As I prepare food and get the children ready for our Kuhta Christmas Extravaganza, (yea, we do everything BIG and loud!) I am reflecting on so many things family. Growing up as one of seven, the family dynamic was often chaotic, but mostly just comfortable. Sharing one bathroom and having just 3 bedrooms- mom and dad's room, the girls' room and the boys' room, made for lots of lessons in cooperation and patience. We were blessed with much love, but few resources. After Dad's death, mom was left to stretch the resources and the love. She did an amazing job! Just look at me! ha ha. Seriously though, I loved my childhood and I adore my siblings. While we are all unique, we are still very close. When conflict arises, which it inevitably does, I have been known to tell my husband that he is lucky to be an only child. But I don't mean it! 

I wanted at least four children. When it seemed evident that I would have just two, I was sad. I wanted to give them lots of siblings so that they could know the same fun that I had. Funny how life throws you onto different paths. I ended up having twins and acquiring 2 stepsons at 37, and adopting another son at 44. I tied my mom with 7!  What?! The blessings, the chaos and the sharing of one bathroom continues here. Half of ours are grown and on their own. The 3 remaining littles keep me moving and shaking, and I can't imagine my life being any other way. God blesses us daily and I give Him all the glory!  


I leave you with something I wrote for my family members this year. Have a blessed day and a Happy New Year!


Family

The love of family is a constant in an ever changing world. The ties that bind us are compassion, empathy and genuine concern for each member of our circle. We make ourselves available in crisis situations and clear our calendars when one of our own has a need. No matter our differences, the unconditional love we exhibit is proof positive that we are united. Our mother has passed us her gift of love, because her mother first gave it to her. As we grow older, may we grow only closer so that together we may show the love of God to a hurting world. Our heavenly Father made a way for all of us to be saved, cleansed of our sins and made new through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. His love for us is a constant companion. His extension of grace to a fallen people is evident. May we extend the same grace to each other as members of this family, and to everyone we encounter.  Because by grace we have been saved, we should offer forgiveness and grace to even those who wrong us. May God richly bless you this year, and may you pass on to your children the message of Christ’s love, that they may grow to share the joys of a close knit family. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children—Psalm 103:17

Love and blessings on Christmas and every day-The Moores

Christmas 2014

*Missing brother David in heaven today. He was not just a brother, he was my friend and I loved him dearly.