the hartsteins

I always have so many great ideas for blogs throughout the week, and then I get to this point: At my computer with not a single idea simmering, waiting to burst out. I need a notebook or something ...

My HH* who is just amazing bought me a Christmas present that is just too much. So we're sharing it. He got me one of those video iPods. All I got him was a ping pong table (although he seems pretty excited about it). I am telling you what - I love it (the iPod). I have been listening to worship music and Bible on CD everywhere. I even downloaded a movie & an episode of The Office that I missed and was so sure I'd never ever be able to see. I listen to the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack (a personal fave - but I can only handle so much of it). AND I LOVE THE PODCASTS. Mostly because: THEY'RE FREE!!! My favorites are: German Grammer, Joyce Meyer, Youth Specialties (for youth leaders), Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Old Time Radio Shows, and I can't remember the few others I keep tabs on. Joyce Meyer is my absolute favorite. I am always finding myself mumbling (and sometimes shouting) "Amen!" - You realize that "Amen" means "I Beleive", right? I love saying that, too, though .... just as a personal declaration to a particular statement .... "I believe!!"

God could NOT have given me a more wonderful, precious, amazing, handsome, awe-inspiring husband. Well, I know God can certainly do anything - but I just can't imagine it. Dan shows me so much love every day. I only pray that I show him at least half as much. He is just amazing. Everyday he surprises me with another side of his personality and character. I'm always just staring at him in amazement, because I just think to myself, "are we sure this is my husband?? how could I be so lucky??" But God is good! All the time!!!

Horatio is being precious as ever, of course. Always mischevious, but uses his cuteness to ellude the truth. He got a battery operated mouse for Christmas. I haven't been able to put the batteries in yet, but I know he's just going to freak out when I get it working.

Are you wondering how everyone already knows what they're getting for Christmas? It's because we've already gotten them for Christmas. Since we go home to Indiana for Christmas, we try to have our personal Hartstein family Christmas here in Iowa, since this is our home. But we have a pretty busy next couple of weeks on our hands - so we had Christmas on Katie Starkey's birthday - December 1st! I love Christmas :) I'm making most of my presents this year. Although ... I need to start assembling them!

First.. I should probably go to bed. Have a good night!!

Keep Loving Jesus!

*HH = Handsome Husband