Christmas Days, Christmas fun, New memories

I have to admit I was a little nervous Christmas morning. The wind was howling and threat of snow hung heavy in the clouds. By 11 A.M family was trickling in the back door with faces flushed and smiles and hugs all around. We breathed a sigh of relief at a safe journey to central Kansas. the 8 ft. tree was waiting for everyone to gather around.

The two year old boys were so excited they helped hand out the gifts and loved trying to unwrap theirs. Two year old Austin pulled hard at that ribbon and was rewarded with his first drum set. He and cousin, Corbett, really worked hard at learning to play the drums until a couple adults decided it was time for a quieter Christmas gift. Austin's mom said the drums were staying at my house. I can't imagine why. :o)

My youngest son, Michael, gave me a wonderful memory gift this year. He has been sorting through family photos. He came across one taken Tucson AZ in 1964 when he and his brother, a neighbor girl and her baby brother played out a living nativity beneath a creche of lawn chairs.







He had an ornament made of that picture and also a framed picture of the same scene. What a precious memory, what sweet, beautiful children kneeling in their own special living nativity.

Dinner was simple but good. Homemade chicken noodles, smoked ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, fresh fruit, fresh salad, steamed veggies with cheese sauce, cranberry relish, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie and applesauce cake

I had to explain to the older boys that pass the biscuits did NOT mean toss one to me!

It was a great day everyone was here, happy, healthy and fun loving. Merry Christmas from our house to your house 

Frosty The Snowman silly clown

Hi Frosty, old friend,  I am delighted you are our guest of honor again this year. It's so nice to have you join us for ....how many years now? Really over 45 years, my you hold your age well, wish I could say the same for me.

I'll never forget the first time we met and I thought you were so darned cute. It must have been three years after my little sister (17 years old) was killed by a drunk driver and our lives were so devastated. Our Mom grieved so hard she didn't put a Christmas tree for a couple years and when mom's don't celebrate well.....the whole family spirit dwindles and suffers.

So I wasn't looking forward to going home that third Christmas as I really didn't want to grieve anymore. Boy! was I surprised when I walked in Mom's front door. There in the foyer on a cotton draped card table stood you!!! Bright cheerful and welcoming. Next to you stood a big twig tree with lights, garlands and ornaments. Who would have thought she would create you from a magazine how-to article (you know I still have that magazine article) when she wasn't quite ready for a real Christmas tree. My heart sang because I knew Mom had started her healing process and we were on the road back to becoming a whole family again.

Years later after taking care of her in our home for 8 years as Alzheimers robbed her of all thing that made her Mom you came out each year and reminded us of how life, no matter how sad, has gently happy moments to cherish. You are such a wonderful and enduring guest, we cherish your visit.   Welcome to our Christmas again this year.