Merry Christmas to ALL

I am just sitting here at my in-laws enjoying the smell of fresh baked "Monster Cookies" that my husband is making - a great recipe from Paula Deen. Finished making some peanut butter bars and a broccoli salad a little while ago. I have been having such a problem lately going to sleep with all of the things that I wanted to get done for Christmas. I know most all of us are cutting back this year on what we spend, so I decided to make a lot of my gifts. I made Christmas ornaments, aprons for the girls, dresses and candy. I didn't plan on still working on all of it this close to Christmas...because I am usually not a procrastinator. And really I am still not...I was just working on those dresses from the craft fair. I made 20 pillowcase dresses for the sale, sold 12 of those and had to make 22 more. Needless to say, I didn't have time to do very much. I was also working on a quilt for my aunt cut from squares from old ties. She was paying me to make it for her mother-in-law. I had never made a quilt before so I had no idea just how time consuming it was. It took me probably 2-3 months to make it...and I am not totally finished. I have done the top in time to give it to her for Christmas and then I'll get it back to put the batting and back on. I am actually really excited about it because my grandmother is going to show me how to "hand tie" a quilt and we are going to do it together. She is 88 years old and lives in Iowa, and I only see her 1-2 times a year. I am excited to learn from her and work on this project together.

Thinking of spending time with my grandmother has made me think about just how much family means to me. I am so blessed to have the most wonderful mother-in-law and sister-in-law in the world. There are so many friends of mine who just dread going to their in-laws' house. I get excited! I feel pampered every time I go up there. And it is only a little over an hour away. My in-laws keep one of the girls every month or so for the weekend to stay close with them and of course they spoil them rotten. Most holidays, my parents join us and everyone all gets along so well. Strange huh? Family is so important! I have a wonderful mother also. She is my best friend. Most often if you see us around town, we are together.

I am also thankful for my wonderful husband and my children. They are finally getting to an age where they are playing together and enjoying each other's company. Now, don't get me wrong, they fight. Oh, DO THEY FIGHT! But as they get older, I know that will change. And my husband is such a blessing. He helps me out so much, gives me time with my friends for a break from the girls, and he loves me. He really loves me! And I know it. He makes sure that I know it. How blessed I am to have the family that I have, the family I married into, and the family that we are making.

Thank you Lord for all of the many blessings that you bestow upon my life. Thank you for sending your son as a little baby to live among us and to die for us. Because of you, we have hope, grace and love. Amen