I have just returned from shopping…in the cold…in the rain…in the crowds. I actually enjoy getting out and getting into the crowds and enjoying the sounds and signs of the season. Call me crazy! I had a pleasant time…as long as I was inside! But, WHOA NELLY!, when I stepped outside…it was a different story.

What is the big deal, folks? None of us are going anywhere fast during this time of year. You should know that. Trying to cross a walkway, I was almost run down twice! And, I had the right of way…they had a stop sign. Instead, I found myself having to run…on the slick road…in the rain…in the cold.

People…BE COOL…you know there is going to be major traffic, and you know people are going to be walking where you are driving. It is the only way we can get to our car, so we can join in the driving train! It costs nothing to let another car get in line in front of you. It is the right thing to do! Cause I promise, you’re gonna be the one who wants to get in the line soon, and you want someone to return the favor.

And another thing, when I decide to be kind and use the good manners my parents taught me…for heaven’s sake, don’t blow the horn at me and tell me to hurry up! I happen to believe that ‘what goes around, comes around’…and I want what’s coming to me, to be kindness. So should you! Remember this…

And, I’d be mighty careful about being rude to pedestrians trying to cross in front of you…you never know who it might be!!!

Oh, yes! It was a great day! The day was very cloudy and rainy…dark and drab…OUTSIDE! But, INSIDE…there was so much joy and laughter and good food and catching up and hugs and presents! Wow! Is that a house full of happy or what?!! From the moment the first friend arrived, there was never a lull in the merry making! I wish it could have lasted all day! There would certainly have been enough food! I loved getting my house ready, and preparing for my guests…but, they did the hardest work…they brought all the food! And, it was delicious! As usual! I was so busy seeing everyone that I forgot to take a picture of the food…before we dug in! But, here it was afterwards…

I think there were 23 ladies here,we were missing Jana and Jeana. Some sat inside around the table…some sat on the screened porch…some sat in the studio. Don built a nice fire in the outside fireplace this morning and it was so cozy. We were able to have the fireplace burning inside, too.

Then came the presents. Everyone brings a gift with a Christmas theme…and then we choose a gift in a numbered order, and hope the next one to choose doesn’t steal it from us! I was a little surprised that TF stole a gift, but actually there was lots of stealing going on! All the gifts are so desirable, and it is always fun to see which item gets passed around the most. I ended up with a lovely snowman cookie jar!

Here are the ladies who attended today…
TJ …using these ornaments for earrings…

Dawn…Paula…Angel…

Jennifer and Dawn…

Angel…Rhonda…Shari…

April and Lynn…

Kim…

Daronda…Tina…Kelsey…

Brenda…Debbie…Eve…Mary Alice…

Donnell…

Allison and Bonnie…

And so, I end this post with some words of wisdom from the day…
Wise words.
This should be a season of peace and joy and friendship…not rushing around, stressing out and coming unglued!

Believe! Does it matter just WHAT you believe? Oh, yes, it does! Even though this cute sign (that was so rudely stolen from me-:))is talking about ‘believing’ in Santa…I look at it as so much more. Believe in the Spirit of Christmas- the merry-making, the good will toward others, the planning of things that will make those you love happy, the
willingness to share with those who are needy, the sharing of your heart with others. And, never forget these words…
“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. We love others because He chose to love us. We know of love because HE IS LOVE, and teaches us HOW to love.
He loved us enough to send His only son into the world…not to condemn us…but that, through Jesus, we may be saved.
Please remember that Christmas is a birthday. The birthday of our Saviour, Jesus.

And, a message from Andi and Sherrie, and the rest of us FP girls…

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*****if I left out anyone, please forgive this rattled brain…which is full of tangled tinsel!!!*****The picture at the top of page is the top of my TV cabinet. I love being able to use my mercury glass pieces. Thanks to Tina, for doing the high ladder work!!!*****

I’m so excited! Today all my ‘best friends’ from school are coming to my house for lunch. And, all is well…because I did not have to cook!!! Just decorate! That’s waaaaay more fun than cooking any day!

The foyer is ready to welcome my guests…

Details are ready on the table…with lovely FOLDING CHAIRS to accent!!!!!!

And, the angels were up all night sprinkling angel dust all over everything…

This is the best part of Christmas…having the ones you hold in your heart all around you! All because of God’s great gift to us…Jesus. He is the author of all good things. Fun, laughter, good food, good friends, cozy fire…it’s going to be a great day!

I had a visit today from my sweet little friend, A. I call her Lucy Jane, and we sing songs about her name. I tried to catch a quick pic in front of my small tree.

After all my toys and tricks were no longer fun, we decided to make her a little Christmas tree.

And, to get this pic, I had to bribe her with some bracelets! But, she does look like a little angel, doesn’t she?