Merry Christmas!

This was hands down THE BEST Christmas I've ever had! It may have been that Randy came to share Christmas with us. Or that the kids got so into the spirit of giving that they each gave us all wonderful gifts without any prompting from me or Ryon. Or that my mom and dad and Ryon's parents helped us afford to buy Christmas gifts for our kids this year. Or that we had fun doing secret Santa things for 5 other families...or that someone did a secret Santa to us that tops all secret Santas EVER!! (That's a story in and of itself.) Whatever the combination of things that came together this year...it truly was the best Christmas, EVER!

Christmas morning the kids each had a stocking with fun things in it. Santa bought Christmas candy this year...for the first year ever (no left over Halloween candy this year). Santas were flipping on top of candy filled candy canes, self propelled Santas peddling bicycles filled with candy, M&M candy canes, chocolate covered cherries, and truffles (lots of truffles). After all the presents were open and the kids were playing I had a great feeling of happiness. Everyone had given a gift that they were really happy about, and everyone has received a gift they were really happy about.

My favorite Christmas gift to give this year was a rug I made for Ryon from scraps of fabric we had left over. And the best gift I received this year was a two way tie. The kindness of our secret Santa was truly remarkable! The letter that accompanied the gift was very gentle and kind, thank you! And the dinning room chairs from Randy are beautiful, comfortable, and will be used 3 times a day for the next 30 years...THANK YOU!

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

This year we have had many needs and yet this year has been one continual shower of blessings upon our family. And as the year comes to an end I feel as if there is almost not enough room to receive it. Thank you Mom and Dad and Jan and Kirk and Randy for all the help you have given us this year! We needed it and we really appreciate you! And thank you to everyone who has been an instrument in the hands of the Lord this year, helping us to make it through with smiling faces, and full hearts. THANK YOU! I hope you had a Merry Christmas!