Christmas Eve with Family

What a blessing to have family around on Christmas Eve. Oliver had spent the day with me and as time drew near for family to arrive he was intent on watching me light candles and make the house ready for guests.
For Christmas Eve each year, Melanie' family, Mary's family and my daughters and husbands, all show up at supper time for an evening of eating, talking, eating, talking, opening gifts, eating, and then did I mention talking. I think this year I counted about 24 people sitting around talking, laughing and enjoying the company of family. We were missing Candise and her girls and Laura, John and Danya. Chris dropped Alyssa and Jocelyn off late into the evening and we got to see them for a bit. It is always an event that I look forward to each year and hope to continue with it for many more years.

Thanks to all who came and shared in the evening. Let's do it again next year! Maybe we can fit more people in the living room and Phil, I promise to have the green Christmas wreaths just for you!

Christmas Preparations

Oliver came over on Christmas Eve to spend the day so that Mommy and Daddy could do a few things around the house in preparation for Oliver's first Christmas. He is such a joy to have around. As we played together, he sat with Morfar checking out the computer. He was so good with the Christmas tree -- just reaching out to touch the ornaments but never really removed any.
At one point in between naps, I looked around and couldn't find Oliver -- he was playing "hide and seek" with Mormor. I looked and looked and behold he found the opening in the cupboards where we keep Kleo dog's food. He was having great fun just hanging out trying to open the dog food container.

Success

What do you think of when you hear the word success? Well, for me it was a very productive and fun day of sharing with three of my daughters in a cookie baking adventure. Margaret, Michelle and Eme came over on Saturday to bake cookies. We made several kinds, including chocolate crackles, spritz (or pastel as my mom used to call them), scotcharoos, no bake chocolate cookies, chocolate chip, oatmeal chocolate chip, and peanut butter blossoms. Maybe Margaret will share some of the pictures on her blog. We were missing Laura, but when next we have her near we will have to do it again. Now we can share our baked good with friends and family this Christmas.

Today, Gary is singing in a Christmas Cantata at church. The choir had an opportunity to sing at Rosedale Mall yesterday and considered that to be a success too.

As this week builds up to the remembrance of Christ's birth, let's remember that He truly is the reason for the season!

It's beginning to look like . . .

Last Friday, Oliver and Margaret came over to "hang" out while Jerimy spent time with friends. What a great time we had. We ate pizza and cheesy bread and then began the process of decorating our Christmas Tree. In just a few short weeks Oliver has begun to use a toy to walk around or should I say "run" around.

What fun to see a little one so curious about things around him. He ran down the hallway to check out the back bedrooms to see if there was anything interesting. Morfar closed all but the door to the computer room. Oliver, smart little one he is, knew that him and Mormor had played a game on the computer and ventured in the room to see if the game was still there. Sad to say but I can't even remember the website him and I had played a game (matching colors) on the week before.

As I opened the box of Christmas decorations, Oliver came over to "help" out. There were so many things to see and touch. I actually think it was just the fact that there was a big box that Mormor allowed him to pull things out of that intrigued him. I only wish he could talk and tell me what he was thinking. He was so curious and fun to watch as he discovered each new Santa or sock or whatever it was that Mormor took out of the box and let him hold. If you check out Margaret's blog you can see pictures of Oliver helping Mormor and then Morfar under and around the tree. What fun to share something that we do each year and see it through the eyes of someone fascinated by all of the bright lights and pretty colors.

Thanks Margaret and Oliver for coming and helping put up and decorate the tree.

Give Thanks in all things . . .

God tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. As I look back over this last year, I am counting the many blessings that he has given me. We have made it through a few downs as well as the ups but He is ever faithful and provides for our every need.

Gary and I have 4 wonderful daughters married to godly Christian men. We have 2 grandchildren that can melt our hearts with a simple smile or reach. Both Gary and I have jobs that are providing for the needs that we have. We have a home that we can live in without concern for the cold. We have cars that take us to visit our children. We have clothing to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We have food or enough money to purchase food to keep us nourished. AND we have a God who loves us more than we can even imagine!!

Our wish for you is to have a wonderful time with family or friends this Thanksgiving. And as you eat from the bounty of what has been provided, remember to thank God for all he has done for you this year.