Christmas Cards

Since most of you "Blog Friends" won't get a Christmas Card from the West Gang (only due to my not having your address) consider this your "Official Christmas Card!"

We decided to have a "Blue Christmas" (with a little brown) this year instead of our traditional Red & Green frocks.

We, like so many of you, have had the unfortunate experience this past year of saying goodbye to friends and family so dear to us. Our prayer is that these events have made us more loving

and caring. May the true meaning of Christmas "Love" "Hope" & "Joy" be evident in our lives in this year to come. May we do God's work and show someone a glimpse of our Saviour, born this day!!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

Would you like to help?

As a Christian, I share the burdens of my fellow brothers and sisters. I know that most people that read my blog are Christians, also, so I have a request. My dear friend, who is also the precious Mother to Christiane (my son's girl friend), went to be with the Lord early Saturday morning. Christiane is in the lovely pictures in a previous post. Please help us lift this family in prayer. Right after Becky was diagnosed with cancer, she and her husband divorced. There are four precious children without a Mother today.

It is said that joy shared is doubled and sorrow shared is halved. This saying is mostly used at weddings, but I feel it can be applied here. Please help us share this burden. While we rejoice that Becky is no longer in pain- we are going to miss her so very badly.

Please add these names to your prayer list.
Christiane (18), Brandon (16), Jordan (11) & Heidi (7) The younger children must adjust to not only life without Mom, but move to a new home. Just please pray. God has not forsaken them. They know He loves them and are trusting Him to help them in the days to come.

Thanks for helping share this burden. With a Christian family we don't have to bear our burdens alone and I am so very thankful.
Sondra

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas with a capital 'C'!

I know that Thanksgiving isn't here yet. I know. I know. But I am SO in the Christmas mood this year. I want to decorate. I want to cook. I want to eat. I want to entertain. I want to make memories with my boys. I want to relive the Nativity as I remember my little Christmas Babe. I want to sing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." I want to hear Whitney Houston sing "Joy to the World." I want to remember when a little boy named Casey sang, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" I want to go outside and breathe in a cold, cold day. I want to read "The Tale of Three Trees" to Peyton. I want to giggle with my boys as we sing "Nothing Ever Happens to a Shepherd" (because we know that something DOES!) I want to give someone a gift. Oh- I want it all!

Can you tell I'm excited? Well, I am. I have no idea why. We didn't win the lottery or any such like. I can't explain it. I would like to think this is how excited God feels when He thinks about us. I hope He gets excited when He thinks about spending time with me, hearing me sing, remembering times past or when He is just about to give me something totally unexpected!! It's just gotta be.

For some reason, last year after Christmas, I got a wild hair about decorating my house with three trees in a cluster. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, so here are some pics so you can see for yourself. I'm rather pleased. Even my husband said, "I never thought brown could be a Christmas color." I don't have tree skirts around them because I wasn't sure if I would keep them all together, so I didn't buy anything yet. I'm working on it.

So, enjoy a peek inside our home as we begin to celebrate Christmas with a capital 'C'! If you haven't heard GoFish sing this kids' song, you really need to check it out. It's wild but the elementary aged set will be singing it in no time. I'm planning a post on traditions that we enjoy at Christmas. I wish everyone would leave their favorites, too.

Til next time,

Sondra

What a Difference a Day Makes

This phrase has been on my mind all day today. Fourteen (yes, 14!) years ago today, I awoke Sondra Kaye Si***ton- enjoyed a gorgeous, wonderfully happy day- and went to bed Sondra Si***ton West! Whoa. What a difference a day makes.

When my handsome hubby called me this morning. Yes, called because he is OUT OF TOWN!! I shared this pearl of wisdom with him. We laughed, we got a little choked up and we wished for the weekend. What a difference a day truly makes.

I have had a few other days of note. One, when I was 12. I awoke a stray lamb and went to bed washed in His blood. A few years later, I awoke a hungry Christian, seeking God's presence and slept that night peacefully being filled with the Spirit. I also rested that night a little deeper in His will- having a glimpse of what He asked of my future. Since I got a wonderful wedding gift in the form of an adorable little boy- I became wife and mother in one day. But on another day, I awoke the Mom of one and slept that night in happy delirium as a Mom of 2 precious souls. Five years later, I hardly slept at all when the responsibility of yet another future man of God was laid in our arms. What a difference a day does indeed make!

I have known other days, when sorrow made the difference, but that is another post. Today is a happy day. I am so blessed to be loved by the one who LOVES me. He is a wonderful husband, friend, inspiration, lover, confidant and father. Some say I got it all- the perfect package (home, husband, child) but nothing comes without a price. Our life isn't all rosy or without sorrow, but for TODAY it is!

Today we celebrate what we vowed to God before those who loved us the most. I pray every day that we honor those vows as seriously as we did that Saturday. Sometimes I forget how sacred they are, sometimes my marriage just seems like something that is 'supposed' to be. But it isn't promised to me and I know it. A few years ago, the videographer at a wedding asked different ones to tape a statement to the Bride and Groom. Weeks later, when the DVD was delivered, I watched as MY husband stood in front of the camera saying his congratulations and then his eyes watered, his voice caught and he said, "Cherish your marriage, protect it, fight for it. In the end is the most precious thing you will ever have." I felt so very small. He tells me he loves me numerous times a day. He works very hard and provides for us. There is nothing, when I look around my home, that I can ask him to do-it has already been done. He prays for us and with us. But hearing him tell a happy couple to fight for this precious gift opened my eyes. That is the only way I can explain it. Through all our ups and downs we have enjoyed the precious gift of marriage. A lot of this is due to him knowing how to fight for it. (I'm a slow learner) I am thankful, honored really to have such a great one. I have never gone to bed (even while he was away) wondering where he was or who he was with. Sure, I want to be whisked away to an island for a spa weekend (hint, hint) but that isn't what makes a great marriage. Deep dedication, deeper love and a devotion to the One Who is the lover of all of us. These might scratch the surface to the secret.

So, Happy Anniversary to US! I am so thankful to have experienced a day that made such a wonderful difference!

Love to all,
the MRS. Larry West ;)

Praise for a Powerful Weekend!

This past weekend was our 2nd Youth Retreat at the church. It was AWESOME. I dare say, better than last years. (And I didn't think it was possible)

Bro. Michael Switzer preached Friday night on "Living Without The Anointing". It was a timely sermon and I truly, do NOT want to live ONE day without knowing God is in my life. I can't imagine the people who have walked away from the Love of God. While I was praying Friday night for different kids in the altar, my mind went to some that I know who did not walk away on their own. I thought of those whose parents had made that choice for them and my heart was broken. Lately, I have had 4 people talk to me about missing what they were raised with- a good, spirit filled life centered around Christ. Those who walked away on their own- I pray that God calls to their rememberence every time they felt the anointing. For those children and teens who had no choice- I pray God puts people in their paths who will witness to them and lead them Home. I prayed that this weekend and tonight (Tuesday)- met ANOTHER person who fits that description! Isn't God good?

Saturday morning, bro. Michael preached on "Being A More Than Average Christian" Oh, it made me want to go that extra mile. As an adult, I thought of all the people who had influenced my life FOR CHRIST when I was a teenager. I recalled pastor's and their wives, fellow friends and other adults in my church. When I was growing up-I went to revivals, Campmeetings and just fun trips with many other people. I want to be THAT PERSON to other young people. I want to be not just another average Christian. It is funny. Average in school is a C. I stroke if my kids bring home a B- so why am I settling for less in our spiritual walk?

Oh, the fun stuff- our teen's blacklight show was OFF THE CHARTS!!!! We played volleyball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, slid on the slide, rode hayrides and ran our mouths!!! It was awesome, good old fashion, bonding FELLOWSHIP. And it was just what our kids needed. I think everyone left better for it.

Sunday morning before we even got to church, I felt the Lord while praying. Larry did, too. So we got to church and He was there! "When We All Get To Heaven" got real for us and boy what a day of rejoicing Sunday became. We had several in service with us who have not made that statement of faith and don't worship like we do, but I looked up one time and saw tears streaming down 3 of their faces! Praise God! I am so glad He finds the time to show us that He cares. He hasn't forgotten one single person who seems to have forgotten all about Him.All morning, I just felt like my heart was screaming-"I AM SO THANKFUL TO BE SAVED!" I can imagine all kinds of horrible sin, but the truth is none of us knows where we would be without God. One family who came didn't have a vehicle and were calling their friend to borrow hers. The little boy said, "Where does she live? I will run to her house and ask her so we can go to church." How precious is that? God loves tender souls.

So-that's my praise.
God is moving.
God has not forgotten one child whose parents' walked away.
People are hungry for peace.
I want to show them His Love.
Do you want to help me?
Love***Sondra

Meet Mingo

Gavin is participating in "Through the Eyes of a Child" at St. Stephens Park in October. "Through the Eyes of a Child" is an annual event where select children dress in period clothing (1818) and act out a few moments in time. Gavin was chosen to play 'Mingo', chief Pushmataha's son. Although he was a Choctaw Indian, Mingo learned to speak English. He attended school with the white children but often slept. (Great part for Gavin :)) Gavin is going to be the very first Mingo. They haven't had this part before. We are busy researching the life of a typical Indian child and mixing in the facts that Pushmataha educated his children and wanted them to learn English although he never did. He saw the changes coming to his people and wanted his children to be ready for them- can't we all learn from that. I think he looks rather like a child from 1818.
Mingo inspecting his arrowhead.

Mingo 2008 (Gavin West)



Old St Stephens' Day is interesting to me because when you walk out among the trees deep in the forest, it is so hard to imagine an entire settlement now gone. There was a Hotel, Pony Express route, Mercantile, Smokehouse, etc. Now, there is nothing. So, for one day in October, residents can roam the woods and hear a whisper of the past...."Through The Eyes of a Child."



Come if you can.

Oh- I forgot to add that my Mom made his outfit.

Nothing like a sewing Grammy! Thank You.

Finally Friday.

I realy wasn't rushing Friday to get here- that just sounded good.



So, we are getting ready for our Youth Retreat. Oct. 10 & 11. We are excited. Praying for a powerful move of God. Bro. Micheal Switzer is preaching so his name is going before the throne daily that he will deliver the messages we need. God is always ready for us- we just have to get in tune with Him.



Gavin & Peyton will be baptized Sunday night at our home church. I am so excited about this service. We have been reading scriptures about what baptism means when we have family devotions. Both boys have expressed their understanding, although Peyton's is a little unorthodoxed. He is 7, so I know God is loving his childlike faith. Sometimes our childrens' interpretations of spiritual things are much more intune than we like to admit. I am praying, seriously, that Peyton won't panic at the baptism. It is a possibility that I want to avoid.



I have an opportunity to go to a Ladies Retreat in Indiana. I really want to go, but I don't want to leave my kids for someone else to take care of even if it is their Dad. He can 'do' whatever they need but he can't cook. Also, the nature of his job is a problem because we never know where he is going to be from one day to the next. So, I just don't know what to do.

Well, I have a meeting to go to so I must sign off- I'll post more later!
TaTa

Soaked on Saturday

Well, we just returned home from a trip to Mobile. Larry, Casey & I went out to eat and do a little shopping. It was so wonderful to get out of the house. I haven't been shopping since June. I think that is against the law, surely!

Right when we were going inside to eat- the bottom fell out. I got soaking wet. The restaurant was cold, of course, so I froze the entire time. After we ate, we went to the mall to thaw out! I was literally shivering. So- super exciting I know- but I had a great day. Now my bed is calling my name.

"What went on."

Borrowing from my Blogger Buds, I too, shall post What Went On (since it is now after 9 p.m.) on Thursday and they do it on Wednesday.



I took my two little boys to school this morning since Gavin had made an edible cell. This project turned out to be really fun- and sugary! We went with the chocolate chip cookie cell with a bluberry muffin nucleus. Jelly beans, sprinkles & twizzlers were various other parts to our 'cell.' Peyton, my OCD child, does not like to be driven to school. He feels he is late because he isn't in his classroom as early. It takes many explainations that we are ON TIME and still, he does worry. He does not belong to me! (J/K)



When I returned, I cooked hubby & myself a nice little breakfast. I don't like to eat as soon as I get up- so I don't eat breakfast with my kiddos.


We got back on our project we started last night- putting together my computer desk. I am so excited about it. Not only is it going to look great in my kitchen/den, but I can actually have a place for my 'stuff.'



We started this project last night and told the boys they could see it when they woke up today. Well, it didn't work out as planned, but it reminds me of recent warblings of Peyton. He is so into using his new vocabulary words. I think it is so cute. Here are some recent conversations.



Peyton gets quiet the other evening.



Me: Peyton, where'd you go? (you have to ask this if he is quiet- he is his own soundtrack if you know what I mean.)

Peyton: (with head resting in his palm): I'm just sitting here being tranquil

Me: Well, you sure are.



So today....

ME: No, the desk isn't finished and let's not touch it because it isn't very sturdy.

PEYTON: Oh, I see. It is fragile.

ME: Yeah- you could say that.

PEYTON: Well, I'm just wondering if there is going to be any precipitation today.

ME: The ground already has a lot of dew- so that should do it for today I hope.



Is that hilarious or what?



So, I worked on organizing my little area. I cooked lunch for us. I delivered some photo buttons I made for various folks. I picked Peyton up early from school. He hates this also, but he needed it today. We ate a smoothie and had some Mom & Me time. When Gavin got home, he and Larry worked on planting green fields to feed the deer. They worked very hard and got home in time to scarf down my supper. Hamburger steak, mac and cheese, Northern beans- in case you were wondering. I continued to work on my kitchen. (I have a lot of stuff apparently.) Casey came home from his night class and now we have brushed our teeth, said our prayers and they are reading which turns into bedtime.



In the morning we are having a Chicken and Dumpling Plate sale at the church. We will be cooking/delivering around 100 plates to various businesses in town. We are raising money for our Youth Retreat that is coming up. We will also be checking in on my best friends son who is having a minor heart procedure in the morning.

So, I guess my busy day is over. I love to stay busy without feeling frazzled. Tomorrow will be frazzled. I'll let everyone know if I survived!!


Today we praise the Lord for :

a good report from Bro. Bill's heart cath,

great grades for Casey & Gavin,

a wonderful day yesterday and today with my hubby



Nighty, night!

Recent Raves

A few Recent Photos worth Raving about- or at least to me they are worth it!


I have a photographer whom I greatly admire and this picture is almost worthy of her page! She inspired me to do something fun with the rings at a ceremony. Since I don't wear jewelry, I usually forget about the "Ring Picture" ooops. So, I decided to not leave out the rings this time and look at this shot. The Bride & Groom had the rings tied to this pillow at the podium and they untied them when the time came for the vows. It was very sweet and beautiful.

I need to work on this lighting a little, but I'm getting closer to what I want- anyway Constance & Randall are simply adorable getting all smoochy 'hiding' under there!

Country people require country photos. Yes, those are live sheep grazing in the background!

A little Bulldog Pride.

I know I've posted it below, but just in case someone can't scroll down.....- here are two awesomely gorgeous kiddos in love.

I'll be posting some fun photos soon. These were 'for real' ones!

September 11,

Bro. Bobby Smith, my Dad, and Casey during the Pledge.

Peyton and his flag and button proclaiming "I LOVE THE USA!"

Our county/town had a small ceremony commemorating Patriot Day. Larry, Casey & myself attended it while Gavin & Peyton were in school. Here are a few pictures from our day. I want to never forget September 11, 2001. It is truly a day our world changed and could have changed greater than we can even imagine.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

I'm Bored...

I can not stand to hear one of my children proclaim, "I'm bored." In my opinion, it is a sign of bad parenting (not all the time, of course). I feel that if my children had enough work to do whether it be fun work (play) or real work (chores) boredom would be banished FOREVER!
Alas, I hear it every now and then but this morning was a new one for me. Peyton has had a bout with insomnia latley. I'm not sure what has brought it on, but it is here and with a vengence! Sunday night, he fell asleep in church (which I don't like, but happens nevertheless) so of course he had a hard time falling asleep at home. I did my usual 'keep him up a little later' routine but he came in our room twice during the night. I finally went in his bed with him so we could sleep. I felt so sorry for him, espcially when he proclaimed, "I didn't even think about it when I fell asleep in church that I couldn't sleep at home!" He was pitiful, so I just held him and he did, eventually fall asleep. I let them sleep in a little later and drove them to school. So, I haven't let him take naps in the evening and put them all to bed a little earlier thinking it would help- it did. Until last night. Peytie got out of his bed around 2:00 a.m. I heard him (how can I when I can't hear the alarm?) So I woke up hoping it was just a bathroom run. He stood by my bed and said words I have never heard at 2:00 A.M.

ME: "what's a matter, Peytie?"
Peyton: "I'm bored."
ME: "You're bored? You are supposed be sleeping- it's not very interesting."
Peyton: "Well, I'm bored tonight."
ME: "Go talk to your Dad."

So, he goes on the other side of the bed and Larry, naturally, just pulls him in the bed and there we slept. (Or rather, attempted to.) Casey said all this counting sheep is sooo boring! He's such a kidder. I have no idea what is means, I suppose it seemed a better answer than the usual, "I can't sleep."

So- sleeping is boring now. Who knew?

Saturday

Today Dove Season began. Around our house, that is how time is measured. How many days till ____Season or how many days until it goes out, etc. So, starting at lunchtime- my home is full of dove hunters. They have practiced and got the guns sighted in so today is reckoning day. We will see if birds will be on the grill tomorrow or not!
I just finished up a photo shoot with three small children. It was exhausting, but not as bad as some. I can't wait to get a good look at the pictures. I LOVE photographing children. It is my favorite 'job'.
We had a fun family night last night. It isn't often that we are all together with Casey working and going to school, so last night was a welcomed treat. We just played some card games and joked around with each other- but that is top notch entertainment to me. Our boys are so stinking funny! We laughed last night until I thought I would cry. Maybe soon I can post a few of the crazy things they say so you will know what in the world I'm talking about!
Well, I need to sign off here and decide 100% what I'm cooking for supper. Our friends are in to visit and we can't wait for a wild night with 4 boys- age 2-12! Oh, what fun!

Casey & Christiane

Casey & Christiane's first "real" portrait session.

Here are a few pictures from Casey & Christiane's last weekend together before college.

Casey's Senior Portraits

Here are a few pictures of our oldest son. He is a joy and a wonderful big brother!

I decided to post some of Casey's SR Portraits so that I could learn to post pictures on here.

I hope you like!

A Lazy Day

This is my first blog on here. I am really trying to see what all this is about, so the blog isn't going to be too terribly interesting. Casey is gone to Camp in Illinois. Gavin is gone to 4H camp. Peyton is the only one home, so it has been relatively quiet around here. We kept our neighbors 9 month old for an hour. It was soo sweet to have a little one around- I actually miss it. Peyton thought it was great! He wanted him to spend the night. Larry didn't have to leave, so we have just spent the day hanging out. On the bad side, I didn't do a lot of housework- only dishes and clothes, so tomorrow will be busy. My floors need mopping, etc. Well, that is it- we are getting ready to go to church!!