Christmas 2014

 Jeremy, Samantha, and children were the first family members to arrive on Christmas Eve. 

[L-R:  Isabella, Samantha, Ellie, Landon and Jeremy]

~ Papa and Nana with the three youngest grandchildren ~

~ Jerry and Me ~

~ Jeremy and Samantha ~

~ Lori [our daughter] with Brandon [our grandson] ~

~ Granddaughter, Tiffany and her fiancé, John ~

~ Steve telling the "Christmas Story"- Sharon and Brianna listening. ~

~ Opening presents, starting with the youngest ~





 ... Had birthday cake for Jesus, and watched Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation.






[Izzy, Ellie and Brooke]

Everyone headed for home just before midnight.   The bustling house was suddenly quiet.

Today was spent leisurely.  Below are gifts I received for Christmas.

A gift card from Sur la table and mug.

Yummy herbal tea and another gift card from Sur la table.  Can't wait to go shopping.  Love that store!  I'm sipping the Rooibos tea flavored with mango, passion fruit and papaya as I type. Yummy!

 ~ Handmade card from Isabella ~

I'll be doing some shopping at Barnes & Noble too!

Inside this cute Mary Engelbreit gift box was some beautiful jewelry - perfect for wearing to a Downton Abbey tea! 

And last but certainly not least, blue and white miniature teacups and teapot.

Thanks to everyone for a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

From my house to yours...

 Christmas blessings to all my friends in blogland!

In my family it's tradition for the children, their spouses, and the grandchildren to come "home" on Christmas Eve for dinner and gifts.  Later this afternoon the house will be bustling with 13 adults and four children.

I was reminded as I read my devotional this morning that the giving of gifts isn't just because the Magi brought gifts to the Christ-child.  The greatest reason is God's infinite Gift of Love to us - His Son who came to earth to be the Savior of the world.   Nothing can ever match God's gift, but we happily display our love for each other by our gift-giving.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable Gift!"

[2 Corinthians 9:15]