Today was the last Sunday School class until January 7th – so we finished up with the Wise Kings, did a nativity craft, had red velvet cupcakes and DQ ice cream for Max’s birthday, and gave the kids their Christmas stocking. I was disappointed that Cody and Jackson were not there for Sunday School – but I saw their mother after church and gave her their treats. Grace and Max were there – and Max was listening to the lesson while eating a cookie!
We got new tables and chairs in the Welcome Center, and a few new decorations.
Todd’s message was very good – The Peace of Christmas. It basically dealt with being too busy, stressed, distracted during the holiday season. PEACE is the gift of life as it was meant to be. We need to remember that more stuff, more work, and more life does not give us peace. ‘Hurry’ and ‘Love’ are incompatible, as are ‘Hurry’ and ‘Peace’.
I came home from church and made a smaller batch of potato soup – I used the rest of the potatoes and then had a bowl for lunch. After I post this I plan to dig out an old black and white Christmas classic movie and watch that, then pay some bills. Sarah posted pictures of the Word of Life Christmas program – Millie is in front, right – at the mic!!!
SO … Yesterday’s Christmas party! We arrived at Colleen’s at about 2 minutes until 2pm. Her house is so delightful. It’s a classic farmhouse that is exquisite! The holiday decorations are perfection and entirely suitable for the home. It takes her a week to switch out all her everyday décor and transform the house into CHRISTMAS. Here are a few pictures of her house.
See the lighted picture to the top left
All ten of us gathered with food and hugs and stories and laughter, taking pictures and eating and visiting. It was a wonderful day; balm for the soul and spirit. We have a way of lifting each other up, encouraging each other, sharing joy and concerns, and reminiscing. I don’t know how we would get through life without each other.
Gail, Connie, Aunt Joan,
Colleen, Gwen, Holly
TJ and MAXX — matching cousins ==
Guess where they got their shirts??
Connie and Holly
Colleen’s granddaughter Aleah makes jewelry, using resin and molds and paints, and she brought four trays down for us to look at. Most of us bought something – I bought two pair of earrings, snowflakes and stars. Such a great job!
Traditionally I will write and then read out loud a story – mostly about growing up together, Skunk Hollow, HOME, evoking memories. This year it was a fictional Christmas story about our parents growing up.
in the story
And it was a special treat to have Uncle Clifford and Aunt Joan join us for dinner – lasagna, salad, garlic toast, Uncle Clifford’s homemade apple sauce, broccoli casserole, and Jello-pretzel salad. And I can’t begin to share the snacks we had – but my two favorites were the hullless buttered popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and buffalo chicken dip and chips. It goes on and on from there. And of course, M&M’s!
Colleen, Karen O, UC, Gwen
Listening to story time
At the table.
When I say our lives are enriched and blessed by our relationships and friendships it is not an exaggeration. We love and support each other in every way, through good times and bad, and I’m honored and humbled to have each and every one of them in my life. Merry Christmas, cousins!
Gail, Connie, (Aunt Joan),
Colleen, Gwen, Beth, Holly
Scriptures: (Two today)
Quote:
TOMORROW December 18th is:
World Arabic Language Day; National Twin Day; National Roast Suckling Pig Day (PLEASE don’t tell Jen!!!); International Migrants Day; Answer the Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (“Buddy the Elf; what’s your favorite color?”)
That would be a fun thing – to catch people off guard when you answer your phone! Have a good time and a great day. God bless…
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