Sunday, 12/24/23, Celebrated Christmas with our family and Charlie and Sue today, everyone was healthy and able to come. It was a great day!

I got up at 4 and got two roast with carrots and potatoes going in crockpots, the ham going in another crock pot, then browned the roast for the one baking in the oven.  I had a 30 minute time period before it was done, so went in and sat in the recliner and closed my eyes til the timer went off.  Then got back to work.  Everyone came at 9 except  Kenzie, Travis and Rehvyn.  They came at around 10:30.  We were so happy to have this new addition for Christmas.  We all love you Rehvyn!

 

On their phones

Ha Ha, I had them put their hands up...no phones now lol

 

Kenzie with her pink baby blanket.  It was her favorite always.  Kimmy sewed the ribbon edge back on for her.

 It was a wonderful Christmas Celebration!  When everyone got here in the morning, we snacked on hickory stick, cheese and crackers, Christmas cookies, Chocolate Crackle cookies, pretzel kisses, and Andies Candies covered Ritz Crackers (they taste like Girl Scout cookies).  Bill then read the Christmas Story out of Luke 2...always love this!!!!  Then the kids did their gift exchange and opened, then they did their money boxes from us.  After that we all opened our gifts starting from youngest to oldest.  Hailey, Max and Isaac just wanted money this year.  Hailey has a Christian trip to Passion she is saving up for.

We got lots of wonderful gifts.  After we cleaned up the wrapping paper and everyone loaded their stuff in their cars, we let Charlie and Sue know to come over.  We didn’t want them tripping on anything.  They came and we all prayed, then ate a yummy roast, carrots, and potatoes meal.  We also had homemade applesauce, cranberry relish, raspberry jello with raspberries in it and cool whip on top, and homemade rolls. The guys played some euchre, the kids played Taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza and Uno Flip, and we girls visited.

I got dessert out after that, but no one was hungry yet.  I put it away, and about an hour later some were hungry for dessert, but not everyone.  We have plenty of everything left for our leftover get together with everyone again on Tuesday.  I sent lots of roast, carrots, potatoes, and rolls with Charlie and Sue.  They stayed the latest they have ever stayed.  

After everyone left, we read our Bibles and then looked at our gifts again.  What a nice Christmas and how blessed and thankful we are that Jesus came as a humbly as a baby, grew up and went to the cross in our place to take all of our sins upon him, so we could spend eternity with Him.  The Bible says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  No man comes to the Father but by Him.  There is no other way by which we might be saved.  Some churches have been deceived and believe and teach there are many ways, but the Bible is God’s word and it is true.  People can try to change it, but what God says stands and will be what happens in the end.  We want everyone to be ready!  So thankful for my family and that they all believe the truth and know Jesus who is the Truth.  We are blessed indeed.

Saturday, 12/23/23, Bill met Charlie for coffee, I baked stuff for tomorrow, Bill picked up Hickory Stick, Bill and I set up for tomorrow

 

Kit Kat and Hershey on the pool deck

My alarm on my watch went off at 8:30.  I didn’t purposely set it, but I tried changing an alarm to p.m from a.m and it must not have worked.  Good thing.  Bill was supposed to meet Charlie at 9.  He helped me make the bed, then hurried and got ready.  I got bread dough going in both bread makers.  Made a coffee and had a muffin that was left from yesterday.  Made pie crusts up for two pies.  Then made pudding for them.  Made a banana cream and a chocolate banana pie.  

Bill got home and we read our Bibles and did our Advent devotion.  It is such a great devotional.  Today was the last day.  Tomorrow we celebrate our family Christmas.  Can’t wait.  My favorite part is when Bill reads the Christmas story out of Luke in the Bible.  Kenzie just told me when we were getting ready for her shower and she had family traditions for people to write down, that it was one of her favorite traditions too.  Love focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.  

Bill brought the table I needed for desserts in from the garage.  We moved tables that needed moving, and he brought the two chairs up from the basement we need for our round table.  He brought my roaster oven up for me too and he made sure the garbages were taken out.  

I vacuumed and dusted since I had time to give it a quick once over.  Got the laundry caught up too.  Kenzie called me and I got to talk to her for a while.  Baby is doing good.  I can’t wait to see him tomorrow and everyone else too.  Bill went to get some Hickory stick from Jacks.  He bought a stick of it and had them slice it for him.  It is lots cheaper than buying their already sliced stuff.  A worker there told me to do that once and I have done it every time.  

Peeled lots of carrots and potatoes and have them covered in water. I have 3 roasts, one for the oven and two for crockpots.  Vikki FaceTimed me a couple of times.

Vikki is making a roast, carrots and potatoes too to bring.  The house should smell good tomorrow.  Bill and I watched a movie.  

Friday, 12/22/23, Kimmy, Jacob and Eli came over, Vikki and the twins came over, Melissa and Jack came over, baked more, Bill helped Rody with his graragre door opener

Lots of blossoms opening now on my Cactus

Jack and Eli enjoyed hanging out together.  Jack finished his exams today.

Jacob working on the light chain. 

So thankful for his help and for Vikki and Kimmy moving it over for me so it’s centered above the table.  It looks so much better.

These too....They sure are good actors..Maybe they should take a drama class at college...wait I guess they don’t need it lol.

They actually are cousins who love each other.  Those lights are sure making Jacob look blue

Isaac relaxing

Jacob

Peyton crocheting

Eli and Jack

Rody and Bill putting up Rody’s new garage door opener

Sweet Rehyvn

I got up early so I could go to Jack’s at 8:30 and beat the rush.  Was I mistaken.  The parking lot was almost full.  I did get waited on right away in the meat department.  I picked up three roasts and a ham for Christmas dinner.  I was out in no time, so went to Meijer to get creamer so I can make Cappuccino’s when everyone is over.  I got home at 9:30 and Kimmy was still not here.  I baked the cookies I had made the dough for last night.  Yum, they are my favorites.   I packed up a container for Jared.  They are his favorite too.  I decided to call Kimmy and check on her.  She had forgot it was Friday.  She said they would be coming soon.  I let Melissa and Vikki know they were coming.  Bill and I read our Bibles and did our Advent devotion.  I finished just when Kimmy, Jacob and Eli got here.  Vikki, Peyton and Isaac got here at the same time.  Bill said he was going to Tim Horton’s for donuts and said the boys could go with him.  He didn’t think of Peyton being the only girl kid here.  He took her with them too.  She was so happy.  The girls all tried my cookies and candy and liked them.  We got to FaceTime with Kenzie and sweetie Rehyvn.  

Melissa and Jack got here after Jack was finished with his exams.    Hailey picked him up from school for Melissa and when he got home they left for here.  They tried some candy and cookies too. I made Kimmy and Melissa’s cappuccino’s and a coffee for Vikki.  We visited for a while, then Melissa had to leaved to get some Christmas shopping done.  Kimmy and Vikki moved my light over the table in the kitchen.  They centered it over the table.  Jacob helped make the chain the right size by taking some links out.  Kimmy patched the hole and painted over it when it was dry.  She patched a few cracks too and painted them.  She also adjusted my Kitchenaid Mixer so it doesn’t shake all over the place now.  Vikki and I thought I needed a new mixer, but it works perfect now.  Bill and Peyton went to Kohls and got me a new dishwasher safe, rubber edged beater for it.  That makes it seem like a new mixer.  The girls are sure blessings to us and the grandkids too.  Hailey stopped by for a minute.  She and Jacob had fun goofing around and talking.  Everyone left and Bill went to help Rody replace their garage door opener.  That took a while but they got it working great.  I finished wrapping all my presents.  Vikki made her special yummy salsa and had Bill eat some there.  She also sent two containers of hot hot salsa home for Bill and one of mild for me.  She makes the best salsa.  I warmed some chili up for Bill when he got home.  Jared sent me a text thanking me and saying the cookies I sent him were yummy.  It was a great day and I sure love my family.  

Thurs., 12/21/23, Went shopping, made candies, made cookie dough

Made candy

 Made my coffee, ate a banana, then left to go to the bank, get some groceries and finish Christmas shopping.  Went to my friend, Lisa’s, and dropped off her Christmas gift and come cut out Christmas cookies for her and her mom.  Picked up gift certificates for Charlie and Bill.  When I was leaving the bank, I looked in my rear view mirror and I saw Bill’s truck.  He was just getting out to go in.  I pulled up next to him and talked to him for a few minutes.  He looked at my pop, so I told him it was free with no purchase at McDonald’s with their app.  I went to Kohls, Penneys, & Sally Hansen’s.   Got what I needed, then headed home.  I found a couple of cute things for baby for Christmas.  I am officially done with my shopping.  

After dinner, I made up cookie dough for Crinkles, Jared’s favorite cookies.  If Kimmy comes tomorrow like usual, I will send some home for him.  I also made milk chocolate kisses in pretzels, dark chocolate. pretzels, and Andes Candies covered Ritz Crackers.  Bill sampled them and said they were really good.  

We watched a movie.  It was a Christmas movie which was a little different, but ok. Not my favorite.

Wed., 12/20/23, Happy Birthday in Heaven to my mom...I sure do miss her. Wrapped gifts, Met Vikki and went shopping, Wrapped more gifts.

 

One of my favorite pictures of my mom!  I miss her every day, miss your daily talks and really miss her hugs!  She was the best mom!

Peyton crocheted this snoopy dog all on her own today.  She just has to add eyes.  She is sure talented.  She loves crocheting.  Great job Peyton!  I love it!

I was talking to Kenzie and she sent me this adorable picture.  My great grandson is sure a heart melter.

 

 

Missing my mom lots.  She always loved Christmas and our family get togethers.  I’m thankful for the videos I have of our Christmas’s so I can hear her voice and see her loving ways.  

I ate a bowl of cheerios in the morning.  Then I went upstairs and started wrapping presents.  I am behind and didn’t have any wrapped yet.  I got over half done, then met Vikki at Bob Evans and had lunch, then we went to Hobby Lobby and picked out stuff for Peyton for Christmas.  I continued shopping after that at Penney’s and TJ Max’s.  Got what I needed done and then went to the bank and then home.  

Made egg and bacon sandwiches and then got back busy at wrapping.  Have all but a few left.  That sure feels great to have done.  I talked to Melissa, Vikki and Kenzie.  Tried calling Kimmy, but didn’t get an answer.  

Read my Bible and did my Advent devotion, then worked on the blog.  Didn’t go to bed til midnight last night, so going earlier tonight.  No movie tonight.  I added a praise report to last night’s blog because I forgot to share some great news.