Last post for 2006

I just had to get one last post in before the clock strikes midnight, and we say goodbye to the year 2006. I'm actually quite relieved this year is through, and I'm very much looking forward to what the year 2007 has coming. It's even more interesting, because I'm turning 25 in a matter of 12...almost 11 days. So, I'm hitting a huge milestone in age (or at least it's huge in my mind).

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S FRIENDS.

May God continue to grip onto you into the new year.

My love, Joyous

Blizzard #2

It's kinda crazy when lots of snow comes in and you're stuck in your house. It's even crazier when it happens twice in a year (much less 2 weeks!). So, here we are again, in the middle of a massive, slow-moving, snow storm/blizzard.

I went to get gas before the storm started, and it was nearly impossible to get into any gas station without a major wait. Then, I stopped by the grocery store as the storm began and I was startled at how bare most of the store was. Take a look at these pics:There was no bread to be found in the entire grocery store! Trucks haven't been coming in because of the first storm...and the ones that have come in definitely didn't have enough to keep the shelves stocked. It was a little alarming to think about. I mean, compared to something like Hurricane Katrina, we're not in a life or death situation here folks! This is just a snow storm.

However, I do have to mention, the news reported that when the snow started melting (like the last two days before it started snowing again) they had found a couple of men who were dead under the snow! They had heart attacks while shoveling their snow and no one knew they were missing. The tragedy of such an occurance must be horrible.

So, everyone, please stay safe...say prayers for those who do not have shelter, have gotten their cars stuck, or what have you. Let us provide for those who need our aide.

It is pretty though:

Blizzard of '06 and Christmas!

So, we had another huge blizzard (very similar to that of March 2003)! Basically, we're still stuck with lots of snow...and by lots, I mean over 2 feet of snow! It was pretty amazing to be all snowed in...however I'm never really a fan of the not being able to get anywhere without 4-wheel drive. I get cabin fever fast, and my little car (as seen beneath the hordes of snow) wasn't getting out fast! But, we managed to find stuff to do like getting ready for Christmas, playing Scrabble, and watching movies.

I'm so stoked for Christmas! We're definitely having a white one this year....very full of snow and whiteness all the way around!

I am most excited for the birth of Jesus to be celebrated. It's been a wonderful time to remember that God came to us via a baby. I am also blown away that Mary chose to say, "YES!" to God...even though she was so unsure and so young when God sent the angel Gabriel to talk to her about carrying the Son of Man.

My absolute favorite Christmas song is:
Oh Holy Night......check out this stellar lyrics:

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.


It's just so beautiful! I love it. I hope you have a very Merry and Christ-filled Christmas. If you need a place to go for Christmas brunch, let me know! We're having lots of food, Christmas songs, and fun!

Retreat @ Mother Cabrini Shrine

This weekend, I got to spend an awesome weekend on retreat with some fellow young adults at Mother Cabrini Shrine outside of Golden. The weekend was incredible, and I'm still having a hard time capturing the 'why' behind its wonderfulness. Mostly, simply stated, it's Jesus that made the weekend incredible. Being in His Holy presence before the eucharist during adoration always makes my heart rush with gladness. My heart literally beats faster, and I am drawn to seeing His face, listening to His voice, and feeling His embrace. It's such a beautiful experience! If you've not ever gone to adoration, I highly recommend it!

I got to pray so initimately with my Lord...it's amazing to be so close to Him again. After a long time of distance between myself and my Creator, I was able to re-connect with Him again. I was able to tell Him, "I love you..." It's made me be passionate about His Word again.

I can breathe deeply and know that I am loved by the Creator of the universe.

What a glorious feeling!

Christmas Tree Cutting

I got to participate in a Christmas Tree-cutting event this weekend (my first time EVER!)....and it was WONDERFUL! I had such a blast with the Dolph's and a few other families from church. We drove up into the mountains, found a spot to park on the side of the road, and hiked up a big ol' mountain to find our tree.

My favorite part of the day was getting to slide down the mountain (about 30 yards)! It's great when you get all bundled up from head to toe and play in the snow. I'm never a fan of getting cold, so this was surprisingly FUN! We had yummy chili and hot cocoa to warm us up! I had never participated in such a fun activity before! We managed to bring home a 15 foot tree (which probably started off closer to 38 feet tall). There was lots of chopping that happened to get it to fit on the Suburban! Matt worked very hard to get the perfect tree. The kids played up and down the mountain sliding and enjoying the day. I'm so grateful for the wonderful weather during our tree-cutting excursion. Hopefully this will be a tradition I can start with folks in years to come!

I was really cute though...my godson, Isaiah, asked for a Christmas tree in his room this year. It just made me laugh at how precious these little ones are! He said he just wanted a small one to put in his room for him and his brother! It was adorable!

New Inspiration

I was newly inspired by Sarah's blog. She has a big list of things she wants to do in her life. One of those things was to take a photo a day for a year. I decided I wanted to try to do that. SO...I've created a new blog for my photo entries. So check out Photos-365 for the first three days of my new "thing."