When you're feeling sick and down...

Just sit and think about those you love.....if you're not TOO sick, that is.

It helps.

'Nite...

Blahhhhhh...

It's all caught up with me.

I'm sick....and sore...and fevered...and generally yucky.

Back to bed with my new fleece-covered hot water bottle...with a jingle bell...when it jingles, I think of my sweet Brittney-girl.

'Nite...

Look Ma....more light....

Have you noticed the ever-so-slight shift from "suppertime in the dark" to "suppertime with a hint of light"? We simply won't need candle light any more...unless, we're having a "special time" with a loved one.:-)

I take note of things like that (daylight vs. darkness) because as Christmas has come and gone for 2008, there is a new longing that takes over now.

A longing for spring. With gentle breezes and new growth and flowers.......sigh.......

But not before at least 100 days of cold, dare I say frigid, winter weather.

But we must cheer up and all that you know. Pip. Pip.

The daylight hours are gaining ground....and one day, we shall have spring.

It's the rhythm of life that God gives us. We rest when it is cold and dark....and go like thunder when it's warm and bright.

So, onward into the beginning of a New Year and all that it will bring to our lives and homes.

But first, a cup of steaming Red Rose.

Ta ta.

Another birthday...

Le Chef

Le Fisherman

Le Dreamer

A very "Happy Birthday" to my man. Another year and he'll be one of those "old time pensioners".

I trust for him, the coming year will be one of good health, of courage, of learning, of mellowing and of enjoyment. He's a pretty serious fellow, after all.

I pray for God's blessings to fall on him in abundance.

Now, on with the New Year's celebrations........coming soon to a house near you.

Time goes by too quickly!

Santa Claus made his visit.

Gifts ready to be opened in the morning.

First to arrive for the holidays.....and first to leave.....today:-(

Clothes were modeled.

Surprise packages opened.

The Advent Wreath was lit.....to celebrate Jesus!

How did 6 days go by so quickly.......I'm still back on Wednesday.

There was a frenzy of whispering, wrapping, hiding, and secrets before Christmas morning.

Presents were exchanged. Turkey meal was consumed. Tea was made....several times. Movies were watched. Lates nights and early mornings....for some.

When all is said and done, the best thing was the presence (not presents) of my family.

That's all. No more. Finis.

The cards remain with the written words. The pictures remain to remind me they were here.

But a part of my heart goes back to their homes with them.

I'm really glad that Christ remains constant. He never leaves me and yet he also goes to be with my loved ones. A mystery.

Thanks God, for your reminder this Christmas season, that you walk with us in this life, prodding us along and encouraging us to go on....to go further....to explore and search the depths of your being and all you have for us in this life.

And now for another birthday tomorrow....

Celebrations and Gifts......

Todd's perfection in wrapping.

Shannon, Todd and Brittney

Kim and Matthew

Matthew, our son.

We celebrated 25 years of our son's life yesterday. He's a good son...dare I say, a superb son.

His love was with him...Kim. And Shannon, Todd and Brittney too....and Logan, his friend, came for cake and the young stayed up late for a showing of "Gremlins".

There is nothing on earth like having those you love, close to you, whether it be Christmas or not.

It's their presence.........that's all........that's everything. No gift can ever replace that joy.

Just how good can a Christmas get anyway!

Tonight at 7:30 p.m. we will all go to our church Candlelight Service. I trust it will be a beautiful time for welcoming once again the Bethlehem baby into our hearts and homes....and lives.

Come, Lord Jesus... Come.........

Friends...

There is nothing like having friends who come to your aid when you are in need. We have friends like that. They make time for us, they sacrifice their agenda so we can be taken care of in whatever need arises.

I thank God for friendships like that. They are what give the Body of Christ a "good" name.

These people are friends to many people.....but I must say, they continue to prove themselves to us over an over again as to what friendship should look like. They are selfless, caring, loving, genuine people who love God and in turn.....love us.

Now for the wrapping of gifts to those we love..........on with Christmas.....but not before son's birthday tomorrow. If he's a quarter of a century that makes me really old....in number only of course.:-)