so much Joy. I am so blessed to have been given this gift. I do not know how Mary could have contained herself. Her head must have been swollen with pride at this baby. Knowing that he was the gift to this world. To man kind, to the very people that were making her life somewhat unbearable. I look at Toni and I wonder did Mary ever wonder if she was doing it right. Did she ever look at Jesus and smile at the wonder of his life? What would he be like in 5, 10,15 and even 20 years? As she held him in her arms, Did she thank GOD for the oppurtunity? If Jesus needed anything would she drop everything to get it for him? Could she see imagine her life with out him, could she remember life before him.

I do not know if I speak for all parents but as I look at Toni I wonder God why did you choose me to be this girl's mother. What are his plans for her life? I am so thankful that GOD chose Toni for me and I am praying that I do what is right for her. I am not sure why he chose to bless me but I am SOOOOOOOOOO glad he did. I can not imagine my life without Toni and can not remember how I felt before her. I love you Antonia Starr Pond!!!!!!!

Vacation half over and what have we done!!!!!

Well I thought I would right a really quick blog and keep you updated on Toni's and my progress of the month. The first week we just prepared for a home study so we could possibly get my great nephews. But the minute the lady walked out the door, we were hauling down craft stuff. Toni made 4 beautiful paperbag angels, 4 oyster shell angels, and a dozen egg carton glitter bells. We tried our hand at window clings but think we are using the wrong kind of glue. After much glitter on the floor thanks to the babysitting kids, we have decided that 3 more craft days and next week we start the baking.
We are going to try our hand at fudge, sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip and maybe a few others.

Toni is still plugging away at therapy hoping to get some relief. She does the day of therapy but ..... Well Toni is in GOD's hand. I am so proud of her. Today, Steve, her therapist told me that she brings hope to alot of these people's lives and I am so proud of her. Yet like always my heart is in pain because I can not help my baby girl. She was in so much pain for 3 days in her lower back and legs come to find out her hip was a slightly out of socket. She must have a high pain threshhold because she walked the whole Townhouse carolling last night. I could tell that she was uncomfortable because she walked slower and held on to the rail a little bit but she never once complained. I have an amazing daughter!!!!!!! I love her so much and am so proud of her. So I guess I have accomplished that this week too.

One whole month of vacation!!!!!!

I love December!!!! Toni and I have decided that next year we may have to pick another month because it seems everyone volunteers at this time of year. For the last two years we have started homeschool in July so that we can take the whole month of December off, from school that is!!!!! Today was kind of a lazy day but only to gear up for the rest of the month. Toni is learning how to cook or should I say bake. She is doing such a great job! I think we will make lots of Christmas cookies this year. Toni wants to go to the "Townhouse" and read to the residents there!!! Good idea Toni. She is going to be making every one's Christmas present this year and spent the day dreaming over craft books.

I finally found a brownie troop for her to join and she is loving it. Today, being one of the older girls in the group, she got to teach a craft. She put together prayer rock kits for all the girls to make. She really loved it. I think she loves teaching. I can not wait to see what this month off has in store for us. I will be secretly teaching fractions though. She is having trouble with the concept.

So a month off only to be busy with serving others!!!! Toni's mom"s favorite thing to do!!!!!!!!!
If anyone has any ideas please pass them on to Toni and I!!!!!