Christmas in Monticello

Home From the Holidays

Monticello Outdoors

Wasilla Outdoors

I'm home from Christmas in Alaska after a wonderful early Christmas in Monticello. The mind and body is on hold at this point after an all nighter flight from Anchorage. Pictures to follow in a day or two when I am caught up on my sleep. First things first you know.

P.S. (Tagged)

Oh, I forgot to tag seven people, so if you want to do this then tag, you're it.

Tagged

The rules are... link the person who tagged you Ashlee and then list 7 weird or random facts about yourself and then tag 7 people and link them!

1. My daughter and her family live in Alaska. I love visiting them there but my biggest wish ever is for them to move home or closer to home.

2. My son is engaged to a wonderful woman who has become not only my future daughter-in-law but also my friend. Her two children are delightful and I love them bunches.

3. I have two Chihuahuas, Fancy and Bruiser. I did not pick out either name but they fit.

4. The house I live in is cypress and pine all of which was cut by my husband before he died. I love living in it.

5. I work at a job I love at the police department but I am also looking forward to getting to retire. Hopefully that will happen in less than four years if all goes as planned.

6. I am a far from perfect Christian but I have loved the Lord all my life.

7. I think there are way too many I's in this list!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Wednesday
Dec 24
Snow Shower
High 19°F
Low 17°F
Precip 60 %

Thursday
Dec 25
Snow Shower
High 17°F
Low 14°F
Precip 40 %

Troubling Headlines

Obama hopes to reboot US image among Muslims

Pay raise for judges tucked into bailout plan

Retail sales post big drop in November


But the good news is that God is still in charge and he knows what the plan is:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Some of My Christmas Things

My Christmas Tree

Angel Tree Topper by Andy (kindergarten)

Abby & Lilly Handprint Ornaments

Alaska Ornament

Abby

Snowman Handcrafted by my Aunt

Part of the Stockings (9 this year - 10 next year)

New Santa & Signs

My Favorite Santas

Looking Like Christmas

Well, my tree is up! Thanks to Lane' and B.J. They came out this afternoon and helped me get the tree done and the house all decorated. It's begining to look a lot like Christmas. Can you read that line without singing it? It even feels like Christmas outside.

My church is all prettied up too. Wish we could leave the garland and poinsettias up all year. Maybe it is because red is my favorite color that I enjoy the red splashed everywhere this time of year.

I put in my favorite Christmas CD this afternoon and sat back with Donna and B.J. (Lane' left for a party). We sipped hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and listened to Kenny belt it out. It has been a perfectly delightful day.

Atrocious Acts of Christmas

This is the ultimate reason to add to my list of why I don't shop on black Friday. What a sad commentary on the moral values of our society when shopping for what we WANT is worth more than a human life. No wonder our economy is failing. Maybe it should so that we can realize what is really important in life. Has there ever been a more selfish, self-centered society than we have now?

As if this is not enough, check this out...abortion gift certificates are available for Christmas. What a great gift for the celebration of Christ's birthday.

Thanksgiving Day

What a wonderful day it has been! Andy, Donna and B.J. were here for a huge lunch of grilled pork chops, crock pot venison, mashed potatoes, biscuit sauce (if you call it gravy, B.J. won't eat it), corn, green beans, carrots, rolls, pecan pie and a rum cake baked by my good friend, Gail. The leftovers were just as good for supper although they may get old to me before they are all gone. We made some pictures outside after lunch then went for a drive. It has been a pleasure to me to have family here the whole day. I hate to admit it but sometimes I have a bit of a letdown when everyone leaves in mid afternoon. The only letdown today was missing the ones not here: Lane' and the Alaska crew. I look forward to the day when both of my children and their families can be here all at the same time.

I have so much to be thankful for this year:

A growing realization and appreciation of just how much God loves me.

Kristy and her family in Alaska

Andy and his new family and the joy that Donna is bringing into my life also

My friends and family

My two lovable dogs

A good job and my work family

My home and health

And so much more.

Here are some pics we made today.