Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land, our family was gathering, a celebration was planned.

The presents were wrapped.

The puppies were walked.

The girls started cooking.

The boys talked and talked.

When what to our wondering eyes did appear, but Grandaddy Grubb in suspenders, hear hear!

The dogs were excited. Tanner started to dance. But with our Amazon lists, nothing was left to chance.

Beth got her mixer and Jake got some sweaters. Tyson got a movie and Matt got some letters. (Actually it was a compilation of the New York Times front pages for the last 100 years, but I couldn't fiture out how to rhyme that. Also it was a surprise gift from Sarah and Tyson.)

There were cookbooks and cameras and doggie toys. There was a Beatle's anthology for my special boy.

But the person who received the most numerous gifts was our dear sweet Camryn - we love you - that's it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM TYLER

Camryn

Actually Camryn Joy - it's a beautiful name!!

Happy Anniversary, Sarah & Tyson

I think they love each other!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Finally

I think I'm almost, kinda, sorta, maybe finished with putting up our Christmas decorations this year. But I'm not sure. I have a nativity scene that some friends brought Greg from Africa and I haven't found the perfect place for it, but I'm working on it!

Here's our family tree - my mother beaded the tree skirt when Greg and I first got married. It's so pretty and makes me think of her.

I look forward to putting up the Christmas village each year. It's the first thing I get out. I have four pieces and don't want any more. It's perfect and makes me feel all "Christmasy".

On year my mother announced, "I'm not doing Christmas any more!" I think I was almost 40 and I couldn't believe it. No Christmas? Anyway, I came away with her collection of salt and pepper shakers - and I love them too. Beth got me the reindeer in Houston this year. They're payback for me keeping the granddogs. Aren't they cute?

I really can't explain my affection for these mechanical Christmas creatures. You push a button and they play Christmas music. Another thing that makes me smile at Christmas. The new edition this year is the black dog on the right. I played it for Tanner and Bruiser while they were staying with us. Tanner sniffed it and walked away. Bruiser hid behind my leg and barked. Silly dog.

Hey wait a minute! How'd that cow get here? I guess it's really a Christmas cow.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Anniversary Time

Happy 2nd Anniversary Beth and Matt!

Kirksey Christmas!

Although it has taken me a little longer than usual, my Christmas decorations are finally up! We're not planning on having a party at our house or having guests stay with us this year, so I wanted to share with someone out there! :)




Here is our tree...it even has a couple of presents under it! :)












And here is our fireplace and mantle all decked out! I made the stockings a couple of years ago, and the wreath was last year's project. I guess I'll need to make another stocking for our new addition next year!









And this is our bookshelf (also in the living room) with garland on top and a sparkly nativity scene on the 2nd shelf.








Our Christmas plans this year include time in Tyler with each of our families, time in Houston with Tyson's extended family, and a family trip with Tyson's parents and brother to an undisclosed location...it's a surprise! :) We'll be going, going, going just like every year, but we feel blessed to be able to see everyone with our time off. I hope your Christmas is full of blessings, family, friends, and the joy of Christ!

Testimonies

We had a special night at Glenwood tonight. To honor the advent season, two young couples were asked to give their testimonies about the recent births of their children. Austin spoke with great sincerety about their struggle with infertility and how he saw God working in every aspect of their lives. They now have a new son named Tyler who is an answer to many prayers. Susan and Blake told their story of committment and excitement as they welcomed their daughter Scarlett into their family. He said that even her name is a reminder of the beautiful sacrifice of Jesus.

Surprisingly I was asked to share my thoughts on anticipating the birth of a new grandaughter. So of course I had to show a grandbaby picture on the big screen. Isn't she so cute!

I called Tyson today and asked if I could share their story and he said, "Of course, we just want to give God the glory." So I hope I was able to relate to my church family a glimpse of Sarah and Tyson's time of waiting and anticipation - how God truly blessed them with healing and a baby. Go to their blog at http://www.thekirkseys.blogspot.com/ to get all the details.

Of course I had to show Sarah in all her glory on the big screen.

Uh huh - the big screen :>)