Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas

In Afghanistan, American soldiers sang carols by firelight:

Soldiers with the US Army's 6-4 Cavalry stand around a bonfire ...
Reuters
Thu Dec 25, 10:49 AM ET

Soldiers with the US Army's 6-4 Cavalry stand around a bonfire and sing Christmas carols at Forward Operating Base Bostick, near the Pakistan border, December 25, 2008.

REUTERS/Bob Strong (AFGHANISTAN)
Christmas, 2008, is coming to a close.....yet the Spirit of Christmas, Christ Himself, remains in our home throughout the coming year.

It has been a day of memory making....early arising, staying in P.J.'s, opening gifts, eating, games, prizes, a zillion phone calls made and received, eating....and more eating. Completely relaxing and completely wonderful!!!


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glor to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Tuesday, December 23, 2008




They are on their way..... 6 or 7 more hours and they will be here!!!

Shannon & Christa

James & Jayme

Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Party Fun!


After many camera glitches and a computer crash...finally here are the pictures! Where are Mardys.. and Penny...and Jordan? Did I say camera glitches....sorry guys.
Mega thanks to Pedro and Margie....what warmth and love in their home!
Mega thanks to the Christmas Carolers! Wow! We were blessed!
And Rebecca......you had us rockin' with the piano!! Thanks!!













Come, they told me (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
A newborn king to see (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
Our finest gifts we bring (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
To lay before the king (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum x 3)
So, to honor Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
When we come

Little baby (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I am a poor boy too (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I have no gifts to bring (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
That's fit to give a king (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum x 3)
Shall I play for you (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
On my drum?


Mary nodded (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
The ox and lamb kept time (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I played my drum for Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
I played my best for Him (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum x 3)
Then, He smiled at me (pa-rum-pa-pum-pum)
Me and my drum

Thursday, December 18, 2008

One week ago.........



One week ago David was still here......a fun evening for two sisters and a brother. Dinner, walking on a foggy night, looking at Christmas lights, remembering Christmas's past.............. and creating memories for the future.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Two Sisters Pose With Their Brother


"Two little sisters gazing at the sea,

Imagining what their futures will be.
The older one says, as her eyes look around,

'I will go as far as the corners of the town.
I'll plant a little garden, flowers everywhere.
And pluck the most fragrant for my hair.'

Two little sisters gazing at the sea,

Imagining what their futures will be.

The younger one stands with her eyes open wide.

And says,'I'll go as far as the corners of the sky.

I'll gather all the stars each night as they appear,

And pick the very brightest one to wear in my ear.'

I didn't choose you and you didn't choose me.

I didn't choose you, who would guess we're from the same family?
But, what will you do when the nights get cold?

When the stars grow dim and your dreams seem old.
Watcha gonna do when winter calls,
And your flowers fall from the garden walls?

I'll come home to you, you'll come home to me.

My love will be your remedy.

I'll choose you and you'll choose me.

We'll be two daughters dancing by the edge of the sea."

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Christmas Carols! Christmas Trivia! Food! Prizes! Fun!!!!!!






A good time!!! That's what you missed if you were not here last night. And the sweet presence of the Lord as the Christmas story was read from Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:18-24, and Luke 2:1-20.
And what a story it is! As Max Lucado calls it, "One Incredible Moment Celebrating the Majesty of the Manager" But wait...... that moment began way back at the beginning
.......God's plan all along.......and we see it throughout the Old Testament, it is the central theme.....beginning in Genesis, the scriptures clearly pointing to Jesus Christ.
So last night we celebrated joyfully with Worship, Prayer, Games, Gifts and Food!!!! and lots of conversation....you all are a beautiful group of ladies....I sure love you! And to those who were unable to be here............we missed you!!!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Party tonight!


The Tuesday Night Women's Bible Study has their Christmas Party tonight! The house is about ready......food is being prepared...........the warmth of Christmas permeating throughout the house..........and God's love filling every nook and cranny in readiness for these beautiful women

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Today the sky cried.......


This afternoon my brother, David, returned home to Minneapolis. It was a wonderful week having him here with us...............and it was hard to say good-by! As we left the airport the sky opened and poured down tears......(better known as raindrops!) How sad I feel this evening.......

Saturday, December 13, 2008




First day of the rest of my blogging life.....

Today is my first try at blogging............I am excited.....what fun! But.....also with a bit of trepidation...will I be faithful and keep it up? or will there be weeks, months in between my posts??? What is my commitment? At this moment, I am not certain.............but let me give it a try and see what I can do.
And then...what will I write about? My thoughts? My opinions? My struggles? My joys? My family? My gorgeous man........the Dutchman. More to come about him, he is a rock and anchor in this family.... and also a great deal of fun!!! And the love of my life! Then there are the kids: one daughter, one son-in-law, one granddaughter...............and they are such a joy in our lives! Although they live 850 miles away. More to come on the family in a later blog.........