Spoiled

The Dutchman has once again spoiled me....that adorable man of mine!

What a Christmas!

Christmas Day. Gifts. Games. Food. Family. Children. Fun.

Christmas Eve. Church Service. Christmas Carols and then family dinner.

Above all, Christmas has been a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Foretold in Isaiah 7:14 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel." God with us. God incarnate.

Big Al Is Here For Christmas!

The Dutchman's father, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is with us for Christmas! He is 87 years old, next month 88 years old and is a joy to have with us. His eyesight is not so good and yet he traveled all day yesterday, changing planes in Phoenix and arrived safe and sound and happy to be here. His son is so much like him: same sense of humor, work ethic, solid faith and practical jokester. Dad continues to work two days a week at the Food Bank and that's where they call him Mr. Al. or some call him Sweet Al. His sons call him Big Al. So Big Al he is, although today he told me he is getting shorter. Ah...old age does that to us...but he is one man who is still big on personality!

Happy Birthday Christine Blake!

It was so much fun - a Birthday Party in Santa Rosa! Kate and Emily did a great job - from the food, decorations, bringing so many people together and still surprising their mom!
Dutch poses with Marileigh and Emily. It doesn't get any better than this...re-uniting with old friends.......dear friends!

Celebrate Christmas!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Always fun when Vivian joins us!

Starbucks mug anyone?
Vivian is our spring and summer teacher at Tuesday Night Women's Bible Study. (She also puts the life in our party!)
Her next study will be "Esther". Plan to join us!

Creative Gift Wrapping

Want to make your gift wrapping personal? Try this: Print out favorite pictures you have stored on your computer. I like the black and white effect. Or, your preference may be to print them in color. Print a variety on several sheets. Tape the sheets together to fit the gift you are wrapping. Red ribbon on the black and white is impressive.

The end product will be a hit!

Thank Our Troops With A Card!

Look who loves Shannon......

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Shannon's attempt at a thanksgiving nap is futile

Who is that napping behind my hat? Let's see if I can get a few shots without waking her.

Sound asleep....until the flash disturbs her. What the heck.....time is short. Can't waste our time together sleeping!

Okay grandma! I'm awake now....give me a minute and I'll have time for you!

so hard to say goodbye -

yet what wonderful memories we have of Thanksgiving 2009. It was the best. It was such a short visit and the time just flew by, but what a time of joy it was. In less than 48 hours: The girls had their long waited for massage. Wednesday night was dinner at Char's. James put heart and soul into cooking Thanksgiving dinner and it was beyond good. The eating just went on and on. The game was watched. Friends visited. And Shannon even got in a nap! Today they are off to Cloverdale for a day with the boys......tomorrow they will head home. Fast trip! Well worth it! I call it priceless!

Who made the turkey?! James!

Thanks be to God....His blessings overflow!

Shannon Reed......

my lovely granddaughter.

Giving Thanks With A Grateful Heart......

What more could we ask for? We have it all! Family! The day before Thanksgiving the kids arrived from Ogden, Utah. Wednesday night we had enchildas with Char and Brett. The Dutchman arrived home safe and sound after an accidental encounter with a Ford Explorer outside Sacramento. Thank you Lord for safety in his big truck! (A little sore today, but he is safe! Thankful for ibuprofrin too!) Thanksgiving morning Shannon plays with the dogs. I am overjoyed with love for these kids of mine who are here for only two days! James is cooking our Thanksgiving meal. Our hearts are overflowing and glowing with gratitude. God is so good! More to come as our day is just beginning and the meal and more family arrives later in the day!