Christmas Parade in Irving!

Today was the day I had planned to go to the Christmas Parade in Dallas. However, it was not easy getting everyone out the door early enough to get parking and good seats. Consequently, the parking lot where I usually park was full and I was directed to a parking garage and told I could watch the parade from up there. I debated after seeing the people hanging out of the garage and said, NO WAY!!! I turned around and began looking for an alternative. I couldn't find one so we began to head on home. I knew there was going to be a parade in Irving so all was not lost.

I decided to pay a "surprise" visit to Charlotte. Mary and I went to make a Dunkin Donut run then went to her house where there was some wonderful coffee waiting for us. My crazy sister had her back door wide open enjoying the nice fresh air. It was a little cool but "hey" she was happy.

I enjoyed my coffee and of course some sister time. We headed back home a little later than I intended. We stopped by the house for a potty break and then went on to the parade. The grandchildren really enjoyed the parade but really loved collecting candy.

I am looking forward to the Walk-thru Nativity next weekend when my family will get together to enjoy each others company and to enjoy celebrating a little bit of the holiday together.

It is feeling more and more like Christmas. I love this time of year!!!

Reflections

Well here we are at Christmas time again. Before we begin this new season I want to say a few things about our Thanksgiving holiday. We had been planning to go to Albert's this Thanksgiving and well, things just didn't work out. Instead, we had our Thanksgiving at home.

We hung around the house and the kids got to sleep in. They had a friend over for a visit a couple of times and we learned how to hook up the playstation. The children enjoyed playing their racing games and then we moved on to Rock Band. We had two singers, two guitar players and a drummer. I enjoyed hearing Jacob and Josiah's rendition of MISSISSIPPI QUEEN. I was able to get a little Christmas shopping in.

MaryEllen came to stay for a few days. We were able to have some time to go out and to play a game of dominoes with her "special friend" Quentin. We were able to see Matthew, Edna, Abigail and Adan. That was nice. The grandchildren were able to spend a little time with their mother. Michael and Becky weren't able to make it but they will be here for Christmas. Mark had to work during Thanksgiving so he was not able to make it home. However, he will be home for Christmas too.

Thanksgiving was not the big splash we had last year but it was a very enjoyable time nonetheless. The boys voted for pumpkin pie and the girls wanted chocolate cake. We had both. MaryEllen's request was for yellow squash and sweet potatoes. How could I refuse? We also had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables. I used a tablecloth and my good dishes. The girls were able to carry them to the table and help place them. They were oohing and aahing. I had to serve them their dessert on pretty plates also. We played Sorry, and Jacob beat me. He was very pleased with himself.

I am very thankful for many things. I have a nice, snug, warm home. I get to care for and have an imprint on the lives of my grandchildren. My husband and I were able to spend some time together. I had Mary and Matthew at home to visit with. I am healthy. I have been given a clean bill of health this year with no recurring cancer or developing cells. I am now in the home free zone. I have a wonderful family. I have four great sisters and a half sister I am getting to know more and three wonderful brothers. I have a father who is in great health and fun to be around. He is married to a wonderful lady who loves us and treats us kindly and is very supportive and loving to my dad. I am thankful for John's family. He has a great dad who has been there for us especially in the early years. John's brother Ricky who has faithfully visited even though it is rarely returned and Laura, John's sister. I wish she would come and visit sometime. Cough, cough!

I am thankful for my bible and for being able to read it. I am thankful that I live in a country that I have the freedom to go to church and worship God without fear of retribution. Thank You, Lord, for my blessings! Help me to learn to not take things for granted.