Dear Tyler,

Hi pumpkin! How are you doing on this Sunday late afternoon? It is already going on 4:45 pm. This day has flown by so fast today. Mom was awake almost all night long last night due to a stomach issue. I woke up at 6 am and decided to just stay awake. The pups were fed at 7 am and then Mom had to get ready right off because we were going to the movies and it started at 10 am. We got there at 9:20 am and by the time we got to our seats it was 9:45 am. We made it and it was a good movie. The Star Wars movie was everything that I thought it would be. Lots of action. I know you would have loved it. After the movie, we went to a few stores and then we headed home. It was a good thing too because the sky let loose and the rain started again and boy did it come down! We decided before coming home that we would stop to get something to eat so we went to the new Burger King that was just opened up right down the street from us. We have been home now for about 2 hours and Mark is on his computer, Meme is watching a movie in her room, Mom is writing to you before I need to go down and feed the pups and Bob is.... yup...sleeping. The weather is really crappy too. We are getting rain, wind and a bit of thunder and lightning. The pups are scared so Mom is not going to write to you to much tonight because I need to be taking care of them. I sure hope that I get some sleep tonight before the thunderstorms hit us again around 2-3 am. Mom needs some rest. I am a walking zombie today. I could fall asleep know if I let myself but I won't. I want to wait for another couple hours before I do that....lol. Mom will probably settle in early tonight and watch a couple of Christmas movies while Mark plays on his computer. I am sure that Meme and Bob will be going to bed early tonight as well. I think Meme has been sleeping in her chair while "watching" her movie. She does that a lot I have noticed. I wish she would stay up later and sleep in, in the mornings but she can do what she wants. She is an adult and Mom can't tell her what to do. Anyways.... enough of that....
 Today is December 22nd....3 more sleeps and it will be Christmas morning. It is too hard to believe that where it is sunny and hot most days here. Meme was saying that she was missing the snow for Christmas but that is it. Bob, Mark and Mom are not missing it at all...lol. I guess Christmas Day here will be in the upper 70's. We are doing an untraditional dinner. We are grilling. We will be having steaks, potato salad and a dessert. It will be fun! The one thing that will be missing is you. It is always you that Mom is missing my sweet precious son. It hurts so much. I love you to the moon and back and all the way around the world. You are and always will be Mom's hero and the wind beneath my wings. Forever you live inside my heart, mind, body and soul. Please never forget that. Mom will whisper to you later this evening so be listening for my voice and smile. I will smile back to you. I am not sure I will be lighting a candle tonight but maybe up in my room I will...just for you. I will be back tomorrow with a longer letter to you. It is after 5 pm and the pups need to be fed and it is dark already. Mom needs to get going. Please watch over us all like I know you do. Thank you. Until tomorrow comes my bright shining star....good night and sweet dreams.
 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!

Here is the prayer for the day:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, let your joy be always in us, your children. Let your joy bring light and peace to our lives, no matter what happens around us. May we serve you in joy, aware of your peace at all times, so that something of this peace may go out from us to grieving hearts and to regions of the world that are in darkness. Father in heaven, how many unhappy people look up without knowing where to find help! But you will come to them. We beseech you, come to those who mourn, and let them find joy and trust for their redemption in Jesus Christ. Amen.