Monday, December 29, 2008
Happy Anniversary Babe!
Twenty-four years ago today, I took vows to love and cherish Paul Lee Bertram. In sickness or in health, 'til death do us part. Then I pledged my faithfulness to you. I can't believe it has already been 24 years!! WOW!!
I am so blessed to have you in my life...
Thank you babe for being a man I can look up to. Thank you for living what you preach. Thank you for being an incredible Daddy. Thank you for being a loving and thoughtful husband. Thank you for being a hard worker. Thank you for being a man of great character. Thank you for being my best friend. (I still get butterflies in my tummy when you walk in the room.)
What an incredible ride the last 24 years have been...
Here's to the future..., living, loving, and attacking life with our arms and hearts all bunched up together!!!! :)
I am so blessed to have you in my life...
Thank you babe for being a man I can look up to. Thank you for living what you preach. Thank you for being an incredible Daddy. Thank you for being a loving and thoughtful husband. Thank you for being a hard worker. Thank you for being a man of great character. Thank you for being my best friend. (I still get butterflies in my tummy when you walk in the room.)
What an incredible ride the last 24 years have been...
Here's to the future..., living, loving, and attacking life with our arms and hearts all bunched up together!!!! :)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The 'Special Times'
This holiday season has been busy and wonderful. Through it all, my little blond princess would start singing "These are the Special Times". This VERY LONG post describes some special times we've experienced these last few days. Hope you enjoy.
Our Evening Christmas Concert was a HUGE success!! We did EVERYTHING. Fun songs like 'Sleigh ride', with snow falling, and 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' (which was loads of fun). David did an incredible piano solo of 'Silent Night', and we even had a time of comedy with Lakeside's own Sheriff and Deputy Duo, who got the audience involved and laughing their heads off. After a huge variety of first class entertainment, the choir came marching in down every aisle in their red robes accompanied by Faith Mountains awesome band playing Kirk Franklin's 'Jesus is the Reasonnnnnah for the Season'. After singing this Kirk Franklin 'groove', we sang Norman Hutchins' beautiful 'Emmanuel'. Just when I thought these kids couldn't put out any more, they 'took it to church' with Whitney Houston's black gospel version of 'Joy to the World'....Well, my little blonde princess (Chantal) stepped out, opened her mouth, and SANG!!!! Look out Whitney! We ended the night with the lights out, 250 candles sweetly flickering, and our ladies group sang Avalon's, 'Light a Candle'. What a beautiful evening.
A sweet couple in our church hosted our couples Christmas party, and it was incredible! It was catered, and the food was AWESOME!! We played games and had such a wonderful time. When we got into a circle to play games, we had to keep adding chairs. I was so touched seeing this HUGE circle of couples that God has given to us. I remember when we needed just a few chairs...God is GOOD!
A lady in our church asked me the other day "What is one thing you really want for Christmas?" I quickly, confidently, and truthfully said.."All I want is to have quality time with my family". Nothing could have made me happier than to have my sweet kids and my wonderful husband all giggling, hugging, and just being together. That is EXACTLY what we did!!
One of our special family Christmas excursions is going to Julian and watching 'A Christmas Carol'. This play is INCREDIBLE, and of course the foot and a half of snow made the evening even more 'holiday-ish'. We got something to eat and headed up the mountain early, and enjoyed watching the kids and Cynthia play in the snow. After the play, David hadn't had enough of the snow, so we found a good spot, put the van lights on high beam, opened all the doors, turned the christmas music all the way up, and let the kids loose! Jonathan, David, Chantal, and Cynthia raced out into the snow and attacked it while Christmas music blared from our car at 11:00 p.m.!!!
Also, I informed our family that we would be making gingerbread houses this year. I thought (and my blond princess agreed) that this would be a neat 'family time' fun thing to do, and also we could deliver them to some of our church kids. This idea was received with much scoffing, and groanings (probably not a word, but a perfect description). I didn't let the negative nay-sayers discourage me, and I persevered. Much to the boys (and my husbands) utter amazement, they actually REALLY enjoyed it. In fact we found out that David is a WORLD CLASS gingerbread house maker/contractor! It was hilarious!!!! We spent as much time laughing at each other, as we did actually decorating these little masterpieces. We then made the famous 'Bertram Crescents'. It was another fabulously fun family event with flour EVERYWHERE...but boy were they ever simply de-lish!!!!
Christmas day was very relaxing and fun. We woke up in the morning and opened gifts, and then I made a huge breakfast. We played games, visited some special people, came home, had an incredible Christmas dinner (china, crystal, and goblets no less), played more games, and loved being together! The next morning, we called some friends for another party, and said "come in your robes and slippers"....WHAT A BLAST!!!! All day in our robes and slippers, playing games, eating, and enjoying
'The Special Times.'
And yes, I received the gift that I asked for....and I'm so grateful.
Our Evening Christmas Concert was a HUGE success!! We did EVERYTHING. Fun songs like 'Sleigh ride', with snow falling, and 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year' (which was loads of fun). David did an incredible piano solo of 'Silent Night', and we even had a time of comedy with Lakeside's own Sheriff and Deputy Duo, who got the audience involved and laughing their heads off. After a huge variety of first class entertainment, the choir came marching in down every aisle in their red robes accompanied by Faith Mountains awesome band playing Kirk Franklin's 'Jesus is the Reasonnnnnah for the Season'. After singing this Kirk Franklin 'groove', we sang Norman Hutchins' beautiful 'Emmanuel'. Just when I thought these kids couldn't put out any more, they 'took it to church' with Whitney Houston's black gospel version of 'Joy to the World'....Well, my little blonde princess (Chantal) stepped out, opened her mouth, and SANG!!!! Look out Whitney! We ended the night with the lights out, 250 candles sweetly flickering, and our ladies group sang Avalon's, 'Light a Candle'. What a beautiful evening.
A sweet couple in our church hosted our couples Christmas party, and it was incredible! It was catered, and the food was AWESOME!! We played games and had such a wonderful time. When we got into a circle to play games, we had to keep adding chairs. I was so touched seeing this HUGE circle of couples that God has given to us. I remember when we needed just a few chairs...God is GOOD!
A lady in our church asked me the other day "What is one thing you really want for Christmas?" I quickly, confidently, and truthfully said.."All I want is to have quality time with my family". Nothing could have made me happier than to have my sweet kids and my wonderful husband all giggling, hugging, and just being together. That is EXACTLY what we did!!
One of our special family Christmas excursions is going to Julian and watching 'A Christmas Carol'. This play is INCREDIBLE, and of course the foot and a half of snow made the evening even more 'holiday-ish'. We got something to eat and headed up the mountain early, and enjoyed watching the kids and Cynthia play in the snow. After the play, David hadn't had enough of the snow, so we found a good spot, put the van lights on high beam, opened all the doors, turned the christmas music all the way up, and let the kids loose! Jonathan, David, Chantal, and Cynthia raced out into the snow and attacked it while Christmas music blared from our car at 11:00 p.m.!!!
Also, I informed our family that we would be making gingerbread houses this year. I thought (and my blond princess agreed) that this would be a neat 'family time' fun thing to do, and also we could deliver them to some of our church kids. This idea was received with much scoffing, and groanings (probably not a word, but a perfect description). I didn't let the negative nay-sayers discourage me, and I persevered. Much to the boys (and my husbands) utter amazement, they actually REALLY enjoyed it. In fact we found out that David is a WORLD CLASS gingerbread house maker/contractor! It was hilarious!!!! We spent as much time laughing at each other, as we did actually decorating these little masterpieces. We then made the famous 'Bertram Crescents'. It was another fabulously fun family event with flour EVERYWHERE...but boy were they ever simply de-lish!!!!
Christmas day was very relaxing and fun. We woke up in the morning and opened gifts, and then I made a huge breakfast. We played games, visited some special people, came home, had an incredible Christmas dinner (china, crystal, and goblets no less), played more games, and loved being together! The next morning, we called some friends for another party, and said "come in your robes and slippers"....WHAT A BLAST!!!! All day in our robes and slippers, playing games, eating, and enjoying
'The Special Times.'
And yes, I received the gift that I asked for....and I'm so grateful.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas Concert
After rehearsing and rehearsing, this Sunday Evening will be the night of our first Christmas Concert. Every year I have always done a musical play, but this year I wanted something fresh and different. So, crazy goof-head that I am, I embark on yet another project.
We are doing it all. Quite the variety...fun songs, with snow falling, traditional, instrumentals, a special song sung by candlelight, than choir robes and going to church! So cross your fingers for me, and know that I will be back to my care free, happy go lucky self about this time Sunday night....(when it's all over!!! LOL)
If you're in the area, you are invited to attend! (6:30 pm - faithmtn.org)
We are doing it all. Quite the variety...fun songs, with snow falling, traditional, instrumentals, a special song sung by candlelight, than choir robes and going to church! So cross your fingers for me, and know that I will be back to my care free, happy go lucky self about this time Sunday night....(when it's all over!!! LOL)
If you're in the area, you are invited to attend! (6:30 pm - faithmtn.org)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
My Personal TomTom
Anybody that knows me well, knows that I am...(well, let's put it politically correct)...I am 'directionally challenged'.
The Mayo's (My brother and sis in law) were in LA on vacation, so we met to just be together, and to SHOP! Chantal and David, Audrey and Zach (Jonathan was on a hot date! LOL) went to Disneyland, while we (the old crusty parents) had a very enjoyable breakfast at the Disney Grand Hotel, then embarked on a day at the Garment District in the City of Industry. Ellen had never been there, and the guys went off to drink coffee, snack, and talk preacher talk. SO, that left if up to ME to get myself and my cute SIL to all the GOOD shopping spots. Very interesting it was.
On the trip from our fun disney breakfast to the Garment district (we're talking TONS of traffic...took FOREVER to get there) my heart began a very rapid beating in my chest. I was getting nervous. Responsibility weighed heavily on me. I am not in denial. This lady knows that she lives in a constant state of LOST! I couldn't disappoint my SIL and waste the day walking in circles....So, I had a very BRIGHT idea. I called my personal tomtom Susan Hill. LOL It was hilarious. Throughout the day...(all day long --no joke). She sat faithfully by her phone, and took me step by step through the treacherous caverns of the Garment District. "Okay Lorraine, are you stepping out of the store now? Okay, take a left and walk a block. When you see 11th, take a right"..."are you at 11th yet? Okay start turning right. Very good, you are doing good. Now walk straight for 2 blocks, and when you see the McDonalds,..." It was HILARIOUS!!!! She is so very patient and sweet...and let me tell you, the girl knows her stuff. So, I have to give a shout out to Susan, and thank her for saving the day. We had a VERY successful day, found all the good spots, and came home with dislocated shoulders from all the bags we were carrying.
We ended the evening with the whole Mayo and Bertram clans enjoying a scrumptious meal at Cheesecake Factory.
One more day in the life and times of a directionally challenged female!
The Mayo's (My brother and sis in law) were in LA on vacation, so we met to just be together, and to SHOP! Chantal and David, Audrey and Zach (Jonathan was on a hot date! LOL) went to Disneyland, while we (the old crusty parents) had a very enjoyable breakfast at the Disney Grand Hotel, then embarked on a day at the Garment District in the City of Industry. Ellen had never been there, and the guys went off to drink coffee, snack, and talk preacher talk. SO, that left if up to ME to get myself and my cute SIL to all the GOOD shopping spots. Very interesting it was.
On the trip from our fun disney breakfast to the Garment district (we're talking TONS of traffic...took FOREVER to get there) my heart began a very rapid beating in my chest. I was getting nervous. Responsibility weighed heavily on me. I am not in denial. This lady knows that she lives in a constant state of LOST! I couldn't disappoint my SIL and waste the day walking in circles....So, I had a very BRIGHT idea. I called my personal tomtom Susan Hill. LOL It was hilarious. Throughout the day...(all day long --no joke). She sat faithfully by her phone, and took me step by step through the treacherous caverns of the Garment District. "Okay Lorraine, are you stepping out of the store now? Okay, take a left and walk a block. When you see 11th, take a right"..."are you at 11th yet? Okay start turning right. Very good, you are doing good. Now walk straight for 2 blocks, and when you see the McDonalds,..." It was HILARIOUS!!!! She is so very patient and sweet...and let me tell you, the girl knows her stuff. So, I have to give a shout out to Susan, and thank her for saving the day. We had a VERY successful day, found all the good spots, and came home with dislocated shoulders from all the bags we were carrying.
We ended the evening with the whole Mayo and Bertram clans enjoying a scrumptious meal at Cheesecake Factory.
One more day in the life and times of a directionally challenged female!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thanksgiving, Five Kernels of Corn, and a New Family Tradition
Thanksgiving this year was extra special thanks to my husband. He shared with us an important piece of our American History. The First Thanksgiving. He shared the first pilgrims struggle to survive, and the courage it took for these novice travelers to attempt an ocean voyage of 3,000 miles. They arrived in New Plymouth during the winter. Food was scarce, and they dug more graves than they built homes during this devastating time. The food ran out, and the rations per person got down to 5 kernels of corn a day. FIVE KERNELS OF CORN A DAY…per person!!!!
Thereafter, it became a custom observed by the Plymouth colony, to start each Thanksgiving feast with 5 kernels of corn on their plate, so they would never forget how blessed they were to have the abundance they now enjoyed. They would take turns and each family member would move the kernels of corn to the other side of their plate, as they thanked God for 5 things.
This symbolic act of gratefulness moved me so much, that I requested that our family do it on Thanksgiving Day. So began our new Thanksgiving Tradition. What a special and very emotional experience it was. I must admit that when my turn came, as I held those 5 kernels of corn in my hand, it became very hard for me to speak. I have so much to be thankful for!
My husband shared this story with our church during his Thanksgiving message on the Tuesday Night before Thanksgiving, and had the ushers pass out 5 kernels of corn to everyone present.
We have since received many heart-warming reports from saints in the church who practiced this. One story comes to mind of a little 5 year old girl, who started to weep sitting at the dinner table as she expressed her gratefulness, and passed those 5 kernels of corn to the other side of her plate. Her family said that a very special and sacred feeling filled the room, and dinner waited as they all wept with gratefulness.
As I write this, on my kitchen windowpane sits a Ziploc bag that carries in it several kernels of corn. Soon they will have a more ‘dignified’ home,…but I can promise you these special symbols will always be displayed in my home, as a constant reminder of the importance of being Thankful.
Thereafter, it became a custom observed by the Plymouth colony, to start each Thanksgiving feast with 5 kernels of corn on their plate, so they would never forget how blessed they were to have the abundance they now enjoyed. They would take turns and each family member would move the kernels of corn to the other side of their plate, as they thanked God for 5 things.
This symbolic act of gratefulness moved me so much, that I requested that our family do it on Thanksgiving Day. So began our new Thanksgiving Tradition. What a special and very emotional experience it was. I must admit that when my turn came, as I held those 5 kernels of corn in my hand, it became very hard for me to speak. I have so much to be thankful for!
My husband shared this story with our church during his Thanksgiving message on the Tuesday Night before Thanksgiving, and had the ushers pass out 5 kernels of corn to everyone present.
We have since received many heart-warming reports from saints in the church who practiced this. One story comes to mind of a little 5 year old girl, who started to weep sitting at the dinner table as she expressed her gratefulness, and passed those 5 kernels of corn to the other side of her plate. Her family said that a very special and sacred feeling filled the room, and dinner waited as they all wept with gratefulness.
As I write this, on my kitchen windowpane sits a Ziploc bag that carries in it several kernels of corn. Soon they will have a more ‘dignified’ home,…but I can promise you these special symbols will always be displayed in my home, as a constant reminder of the importance of being Thankful.
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