MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing Everyone Peace and Happiness

2015 CHRISTMAS EVE

We attended the Christmas children's mass at Saint Jude Catholic Church this evening. It was a wonderful way to start the evening with celebrating the birth of Jesus. All the prep work for tomorrow's lunch is done, and all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The grandchildren have been tracking Santa all day and are excited for his visit. Hope everyone enjoys their loved ones on this special day.

DECORATING CHRISTMAS COOKIES FOR SANTA

The 3 grandkids decorated 

sugar cookies

for 

Santa this morning!

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

This movie was AWESOME! Episodes 4, 5, and 6 were my favorites out of all the episodes until this one. It is more plot driven than 1, 2, or 3 and brings together everything. Entertaining how they incorporated things from 4, 5, and 6. Very well done! I can't wait to see it again and to see episode 8!

APPETIZERS FOR FIRST HOLIDAY PARTY

I enjoy fixing appetizers for holiday gatherings.

Here are a few that I fixed for our

neighborhood gathering.

 BLT Cherry Tomatoes

 Celery Sticks and Pickled Corn

 Egg and Bacon on Party Rye Bread

 Fruit Platter

 Mexican Rollups

Beef Meatballs in BBQ-Grape Jelly Sauce

I didn't have time to photograph the hot appetizers.

Pat and I enjoyed celebrating with our neighbors

who have become our "Texas family"!

Colorful Japanese Maple

Vibrant leaves of the Japanese Maple 

in December 2015.

All my favorite ornaments 

on the big Christmas tree.

I collected these ornaments

 through out my married life.

There is variety, but most of

the ornaments are of a religious nature.

With a lovely angel tree topper.

GRANDCHILDREN WITH SANTA

Grandchidren with Santa

Lowe's Farm Santa at the Castle event 2015

SANTA AT THE CASTLE

2015 Lowe's Farm HOA

Santa at the Castle 

event.

Peace and Happiness

Hoping everyone finds peace and happiness

throughout the Christmas season.

Santa Horse

My dad bred Belgian sorrels before I was born. I can remember seeing him shoe horses when I was young. Usually this laundry shelf holds things that remind me of him. So, I decided to put the Santa hat on the horse. I know - silly, but I like it.

2015 Exterior House Christmas Decorations

Christmas Lights, Cut-outs,  and Wreaths

Around the House

December 2015

Beginning To Look Like Christmas Around The House

Foyer

Dining Room

Family Room

Breakfast Room

Wedding Ministry Christmas Gathering

Enjoyable evening with the members of the St. Jude Wedding Ministry at Poured. Good wine, food, and conversation. Thank you Pam and Patsy!

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 30

I am thankful for the right to believe in God.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the many blessings You have given to me in the past. I thank You for all the blessings You are giving me now, at this very moment. And I thank You for the countless blessings You still have in store for me in the future.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 29

I am thankful for clouds,

because they remind me God

is always with me.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 28

I am thankful I have grandchildren.

They have brought much joy and happiness to my life.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 27

I am thankful for the opportunities for travel.

I hope to do more in the future!

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 26

To Everyone!

What Are You Thankful For?

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 25

I am thankful for traditions. Whether it is an old family tradition passed from generation to generation, or a newly created one; traditions are an important foundation for a family. They are the foundation upon which our relationship with one another survive over the years. They remind us we are part of a history that has shaped who we are today and who we will become in the future. 

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 24

I am thankful I married into a family of wonderful cooks who shared their recipes in a family cookbook. Growing up I spent most of my days outside and did not learn the art of cooking and baking. I have a few recipes that are my family's favorites, and I will pass them down to my grandchildren. Each Thanksgiving my family gathers and we fix my mother's special recipes for dressing, chicken and dumplings, and slaw. Sweet memories for all.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 23

I am thankful for the ability to read. 

I love reading all types of books; 

especially mysteries.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 22

I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in the quilting ministry at St. Jude Catholic Church. These ladies make quilts for our priests, deacons, and to raffle for the church's building fund. Growing up, my mother taught me embroidery quilting. It has been a pleasure learning patchwork quilting tips from these ladies. I look forward to each week when we get together to quilt and visit.

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 21

Thankful for being able to volunteer this morning at St. Jude Food Pantry. The pantry distributed boxes filled with food and a turkey to 68 families for their Thanksgiving dinner. The pantry also served over 20 regular clients with their monthly food. 

THANKFULNESS THOUGHT # 20

I am thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at the St. Jude Food Pantry, and for the ability to help others in need who remind us we all are in need, in one way or another.