Yule Be Merry!

Ryan: "Why is there a caulk gun on your dresser?"

"Oh, Ryan.  That's a cookie press!"

Sometimes things don't appear as they are.  And sometimes things don't appear at all.  

Lately I and my work ID badge have had a terrible relationship.  The problem is that the evil thing likes to play a maliciously cruel game of hide and seek when I need it most.  I've found it in every place imaginable, and never when I need it.

Now you see me; now you don't...

It's amazing that a 2 x 3 inch object can make or break a morning.  There are no less than five million places where that miserable piece of plastic could be hiding.  Me keeping up with that badge is like trying to construct a hurricane proof building out of napkins, straws, and scotch tape.  It's just not going to happen.

Fortunately, for many of us this time of year brings an opportunity to spend with those we love and reflect on the good things. Last weekend was our annual Finklea/Legette/Stephens/Greene family Christmas party.

The Greene home was conveniently already decorated for Latta's tour of homes.  They did a beautiful job!

I LOVE these little girls!

How kind of the hosts to honor Ryan with a stocking.

Paula reading the Christmas story.

How rare for Ryan to have a plate of food that was prepared in a home.   He's so excited he doesn't know what to do!

Buzzy Finklea is not only a kind, awesome family man who happens to be a member of the Dillon County Council.  He makes the BEST turkey in the WORLD!!!  A Christmas would not be the same without this marvelous pile of meat.

Sweet Lola and Sophie Belle.  Wait, they're being serious?

Theeeerrrrreee we go.  That's what I thought!

Move out of my way as I bulldoze toward the dessert table!

Little Miss Sophie Belle : D

Family loving!

It's a bird, it's a reindeer, it's....a horse!!!

Wow!!!

A grinch tree for Ryan, too???  This is just too much.  

Two of the best hosts ever!

The "younger" generation take 1.

Take 2!

Of course, a weekend at home wouldn't be complete without a few trials and tribulations.  During a lazy afternoon of Lifetime movie reruns, Mama and I noticed a WASP flying around the family room.

Out comes the Oreck.  It's perfect for sucking up insects in mid flight, but they won't tell you that in the owner's manual.

That pest caused quite a scene, but several screams and some teamwork later, we successfully handled the situation.

Can you imagine if the two of us showed up at your door with exterminating equipment?

I can't FATHOM that there are only 12 days until Christmas.  I'll spare you the song.

How is December flying by so quickly???  I still have several people to shop for, and it appears that the calendar is in fast forward.

Christmas shopping can be difficult, especially if you have people that are hard to buy for.

This is TOTALLY my parents.

Last Sunday afternoon a miracle took place at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Moody.

What to my wandering eyes should appear, but a CHRISTMAS TREE???  Say it isn't so.  

No tree is complete without special touches, like Kevin's bald head and Ryan's third grade picture.

Sunday night was the cupcake fest children's musical at FBC.  It was wonderful!

Love Brandy and Kathy : D

Just like every year, the rest of this month is going to COMPLETELY fly by.  I'm trying to remind myself to stop, think of and pray for others, and remember that the ultimate Christmas gift wasn't wrapped in an ornate box with ribbons and bows.

Over the next 12 days millions of people will be searching and standing in line to get the perfect gift for a family member, close friend, or themselves.   So sadly, some of those people are missing the ultimate gift.  It doesn't require standing in a line, ordering overnight, or high and low searching.

The gift of salvation can never be sold out.  There is no number or limit on it.  The ratio is 1:1.  Each and every person who desires to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can do so by just asking and receiving.

Try that method at Toys R' Us!

If there is any doubt in your mind about your Salvation, don't let 2012 come and go without accepting Him as your personal Lord and Savior.  The time is now.  

I saw this picture somewhere, and it was very eye opening.

Christmas services are equally as important as any other sermon, but if you aren't currently attending a church, now is a wonderful time to go back and get involved.

Merrily,