He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.  ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself…
~Norman Wesley Brooks, “Let Every Day Be Christmas,” 1976

There has been only one Christmas – the rest are anniversaries.  ~W.J. Cameron

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.  ~Norman Vincent Peale

Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve.  Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age.  ~Carrie Latet

In Loving Memory of All Who Lost their Lives and
Loved Ones on This Tragic Day in 2001.

It is hard to believe that this tragedy happened 9 years ago. The memory and wound is so fresh in my mind and heart.

I grew up in NYC – Brooklyn, specifically. I have many friends and family that live and work there, in the city. I remember hearing the stories where God intervened on that day and kept them safe. Here are 2 stories of my family and friends:

• My father worked in one of the trade center buildings (a smaller one that also was destroyed in the final fall out). He woke up that morning with a stomach ache and decided to go into work after lunch.
• My friend’s sister was getting ready to get on a train from New Jersey to the Trade Center, where she worked, but her small kid had a complete melt-down outside the station, causing her to not only miss her train, but witness the first tower “exploding”, from across the river.

On this day, Derek had just received his real estate license and was reporting to his first day in the business. Needles to say, no real estate happened that day. He stayed home, like so many other Americans, glued to the TV, in shock and awe.

I, on the other hand, was helping Derek in real estate, but still working for a local High School. I was called into the office, where the receptionist, who knew I was from NY, told me that a bomb went off in one of the twin towers. This was a confusing time: Was it a bomb? Was it an accident? No one knew for sure … Nothing was online yet… (There was no Twitter…)

I scrambled to find a TV that could pick up any reception and sat and watched the billowing smoke and flames pour out of the first tower, and then, in complete terror, watched the 2nd plane crash into the second tower. And then watched the aftermath of the Pentagon crash. And then followed the tragedy (and heroism) of Flight 93.

Frantically, I tried to reach my father – knowing he worked at the Trade Center. Of course, all lines were busy – overloaded with millions of people trying to reach millions of people. It wasn’t until later that evening that my father was able to call me back, and tell me about his stomach ache.

I took the next day off of work and cried. And cried.

My country was wounded. My people were dead.

September 11, 2001. I will Never Forget. Ever.

The Colorado Springs Real Estate Connection and Wagner iTeam would like to wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2010 filled with laughter, family and friends.

This year, we have a goal of helping 150 families take advantage of the current market conditions and affordable prices and buy and sell their homes in Colorado Springs. We can only do this with your help!

So remember … if you (or someone you know) are thinking of buying or selling a home, here in Colorado Springs this year, we’d love to help. You can start your Colorado Springs home search here: Colorado Springs Home Search or find the value of your Colorado Springs home here.

P.S. If you are military (active or retired) call us for the discounts and incentives that we have exclusively for you! It is our way of saying THANK YOU for all that you do for us and our country. 719.434.8346

Happy New Year and make it an AWESOME Two Thousand Ten, or Twenty Ten or Oh Ten!

More Than A Day
As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we’re poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We’re wealthy, when push comes to shove.So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you’ve got;
Realize it’s a lot,
And you’ll make all your cares go away.
By Karl Fuchs

Click here to view the embedded video.