MERRY CHRISTMAS! 2009

Another wonderful Christmas week has just past. I love Christmas Eve! This is the night of my annual Christmas party with my whole family, at my home. Yes indeed, a bit tight, but the spirit of the holidays seems to always kick in and the air seems to be full of hope and delight. What a joy it is to watch my grandchildren as we gobble up our favorite clam chowder meal, and then all sit down to hear the Christmas Story, usually read from Luke 2. This year, Eric wanted to be the reader, and he did a great job, and was patient with each little child as they would place they're "piece" of the nativity scene in it's correct place. Of course some of the younger ones make us smile and sometimes laugh, even with this sacred story, just with their little kiddism's. My Fisher Price Nativity is perfect for this activity. Above are some shots from the reading.

Following the story, I passed out my gifts to the Grandchildren, and then my adult children and their spouses. I love either shopping or making gifts for my family each year, and with 14 grandchildren, I'm usually trying to decide what I want to do fairly early in the year. Anyhow, after I give my gifts out, the cousins, who drew names, exchange their gifts, and also the adult kids. We all try to watch what each other got, but it does sometimes get crazy. Then the kids make me sit down and open my gifts, always so much fun, and appreciated... I'm so thankful for a close, happy family, that they love the holidays, and more importantly, it's meaning.

Thanksgiving - 2009

A favorite time to gather, visit, feast on favorite recipes, laugh, and enrich our relationships. For the past 4 or 5 years, my family has celebrated Thanksgiving on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. I have found that if we do that, everyone is able to be there, and it opens up Thanksgiving Thursday for my children to also share the time with their in-laws. Eric & Jennie, Jan & I usually go to Aunt Marilyn'n & Uncle Rich's for the "actual" holiday, which makes it nice to see the Fryer side of the family, & my in-laws. We have so much fun, and if it's good weather, the guys are usually out in the back yard playing football while the women are finishing up the dinner details. This year was not exception, and a great time was had by all. At my home on Sunday, my children & there family's came, as well as my mother-in-law, Bev Brinderhoff, her husband, Rulon, and my sister-in-law, Marilyn Penman, & her husband Rich. I love my family and extended family so much, and the memories I cherish from previous Thanksgivings are on my mind throughout this season. Here are some photos.....