The only thing missing in this photo is You. Wish we could all be together to celebrate Christmas!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas from Cambridge MD
The only thing missing in this photo is You. Wish we could all be together to celebrate Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas!
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Topeka Light Show
So, Nalini heard about this amazing choreographed Christmas light show in Topeka on the radio and we decided to check it out. Nalini captured the video below on her digital camera and I thought we should share. It was a three song set and only lasted about fifteen minutes, but was truly inspiring. What you are watching is the side of the church building. Exciting right? Just watch it. Other than the narration, everything is performed live. Each room has different performers who cannot hear the overall performance (Apparently, they take their cues from a click track). The song in the video is We Three Kings mixed with Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. They also performed What Child Is This by Third Day and Wizards in Winter by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The video is a little grainy and you are watching it through the road-salt soiled windshield of my car, but it still gives you a good idea of the performance. As you can imagine, it was even better experienced live. Anyway, enjoy the video.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas Greetings From Germany
It's -15 C here and it has snowed everyday since we got here. Our lodge is in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. I hate the cold, but it is beautiful! We can see the Alps from our window and all around us when we're out and about. To get here we took the ferry to Belgium, and then drove the rest of the way. Rick is a true international driver now having driven in England, Scotland, Belgium and Germany.
So far we have visited Innsbruck and Dachau in Austria, and driven through Munich. Rick and Joe have tried skiing, but Julie and I opted to shop that day.
Yesterday we visited the Kris Kindle Market (Christmas Market). We had hot orange punch and cheese fondue while we shopped. Stalls are set up on the square with all kinds of things - it's very cute. This was the one in Garmisch - every town has it's own and each one is a little different.
We've also ridden the cable cars up to the top of one of the mountains, and took the train down. Well, Rick and I did - the kids opted for the train both ways.
We have two more days before we go home, getting home on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow we're going on a night tour of the Gorge, apparently complete with lighted torches. Gotta love any activity that lets you play with fire!
Rick is taking lots of pictures to share later. Hope everyone is having a merry Christmas season so far!
So far we have visited Innsbruck and Dachau in Austria, and driven through Munich. Rick and Joe have tried skiing, but Julie and I opted to shop that day.
Yesterday we visited the Kris Kindle Market (Christmas Market). We had hot orange punch and cheese fondue while we shopped. Stalls are set up on the square with all kinds of things - it's very cute. This was the one in Garmisch - every town has it's own and each one is a little different.
We've also ridden the cable cars up to the top of one of the mountains, and took the train down. Well, Rick and I did - the kids opted for the train both ways.
We have two more days before we go home, getting home on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow we're going on a night tour of the Gorge, apparently complete with lighted torches. Gotta love any activity that lets you play with fire!
Rick is taking lots of pictures to share later. Hope everyone is having a merry Christmas season so far!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas in New Zealand
Well, Uncle Jim thought everyone might be interested in knowing how Christmas is celebrated here in New Zealand...so here goes:
Kiwis (that's what New Zealander's are called...probably because it's easier than saying "New Zealander" and also it's after the national bird the "Kiwi")...anyway Kiwis celebrate Christmas in much the same way as we do back home, although not to the same degree. It's officially summertime here, even though it's still pretty chilly...it doesn't get dark until about half past 10 at night. In town there's probably less than 30 houses that display Christmas lights. Last night, we kept the kids up until after 11pm to take them to the one street in town that goes all out with lights. Now mummy's NOT a night owl, so this was a real treat for them!
In the stores there's decorations and Christmas carols just like back home. But, to be honest there's not the same 'festive' feel somehow. The 'cheer' is missing! OHH and Kiwis LOVE fruit cake (bleck!)
At church there'll be a primary Chrismtas presentation this week...and all the local churches have a Christmas service planned.
At home, families usually get together and have a Christmas day barbeque. Yes barbeque.
They'll also serve cold turkey (we just bought a 9 lb turkey for $40 on sale...no kidding), cold ham (so expensive we never buy any) and other cold foods.
For my part I always bring the oddities: pumpkin pie (you cannot buy pumpkin in a can here, so i always stew my own!), mom's macaroni and cheese, and cocoa loaf. For years Nathan's family tended to avoid these additions, but they're coming around.
Because it's such a different experience, it never really 'feels' like Christmas to me. So I usually try to fix a traditional Christmas dinner for my family on boxing day (that's what they call the day after Christmas) or on New years day. I need hot turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy! We usually buy a $4 jar of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce that no one eats because it's tradition!
One thing I REALLY like about Christmas in New Zealand is that this is the time of year when most businesses (of course not retail--) have a 2-3 week break...so Nathan is always on holiday this time of year for a couple of weeks. It's also nice to have the kids home from school as this is their summer holidays.
New Zealanders are very good about remembering family time. It was only in the recent past that stores began to open on Sundays...and the ones that are open are usually only open for a half day. Businesses are closed on Easter ...except for some cafes and restaurants and the 24 hr dairies...(and fined if they're open). Even in the summer when it's light out so late, shops in town still close by 5:30 pm...and so families have time to spend together!
And that's what Christmas time is all about. Remembering the birth of our Saviour, and spending time with the people who really mean the most to us....our family.
Here's wishing you all....my family.....a safe and Merry Christmas...and Happy and healthy New Year!
love,
Sandy
Kiwis (that's what New Zealander's are called...probably because it's easier than saying "New Zealander" and also it's after the national bird the "Kiwi")...anyway Kiwis celebrate Christmas in much the same way as we do back home, although not to the same degree. It's officially summertime here, even though it's still pretty chilly...it doesn't get dark until about half past 10 at night. In town there's probably less than 30 houses that display Christmas lights. Last night, we kept the kids up until after 11pm to take them to the one street in town that goes all out with lights. Now mummy's NOT a night owl, so this was a real treat for them!
In the stores there's decorations and Christmas carols just like back home. But, to be honest there's not the same 'festive' feel somehow. The 'cheer' is missing! OHH and Kiwis LOVE fruit cake (bleck!)
At church there'll be a primary Chrismtas presentation this week...and all the local churches have a Christmas service planned.
At home, families usually get together and have a Christmas day barbeque. Yes barbeque.
They'll also serve cold turkey (we just bought a 9 lb turkey for $40 on sale...no kidding), cold ham (so expensive we never buy any) and other cold foods.
For my part I always bring the oddities: pumpkin pie (you cannot buy pumpkin in a can here, so i always stew my own!), mom's macaroni and cheese, and cocoa loaf. For years Nathan's family tended to avoid these additions, but they're coming around.
Because it's such a different experience, it never really 'feels' like Christmas to me. So I usually try to fix a traditional Christmas dinner for my family on boxing day (that's what they call the day after Christmas) or on New years day. I need hot turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy! We usually buy a $4 jar of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce that no one eats because it's tradition!
One thing I REALLY like about Christmas in New Zealand is that this is the time of year when most businesses (of course not retail--) have a 2-3 week break...so Nathan is always on holiday this time of year for a couple of weeks. It's also nice to have the kids home from school as this is their summer holidays.
New Zealanders are very good about remembering family time. It was only in the recent past that stores began to open on Sundays...and the ones that are open are usually only open for a half day. Businesses are closed on Easter ...except for some cafes and restaurants and the 24 hr dairies...(and fined if they're open). Even in the summer when it's light out so late, shops in town still close by 5:30 pm...and so families have time to spend together!
And that's what Christmas time is all about. Remembering the birth of our Saviour, and spending time with the people who really mean the most to us....our family.
Here's wishing you all....my family.....a safe and Merry Christmas...and Happy and healthy New Year!
love,
Sandy
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Leader of the Pack
As 2009 comes to a close it gives me time to reflect on the year. I find myself in a new position in the pecking order, sadly due to Lyn's passing away, I find myself as the eldest of the siblings of Eileen and Clif Laverty's children; a position I don't take lightly. So I share some thoughts. And hopefully set the speed of the pack (I envision galloping horses).
This past year we as a family enjoyed a wonderful family reunion. Unfortunately due to several reasons not everyone could attend; they were missed. As I look over the group those who held on to the Laverty name and those through marriage have the Laverty DNA but not the last name, I see a diverse group of family, direct and extended. We all enjoy different talents, faiths, abilities, and so on. With this in mind I would like to share what we owe the Laverty name. Now this is my opinion, that I share. Agree or not these thoughts are mine and I wanted to share them with you.
First I must say, I am a Christian and a sinner. I don't always get it write, but I have grown over the years from a rebellious teenager to a responsible loving Husband and father, and a work in progress.
The Laverty name has always represented one of loyalty and solidarity, discipline, truth and character. When one is in trouble we are helpers and encourager's. We come to the aid of each other as we can.
We are not abusive to our wives, husbands and children. I more and more try to look to Ephesians 5 in the Bible. In the letter to the Ephesians Paul tells us, and I paraphrase, Wives submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives a Christ loves His Church. What a system of checks and balances that is. Pam and I always try to practise that. This eliminates a lot of needless hurt. I do admit I don't always s get it right. Husbands you are the head of the household, but remember what the Good Book teaches. If you forget pick up a bible and read it some time, you might learn something.
The L:averty's are nurturers of our children. This means loving and yes disciplining them. Not letting them see or experience some of what life can be; wife beating, child abuse, cheating, infidelity and so on. I Have tried as Jamie's dad to live up to that. He will grade me some day and I pray I get and deserve an A.
The Laverty's have always displayed a good work ethic. Doing only the best of our ability. Always doing a job worthy of signing our name to it. Punctuality, dedication to the task at hand, and respect for authority, playing well with others at work and home. This is the Laverty way.
We have differing faiths. I choose Christianity because I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. As stated earlier I miss the mark often, but I am getting better with time. Most of you, especially my siblings, should recognise the up hill battle I have climbed and still clime. Each day being a new day and an opportunity to grow closer to God. And an opportunity to repent of my sins.
The Laverty's, we can be prideful, pig headed, petty and sometimes down right mean, but I submit if we follow the golden Rule, hold hands and take strolls in the evening and have cookies and milk at 3:00 we will be oh so much better than all that stuff.
I set the standard high and measure myself against it. I see my accomplishments and failings and promise to do better each day. As I approach the Senior citizen days, all much too quickly I might add, I see a world changing and a family growing and life as precious and time fleeting, but I end with God's love is as time is never ending and I bid each of you my love.
Jim Laverty
This past year we as a family enjoyed a wonderful family reunion. Unfortunately due to several reasons not everyone could attend; they were missed. As I look over the group those who held on to the Laverty name and those through marriage have the Laverty DNA but not the last name, I see a diverse group of family, direct and extended. We all enjoy different talents, faiths, abilities, and so on. With this in mind I would like to share what we owe the Laverty name. Now this is my opinion, that I share. Agree or not these thoughts are mine and I wanted to share them with you.
First I must say, I am a Christian and a sinner. I don't always get it write, but I have grown over the years from a rebellious teenager to a responsible loving Husband and father, and a work in progress.
The Laverty name has always represented one of loyalty and solidarity, discipline, truth and character. When one is in trouble we are helpers and encourager's. We come to the aid of each other as we can.
We are not abusive to our wives, husbands and children. I more and more try to look to Ephesians 5 in the Bible. In the letter to the Ephesians Paul tells us, and I paraphrase, Wives submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives a Christ loves His Church. What a system of checks and balances that is. Pam and I always try to practise that. This eliminates a lot of needless hurt. I do admit I don't always s get it right. Husbands you are the head of the household, but remember what the Good Book teaches. If you forget pick up a bible and read it some time, you might learn something.
The L:averty's are nurturers of our children. This means loving and yes disciplining them. Not letting them see or experience some of what life can be; wife beating, child abuse, cheating, infidelity and so on. I Have tried as Jamie's dad to live up to that. He will grade me some day and I pray I get and deserve an A.
The Laverty's have always displayed a good work ethic. Doing only the best of our ability. Always doing a job worthy of signing our name to it. Punctuality, dedication to the task at hand, and respect for authority, playing well with others at work and home. This is the Laverty way.
We have differing faiths. I choose Christianity because I believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ. As stated earlier I miss the mark often, but I am getting better with time. Most of you, especially my siblings, should recognise the up hill battle I have climbed and still clime. Each day being a new day and an opportunity to grow closer to God. And an opportunity to repent of my sins.
The Laverty's, we can be prideful, pig headed, petty and sometimes down right mean, but I submit if we follow the golden Rule, hold hands and take strolls in the evening and have cookies and milk at 3:00 we will be oh so much better than all that stuff.
I set the standard high and measure myself against it. I see my accomplishments and failings and promise to do better each day. As I approach the Senior citizen days, all much too quickly I might add, I see a world changing and a family growing and life as precious and time fleeting, but I end with God's love is as time is never ending and I bid each of you my love.
Jim Laverty
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mike
Hi...some of you know, and some of you probably don't know that Mike's in jail for the holidays.
It's a long story but I have an address to write to him...I know he'd appreciate a letter at this time of year.
Clifford Hipps
c/o Clay County Jail
915 9th Ave. South
Moorehead, Minnesota 56560
Not exactly where I'd expected to send him his Christmas card.
Love to you all,
Sandy
It's a long story but I have an address to write to him...I know he'd appreciate a letter at this time of year.
Clifford Hipps
c/o Clay County Jail
915 9th Ave. South
Moorehead, Minnesota 56560
Not exactly where I'd expected to send him his Christmas card.
Love to you all,
Sandy
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Happy Birthday Lexie
Lexie turns 10 years old on Friday December 11th! Oh I'm getting so old! Happy Birthday Lexie Poo I love you so much!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Christmas
Nothing is more wonderful at this time of year than seeing Christmas again through the eyes of a 3 year old! Kyle went crazy when we turned on our outside lights!! He'll even tell you the lights are there to remind you of the lights of Jesus.
I was teaching Kyle about the reason we celebrate Christmas - the Savior's love for us etc. Then the conversation steered to this:
Grammy: Kyle, we never run out of love,
Kyle: And we never run out of hugs.
Grammy: And we never run out of kisses,
Kyle: And Grammy, we never run out of spit!
I keep telling you guys, he was coached by Daddy and Biff before he came to this earth! When Kyle added the spit comment, I could hear Daddy roaring with laughter!
I was teaching Kyle about the reason we celebrate Christmas - the Savior's love for us etc. Then the conversation steered to this:
Grammy: Kyle, we never run out of love,
Kyle: And we never run out of hugs.
Grammy: And we never run out of kisses,
Kyle: And Grammy, we never run out of spit!
I keep telling you guys, he was coached by Daddy and Biff before he came to this earth! When Kyle added the spit comment, I could hear Daddy roaring with laughter!
Home and Happy
Pam and I arrived home last evening from Charlotte NC. By Thursday Evening 1 million Shoe boxes were processed. We were at one of 4 process centers located around the country. Last year 8 million boxes were processed and shipped for delivery to children around the world. THis year we hope to increase that number.
I can begin to tell you all how rewarding this experience was for us. We also had some down time and visited the Billy Graham Library. I was not all that interested until I arrived. It is amassing what one man has accomplished in his life time for the lord.
Well, I have to go for now but if I get a chance I will publish some pictures.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)