Is it Still Easter?

 He Is Risen!  He Is Risen, INDEED!!

As followers of Christ, that's our greeting for Easter.  I didn't actually learn that until a couple of decades ago but that doesn't stop me from using it liberally now.  How about you?

Here's my favorite picture from the day - 

Are those not some of the most adorable grandbabies you ever saw?!  (Yes, that was indeed a rhetorical question.) 

The back row is L to R: Noah Smith 8, Abby Schreck 9, Spencer Schreck 11, Andrew Smith 2 and Madi Smith 5.  You can't see her but Meagan is actually hiding and holding up Andrew because he had had enough of picture taking by the time we did this one.  

The front row L to R: Zach Schreck 5, Grayson Smith 3, Parker McGhee 3 and Ava Schreck 4. Spencer just had his birthday in February but seven summer birthdays are on the horizon.  What a Crew!!

The weeks leading up to Easter 2022 were (for our family) full of joy, sickness, unexpected emergencies and even a couple of surgeries.  Needless to say, my spring decorations appeared in a very limited form two days before our Easter dinner. 

Some of you readers will remember that I've always declared April to be my favorite month of the year.  Christmas is my favorite season and Easter is my favorite holiday.  (Do you get the idea that I just enjoy looking for opportunities to celebrate?)

But this was the first Easter of the past 37 that Frank and I haven't enjoyed a private sunrise service with our girls.  Yes, it was a bit sad for me.  He and I began this tradition when Kristin was a toddler and Joy was only eight months old.  Meagan had not yet made her appearance.

Our plan was simply to make the day about more than just new dresses, Easter baskets and egg hunts.  We wanted to do something that brought the day alive for our girls.  

We figured reading the Bible account of the women going to the tomb at dawn while experiencing their own sunrise would do just that.  After the reading, we sang resurrection songs with croaky morning voices and prayed together thanking God for the gift of salvation. Then it was on to breakfast which always included orange cinnamon rolls.

We've morphed and adapted our tradition many times through the years.  But last year, the girls talked with me afterward explaining that it was just too much for them to get their children up and out the door for us to share a sunrise service together anymore.  

It wasn't easy but it was something I needed to understand in order to keep our relationship strong.  

So,  I chose to be okay.

Frank is a good husband who read the timeless story with just he and I on the back porch Easter morning.  He even attempted a song but I couldn't sing and cry at the same time.  Vocal chords are funny that way. 

Here's the picture of us later in the morning.  Isn't he handsome?  (Again, rhetorical.)

I'm smiling genuinely because once we arrived at church (around 6:30 and 7:00) we were immediately reminded how fortunate we are.  John and his team had been working since 5:30.  Our auditorium wouldn't hold everyone for Easter so we were meeting under a tent.  Lots of fun for those who arrived just before service but LOTS of work for our tech team.  

And arrive they did!  

We offered breakfast for the early birds and a free family photo.  (Scarlette Photography.  Jamie does amazing work.  Did you notice that all those grandbaby eyes were OPEN?!)

As the people gathered, the joy and energy were electric.  Everyone was so thankful to be together.  There was laughter, conversation, hugs and handshakes all around.  

The worship was absolutely powerful and Frank did a wonderful job recounting once again the most important story in all of history: the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. 

There was a holy hush on the crowd when he asked this pointed question, "Now, what will you do with the gift that has been provided for you?"  No need to pound the pulpit or coerce anyone.  He spoke it tenderly as a father would to his children.  We all felt the weight of such a question and decision.

We're sure many were challenged to follow Christ.

After the service, we got our pictures with the grands and each family did their own individual shot.  There was so much happening, we never managed to get one all together but you'll enjoy these, I'm sure. 

In order, The McGhees.  Kristin, Cody, Parker and Olivia who will make her appearance this July. 

  

Next would be the Schrecks. Spencer, Zach, John, Joy, Ava and Abby.  (Abby had eye surgery three weeks ago and is still recovering; although, the surgeon said it went well.)

  

Finally, the Smiths.  Madi, Nathan, Grayson, Andrew, Meagan and Noah.  (They literally drove back to FL on Saturday after being in NC for the funeral of his precious Grandma Smith.)  

Who could be anything but joyful after scanning these beautiful smiles?  We opted for an Easter dinner get together this year and when it started raining we chose to hide the Easter eggs in the house.  Man oh man, was that search ever LOUD!  We ended with a time of sharing the timeless story once more in a way the children could help explain and prayed together thanking Jesus for his sacrifice.  

Yes, I ended the day exhausted but content.

Just in case you didn't smile yet, here's one more picture:

Please look closely at Frank's feet.  If you're reading in California, his feet look perfectly normal.  But his mother in NC is yelling, "Did that boy not wear socks on Easter Sunday?!!"  She is shaking her head with embarrassment, I assure you.

Actually, you can tell I'm laughing because he did forget his socks.  (The men all came to church in work clothes then changed.)  After our slotted photo time, I made a mad dash to the nearest CVS pharmacy and spent too much money on the last pack of dress socks they had available.  Certainly glad Jamie captured this for posterity.

I opened this post with the question, "Is it still Easter?"  

I'm well aware that many of you marked your Easter with massive changes from years gone by.  All I had to deal with was a change of tradition.  But you may have lost a family member during the past year.  Others have a friend they've lost contact with or a child who won't return their calls.  

My heart aches for you!

For you, the question is literal.  Your heart cries out, "Is the resurrection of Christ still applicable?  Does God even care about my pain today?" 

And for you, my friend, there is a literal answer - YES!  

I know from personal experience that the Bible writer was accurate when he told us that Jesus is very near the broken-hearted.  Your pain, caused by this broken world we live in, is the very reason He gave His life.  He died to restore relationship to God the Father for you and I.  That relationship is the only perfect one and the only one that provides HOPE in every moment of question.

Is it still Easter?  

Because he lives, I hope your answer is the same as mine, Yes!  Every day I live knowing His love is Easter.

Simple Challenge

 Hello Dear Friends!

I want to share with you a challenge we were given a couple of Sundays ago.  John (our first son-in-law) preached the morning message.  We've been doing a series called "This I Believe."

His part of the series was to explain why our church puts such a high priority on our children and youth departments.  Bottom line: we want our church to be a living, vibrant place of worship and HOPE.  

Nothing speaks of hope and future like toddlers running around, bumping into peoples' legs, looking up to see a smile, then responding with squeals of delight.  It's really just the best.

Pastor John challenged us all to put down technology for three days.  We were to only use our phones for calls and our computers for actual work.  Otherwise, we were unplugging all games and unnecessary communication for those 72 hours.  

Then we were to use the time we "gleaned" by being more intentionally present with family, with prayer or even exercise just to name three options he offered. Sounds simple enough - but it wasn't.  

In fact, I'm putting the same challenge out to you today.  I'd love to hear about your experience if you try it.

During my three days of technology fasting, I realized how often I look at my phone unnecessarily.  The two biggest time stealers for me?  Facebook and Solitaire.  

I use these when I'm waiting for other people or as a signal of "down time" when I'm stressed.  Apparently, I'm a stressed waiter often!

When I did go back to play a game of solitaire on my phone, it started me thinking.  Here's what I got from my silly game.

I almost always select the medium difficulty level for play.  The easy level has little challenge. And while I can do the hardest level, I don't like the idea that many of those games have no solution.  

The manufacturer of the game on my phone assures players that for the medium level there IS a solution; and I like that assurance. I play as though I believe what the manufacturer has promised.  

Please understand, I have worked on some of those games for days at a time.  There is this annoying little sound once you make the final move and it appears there is no way to solve the game.  But I am armed with the information from the manufacturer saying there IS indeed a solution.  I just have to back up and try again to find it.  And that's precisely what I do.

Many times, I've had to take my phone to Frank (who is considerably better at solitaire than me) and implore him to help.  Typically, he finds the answer within just a few attempts.  But one way or the other, I keep at it until I find the solution.  I'm a little embarrassed to admit to you - I've played and won a couple thousand games in the years I've owned this particular phone.  (Yep, time thief.)

I thought of the people around me who find themselves in puzzling situations.  They hear all the annoying signals that seem to say, "There is no solution to this problem." 

But friend, I want to remind you that the Manufacturer of Life has sent us a message.  He has clearly indicated that there IS a solution to all life's puzzling problems.  We have only to spend time with Him and He will help us move toward that solution.  After leaning in to hear Him, we move forward again living as though we believe His promise.

Isn't that Encouraging?!  It was for me.

I'll close with this assurance from the Manufacturer of Life:

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV) 

There is a solution to your puzzling situation.  Don't give up.  Come close to this loving Father and He will help you find the solution.

Short Month; Long Days

We are all in prayer for the nation of Ukraine and I will have a post about my connection there later.  Today, I simply hope to help you smile.

Did anyone else catch this saying when your children were young?  The years fly and the days drag.  Try to enjoy them all.

I thought that would only be true while I was a mom with toddlers.  Seems it's still true 40 years later.

During this, the shortest month of the year, I've walked some long uncertain days involving hospitals and ERs and doctor's offices.  But I can finally say, I'm thankful everyone seems to be on the road to recovery.  

No one had a single illness, seems when my family get sick they do it up right.  Frank started the month with a serious infection that morphed into a UTI as well as a serious cough.  Then, we got the call that my dad and his wife were admitted to the hospital with covid.  (Dad added pneumonia, a UTI and extreme confusion, as well.)  We finished the month with Meagan and Nathan both having covid.  However, Meagan then developed bronchitis and pneumonia. 

See what I mean?!  A crazy four weeks, indeed.

I don't want to go much further without a picture so I'll share this new classic with you.  It's been years since my brother, sister and I were all together in the same spot.  We intentionally overlapped our time helping care for Dad so we could have a couple of days together.

My brother and his precious wife recently moved to the little community where dad grew up and now lives again. What a comfort to know someone is close by when emergencies happen like this.  Buddy was able to go to the hospital and although he couldn't visit, they knew he was stopping by each day.  

I also have to commend the nurses and doctors who took care of them.  Dad and Christeen were taken to a small, rural hospital but they received excellent care and the team made themselves available to answer our questions each time I called.  (Yes, I did call multiple times each day but never during shift change. LOL)

We all four managed to get in this shot.  We're all laughing because someone had to pose us then run to jump into the picture just before the camera clicked.  Running and jumping are not on the list of our regular, daily activities.  Can I get an Amen?! 

Frank was improving just as Buddy called me to say the hospital was ready to discharge Dad but someone would need to stay with him 24/7 for a while.  I packed quickly Saturday night then jumped in the car just after dawn  Sunday morning in order to drive the seven hours and relieve my brother.  Vonnie flew in on Tuesday to finish out the week.  Dad will be 85 this fall and I wonder if he really knows just how much his kids love him.  But when it's your parents, you just do, right?

Here's a fun shot of the three Burke offspring.  (Not sure what I was trying to do. HMMMM.)  We intentionally stood in front of this huge camellia bush.  Mom planted it right after she and Dad moved back to the country. She loved how they bloom even in winter.

Dad slept - a lot.  So there was time for long, easy conversations and lots of good meals prepared for the purpose of tempting appetites and healing bodies.  Dad was gaining ground by the time I left Thursday morning. Here's one more selfie with just Dad, my sister and me.

A few quiet days and then the Smiths found themselves in trouble.  I say "in trouble" because when you have two sick adults and four active little children who aren't sick, the parents are in trouble.  The fact that none of us could take the children made it even more difficult. Covid is not a team sport.  

Of course, we did come alongside by preparing meals and offering encouragement over the phone.  Even some from our church family did, as well.  There may even have been a few treats thrown in for good measure.

Being the troopers they are, Meagan and Nathan stepped into tag team parenting.  One would sleep and the other would handle the children.  "Tag, you're it!" took on a whole new meaning at the Smith house.  Here's a close up of the fort they built in the living room while the family watched church on the big screen yesterday.

 

Needless to say, these days of illness have seemed long and stressful and difficult.  But the good news is, God has been with us for each of them.  He provided knowledgeable doctors to care for Frank, my dad and stepmom.  He provided the medications everyone needed and the courage to keep pressing forward.  (We're still waiting for one more report for Frank so we would appreciate your prayers for that.)

Here's my closing thought.  If your days have been long lately, I encourage you to look to scripture for the help and courage you need.  Psalm 124:2 has been a favorite for me through the years.  "What if the Lord had not been on our side..." NLT  I mean, really!  What if we were trying to walk through short months of long days without the help HE provides?

Whew!  I can't even imagine.  I am so very grateful to know that He keeps the promise given to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6-8  "The Lord goes before you.  He will never leave you or forsake you..." - especially during long, hard days.  

Be encouraged, dear friend. Blessings as we all "March into Spring."  :-)

Do you have a prayer need?  Or perhaps a story of encouragement you'd like to share?  Leave it in the comment section here.  We would all be happy to share with whatever your days have been looking like.

This Guy!

 

My wonderful husband turned 65 just this month.  Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!  (He's rockin' that bowtie, isn't he?)

We celebrated him the Sunday before his birthday because we already had a church dinner on the calendar.  Party, anyone?  We multitask every chance we get.

Then our family celebration took place at our house last night. His favorite meal was on docket - chicken and dumplings finished off with peach cobbler for dessert.  This is a picture of the beautiful table Kristin created for us. It's not easy to create such loveliness that will accommodate little hands, too.  Somehow, she and her sisters always do.

The tables have black tablecloths to represent Frank's classy side.  The table runner is of camouflage because he has battled faithfully for our family as spiritual head.  The silver candle holders speak of his wisdom.  And words describing him are scattered all around.  Words like: faithful, kind, strong, fun and so on.  This family loves their Papa! 

When our crew all get together it is a loud, loving, laughter-filled evening.  Our new neighbors are getting used to us, slowly but surely.  It's unusually cold right now in central FL so the grandchildren asked for a fire and smores to close out the party.  Of course, we had a lovely bonfire and smores as per their request.  

The little guys had a great time running and playing in our backyard while parents sat around the fire talking and teasing with one another.  After having prepared all the food, my only job was to sit and take in all the joy.  

 

I love the art piece a friend created for me several Christmases ago.  It says: "Noni and Papa's house. Where cousins go to become best friends."  This picture (which the boys asked me to take) seems to prove that adage. Are these not the cutest cousins you ever saw?

 

My gift to Frank this year (in addition to new walking shoes) was a compilation video which Cody helped put together.  I reached out to many of the younger ministers/couples we've had opportunity to work with since arriving here in FL.  Each of the ones I contacted, graciously responded and their messages to Frank were incredibly touching.  I think he was encouraged.  

This is the scripture I used to describe Frank earlier this year, "Have you seen a man diligent in his work?  He will stand before kings...." (Prov. 22:29 NLT)

And here's one more scripture that fits him perfectly, "God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him....God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." (Psalm 18:20, 24 Message)

As my Grandma Miller often said, He's a Keeper!  

How about you?  Are birthday celebrations big in your family?  We'd love to hear about your traditions in the comment box.    

FL Snow Days

I find it hard to believe we are in the FOURTH week of January already!  Really?!

How ever did this happen?  And trust me, my shock is not because I've been sleeping like Rumplestiltskin.  It's more like I've been running wide open and haven't had time to register the dates of the days as I've slashed them off my calendar.  Oh, well.

You will cheer with me over a choice I made this past Saturday.  I woke up tired and sluggish so by 10 AM, I knew productivity was not in the cards for my day.  While scrolling through some of your pictures on facebook, I decided to give myself a snow day and suddenly felt much better.  

Listen, we lived in NC for 25 years.  I know all about the wonderful mental health break opportunities hidden under the title Snow Day.  We loved those.  You know, a little surprise day off since it wasn't smart to be out and about on the slick roads but you still felt well enough to get a few things done and watch an entire movie, just because?  Snow Days . . . those were just the best.

The only equivalent we have here in FL would be hurricane days (monster storms) that are downgraded to tropical depression days (serious rain event.)  And those come with a whole lot of tension because you aren't sure if your roof will blow off or if you'll be without air conditioning for days and days in the middle of summer.  Not really the same at all.

Temperatures did drop to unusually low points last night.  This was the beauty that greeted us this morning.

  

And here is one more through my husband's artistic lens:

No, that isn't snow in central FL but it is frost and we enjoyed it immensely.  Seeing our breath is another novelty in these parts.  The kids especially love it.

Speaking of kids.  We're trying to be more purposeful in spending time with our grands, especially the older five.  Over Christmas, we realized that we most often are around them in large groups because we don't want anyone to feel left out.  

So beginning this semester, I'm back to picking them up after school.  Only this time, it's just one child who then spends a few hours with Noni and Papa doing nothing special.  The kids got very excited about the idea and so far it seems to be going well.

Today is Noah's day since we went by age.  

The afternoon Spencer came over, he and I ran errands.  This is him sitting in a gaming chair at Sam's Club.  Apparently, these chairs are a dream item on every guys' list.  Most of his time was spent playing with a football in our huge backyard while I cheered for his amazing throws. 

Then on Abby's day, I taught her to make a sour cream pound cake the same way her great grandma taught me.  My mom would have been proud of the final outcome.

Next on the agenda was a couple of rounds with Papa playing Chutes and Ladders.

Bottom line is this, these visits are more about time together than about gifts or entertainment.  We made that clear from the beginning and they hopped right on board.  Besides, when you are part of a family with nine grandbabies, one on one time is a rare commodity in itself.  Papa and I are loving it, too.

We began our year just as we always have with a time of dedicated fasting and prayer.  The sweetness of my "one on one" time with Jesus was enhanced because of this new experience with the grands.  I gained a fresh appreciation for what it's like to talk quietly and to listen intently.  

Don't get me wrong, we love the loud and rambunctious times when we're all together.  But there's also something special about walking slowly, holding hands and hearing entire thought processes with a child.

That's how it is with our Heavenly Father.  He loves when we all come together with our church families worshipping, singing, celebrating but He also responds to alone time with us.  Listening to our heartaches and fears, our joys and dreams then responding in ways that make the journey better.

Have you been carving out time for that this year?  If not, let me encourage you to start.  It will be the best "mental health exercise" you've ever tried.    

How about you?  Do you get to enjoy snow days as an adult?  What are some memories you have of time spent with your grandparents?  We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comment box below. . .

New Year Joys!

Trusting your Christmas was more blessed than you could have imagined.  And I'm watching with you for a New Year filled with JOY!

There have been so many adjustments for us all during 2021.  I don't want to elaborate on this.  We all know what our own adjustments have been and to be honest, many of us are limping into 2022.  

With that in mind, I think it best to simply offer some encouragement and happy thoughts for my final post of the year.  

I'll start with one of my favorite pictures from our Christmas Day.  Many of you remember that Kristin, Cody and Parker are still living with us until their house is ready.  That's why Papa had the opportunity to put together a basketball goal with the three year old engineer.  So Precious!

This assembly project was a little less joyful.  But you gotta take the good with the bad and eventually, Papa had a fully functioning racetrack built.

After our Christmas Eve service and the final Sunday service of the year, Frank and I took a couple of days to celebrate our 42nd anniversary.  We've been blessed by friends to stay at their little place on the coast.  My favorite part of visiting their getaway spot is a screened porch overlooking a canal.  It's the best spot for resting and recovering.

We went to dinner at a fun Greek restaurant in the nearby town of Tarpon Springs.  It was such fun sitting beside an open window and watching people walk along.  The sidewalk was busy well after 8PM.  

A young lady who was walking by noticed Frank and I trying to snap a selfie that would include the interior of the restaurant.  She stepped up and said, "Would you like for me to take it for you?"  

"Well, umm sure."  I answered a bit hesitantly because if she had decided to take off with Frank's phone, there would be nothing we could do.  Fortunately, our faith in human kindness paid off with this fun shot.

Our meal was a delicious reminder of the time we spent in Greece as newlyweds.  No, we didn't honeymoon there.  We had the honor of doing a short term missions work about six months after our we were married.  

The missionary I worked with the summer before invited us to come as a couple and do vacation Bible school for children.  It actually became an adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns but we navigated it well and actually bonded even more as a ministry team.  Did I hear someone whisper "Baptism by Fire"?

Frank snapped this picture as we shared a dessert and coffee.  (Decafe for me, of course.)

Let me close this post with a scripture I've had on my refrigerator for several months:    "I pray that God the source of Hope will fill you completely with Joy and Peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident Hope through the Power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13 esv

May HOPE be yours as we move forward into the new year.  There will certainly be some disappointments in 2022 but if we watch, there will also be JOY.  And most of us know from experience that choosing to focus on Joy is the best way to travel.  

God Bless Your New Year, Dear Friends!  

Eat the Train

It's Christmas and I think you should Eat the Train.  Eat all of it, Quickly!

No, I haven't lost my senses.  In fact, this may be one of my more enlightening posts this year.  

For regular readers, I do apologize for the long time of silence.  I've just been walking through a tough place and writing always opens the door to my more vulnerable self.  That kind of ugly was better shared over coffee with a trusted friend.  But I'm back and I thank you for your patience.

So, why am I urging you to consume some mode of transportation - and a rather large one at that?!  Perhaps this photo will help.

This is the artwork representing an afternoon of frazzled fun.  Six grandchildren came straight to Noni and Papa's house after a morning of celebrating and parties and sugar and excitement as school dismissed for Christmas break.  (Probably should have thought more carefully about that timing.)

We ate pizza for lunch then commenced making a gingerbread castle (girls) and a train (boys).  Let me tell you, those small creations in the picture in no way represent the mammoth task of encouraging six children to make room for one another, stop eating the materials, keep working as a team, and stop bossing one another.  

Many of you remember that we are a family of first borns.  With the exception of Joy and Meagan, every other adult is a first born and there are even a couple of only children in that mix.  It seems the firstborn traits of leadership have been passed on to the grandchildren, too.  Talk about headstrong - we've got that covered.

I don't have any pictures of the gingerbread decorating process because . . . well, refer back to the earlier paragraph.  But I did capture this moment as Papa helped Ava glue pom poms to her Christmas ornament. 

A couple of years ago, I bought a two foot tree for the babies.  Last year we bought ornaments with each of their names.  This year, I couldn't find the ornaments anywhere!  How frustrating.  So, we made new ones.  

Here is our Christmas treasure gathered around the tree they decorated.  No, they aren't all looking in the same direction and you have to look closely to see a couple of the faces but they're all represented.

"Okay Sheri," I can almost hear someone in MN saying.  "You pulled us into this post with the title urging us to eat a train.  What's that about?"

I'm glad you asked.

Our entire family came back on Saturday morning to celebrate our Christmas.  Yes, a week early but adult children have other family to visit and crazy work schedules.  So, we determined a long time ago that holidays can be any date we designate.  

Almost as soon as the older children arrived, they started asking, "Noni, can we eat the train?"  My answer?  "No, let's wait until your parents see what an awesome job you did."

Several more times through the day one or more of them would come up to me and say, "Now?  Noni, can we eat the train now?  Mom and Dad already saw it."  Each time I would say, "No, let's wait."   My answer was disappointing to them but they waited patiently.

As I straightened the kitchen again this morning, I had to move the castle and train around several times.  Suddenly, I stopped and asked myself out loud, "Sheri, what were you waiting for?!  Why didn't you break that train apart and let them eat it?"

To be honest, friends, I didn't want the evidence of all our hard work to be gone in a flash. Selfish but true.

And now, we won't all be together again until after Christmas.  Selfishness on my part caused us to miss a fun moment (gingerbread is meant to the eaten) and created an added burden (where to store them) all in one fell swoop.  Who knew a candy train and castle could serve as such powerful spotlights of revelatory self-examination?

Consequently, I'm calling out to you today - Eat the Train!  Don't waste energy on choices that feed selfishness this week of Christmas.  We can afford to be generous with far more than gifts.  We can be generous with our attitudes, our actions, our choices.  After all, look how generous God was with us. He sent His only son to make a way for us to be together.  

I'll leave you with a couple of final pictures from our church Christmas party.  We called it PJ's and Pancakes.  It was a great evening where everyone wore Christmas pajamas and we served breakfast as the meal.  Games, prizes, singing of carols, lots of fun and lots of laughter.  (Our grands had pajamas that looked a bit rough so we opened their traditional gift of pjs early. If you click on the picture, you'll see it more clearly.)

I'll try to post again for Christmas Day but for now, here's my challenge for us all.  

Don't fret the small stuff, Friends.  Don't overspend and over extend yourself physically.  Do the simple things that will make this a memorable time for the special ones in your life.  Prepare a favorite dish.  Write a card. Call a friend.  Offer a smile or a prayer.  

Making a memory may also be as simple as . . . eating the train.  

What choices have you made this year or in years past creating precious memories?  We'd love to hear about them in the comment section.  Who knows?  You may even help others to create a new tradition in their family...