Evans Family Christmas Party

Tonight was the Evans Family Christmas Party at the Salmon's house. We had good food with "Flora Specials" which were not as good as last year, with chips, salsa, beans, and the works. After we all stuffed ourselves and visited we had a Christmas program with singing and talent from each of the families.

Our family is growing!

Everyone enjoying singing Christmas carols.

Reddin and his girls singing.

The M & M's taking their turn.

Carrie and her girls performing.

Matthew pulled out his feeding tube so Carrie left it out for awhile. Isn't he so cute without a tube in his nose?

IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS REVISITED

Yes, to all my children who are concerned, the Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations are put away and the Christmas decorations have been liberated.

And the nativities are sitting on the shelf where they are suppose to be!

The tree is up, the stockings are hung, and the reindeer are keeping watch, as are Mr. and Mrs. Santa.

Christmas can come!

Oops, more carmel corn to make and presents to wrap!

I watched Matty yesterday. He is 7 weeks old and 8 pounds. What a cutie!

And yes, he does cry!

Annual Hatch Family Christmas Party

Last night was our Hatch Christmas Party. I am amazed at how big the children have gotten. We had a nice crowd and it was so nice to have the party at Gyle and Debbie's house. Even though it was raining we were able to accomodate everyone in the house. Thank you Gyle and Debbie. There was a lot of good food and good visiting. And of course, the traditional trading of ornaments and goodies. I always love this party. Sorry, to all of you who missed out. And sorry there are no pictures. Turned my camera on and had a dead battery.

Musings

I have had the opportunity these last several months to give service to my daughter as she gouged a hole in her foot eleven days before she delivered her sweet little Matthew. I gave service when she had the baby and consequently with Matty's long stay in the hospital when he was so sick. It was not because I am some magnanimous person, but because I am a Mom and that is what mom's do. Always before I have been reluctant to be of service at this time of year (how obtuse can I be?) because I had my own agenda, which included sewing, carmel corn making, and getting my house decorated. I served with a crabby heart and found that my season turned into not as joyous a season as it should be. This year I have had an epiphany about service, which is--if you serve with a willing and giving heart the Lord helps you accomplish the things you need to do. Why has it taken me so long to get it? Eventhough I have been very busy with Carrie's girls and etc. I have been able to get my things done in record time. I am amazed and grateful for the help I have received from my loving Heavenly Father, whether it be in the form of a clear and organized mind (a first), the ability to work faster and smarter, or the help of a wonderful husband. I don't know what it is but I do know that it has worked and I am blessed. However, the Christmas decorations have not been liberated from their tubs, but that will come.

IT MUST BE CHRISTMAS

Because the sewing machine is dusted off and being used.

And the Carmel Corn is being cooked

and bagged.

BUT . . .

. . . where is the tree, where are the stockings, and the reindeer?

Where is Mr. and Mrs. Santa?

Where are all the nativities?

AND . . .

. . . why are the Halloween decorations still up...

...posing as Thanksgiving decoration.

Due to events beyond my control and the fact that Aubrey Jo is not here nagging, pleading, helping, and complaining that the Christmas decorations are not up, the Christmas decorations are still in their tubs waiting for me to rescue them. Hope that happens today!