Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Well here it is, December 23. I still have lots of shopping to do and even more wrapping seeing as how what I have already purchased is still in bags and not wrapped. I have a luncheon to go to today with friends I worked with for years and they still invite me to the Christmas lunch. They are so sweet!

I know you have probably already read my post about my ornaments and the one about my favorite angel. Yesterday, I posted about Christmas cards past and I am pretty sure most of my family and friends have received our 2009 addition Christmas card. So today I am going to share with all of you the same.

I was really proud of Mattie May. She selected who she wanted to dress up as again this year and her heart is so full of the season. Last night we were talking about Santa Claus coming and how much fun it is going to be to see if he brought her the three things she asked him for (what do you think?). But then I asked her if that was the most important thing about Christmas and her answer almost made me cry. Now I am going to paraphrase, but remember she is only 3 (if only for another 12 days!

MM - "No Lolo, the important thing is Jesus. This is when he was born."

Me - " where does he live now?"

MM, pointing to her heart - "Here Lolo. He is with me all the time."

She knows and understands, she really does! So without further ado, please enjoy!





Merry Christmas to you all! God Bless your new year!

Ornaments

I have seen several of my bloggy buddies showing pictures of their homes all decorated for Christmas and some of their favorite items. Well since I don't decorate my entire house, I decided to show you some of our ornaments.

We have ornaments that commemorate our child's birth,

And now the birth of our grandchild.

There are ornaments that tell us of homes we have visited,

and when we purchased our new home,

and where our home and heart are.

You will find ornaments that let you know someone likes to hunt,

and loves to fish,

and that most of the time we fish together.

We have reminders of crafts made when Katie was a child and starting to learn crafts,

and that Mattie May is following in that tradition.

Katie has a pretty extensive collection of memories of her favorite movie,

and reminders that Mattie May is beginning to form her own opinions on movies.

There are Santas of all sizes

and shapes.

And of course it wouldn't be Christmas without angels on the tree

and one on top to make it complete.If you look deep into the branches, you'll find one that reminds us of the blood He shed on a different type of tree.

But of all the ornaments, no matter how big or small, shiny of dull, this angel is my favorite. It reminds me of a time I had to push my daughter to do something out of her comfort zone and how we all learned a valuable lesson in honesty and character.

So that is our tree.

If enough of you ask, I will tell you the story of the scraggly little angel you see above. I promise, it is a lesson everyone can learn from!

Merry Christmas!