It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

Despite the 85 degree December weather we've recently been experiencing here in Southern Cali, the temp has finally dropped and it now is beginning to feel more like Christmas time! The lights pave the neighborhoods, the trees are up, and fall decor has been traded in for snowmen and nativity scenes.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. As much as I love summertime and the beach, I do also love to trade in my tanks and sandals for boots and scarves. I love all that this season brings: cuddling by fireplaces, hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music, cruising different neighborhoods to look at lights... the list goes on. But I'd have to say my favorite part of it all is the family gatherings. This past weekend we celebrated Christmas early with my mom's side of the family. My Tutu (Hawaiian word for Grandma) and my aunt prepared a delicious meal and we had a big festivity with our family and friends. It was a great time. My little cousins (I have 4 first cousins on my mom's side) are growing up so fast, so I enjoy soaking them up when we can. My tutu and Uncle Sam sang Hawaiian songs along with different Christmas songs. I cherish these memories we make each gathering. We had a great time!

A couple nights before that we also went out with some of our friends to the Mission Inn here in Riverside. They have an incredible display of Christmas lights every year and is so much fun to see. Later that night, we saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader---AWESOME MOVIE! I loved it! I'm a big C.S. Lewis fan and I thought they did an amazing job with this movie. The effects were awesome and I loved it! So I definitely recommend it!

Side Note: I dyed my hair darker! While I was home sick last week, I got bored one night and decided to buy a box and try something new. That's usually not like me at all (I think the NyQuil may have been getting to me, ha ha) but I went for it and I think it's a nice change for now.

Here are some pics from this past month:

Cuddling with tissues

As I lay here sick in bed, almost mute in my speaking ability due to this cough/cold, I was feeling like I wanted to do something productive without compromising my desperate need to rest and get well. Then it occurred to me that I should write a blog! So here I am. I realize I have not blogged in almost 2 months...Not even sure if this thing could even be considered a blog anymore- it's more like a "random sporadic summarized update" compared to the daily thoughts that blogs are intended to be. I will admit it, I am NOT a blogger. Although I wish to be and hope this can one day turn into a place where I can daily (or at least weekly) capture my thoughts in words and share with you whats been happening with "The Carrolls". Until I can come to that place of commitment and dedication, this is all I can give.

With that said, the past 2 months have literally flown by for us! Alot has happened including family gatherings, Thanksgiving, a trip to San Fran and most recently a trip to Florida for our annual PAO conference!  PAO (Pro Athletes Outreach) is an incredible Christian ministry geared towards athletes that we have been so blessed to be apart of the past 4 years (this was my third conference, Daniels fourth). It is such a blessing and a ministry I hold dear to my heart. We were able to hear from incredible speakers, engage in awesome spirit filled worship, and catch up with our dear baseball friends that live in all different parts of the country. Every year, walking away from this conference, we fill refreshed and anxious for the upcoming baseball season. Not only excited about baseball, but for what God has in store thru baseball and outside of baseball. Hearing some of the speakers this past week, reminded me that 'baseball' does not define us (although sometimes we can feel like it can)- but we want to ultimately be defined by Christ! Not only in baseball, but in all we do.

 I praise God that His mercies are made new for me everyday, when I truly don't deserve it. None of us do. Ephesians 2:4-5 "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." I love this verse and am humbled by it. It says that God is 'RICH' in mercy- which means He has an abundance of mercy He is willing to pour out on us when we surrender to Him.

So as I wrap this up (I got top ramen calling my name) I encourage you to be reminded and reflect with me today on God's RICH mercy and His precious grace.