Christmas Day Photos

On Christmas Day I drove to St. James to celebrate Christmas with Hans, Rachel, Josiah, Annika, and Rachel's family. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I so enjoyed spending time with everyone. It is impossible for me to NOT share some of the photos I took of my little angels — and other dear people.

** Note: Double click on any photo to enlarge it.

The Man and the Birds

Some years ago I heard Paul Harvey tell a touching story that I have never forgotten. For this Christmas Eve, I invite you to click on the link of The Man and the Birds and read it for yourself.

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Greetings

One of the joys of this season for me is the lovely Christmas cards and letters that have been coming to my mail box. It's so much fun hearing from family and friends from far away and I really love it when they include a photo of the family. In this day of e-cards -- and I like getting and sending those also -- it is a delight to open the mailbox and see cards, rather than the usual bills, ads, magazines, and junk mail. I hope this tradition never fades away.

I'd like to share the design idea and text from one that I especially like. The front of the card shows a shiny red ball ornament, the old fashioned kind that were on the tree when I was a little girl. The ball is hanging from a frosted evergreen bough, and the image on it is a tiny baby wrapped in a blanket. It reads, "The Christmas story is a love story. . . It is God sending His Son, Jesus Christ, on a RESCUE MISSION to earth." The inside continues, "Mission Accomplished! Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy as you celebrate the gift of God's Son."

Like Father ~ Like Son

Ever since Josiah was born, I have noticed how much he resembles his daddy, Hans. What do you think?

Photo 1: Josiah, age 2 years, 4 months

Photo 2: Uncle Jerry holding Hans, age 2 years, 9 months

Photo 3: Hans, age 5

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!

Today was the final Christmas concert at Wooddale Church where I have been singing in the choir for the past fourteen years. After many, many rehearsals and three performances, I must admit that I am exhausted. It wasn't the standing or singing that tired me out this year, rather holding my "over-flowing" choir folder, containing the thirteen selections in which the choir sang, with a couple of broken bones in my left elbow. That's right - I fell while on a walk with Hans and his family a couple of weeks ago on the famous Cliff Walk out in Newport, RI, and my elbow took a lot of the shock. I tried to support my folder with my right hand, but it wasn't possible during the entire time.

The concerts were beautiful and were attended by about 5,000 or so people. It's such a nice way to usher in the Christmas season.

One of the best parts for me this year was coming home last night to return a voice mail to Peder. When I phoned him, he asked me if I was sitting down. "Well, I could be. What's up?" "Mom, Sarah and I are going to have a baby!" I was/am so excited - both for them, and for our whole family. Today while singing the songs about Mary expecting her little bundle, I couldn't help but think of Sarah and Peder. What a special meaning Christmas will have for them this year.

It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House!

I'm happy to have a new piece in my Christmas decorations - - I now have a darling snowman that I am calling Frosty. I realize that name is not original, but hey, it works for me! His smile is so contagious. I am really enjoying him. Josiah and Annika, I think you will like him too!