I often wonder why so many people are so unhappy, or so full of sorrow and lack of joy. I am a people watcher, and I love to just sit back and watch people walk by. Wondering what they are doing, what they are thinking, do they have a family, is their family a functional one or are they in turmoil in their lives? It is amazing what people can hide behind those deep dark eyes and masks of deciet. Have you ever seen the movie "Shallow Hal"? This guy, Hal, all of a sudden sees the beauty in people and finds out that the girl he loves is not so pretty on the outside. As a matter of fact, most people wouldn't even give her a second look, except to make fun of her weight. But the beauty he sees inside, is this un-imaginable, gorgeous Gweneth Paltrow, who is compassionate, joyful, funloving, patient, sweet, and for some reason just can't seem to understand why he loves her so much.
I often wonder if that is how God sees us. I mean, if you are like me, you must know some really beautiful people on the outside, that are just rotten on the inside. All God wants from us is our hearts, which only produces beauty through Him anyways. Sometimes I wonder if I got burned in a housefire tomorrow and lost every tangible thing I had, and my looks were totally distorted, would I still be viewed the same as I always had before? Would people still love me for "me", or would they shun me for being poor and disfigured? I would hope that people would look at me through God's eyes and see that beauty is not only skin deep. It is deep within our souls.
(1 Peter 3:3-4) 3"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
I am not quite sure why I was thinking of this tonight, I just pity those who think that they have it all together, whether it be physically, socially or financially, but they are just dying inside, afraid to truly show their inner self for fear that somebody might see their "uglies". God wants us to be transparent. I pray for those people. I pray that their sorrow will be engulfed by Gods gigantic hug and that they may feel the warmth of his embrace. He sees all of us, good and bad, and still loves us, He may not agree with our decisions, but He loves us. Thank You Lord for your compassion and love.
~Chryss

Merry CHRISTmas!!



Well, with all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, our family is just about worn out. It is so easy to forget why we celebrate in the first place because of the emphasis that the world has placed on the presents and food and spending time with family and friends and feeling like we 'need' to spend, spend, spend. Don't get me wrong... I love to spend time with family and friends, and have a reason to celebrate but when it is centered around things other that the true reason (JESUS), then why celebrate? Would you go to a childs birthday party and never once acknowledge the child you are there to celebrate? Just a thought.

Anyways, on Saturday, we went to my sister's house for dinner and presents. It was a great time. My nephews girlfriend, Whitney, was up from Cali and it was great to see her. I wish Andrew could have been there too. We really missed him.
My sister made the kids the greatest blankets.

Then on Christmas Eve, we went to the morning and evening service at church. What great sermons. The evening service was a little different in that the kids got to come in with us. It was great, they even knew some of the songs and sang along at the top of their lungs. It was so cute to hear their little voices as if nobody was around. Then this morning, Christmas morning, we got up and Jim read the Christmas story to us. I always love hearing that the same God who created the universe and everything in it, came to earth as a baby and was not born in a castle, as the world views kings should, but in a lowly manger in a barn, near the stinky animals. He cares for us so much that he came to earth and live life as a human, notice: He was never a rich human, as a matter of fact, he followed in his earthly father's footsteps as a carpenter, not a stock broker, not a tax collector, not an entrepreneur, but a carpenter (in todays world, I guess you would call Jesus a blue collar worker).
After the story of baby Jesus, the kids opened their presents. Thank God for grandparents. Our kids were very blessed with so many nice presents this morning. Thanks to all of you!!!

Anyways, I just wanted to share with you all the joy that our family had this CHRISTmas. With love to all, and God be with you.

Remember that cute little pup we got a few months ago??????????????

NOW LOOK AT HIM......... Is that supposed to happen? I mean, are cute pups supposed to grow into such HUGE, Clifford-like dogs?

Oh well, We love him just the same. He is still a pup at heart!

A friend of ours had the greatest idea for a Christmas gift. She gave us a little pottery plate with a package of marshmellows, graham crackers, a huge hershey bar, shish-ka-bob skewers and 5 tealights. Amber set us up in the living room and we all sat around the "fire" and had S'MORES!!! They were great. Almost just like camping. I thought I would share our moment.

On top of having a birthday at home, Amber's school also had a party for her. Jim and I went and brought cupcakes and juice. She was so proud to have us there. Here are some pics from her school party...



Oh and here is a cute pic of the kids with Buddy by the Christmas tree...

This last weekend was Ambers birthday party and we had 10 little girls at our house for a very girlie party. Jim took Jimmy to see a movie and do "boy stuff". Amber was so cute, she invited 12 girls and 9 showed up. It was a blast. We made Tiarras, played games, had cake and ice cream, and of course opened presents. She was very blessed to get the toys that she got, especially during the holidays. Here are some pics to share. ENJOY!!!

A deer story : by Jim Booth

As we all know North Idaho is a beautiful place and more importantly, we are known for our excellent hunting. So do I have a story for you. The time was Friday morning @ 8:30 am(the last day of deer hunting season). I was feeling discouraged from a very long and cold hunt from the previous morning(how cold was it(you ask)??? It was negative degree wind chill!!!) So, as I was walking about the house I noticed a 5 point Buck hiding behind the couch. At first I was in utter disbelief!!!!! How could anyone get so lucky? Just think I wouldn't even have to pack it out in the freezing cold. Just as I was thinking about how fortunate I was, the Deer and I made eye contact....


It was like an old fashioned stare down @ the OK Corral. At that moment I knew the hunt was on. It was Buck vs. Hunter, Mano y Mano, man vs. animal. Then without notice the cunning beast started running....



As the buck headed for the brush I made a dash to my bedroom to retrieve my rifle. I could sense the fear in the saavy beast. As I approached the living room I noticed something moving in the trees.....

Steadily I took aim, I knew I only had one shot, if I missed he would make for the front door and be gone forever. Just before I squeezed the trigger I saw a look in the old boy's eyes...he knew that it was the end of the road. Then I fired my Father's 3rd generation 30/30 winchester. BOOM!!!!! ......


It was a perfect shot!!!!!! I conquered the beast with my highly intellectual, cat like reflexes. Only an experienced hunter could have pulled off such a perfect hunt. Look how peaceful the old boy looks, he probably didn't feel a thing..


So, with hunting season over I am extremely happy over my last minute kill. Now many of you might be wondering what the moral of the story is....well here it is. Hunt hard, be patient, and shoot straight. Then, maybe one day you could be as good as me.

The names of those involved have been protected.
No animals were harmed during the production(good thing for the boy).
My name is Jim Booth and I approved this story.

Dedicated to Papa....... good Idea Dad