Traditions...

This year as we gather a few members around our table I reflect on how disassociated we have become with our own families. It can be for any reason, but when I sit and really thing about it; it makes me really sad. Why can't people forgive and move on? Why can't we make the drive? Why can't we stop what we are doing and build a bridge between the gap we have created in our families? Part of is we are tired of being rejected. We are tired of the hurt, the games we have to play, having to say the right things as to offend anyone, and the back stabbing that can come with family functions. These things should never be! But, I do know all to well they are.There are favorites and outcasts...even those who tolerate just because they know once they give up and not show up that will be the end. I get life is busy...but it will never slow down! I get that it hurts to much to be ignored in a family function when you showed up, and you weren't even invited. I know what it feels like to watch someone you love sit in silence and be rejected. Why do we choose to hurt? Hurting other people is something we DO..it is an action...you know what so is LOVE! Loving your family where there at, accepting them where they are at,you don't have to believe,think,act, or love the same way...just love like you know how. Love doesn't hurt, isn't cruel...a hug, smile, a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday is all that it takes. Love is easy; we choose to make it harsh. So I challenge you this holiday season. Go out of your way to love on someone. Say something kind, send a card, text, phone call,or deliver a treat it will make you happier and it could possibly be the start to rebuilding relationships. Everyone, has to start somewhere...and if they aren't going to start; then you should be the bigger person. :) As I sit at my dinner this Thursday with my in laws I am going to be thankful I have this time with them. I am going to be hospitable and kind. That is what I am called to do and that is what I will always do. Happy Thanksgiving.... and remember love isn't hard it just takes action.

A Time of Thanksgiving

Hey Everyone, Yeah for the elections being over with. I am in shock and awe of the hatred flying...I don't know why. I accepted whatever may come either way, but I guess I am in the minority with that thinking. Either way, if I want to see certain changes then I need to step up and be that change...the president is one person who is doing what they think best. SO, be the change if you don't agree with the outcome. Enough of that....THANKSGIVING is almost here! I love Thanksgiving. It is a time of reflection and a reminder of what we are blessed with. I know the Gilmore's are blessed beyond words. We are stewards of many things and I am so grateful for each one. I think this year we became more aware of how blessed we truly are when Charlie took a missions trip. We become so blinded by our greed for more that we don't recognize it. Guilty as charged....I turn a blind eye and get on my "I need/want" more...however, this year we became aware that we have more than enough, and we should share; be giving of what we have. I want my children to recognize a need and be able to help or fill someone's true need. I want them to see the example of this. One way we do this is Operation Christmas Child. We fill a shoe box of all kinds of goodies. They get shipped all over the world, and yes,some stay right here in the USA. I love that my kids can go to the dollar store and pick out things for other children. Now, I know they don't quite understand yet. BUT they will...and so it will become 2nd nature to them.Instilling, good qualities like these are what I desire for my children. I know they aren't perfect, and they have "those tendencies"..you know what one's i'm talking about. :) Another way we like to give is through Angel Tree or at our church we adopted the foster kids in Jefferson and St. Lawerence counties. We have been able to get gifts for every child the last 2 years, and I am thrilled to be apart of that. Again, we get to go shopping for kids who won't have much of a Christmas. It is so rewarding and you feel good.To answer the age old saying "we should do this all through the year"...yes we try to. If we see a need we try and fill it the best we can. We try to keep our eyes and ears open to needs in our community. This year, we are staying home for Thanksgiving. We are so excited to be able to cook for Charlie's parents, and have the kids just chill for one holiday this year. They are used to the hustle and bustle, but since we are flying to Missouri for Christmas we needed a small break from the travel. My parents are hoping to come up the next day and spend some time with us. It depends on my dads work schedule. Either way we love to have one and all. We love company and ALWAYS have room for anyone who wants to come visit. So, that is somethings we do around this time of the year. Since, we plan on traveling for Christmas we are doing what we can now. It will be lots of fun! Charlie can't remember the last Christmas he spent with his sister and mom. It makes it all the more special! I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone out there. Charlie's nephew Michael will be home from his 2 year mission trip to Germany, and we haven't meet Gabriel our new great nephew. Exciting for sure!!!!!! Love to you all and remember be kind because its the right thing.

Election...

Oh my the election....every presidential election I have gone through I have not enjoyed! We all get sick of the back stabbing, whinny, he said she said commercials, posts, and signs!! Really, I have to stop looking at things on facebook, I DO NOT watch the news, and I mute the commercials because I don't want to form an opinion about what the liberal media has to show me. We all know they are biased. What party you are doesn't matter to me...who you vote for doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is if we discuss politics (which 99% of the time I avoid) I want to walk away still friends. It seems to me this presidential election has torn more people apart because we don't practice what we preach. RIGHT??!! Doesn't everyone want and scream tolerance?? Then why on earth when it comes to politics this season are we tearing each other apart? I am AWARE that our options aren't what we want, and what this election has come to. But who's fault is that anyways?? We sit and allow our lives to be bullied by the government because we don't want to get involved. I am guilty of this very thing! I am not condemning anyone...I am aware that my silence has allowed the government to take control of areas in my life that should not be! But guys...we can't let our "feelings" control how we think or act. We don't let our children do it, so why are we doing it to each other? There is bickering,shaming, and finally when we can't get the other person to change his/her mind we call them mean names. It doesn't leave us feeling better, or at least it shouldn't. It's shameful how adults are being allowed to act. Our children are watching us!! So, as you can see I am finding this whole thing very frustrating.Because, even in our "conservative" circles, the "christian" circles, the "why should I vote Circles" the hypocrisy runs strong. We don't like to see hatred; like racism and I know I don't support it. BUT somehow in this country our now president has stirred it up, and it is evil. We can't change the past...because it is that..the past! We shouldn't rewrite it to make it politically correct, because we are to learn from it. Keep it like it is...its supposed to be ugly because those are mistakes we have made! If we make it light and "tolerable" our children won't learn from our mistakes. They will keep making the same ugly choices that we see now. People haven't evolved just technology has. We still have the same ugly hate in our souls...whether we feed it hatred or decide to snuff it out with love and compassion is up to you. I choose to show my children how to love, how to resolve conflict, teach them when enough is enough and to close their mouth and walk away. We can't change someone's view or opinions, and that's ok. GUYS ITS OK!! Different views are ok....its when we are forced into that same box and made to think like everyone else for their agenda; that's when it is not OK! I encourage you to be the change. Stop the name calling. You want change be the change, be the solution. I am not saying run for office; not everyone is cut out for that. Raise your children on truth and justice. Teach them to serve and love. Show them how to love and be compassionate. Let them see how to resolve conflict and bring order by being the example. Be compassionate without anger! Ok, so that is the end of rant. Whether, you are Republican, Democrat,Green party...its ok; just agree to disagree with someone who may be voting against you. You don't have to understand their choice. Only your choice. Walk away friends...because in the end whoever wins has to live with the choices of that president for the next 4 years, so choose your friends/family over politics. :D