Christmas and Family

Christmas and family, a great combination that leaves you with memories for years to come. With varied work schedules each year, we are faced with the question of how to get everyone together. It is not always possible to get my entire family together, as I have a long-distance sister living in Washington state. She and my brother-in-law had their own type of celebration this year as they were snowed in under 12+ inches of snow. Ooooh, A white Christmas! That is what Christmas carols, cards and movies tempt us with each year. We saw instead temperatures near the mid 60's. I guess a tropical Christmas is what the folks in Florida are faced with every year. I personally prefer a chillier version myself. But gathering for a holiday meal will always take your mind off the weather outside. We were all sure to eat our share of it too! Thoughts of potential holiday pounds to be gained forgotten for the moment

Our own Christmas angel. . . . Leah

Nothing can compare with the sparkle and excitement of children at Christmas. Their joyous abandonment is just as contagious as the flu. This year our granddaughter was of the age to begin to grasp the wonder of Christmas. Presents under the tree meant a lot more to her than last year. For she understood that some of them were for her. Waiting to open them on Christmas eve after our meal, quickly left her with no hunger for food at all.

Mom and Dad came down a few days before Christmas to spend some extended time with us. Leah enjoyed having them here and wasted no time sharing her joy over the tree with her granddaddy. Each of us in turn were called to come sit with her and comment about the sparkling lights and fascinating ornaments.

See that one?

Talking it over with Granddaddy . . .

Clutter will always abound when packages are opened but for a few minutes in time it doesn't really matter. We each enjoyed seeing her enjoy herself this year. It was hard for her to decide which was best. . . . . seeing what was inside of the wrapped package or tearing off the wrapping of another box. Her choice in seating for the fun was in my lap which allowed Mommy to video her antics and for others to take pictures.

It was a "girly" pink kinda Christmas

Cuddle time with Meme was enjoyed as well while looking through a book of pictures. Reading books are one of Leah's favorite things to do, a call that goes out for someone to join her in every few minutes. We have read plenty this Christmas season not unlike every other day of the year. I was thrilled to find a great hardback book entitled "You are my Love" to start her own collection at home, as a gift this year. Adding to them each Christmas will be a great treasure hunt for me through out the year.


We were and are truly blessed by the Lord this year. For it is all to easy to see the difficulties of others around us, of their pain, heartache, loneliness and lost right now. To not be thankful would be a lack of gratitude to the giver of all gifts. Especially the best gift for all eternity. . . . the gift of Christ.

Blessings,

Deborah