Saturday, December 26, 2009




Christmas Eve Tradition


Every Christmas Eve we eat dinner at Rafferty's followed by church at Hillvue. Tonight we are celebrating Christmas in the spirit of Jesus Christ who came to us from the heart of God's own being taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness.


The music and the singing, the gathering of family and friends and the gifts we give and receive are all a part of this tradition.


We thank you most of all for your great gift to us-the child Jesus.


Our son Brad and his future wife came back to the house and spent the night.


For two Millennia, people around the world have been observing Christmas with traditions and practices of their own.


Christmas stories are important tools for spreading Christmas cheer.










Here is ours:


On Christmas Day we travel to our daughter's. We have our strict orders to get there by 9 AM.


Santa has already arrived. We open up presents. Then we celebrate our time together with a brunch. Good food and conversation is had by all.


























Wednesday, December 23, 2009



Holiday Traditions


A night of viewing the lights of the holiday season is a great family tradition to carry-on or to begin once again. Each year we make a trip to Nashville with The Johnson's and visit Opryland Hotel.

From the third week of November through Christmas week, Gaylord Opryland Hotel is host to " A Country Christmas"which includes the viewing of their spectacular holiday lights. Nearly two million Christmas Lights draw visitors from near and far to see this annual site. We all love the Brightest Star Fountain Show, a glorious water show synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes.










I can't forget Rain Forest Cafe. In short we prowl the retail village. When the lights flicker, never fear, thunder storms are part of the show. Complete with chirping birds, roaring lions and chest-thumping gorillas.





The food is awesome too!









Thursday, December 17, 2009

This New Year My Son is Getting Married
In less than a month my son will marry the love of his life. I took out the dress that I had bought for my sons wedding and looked at it. Remembered the day he was born so long ago. Thought about all of the life we have shared as I watched him grow from a joyful mischievous young child into the strong handsome fine man that he is today. All of the worrying that I did over the years. How I would sit at night and talk with him about what is important in life, hoping he was listening. To live life with a joyful heart and a kindness towards others. To always appreciate the little things in life for they are with us every day.
A loving mother gives from her heart to her children. Prays for them and loves them unconditionally. Rejoices at their every accomplishment and cries when life brings harm to them. And then the time comes when the child becomes a man.
As my son starts on his new journey in life, I wish for him all of the joy this marriage brings to him and Meagan. She is a wonderful young woman. Strong and bright. I love her as my own for she is part of my life throught Brad. He made a good choice. And next month I will watch my son get married. See him standing as Meagan walks down the aisle to him to start their wedded life together.
I will think about my father who died much too soon and never got to see Brad grow up and I will cry a bit for this. For my mother who is also gone from this life unable to share in this joyful day with us all. And I will look at Brad and Meagan and know that someday they will have children too. And the circle of life will continue just as it has done with my daughter Jennifer and her wonderful husband Kevin, and my three grandchildren Dylan, Landen and Alex. I am truly blessed wouldn't you agree?






Tuesday, December 15, 2009









Since time immemorial, Christmas has been the season of spreading good cheer, of spending time with your family and of sharing, caring and giving. Of love and compassion and of family bonding. Last night we attended Alex's Christmas program which included songs, reciting and just a great time of fellowship.







Christmas Traditions

It is believed that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact month is unknown. December was likely chosen so the Catholic Church could compete with rival pagan rituals held at that time of year and because of its closeness with the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, a traditional time of celebration among many ancient cultures.
Christmas Trees in 16th-century Germany were used to symbolize the Garden of Eden-the Paradise Tree. It was a fir tree hung with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper.
Mistletoe was used by the Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations.
The Candy cane symbolism holds that the color white represents Christ's purity, the red the blood he shed, and the presence of three red stripes the Holy Trinity.
Poinsettias; one legend has it that a young Mexican boy, on his way to visit the village nativity scene, realized he had no gift for the Christ child. He gathered pretty green branches from along the road and brought them to the church. Though the other children mocked him, when the leaves were laid at the manger, a beautiful star-shaped flower appeared on each branch. The bright red petals, often mistaken for flowers, are actually the upper leaves of the plant.

SUSAN















Saturday, December 12, 2009



Our Christmas Tree


What delights me most about the holiday season is that people are more open to giving, and sharing, and actively thinking about how to spread more joy. There is no better feeling, for sure.

Our tree is filled with memories and home made items that the children and I have made. Can there be any more love than this?






Friday, December 11, 2009

Santa attends the book fair




Last night we went to Dylan and Landen's school for Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. We were greeted by Santa himself, and Mrs. Claus who was reading stories to the children.




We are a push over for the boys, and they all came home with books, but isn't that what Grandparent's are for?
























A good time was had by all.

Monday, December 7, 2009


New Moon


I have been looking forward to this movie as you can tell. I'm so excited, yesterday Jennifer and I went to see New Moon. Jennifer for the second time. We have both read the books.

In the second installment of the Stephenie Myer's phenomenally successful Twilight series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of - only to find herself in greater peril than ever before.






Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Girls Kindergarden Class

I teach a girls kindergarden class at church. I love being with the girls since I have only boys Grandchildren. They are definately different.

I want to help each child to understand that Jesus was born, grew, and belonged to a family. I also want them to know that the Bible is a "special book" that tells about God and Jesus.

I firmly believe the first six years of life are unparalleled in importance in building character, love, and a positive response to Christ and the Church.