Family Christmas

It was December 26th and our family gathered to celebrate our Savior's birth. We gave to one another the love in our hearts, a priceless gift, wrapped with hugs and tied with smiles as we spent cherished hours together. My sister did most of the cooking this year and served a delectable feast prepared without the aid of her oven, which decided to take a rest on Christmas this year. But nothing can stop the determination of my sister! What a trooper, she still managed to bake a ham, augratin potatoes, and pumpkin pie by using her roaster. No, she did not cook over the fireplace, but certainly put lots of love in the meal, and I love and appreciate her so much. Patty, Tammy, and I always have fun gathering around the table, chatting and catching up on important "girl talk", the content of which builds up through the months we are apart. Though we do talk often, many times the daily routines overshadow the underlying needs for women-chatter.

Hannah and Kate beside the Christmas tree. Nothing quite compares to the joy of little children and the delight on their faces. As Laura Ingalls Wilder said, "Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."

My grandson, Jonathan with new jacket he had wanted. My nephew, Jeremy, getting ready to open a gift, which he hopes is associated with sports! These two had been outside in the above normal temperatures, but managed to come in in time for food and gifts.

Here I am with my new scarf from Patty. It is so warm and soft and I love it. My niece, Cassie is beside me on the couch.

The "girls" are at it again--on the computer looking at the calendar, trying to plan a girls-weekend in spring to celebrate Tammy's birthday. Though no particular day was set, it was agreed that this would be fun and we would possibly go to Lake of the Ozarks, where there are lots of shopping opportunities.

When evening arrived, and we had wished Hannah a 'Happy 14th birthday", we had to make our way toward southern Illinois through some very foggy spots, but got home safe and sound.

Saturday morning we got up and continued our Christmas "journey"--this time south to Bowling Green to visit our daughter, Maura and her family. Not having seen them since last year, it was amazing to see how much Emily had grown. She is such a sweet young lady, and really a great interior designer, by the looks of her room. When her brother, Nick went off to college, she eagerly moved to his room, and made it all her own, with happy green walls and bright pink dots. I need her skills for organizing my closets, as hers was right out of a Martha Stewart magazine! Here is Emily with her pet hamster. We were glad to get to visit with Jo, Maura's Mom while we were there.

Nick, in his cowboy hat, had just been out working on the farm putting in a fence. His heart is in the country, whether it is on a tractor, or hunting, but still he is pursuing his college degree so he can afford that long "2 mile gravel road" back to his house in the country.

We thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and guidance in uniting us with Maura and her family. Leon and I had prayed for her before we ever knew where she was, and in 1996 God answered our prayers, and we give thanks for her and all of her family.

"To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind, to cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world." ***Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) American President. Presidential message (December 25, 1927)

Here Donald and Maura are with their dog, Biscuit. We wished them a "Happy Anniversary", and then continued our journey up to Radcliff to say hello to our friend Joe.

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!"--Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

We are now back in our quiet home by the fire-side and thankful for a safe journey and the refreshed feeling of love, friendship, gratitude and kindred spirits which are our gifts from the Lord received through the time spent with family.

Christmas with Gabriel

Today was a fun day spent with our grandson, Gabe, and his other grandparents, Steve and Diana. We enjoyed a nice visit, ate some wonderful Mexican food, and then off to Ten Pin Alley for some competitive bowling. Somehow, I think I must have the wrong idea of what it takes to win at bowling, because I kept bowling close to my age!!! Which isn't 300!! Anyway we had a good time and I am amazed at how fast Gabe is growing up and we are almost exactly the same height. He opened his gifts and enjoyed trying out his scooter before our bowling adventure. They gave us a neat photo key chain that holds 60 digital photos, and Diana had already put some of Gabe's recent pictures on it. It is a very nifty little photo album that you can carry with you.

Gabe is growing into a nice young man, and will be in high school next year. Wow, where does the time go?? Our Christmas "journey" has been so "enjoyable" today, and we look forward to the upcoming week as more memories are made. Tomorrow I will meet my sweet sister for some "secret" Santa activities! Ho! Ho! Ho!

"Fluffy" Is Ready for Christmas

Our cat, "Fluffy" likes to come in and get spoiled everyday. He takes up residence on the rug beside the door to the deck and sleeps in the sunshine. Today, he was very agreeable and posed for a Christmas picture with his stocking and gifts. He soon was back to sleep while I baked cookies in the kitchen.

Each day this week I have put on my chef's hat and been making Christmas treats, candies, cookies, and as my sister says, "that evil rice chex and pecan mix". She only calls it evil because she finds it irresistable. Yesterday I made one of Leon's favorites-chocolate chip cookies, and today I made one of mine, peanut butter cookies. The only real candy I made was peanut butter fudge, because my Mom made the BEST candies and she and our neighbor would get together one evening before Christmas and make several different kinds. Mom made perfect divinity, which I have not attempted, for I know it would pale in comparison.

Tomorrow we will begin our family visits by going to spend the day with our grandson, Gabe and his other grandparents, who have raised him. Gabe is 13 and I hope to have a picture of him for an upcoming post.

As I was reading some gardening e-mail from P Allen Smith I came across the following quote, which I want to share with you.

"In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts, whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends..." from "A Winter Walk" Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

I tried to upload a picture of Walden Pond, but had some difficulties with our slow connection, so that will have to be another day. Meanwhile, I hope everyone's heart's are full of the joy of the Lord, and thankful for all our blessings during this holy season. God bless you in your journey.

O Tidings of Comfort and Joy

In preparation for celebration Christmas, the wreath is hung on the door to welcome all with "tidings of comfort and joy." The tree is decorated with memories from many years and Christmas's past. Ornaments from my childhood are carefully placed on the boughs, as I recall seeing them gleam through the cedar branches lit by the larger Christmas lights every year in my home when I was a child. I recall having hung them for several dozen years before, and each time finding just the right spot for each to glimmer and reflect the lights. Though I am much older now, still Christmas has the power to transform us into the children again, and renew our hopes and joys, with gratitude for the Christ child whose birth we celebrate.

This is one of the precious faces that brings such joy, as she holds her own spot on our tree, my baby girl in kindergarten, and now her daughter is this age. Wow! Where do the years go?

These special ornaments are filled with the smiling faces of my children just 30 years or so ago. It seems they should still be this age, but instead have blessed me with wonderful grandchildren, whose pictures can also be found hanging on the boughs. Time goes by so fast, but some things remain the same, like the love and faithfulness of our Savior. It is a wonderful time to remember all the blessings we have received and enter into this holiday season with thankful hearts.

This is my precious son, when he was two years old, and went to school to have his picture taken at the school when his sister had hers taken. This ornament fills me with joy, as he now has 4 children of his own, and I am blessed with many sweet faces filling our tree.

Beside our tree sits the china cabinet of my youth, filled with even more memories of past Christmas' when family would gather around the table, and celebrate together. The china dishes were used and many of the "best" bowls and silverware were used at this important occasion. My aunts and uncles would come and join us, as my grandmother lived with us, so all of her children came for the holidays too. I remember we had snow on Christmas more often back then and I would listen for sleigh bells on the roof on Christmas eve. It was next to impossible to go to sleep, knowing that when I woke up "Santa" would have already been there. I always wanted a doll, and I think I still love dolls, probably due to my association with that being the special Christmas gift I most looked forward to receiving.

Another happy memory hangs on the door, of the china cabinet. The ornament, my daughter made for me, hangs on the key, reminding me of yet another Christmas and the joy that comes from our family and friends. Each loving act of kindness we share with others continues to bring joy through many years to come.

Don't forget to "enjoy the journey" through this holiday season, and spread tidings of comfort and joy.

Christmas Carols Sung by the Choir

Last evening we had the privilege of attending a beautiful Christmas Concert and hearing our granddaughter sing. The evening was perfect with family gathered celebrating Jesus' birth and watching all the talented young people give of themselves. There was a reception afterwards and the youth had fun, relieved the performance had gone well. I loved being my husband, daughter, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren and rejoicing in the Lord, a delightful start to this holy season. May everyone enjoy your journey through this Christmas season.

December Calendar and Maine Waterfront

 
 

December's Accomplishments

With only 4 days gone, this month has been busy and is picking up speed. On Tuesday evening we enjoyed our Christmas party at our photography club at SIU. It was a delicious meal, beautiful setting, and very interesting speaker. The speaker had made a recent trip to South Africa and showed photos of all the terrain, wildlife, and beautiful birds. It was fun to get to take the trip from the comfort of our ballroom and feel like we had shared the experience. At the meeting we received our calendars and mystery tour pictures back with awards. I was surprised and delighted to find I had tied for first place on the calendars we made. I am attaching the December picture from my calendar entry. The photo of the cardinal in the snow was taken on a honeysuckle vine outside my kitchen window. The real photo of me taking the picture, up in the kitchen sink, thankfully was never taken.
Today was my paint classf, and I finished my painting of the Maine Waterfront, which I have been working on since April. I jokingly tell the other ladies that my goal is to paint 2 inches per class, and sometimes that isn't easy with my favorite brush--the liner! I will also try to attach a picture of my painting, if my patience endures with our slow dial-up connection. Leon was excited to see the picture and immediately claimed it as "his" Christmas present. I have a real fondness for the picture, as we just visited Maine in October, and saw lots of lobster traps, like the ones in the picture.
I am looking forward to hearing my granddaughter, Hannah, sing in with the choir from her school tomorrow. She is such a blessing and I know the program will be a special treat, and a treasured part of our Christmas memories. It seems each month offers many avenues to enjoy the journey, and December is no exception.