A Western Christmas!

This year our Christmas program was a bit untraditional (anyone who knows me, is not overly surprised by this revelation). I wanted to do the Nativity story; however, I felt that it needed a new twist....so...the thought of a Western Christmas began to take form in my little peabrain. I had visions of Mary and Joseph in cowboy hats, Jean and bandannas in the backdrop of a stable with real straw; Shepherds, also in cowboy hats and bandannas, carrying sheep; Wisemen dressed likewise, but riding stick horses instead of camels; and the Heavenly Host....well...we only gave them bandannas and red belts... So, my vision soon became reality, and here you have our Western Christmas in full color! :0) A couple in our church decided we also needed to be "westernized", thus our western shirts etc... We told the same old, but wonderful story of our Savior's birth in a new way. We had a wonderful turnout and were so happy to see many of our van children's parents there!

Where is our focus?

There are many things that people look forward to and enjoy at Christmas time. There are the numerous Christmas cookies to bake, the beautiful lights and decorations to put up, the trimming of the Christmas tree, Christmas cards to send out, presents to buy, family gatherings...and the list could go on and on. You know the drill at Christmas time; we all rush around trying to get everything done on our many lists, and seemingly forget what all the celebrating is even about. Or more importantly, WHO all the celebrating is about... I know we've all heard this before too--Keep Jesus as the reason for the Season...but have we REALLY done that? In my own life, I know that a lot of my Christmas Season is taken up with preparing and planning for the Church Christmas program, Candlelight Service, Caroling, teen functions, and all these "legitimate" things... but even though they are "legitimate", and yes, even good things that need to be accomplished, we must keep our focus on WHY we are doing them. If my focus is strictly on doing all these "things" for our Church.... my focus is in the wrong place. It is difficult in the busyness of the Season to allow our focus to blur; but let's all (me definately included!) try to keep our focus on the ONE who truly deserves our praise and adoration. Jesus came to earth as a newborn baby nearly 2,000 years ago. Why? So that He could grow up experiencing life as we do with all of its heartache, temptations, joys, and triumphs; and ultimately to pay the price for our sins. He gave ALL for us. Let's give our ALL to Him this Christmas Season! He deserves above and beyond all that we could give Him!

Happy Birthday Bro!

Happy Birthday Jerry! Hope you're day is as fanastic as you are! ;0) Love you bro! You're the best!

To the most amazing mother...

Happy Birthday Mom Davis!! I have had the privilege of growing up with the most amazing mom. She has been there for me through thick and thin all of my life. From day one she has put aside her own needs and desires to make sure that mine were met. She has been a godly example for me to follow. She has taught me how to laugh when life isn't so funny; love even when it hurts; and to live for Jesus--my Savior and friend. I love you mom!!

Family Photos

It is a tradition in the LaVan family to do our "Family picture" at Thanksgiving time. So this year, a family member took them for us so we wouldn't have to wear ourselves out running back and forth to the camara that we perched on a tripod.

Grins and Giggles

As always, we make the most of our trips up north; and try to visit both sides of our family while were up. We might as well, since we drive 8 1/2 hours to go up there, and our family is on the way there, and on the way back! :0) Anyhow, as usual, I took several pictures of our niece and nephews who grow and change so much everytime we get to see them. Here are a few from our last trip.


Me and my buddy Jessica
Don't you LOVE his shirt?! ;0)

My sweet Jeffery...Love that guy!

Silly Jerrod, making me laugh as usual... :0)

Joey.... content to be in mommy's arms

Let me think here..... :0)

Special Congratulations!

Happy Anniversary to mom and dad LaVan! Today they are celebrating 34 years together. In a world where that is unheard of, It's worth mentioning!! :0) Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating together mom and dad! We love you!