The Most Busy Time of the Year!

December 17 is our anniversary--22 years! December 17 is Hannah Rose's birthday--and now a great memory for her! Hurray! Tim and I went away for our anniversary this year; we have never done that before. Highly recommended. But skip the timeshare presentation, if you can. (We got two free nights and a free meal, and that helps on a teacher's salary.) December 25 is the day we celebrate the birth of our blessed Savior, and December 25 is actually our son Luke's 14th birthday. He opened his presents the other night--fun, fun. Dad gave him a surprise gift that he did not think he could have till he was older. Jared and Tim and Luke are supposed to try it out on Saturday at Mr. Ball's. Those of you who know us know what the gift was, but I probably shouldn't publish it to the whole world. We had a blast the other night seeing the lights at OC. Hopefully, we did not embarass Jared too much. Oh, in Williamsburg, a great highlight of our trip was getting to hear George Whitfield preach at Bruton Parish! Only once a year, the day he actually preached there, December 16, do they have someone portray him and preach 1/3 of the one hour and one half sermon he preached on that day--and we just "happened" to be there to hear it! It was such a blessing! That was the only time they allowed him to preach there; England had written a letter saying not to allow him, but it arrived 3 weeks late, and he had already preached! It was so Biblical, so full of Scripture, entitled, "What Think Ye of Christ?" Awesome! Thanks to the Lord for planning that for us, plus the weather was terrific, too. I love being outside and walking around--and around--and around. I have been baking some treats lately, but some are not working out. Luke's birthday request just did not have the deliciousness it usually does (sorry!), and the first batch of sugar cookies was whack, but the next batches are delish! Tomorrow I plan on making those Russian Tea Cakes (buttery balls with pecans and powdered sugar--family loves them). My goal is to clean out at least one place in the house every day possible this vacation, and so far, so good. Yesterday it was Hope's room--got rid of 2 big black trashbags full of junk! (And it still looks crowded in there! It's a start, though!) Before that it was my dresser, the video closet, the kitchen cupboards...) I don't know what it will be today. I ironed for about 2 hours; I never learn that if I would do it a couple things at a time, it wouldn't be so hard....when will I grow up? Never, we just keep growing (me in more than one way, unfortunately; hey! Those of you praying for Hannah Rose can pray for me, too! I haven't started, but I HAVE to do SOMTHING--please ask for God's mercy for me. I have tried and tried and tried and tried. I do not feel like starting because I just keep failing, and it's one of those viscious circles....anyway, no whining) (I did it to myself!) Anyway, I think I have probably bored you enough for now. Hope you are having a blessed Christmas season in spite of all the busyness! Love you all!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Things here are going much better, praise His wonderful Name, and thank you for praying! Recovering from the loss of a pet is easier than the loss of a person, obviously, but I think it has taught some tough life lessons. We still hurt, but it is SOOOO much better, I am so thankful!

Will it snow today or be a disappointment to the snow lovers among us? I, of course, want snow, but then I think of all the older folks (and some not older, just heavily inconvenienced by it), who are really in danger because of the snow, so as with everything, the LORD's will be done. I love the snow because it is such a picture of the verse about washing our sins whiter than snow. The beautiful whiteness covering everything makes everything beautiful, no matter how ugly it was before (even a trash heap turns into a mountain!) I also love it because it gives me a cozy feeling--of fires in the fireplace, hot chocolate, being with friends, curling up with a good book, and so on. And of course, walking in it all bundled up. Well, we'll see what happens! Have a happy day!