Fri, 12/24/21....Chirstmas Eve.....Had our Family Christmas Party!!!

My favorite ornament...so true...The Glory be Thine Oh Lord!

 

      

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Melissa sent me these pictures of them enjoying their early Christmas Present of Cocoa Bombs made by the Laux family I ordered for them. She said they are delicious

It took a really long time to put all of these pictures in order as the computer put them all mixed up.  I will have to write about the day tomorrow as it is 1:56 a.m.  Nite Nite!

We celebrated our Christmas on Christmas Eve.  Vikki and family got here at 9 and the rest came later.  We had hickory stick, cheese, crackers, veggies and dip, butterhorns, Chocolate crinkle cookies, Christmas cut out cookies, and candy I had made.  Kenzie brought chocolate covered strawberries that were delicious.  Thanks Kenzie!  Love you!  We started with the youngest and had each one open their gifts ending with Papa and Nana.   It was so fun watching everyone open.  At 11, we stopped and went to the garage so the kids could do their gift exchange.  Bill read Luke 2 first, then each one took their turn giving gifts.  Such great gifts and loving kids.  Then we all gave Bill his garage door opener we went in on.  He was very happy.  (I'm happy too because it is going to be very nice for me also.) Kimmy and Vikki were able to hug Melissa for the first time since Covid started.  This was so touching to our hearts.  You can sure see the love in the pictures.  I got another hug too, but I have been blessed with a few now.  They are sure more special than ever now though.  After Melissa and family left, we went back in and Bill and I opened our gifts. Everyone giving gifts today was so thoughtful of what they picked out for each person.  I got a box of pancake mix from Peyton and Isaac...I looked for a gift card taped to the box but there wasn't any.  Bill had one taped to his cereal box.  Vikki said it was pancake mix, so I went to sit it down...then she said not really.  There were four collapsible funnels in it.  Then Bill wrapped a chainsaw box.  Between him and Jared, they said very convincingly that it was a chainsaw.  We all had a laugh and I set it aside.  Then Bill said I should open it. It was loaded with gifts that were all wrapped.  Bill outdid himself.  Another good laugh was had.  I really laughed when I watched the video a few days later.  I love watching the video and seeing everyone open their gifts again.  Anyway I got very nice gifts.  Kimmy and Jared mashed the potatoes, Kenzie made the gravy, Bill carved the turkey, I warmed the rolls and we all sat everything on the table.  Then Charlie and Sue came and Bill prayed and we ate.

We had to wait for dessert because we were all too full.  Jared, Bill, Charlie and Sue played Euchre.  Kimmy, Vikki, Jacob, Peyton and I played 3-13.  We didn't finish the game, but Jacob was in first place.  We had our dessert.  Kimmy brought yummy apple pie.  Vikki brought yummy jello, Kenzie brought chocolate covered strawberries and we had the pie I made and the banana cream pudding dessert.  Lots of choices!  We watched our Christmas Eve church service online at 6.  Rody got it on the TV for us.  It was so good.  We packed up left overs for everyone except Vikki and family.  They always come over for left over day which is our tradition. What a great Christmas.  I am so thankful for Jesus and so thankful for the family He blessed me with!

Thurs., 12/23/21, spent the day baking and cooking for tomorrow, It snowed so Bill decided to snowblow the driveway, Bill went upstairs and spent a long time wrapping presents,

Evan with his stocking Papa got at the VA and gave him

Jack with his stocking Papa got at the VA and gave him

Cheesy potatoes ready to bake tomorrow

Making banana pudding dessert, then a chocolate banana pie.  Used Lela's yummy pie crust recipe

Rolls hot out of the oven

Bill snowplowing the driveway...it was dark but he got it done!  He didn't want it to be slippery for tomorrow when everyone comes.   

Those presents in front of the TV are some that Bill wrapped

Bill had to go to therapy.  Did morning reading. I went to Jacks and got a Hickory Stick and had them slice it.   Started two batches of dough for rolls going.  Put the Chosen Christmas music on and it was so worshipful.  Made pie crust, then made banana cream pudding and chocolate pudding.  Got the banana cream dessert made and the chocolate banana pie.  Bill brought the tables in from the garage and put the one that goes in the family room up so I could put the tablecloth on and put the plates out and hot pads out.  Everything done today, makes tomorrow easier.  Cut up veggies and got cookies and butterhorns out of the freezer to thaw.  Cranberry relish is made.  Cut up cheese to go with the crackers and Hickory Stick.

Baked the rolls.  Got all of the dishes out and ready to be filled in the morning.  Cut up the ham and put it in the crock pot dish so it's ready to start in the morning.  Did some cleaning upstairs, then vacuumed the basement.  Made the cheesy potatoes, and peeled potatoes for the mashed potatoes Kimmy and Jared with mash for me.  They make delicious mashed potatoes.  Kimmy and I had a laugh on the phone because at Bill's sister's Christmas party, she wanted me to mash the potatoes.  She asked me if I wanted to use the hand masher or the electric hand mixer.  Of course I chose the electric hand mixer for all those potatoes for 22 people.  We couldn't even imagine using a hand masher.  I asked Kimmy and Jared if they would do it because they always mash the potatoes at our Christmas party and are so good at it.  Well Kimmy spotted the Kitchen Aid mixer and asked if they could use it.  She moved everything out of the way to get to it, then asked where the beater was.  Well Debbie didn't know and we didn't find it anywhere, so they used the hand held one.  There potatoes were delicious, and will always be remembered.  It was snowing throughout the day, and in the evening started raining.  Bill thought it might freeze, so he snowblowed the driveway.   Bill was sure upstairs wrapping for a long time.  Usually he has Kimmy do his wrapping on Christmas Eve morning.  He did an amazing job!  I might have him do all the wrapping from now on lol.  When he came in, we watched the movie, The Nativity Story.  Melissa called and I talked to her for a while and was excited to hear how their day went with Bruce's Dad and step mom coming for their Christmas and going inside after Covid testing.  They wore masks, but aid it seemed so normal and good.  I am so happy for them and I'm looking forward to Christmas day when Bill and I get to do that.   

 

Wed., 12/22/21, Picked up last minute groceries for Christmas dinner, went to Kimmy's, Vikki and kids came over

Jacob, Adam and Eli in the window this morning when I stopped over

Isaac and Peyton...they had a contest to see who could open the kisses for our pretzel treats the fastest...Peyton won by a couple seconds...They sure were a great help doing that for me

Me and Peyton making more pretzels

After the kids left, I made a couple of batches of dark chocolate pretzel treats

Sweet thank you note from Paul.  He sent it to thank us for the Christmas Card all on his own.  He is such an amazing person.  We love him too!

Shannon sent me this picture of James with the card and stickers I sent him.  He was so happy to get his own card in the mail.  He's so cute!

 I went to Pat's to get some last minute groceries and then to some other stores.  Then I went to Kimmy's and dropped off some powder sugar, because the stores by her were all out of it. I dropped off some muffins too.  I had picked them up because I thought they were coming today, but Adam had a sore throat and stuffy nose, so they couldn't.  I'm pretty sure it's allergies because it gets better later in the day, but Kimmy didn't want to take any chances.  It sure was good to see the boys through the window.  I'm so happy I went, because Kimmy didn't have a vehicle, so Jared was going to come home to mail their packages.  I was able to do it for him, so he could stay at work.  He's been really busy at work Kimmy said.  I stopped at McDonalds and got an ice tea and a free double cheeseburger.  After that I dropped off some goodies at Bev and Dave's from church.  She is 91 and had Covid and was in the hospital for quite a while.  She didn't need to go on the vent though so we were all thankful for that.  She is doing good now Praise the Lord!  Her husband never got it.  I tried to drop off Marie's giving tree gifts at Life Clinic, but no one was there today.  I stopped at Melissa's to drop off some money I owed her for gifts she ordered for me.  Then I picked up a few more gift cards for Christmas and some pop.  We had yummy nachos for dinner.  I wrapped the last of the gifts and brought some down and put them under the tree.  I kept Melissa's upstairs in the closet til we go to her house on Christmas.  I checked on the gift I ordered for Kenzie because it hasn't come.  Bummer....I couldn't find it in any order, so I looked in cancelled and there it was.  They cancelled it for some reason and didn't even let me know.  Now I have to give her a picture of it and it will be here Jan 3.  Also, a package was delivered by UPS today.  The guy rang the doorbell and I went to the door to get the package he left.  The package was just the box it came in with a picture of what it was on it.  Bill was right behind the UPS truck, but it was too late.  I already saw it.  They should make sure things are boxed or wrapped in paper when they deliver.  Bill said he got another one that was just the box it came in.  Kind of upsetting they would do that.  Bill and I watched A Christmas Wish.  It's a good movie that we watch every year.  The little girl loves God so much it just touches your heart.  Love my texts from Adam each day. 

Tues.,12/21/21, Did some cleaning, laundry, wrapped more presents, Went to Melissa's, visited Marie and Roy

Evan greeted me when I got to Melissa's today

Bruce and Jack got home right after I got there

Dropped off some goodies for Marie and Roy

I did a couple batches of laundry.  Had my coffee and oatmeal, then did my morning reading.  Today's Psalm was Psalm 103.  It's one of my very favorite scriptures.  I always said the first 6 verses to Kenzie on our way to school.  She had it memorized by the time the school year was over.  I still write it out in every card I give her.  She always smiles when she sees it.  It is a great memory for us.  I got the house vacuumed and some dusting done.  I dropped off an early Christmas gift for Melissa and family.  Took some pictures of the boys while I was there and visited for a few minutes.  Evan came to the window and started waving right away, then came to the door.  Bruce and Jack got home right after I got there, and Jack came out to see me right away too.  I am so blessed with loving grandkids.  

I took a gift bag over to our neighbor across the street, then we left to go take some goodies to Marie and Roy.  We had a nice visit with them.  They sure are dear friends.  We went to Souper Cafe and picked up egg salad sandwiches and soup and brought it home to eat.  It was delicious.  I worked on dishcloths, then started a new one for Stacie.  Talked to the girls (all but Kimmy who didn't answer, but I texted with her later.)  Talked with Kenzie for a while too.  Bill and I watched the Movie, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!  

 

Monday, 12/20/21, Happy Birthday to my Mom in Heaven, I sure do miss her

 

Thinking of my mom on her birthday in heaven.  I sure do miss her every day. She was the best ever!

Enjoying the tree while we watched the movie, The Preacher's Wife

Thought about my mom this morning on her birthday and I sure do miss her.  I found my favorite picture of her and did a face book post so it will come up in my memories each year.  I did my Bible reading and did my Advent devotion.  Had my coffee and oatmeal.  Went shopping for some last minute gifts, thinking Monday wouldn't be as busy.  I was wrong.  I ended up going to stores that were so busy and skipped the ones where the parking lots were full.  Got everything done, except a few gift cards which I am waiting to see if they are quadrupled starting Wed.  I wrapped gifts and put money in the money boxes for the kids.  

Face timed and talked with Vikki a few times.  Talked with Melissa too.  Texted with Adam.

Sunday, 12/19/21, Went to church, Quiet restful day at home

 

Selfie Kenzie and I took at the Christmas Party. She sent it to me today.

Isaac, Kenzie and Peyton with Lucy and Lenny

Kenzie and big Lenny!

Kenzie and Peyton going to spend "sister time" shopping

Starbucks fun

Peyton

Went to prayer before church, and Bill went to pray with the elders over pastor.  I helped out in kids church today.  Love all of the kiddos and had so much fun with them.  After we ate, we took a nap and relaxed.  Later I watched our online church service.  I texted with Adam and messaged with Kenzie.  Face timed with Vikki and Peyton.  Peyton had so much fun with Kenzie shopping and hanging out.  She was excited to show me what Kenzie got her.  

Vikki made a really good meal for them too!  

I talked to Marie and she is doing good.  She has to wear a heart monitor for 30 days.

She had a few problems with it, but a neighbor quite far away, just had stopped to bring a meal to Roy while she was in the hospital.  Marie had met her but they really didn't know her.  She is a retired nurse and has been stopping in to help Marie with the problems she was having that needed a medical person.  God is so good and so amazing how he sent just who she needed to look in on her and know how to help.  She couldn't get a visiting nurse to come for a week.  I talked to Melissa for a while a couple of times today.  Bill and I watched a good movie based on a true story of a Tournament of Roses Princess.  It was an amazing story of how she, her brother and sister were adopted by a Christian family.