FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Our family Christmas was held yesterday, Saturday, at Billy's house in Napannee. We had a wonderful time. Billy and Erica were super ....food was terrific. One of the best family Christmas get-togethers, ever.

There were 22 of us present....all of my immediate family...except for Joe and George who opted not to go. But that is mind-boggling to me, knowing that at least seventeen people are in this world because I am.....and because my Mom was....and my Granny was. and so on. My memory bank only goes back to Granny. That means my memory bank has direct knowledge of six generations. Awesome!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

I hope today was a wonderful Christmas for you and yours. Ours was....not quite what I had planned!

Tammy, Sarah and Kadyn came over about 9 am and Kadyn opened his gifts from us (me and Joe.) He was one excited little boy. I do believe his favorite present was the Spongebob Squarepants hat and mittens. We got him a gadget-belt that he liked, too. And a bunch of other toys.

We were supposed to go to my brothers, Jim and Loretta, for dinner. But after the kids left, Joe said he didn't feel good and was not going. Therefore, we all stayed home....and I had not bought anything to cook a Christmas dinner. We had chicken wings and vegetables with dip. As it turned out, Joe was not sick...he just didn't want to go. He thought I would go alone. When I stayed home, he felt bad....after I moped around and made him feel guilty!

Teri, Anthony and Grant didn't come over, they'll stop by tomorrow to get Grant's presents. Then Saturday, we're going to Billy's for our big family Christmas. I'm going to that one whether Joe goes or not...and I don't think he will. But I doubt he'll fake another illness!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

It's Christmas Eve...everybody here is asleep except me. I've been trying to play bingo on the computer, but my mind keeps wandering. But, it keeps going to a good place. I finally had to give up a little bit ago and read the story of the first Christmas...in my bible. We all know the story how Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem because there was no place else available.

But, for some reason, tonight my mind keeps going to Mary. Can you imagine how scared that girl was....and she was a girl. Only 13 or 14 years old. We all know it hurts to have a baby. And here she is, in pain, wanting, needing, somewhere she can lie down. And everywhere Joseph checks, they're turned away. I'm sure he was frantic. Mary was telling him she was hurting...find something, anywhere. Finally, someone tells him about this cave where livestock is kept. At first, I would imagine he scoffed at it. But when he told Mary, she said...lets go, somewhere is better than nowhere!

Once in the cave, I imagine Joseph cleaned out a spot for Mary, covered it with fresh hay and straw, left there for the animals, covered it with his or Mary's coat, making her as comfortable as possible. By then Mary wouldn't have been worrying about where she was. Her body would have taken over her mind as she entered that world only another mother could know. All her energies and emotions and thoughts would have been centered on the painful contractions that were bringing her baby into the world. Do you think she was was thinking it was God's baby she was bearing? I don't. It was her baby. She had carried it for nine months, felt it move and kick inside her.

After the baby was born, as she and Joseph examined and exclaimed over how perfect He was, perhaps then, they talked about who the baby's Father was. And gave thanks to HIM for the litle baby He had entrusted to them. Do you think they had any idea of the impact that baby would have on the world?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS

Thank you Mary, for bringing my saviour into the world! Thank you Joseph, for being a godly enough man to take on the task of raising God's son! Thank you God, for giving your son, knowing he would die a horrible death, to save me!

CHRISTMAS JUNKIE

Here's an essay I wrote a few years ago...and it is NOT autobiographical!

I love Christmas! I love the Christmas carols on the radio, in the mall and blaring from speakers on the street corners. I love the cheerful "Merry Christmas" from a perfect stranger. I love the brightly colored lights, the blinking rope lights, the gaudy lighted santas, and the nativity scenes that remind me every day of the real meaning of Christmas. Most of all, though, I love the anticipation of Christmas morning.

I begin preparing for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. Making "santa lists" and dragging the decorations down from the attic. Of course, my list will change weekly or even daily, as I change my mind about what will be the perfect present for each person on the list. Now, I have 20 people on my list, and each gift will take at least one full day since I always think the next store will have that perfect gift for my daughter, my son, my husband or my brother. So you can see why I have to begin shopping the Monday after Thanksgiving. (Not the day after because the stores are too crowded.) And every gift I buy, as soon as I pick it up, I can tell if it's the right one or not. All the time I'm wrapping it, I imagine how happy it's gong to make her or him. I can see the surprised look and glowing smile and hear "Oh, Mom! It's perfect and just what I wanted! How did you know!" And they won't realize they're holding more than a bought present... They're holding my love in their hands.

This year my Christmas was proceeding just as planned. The house was decorated, the tree was trimmed, and I was making good progress on my list, when my daughter showed up one morning.

Now this child of my heart, who I carried in my body for nine long months and brought into this world throughh great pain, knows me well. At least I thought she did. Yet, when she walked in, stomping the snow off her boots, she looked around, laughed and said, "Wow, Mom, you've out-done yourself this year. Looks like Christmas has puked on your house!" Puked??

I had barely recovered from that artless remark, deciding that maybe it wasn't meant to be derogatory, when, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a plate of homemade peanut butter fudge, she said, "Mom, I have a great idea. Since I don't know what to buy you for Christmas, let's go to the mall and you can pick out what you want. I'll even pay for lunch."

Pick out my own present? What was this child thinking about? Nobody picks out their own present. Most of the fun of Christmas morning is anticipation...wondering whick present is yours. Maybe it's that gayly wrapped green one with the speckled bow...or the big red package in the corner that wouldn't fit under the tree. ( And, NO, I never looked ahead of time.) Okay, so I'm sixty-eight years old, so what? Everybody's a child on Christmas morning!

Well I did go shopping with Tammy. How could I refuse? We visited every store at the mall. And every thing I liked, she scrutinized with great care and then decided was not quite "me" and maybe we could find something better at Macy's...or Steinmart....or Target.

Sitting in the car several hours and 20 stores later, rubbing my swollen, aching feet, Tammy said, "See Mom? That's why I don't know what to get you for Christmas. You're really hard to buy for. Why don't you just give me a list of things you'd like."

Things I'd like? I had just shown her fifty things and she didn't think any of them were just right!"

"Look, Sweetie," I said with great patience, "you know I'll like whatever you give me." And before she could offer any argument, with an inward smug smile, and an outward tired sigh, I suggested, "Why don't you just surprise me!"

GIVING

I just read a post on the Bennett's blog (the6bennetts.blogspot.com) that reminded me of my dad.

Most of you know I was an original "coalminer's daughter" but my dad, though dirt poor, had a heart as big as the sky. When we lived in KY, every Christmas Dad and Mom would pack up several bags of fruits, nuts, candies, and canned vegetables, maybe a freshly killed and cleaned chicken, some salt pork....and, on Christmas Eve, carry them several miles to my grandmothers and the aunts and uncles worse off then we were.

After we moved to Michigan, Dad continued this tradition. Only now, our relatives were better off than we were. What he would do is ask the town marshall in Sumpter for a family who needed help for Christmas. Then he and Mom would make up their bags and boxes and deliver them on Christmas Eve.

One year, after the annual delivery was made, Dad happened to talk to the marshall, who toldhim about another family with five kids who had been over-looked by the township Santa.
Dad fretted and stewed about that poor family all the rest of the day. At supper, he said to Mom that they had to do something. Mom replied that we didn't have enough to share anymore. Dad looked around the table at each of us and asked how we'd feel if we were those little children.

The upshot was...of the two chickens Mom was planning for Christmas dinner, one would go to the poor family. Our fruit salad would be a little smaller...five each apples, oranges, bananas, and a handful of nuts would go in their box. Then Dad did the unthinkable...he asked each of us kids to give up one present we knew we were getting.

Of course, we all balked at first. But Dad talked to us and made us see that giving is more rewarding than getting. We didn't contribute much. As I recall, I gave a fuzzy collar I knew I was getting (there was a girl about my age and those collars were all the rage ...worn with sweaters). Pauline , who was about 13, offered her new socks...but ended up giving new pj's.
Jimmy bargained hard to give away his socks, too...but ended up giving the nine year old boy a cap pistol. Sue gave away the tea set Santa was going to bring her and Margaret gave crayons and coloring book to the youngest.

About ten o'clock pm on Christmas Eve, we all piled into the car and delivered the boxes of goodies. We all stayed in the car while Mom and Dad carried the boxes to the door. When the woman answered the door....Mom and Dad handed her the boxes and said Merry Christmas. Well, that woman broke down. She set the boxes aside and grabbed dad in a stranglehold. Her husband...on crutches....came to the door and when he realized what was going on, he too, cried and hugged Mom. Watching from the car, I sobbed unashamedly.

That made my Christmas that year. nevermind that the family was not the same color as we were. They were so grateful, but like Dad told them, we were the lucky ones....we had enough to share! I never again saw any of them...they lived in a different school district, but I never forgot them, either. Or how wonderful my Dad was!

GOSPEL MUSIC

I love the new contemporary Christian Music. Yet, I find myself singing the old time hymns I grew up with. The first song I ever learned all the words to was

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.... and it remains one of my all-time favorites.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God
left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
(Refrain)
3.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.
(Refrain)
4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share.
(Refrain)

And my new favorite Contemporary Gospel song is..Here I am to Worship (and any song by Michael W. Smith)

Light of the world You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
Oh so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth You created
All for love’s sake became poor
I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross.

You can do a search on the title to hear the songs...can even download them to your computer.

BRRRRRRR COLD FREEZER

As if the ice isn't enough to deal with, now we're getting zero degrees temps plus blowing snow. In all my years, I've never seen an ice storm like this one. Ice was between one and two inches all over. Trees were falling...electric lines were breaking...over 100,000 homes were without electricity. As of 8 pm tonight, still 50,000 homes didn't have electric. And with this cold weather, its not going to melt anytime soon.

The flea market was open today...but it was a waste of time. I didn't go but Tammy worked it all day and said she might have seen 25 people who were not other vendors. The parking lot and walks were pure ice. I was afraid to go out. All I need is a broken hip!!

Tammy and I are making "scrubbies." ....little pot scrubbers. We crochet mesh fabric into little pads. They work great on non-stick pans and the stove without scratching. I'm so proud of us, hahah. We're also making lots of hats and gloves. What we don't sell at the flea market, we'll donate to various charities around town that collect coats and hats to give to people who need them. We have already donated some for Christmas presents.

HAPPY WINTER!!

The eve of the first day of winter hit with a vengeance! We had...have...at least an inch of solid ice on both decks and both cars. Closings were numerous...schools, businesses....even our flea market.

God compensates. I looked out my kitchen window and the trees were absolutely gorgeous in their shiny coats of ice. It didnt' bother me anyway, I had nowhere I wanted or needed to go. I went out yesterday and finished my Christmas shopping. Nothing really jumped out at me, so I bought what I liked and hope they like it too! Now I have a mountain of wrapping to do.

It looks more and more like we will have a White Christmas this year!!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

I'm really running late this year on my shopping. Usually, I'm all finished before Thanksgiving....except for one or two I save for the first snowy day when it looks like Christmas. This year, here it is, less than two weeks until Christmas and I still have several presents to buy. As the grandchildren get older, they get tougher to buy for. Too old for toys....and Idon't know their style in clothes. Gift certificates seem so impersonal. Therefore, I make several forays through Walmart and Meijers and Big Lots...hoping something will jump out at me and be "just the right thing."

I'm really looking forward to Christmas morning. Santa Claus is going to drop off Kadyn's presents here! He will be over probably by daylight...well, maybe not that early. We're talking about Sarah here, too. Has she ever gotten up at daybreak??? Anyway, it will be fun watching that wonderful two year old boychild open his mountain of presents!

CHRISTMAS AT THE FLEA MARKET

Although the crowds are still small, they are all in a festive mood. This is likely due to the Christmas decorations each vendor has put up (except us). Every space has Christmas "stuff" for sale...ornaments, trees, lights, dancing and singing santas, reindeer, snowmen. I bought a singing and dancing hillbilly santa for my brother, Jimmy. We even have a Santa taking pictures with kids. But not with Kadyn...Kadyn is scared to death of him!

Vendors continue to come and go. We lost the vendor next to us, but we're taking over the space...expanding. Jewelry is not selling good enough to support the space, so we've added other stuff and are too crowded in one space. Besides jewelry, we are selling Scented Sea Salt Crystals..(an air freshener), candles, smelly jelly, hats, gloves, scented waxed bears, and we're adding some everyday items...dishes, etc. (If you can't beat 'em, join 'em). Tammy made some dish scrubbies out of nylon mesh and they're selling well. The metallic bracelets are going good. I sold five of them yesterday...Friday.

Today, we had a Mexican Radio Station broadcasting from there and it brought in a whole bunch of Mexicans. Tammy does the brunt of the selling...booth sitting, anyway. I have to work when she has to watch Kadyn...usually four or five hours on Friday and perhaps two or three hours on Saturday. If I'm feeling okay, I actually enjoy it.

I'm still convinced that this venture can be a money-maker...even tho nobody gets rich selling at a flea market. We just need more foot traffic. All in all, to be a new venue, its going pretty good. I'm still pouring money into it and getting no return back...but it is accomplishing my purpose...and that was to give Tammy a purpose. She's been so sick she can't work, but she can sit at the flea market and take money...most days, anyway. I think its helping ease her depression.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FLEA MARKETS.

HOLIDAYS

Thanksgiving was great this year. On Thanksgiving day, I had dinner at my brother, Jim's. Besides him and his wife, Loretta, my other brother, Frank and his wife Linda were there as well as Jim's son and wife and four kids. My daughter, Tammy and her daughter Sarah, and Kadyn along with my husband Joe and his brother, George. We had a wonderful time visiting and all ate too much. I haven't seen so much...and such a variety...of food since Dad died and we stopped having Thanksgiving at Mom's....in 1985.

Then today, Sunday, we had another Thanksgiving dinner at my granddaughter, Teri's house. my son Joey and wife and four kids were there as well as all of Tammy's kids and grandkids. It was wonderful seeing all of them. The food was great, the company was greater. Teri's baby, Grant, gets cuter everytime I see him. He has these great big blue eyes that seem to be taking in everything he sees so he will remember it next time. We only stayed a couple of hours. I had a coughing spasm that left me weak and exhaused and all the little kids were getting on Joe's nerves. He loves the kids and loves to see them. But in small doses! Kadyn adores Joe. As we were leaving, Kadyn stood in the door and said, over and over..."uv oo, papaw...uv oo papaw" You think he'd say to me "uv oo gram" but no....Kadyn loves me...but when Joe's around, he's number one to Kadyn.

Joey's son, Andrew who is five, brought me a box of crafts he'd made. He wants me to sell them in my "store"...at the flea market. There's book markers, door knob hangers...all with Colts theme. Stories...in book form...he's written...some pictures, a bracelet, tree ornament. About 20 items total. He has put a lot of hard work in them. Amy and Ann grow prettier and sweeter every day. I am so lucky to have such wonderful grandchildren. They are my legacy to the world and the world will be a much better place with them in it!

Soon it will be Christmas...always my favorite Holiday. This year we will celebrate it as a family at my grandson, Billy's house on the Saturday after Christmas. But first, I'll have Tammy's daughters, Teri and Sarah, and their babies here at my house for Christmas morning. I can hardly wait. I'm buying a bunch of little things, just to see Kadyn's face when he opens them. I wish I could talk my brother, Frank, into coming up and playing Santa. I'll work on getting him up to Billy's! Frank has this wonderful white beard, mustache and hair. Tho, his belly is not as big as it used to be, he'd still make a great santa claus! If he's able to do it. He has Lou Gerig's disease and it is advancing rapidly lately. Please keep him in your prayers.

Things I'm thankful for

God has been good to me. He's given me much to thank Him for. Here goes....Joe, my husband. My children...Tammy, Buddy and Joey and God-given daughters, Leann and Tia. My wonderful nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Health...Joe and I still can get around to take care of ourselves! My brothers and sisters and inlaws. My car. My home. George.

Im thankful for Thanksgiving. It gives me a chance to reflect on how good life really is...even when I'm sick and in pain.