Christmas 2013 - #2 DAVID & FLORIDA

We drew names for Christmas this year.  Each person drew 2 names for a $25 gift.  That way everyone had 2 gifts to open.  It was Marc's idea and it turned out great.

Plaid - Susan

Snowman - Aric

Blue Snowflakes - Karin

Santa - Marc 

Snowman - Oksana

Snowman - Mickey

Mouse - Jerry

This is how we started off our Christmas gift exchange.  I bought each of us a pair of Christmas socks.  You can see 2 people cheated and had them over their shoes:  Marc & Jerry

The little packages the socks were in.

OKAY - now back to the first of this story....

Marc loading (cramming!) all our stuff: bags, gifts, pillows, etc. into the trunk of his Cadillac as we prepared to depart at 5:30 a.m. December 21st. 

It was a 1328 mile journey from Owasso, OK to Vero Beach, FL.  We knew it was going to be a long 2 day drive when we began planning this way back in October. We had no idea what the weather would be:  turns out we had ice covering the streets, trees, grass, everything in Owasso and Coweta but it was clear and barely misting.  The mist did not last long and turned quickly into hard rain.  It kept raining harder and HARDER.  Shortly before we got to West Memphis, AR the traffic came to an absolute stop.  They were doing road work (Arkansas is always doing road work!!) and we were not surprised at having what we thought was a brief halt.  Over the next 1 1/2 hours we were at total stops or b-a-r-e-l-y moving.  Not in our game plan but no one (at least in our car) got upset as we crept along.  Marc had made reservations at the Hampton Inn in Oxford, AL.  We had anticipated a 10 hour drive time but we arrived at 7:12 p.m. 13 hours 45 minutes later (actually 12 hours due to the time change.)  Checked in and headed to Arby's to get a quick bite before coming back to the motel and literally ALL asleep by 9:30 p.m.  A wonderful, even though hard day.  The HEAVY rain did not abate the entire day and we were praying for no rain tomorrow.  

December 22nd:  Up early and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Hampton and hit the road by 7:00 a.m. for our final journey into Vero Beach.  Guess what??? we awoke to rain and Marc had to drive the final 10 hours again in HEAVY rain, but not quite as hard as yesterday.  Lots and lots of traffic on both days and the heavy downpours did not make it an easy task for Marc but he handled it superbly. 
    

Arrived at about 6:30 p.m. and greeted by our hosts, Karin & son David.

December 24th - The bro's inspecting David's new 2013 Ford Edge with all it's bells and whistles!  The day was spent doing some last minute shopping and I picked up a 1,000 piece puzzle for Karin and I to work.  The guys spent time playing golf on the X-Box TOGETHER in person.  An easy, laid back day awaiting the arrival of Oksana.  Marc left at 4:30 p.m. to pick her up from her 6:30 arrival in Ordando.

Aric & Oksana getting their first look at the Atlantic Ocean and Vero Beach. With David living in San Fransicso, before moving here in July, both of them have seen the Pacific Ocean several times.

Brother & sister walking on the beach, as dad Marc watched, above left.

Marc watching his 2 wonderful children from above on the Board Walk

Two of my favorite people in the whole world giving this trip, visit and Christmas the thumbs up.  Notice Aric never did shed his shoes!!

(beach pictures were actually out of order and were after the Christmas morning festivities)

A family tradition I started many years ago, when the kids were all young and at home, was to make a Cherry Go-Round Yeast Pastry for Christmas breakfast.  I knew I wouldn't be able to do that this year but prior to leaving I saw a sort-of similar Cherry pastry (made with crescent rolls!) so I picked up the ingredients the day before when we were out and about.

Mama's traditional (well close) Christmas breakfast treat.

The table setting, black tablecloth and lovely blue-gray dishes.  Karin had a pretty center display on the table but we had removed it the day before to work our puzzle on this table.  Our almost done puzzle in under this tablecloth!!  We had to cover the table each night, weighing it down with many books to keep the cats from destroying our masterpiece!  The guys said it wouldn't work, but it did.

WONDERFUL dinner prepared by Karin:  Baked spiral ham, delicious mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, yams with marshmallows, corn, mac & cheese and rolls.  We ALL pigged out.  Key Lime and Apple Crumb pies for dessert.  

Marc after opening his gift of the GREEN Detroit Red Wing Hockey team cap he requested.  Also a bolo strap to hang a bolo in his car that he has had for years and the strap broke.

I didn't take pictures of other gifts because there were a lot of gift cards, don't make for good pictures.  Books:  this family loves to read!! 
Jerry: Charles Krauthammer-Things That Matter and Bill O'Reilly-Killing Jesus; 
Marc: Charles Krauthammer-Things That Matter. 
Oksana: Dave Ramsey-Total Money Makeover
David: golf balls 
 Karin: special body lotions from The Body Shop
Mickey: Khkai trousers 
Aric:  Video game play card
Susan: I'm going to tell about mine on a separate blog tomorrow about my birthday 

Oksana and Uncle Jerry who drove his motor home all the way from Clarksville, TN to join us.  Such a blessing.

Oksana with one of the 2 cats

Oksana with the other cat - Karin is going, right after the 1st to the Human Society to adopt a 3rd kit tie.

I will do the 3rd Christmas post tomorrow about our puzzle fun and our return trip home.

Christmas 2013 - #1 Cards

We are a family who puts great importance on WORDS spoken, both verbally and written.  These two cards from our wonderful son, Marc, mean the world to Mickey & I. 

For all the things you said and did,

that made me such a lucky kid, 

the working hard, the taking care,

for being strong and being there...

For all your love, the gifts you give,

the man you are, the life you live,

For all these things and so much more,

you're the dad I'm thankful for.

                Love, Marc

You've made my heart warmer

and my life richer

in too many ways to count.

I know that so much

of the happiness I've experienced

can be traced back to your love.

So thank you, Mom...

for all your caring

and for the life I have

because of you.

Happy Birthday

Love Marc, Oksana & Aric

We thank God for our wonderful son, Marc and the great man, father, brother & son he is to this family.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Fun birthday celebration at Lone Star Steakhouse for Jacque's birthday.

 The honoree

 Dad Mickey, Mom Susan & Daughter Jacque

 Nephew Aric & Brother Marc

 Jacque reading her Birthday card with Benny listening

 Her gift from us, new very soft p'j's and bright red slippers

 5 Nutcrackers to add to her collection from dad & mom

Regular nutcracker

Elvis Presley nutcracker

Cowboy nutcracker

& 2 tiny little nutcrackers

Benny's gift to her was an X-Box.

Marc's gift was the Tiger Wood Golf Game

NOW Jacque will be able to join in with David, Marc & Mickey in playing Golf together from their individual living rooms and locations.

Jacque has played a few times on Mickey's when she's been her visiting.

What an added blessing this is going to be for all 4 of them.

The birthday girls special desert

fresh peaches with ice cream and warm sugar doughnuts

She shared with us!!

Delicious steaks and a great waitress and service.

A great, joyous, fun family time

just sad she isn't going with us tomorrow to her brother David's in Florida for Christmas.  She was unable to due to her job as a pharmacy tech at Walgreens.  Maybe another time.  

Happy Birthday Jacque!!!

You are loved very much. 

OUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER - JACQUE

Our beautiful, sensitive, lovely daughter Jacque is celebrating her birthday on Sunday the 22nd.  Since we are leaving tomorrow to spend Christmas with our son David in Florida 

 We will be taking our gifts to Lone Star Steak house tonight

 where this group - Benny - Susan - Mickey - Aric - Marc - Jacque 

will be celebrating her BIRTHDAY.

(this picture is from Mother's Day)

I thought it would be fun to show a few past pictures of Jacque

 2nd Birthday - sister Suzette's 3rd - they were only 1 year and 9 days apart in age and VERY close.

 First grade

 High school

 2007 with her daddy clowning it up in her new home she had just purchased.

 This past year and the new to her car she had just purchased and driven over to the house that night to show us

 Her birthday lunch last year for her & I and then went for manicures and pedicures

 Last Christmas (2012) with the nutcracker we bought her.

Daughter Jessica & I and all of us wearing the Santa Hats Jacque brought everyone!

 Brother Marc & Jacque 

Even though there is 14 1/2 years difference in their ages these 2 are VERY close and Marc is very supportive and helpful to Jacque

Me and my beautiful Jacque this past summer.

We are so sad that Jacque & Jessica were not able to go with us to Florida this Christmas but they will be very much in our hearts.

You are so loved Jacque!!!!!

EXPANDING on my 2013 Word - EXPAND

I blogged the following in January 2013~~~~
Decided to do an ACRONYM for my 2013 word - EXPAND

                      E - xpect
                X - unknown quantity (in math)
                P - ray
                A - chieve
                N - onstop
                D - aily

EXPAND - 1) To spread out; unfold 
         2) to increase in size, etc.; enlarge 

As I close out 2013 I decided to look at EXPAND here at the end of these 12 months.

EXPECT - 2013 turned out not to be at all like I "expected" it to be!!!
X - the "unknown" has been front and center in my mind this entire year.
PRAY - The area of prayer, both personal and collectively with others has been            EXPANDED greatly this year.
ACHIEVE - I cannot look at 2012 as being a year I achieved much.
NON-STOP - This certainly describes the year 2013 for me/us as we seem to              go NON-STOP 90% of the time.
DAILY - My walk with Jesus, the author and finisher of my life is truly DAILY.

So, all in all, I'd say I have walked out the EXPAND word that God gave me for 2013.  I am now praying for MY 2014 word from The Lord.  Have you asked HIM to give you a word for 2014?  Do so.......HE WILL!!!

2013 Book #18 - ANGELS by Billy Graham

First published 38 years ago, in 1975 and many times since, this is a wonderful book well worth reading.

I found it especially moving as I was reading. realizing that Reverend Graham, now 95 years old and with his family requesting prayer for him the past week, is living out the final job of angels, taking HIS saints home. 

Containing 15 Chapters covering every aspect of Angels work and assignments this book has been an enlightening, wonderful read & study.  I highly recommend this book.  

A few quotes that jumped out at me:  "After all, references to the holy angels in the Bible far outnumber references to Satan and his subordinate demons." Chapter 2 - Angels Are For Real.

"Underneath Satan's pride lurked the deadliest of all sins, the sin of covetousness.  He wanted what did not belong to him.  Virtually every war ever fought began because of covetousness."  and "Satan will do all in his power to make us trust ourselves instead of Christ."  Chapter 6 - Lucifer and the Angelic Rebellion   

"While all men are sinners by nature, choice and practice, yet it is their deliberate rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord that cause the judgment of eternal separation from God."  Chapter 9 - Angels - God's Agents in Judgment 

"He is not here, but is risen" Luke 24:6.  Those few words changed the history of the universe.  Darkness and despair died; hope and anticipation were born in the hearts of men."  Chapter 11 - Angel Ministries in the Life of Jesus.

"Only one thin veil separates our natural world from the spiritual world"  and "In another connection I have already mentioned Lazarus, whom angels escorted to Abraham in heaven.  This story has always been a tremendous comfort to me as I think about death.  I will actually be taken by angels into the presence of God."  and "We who have made our peace with God should be like the evangelist D.L. Moody.  When he was aware that death was at hand, he said, 'Earth recedes, heaven open before me.'" and "At the moment of death the spirit departs from the body and moves through the atmosphere." and "The Bible guarantees every believer an escorted journey into the presence of Christ by the Holy angels." all from Chapter 11 - The Angels and Death. 

Reading this book has made the reality of Angels and the spiritual world enen more vivid and real to me than ever before.  Yes, I highly recommend this book. 

2013 Book #17 - 4 BLOOD MOONS

John Hagee's newly released book, is my 17th completed book this year.

If you, like I, feel like Christ's return is very soon, this is a book you would probably enjoy reading.  It is a very easy read, but it is also pretty repetitious in it's 246 pages.  One thing definitely in it's favor is the Biblical Scripture upon which it is soundly based.

If you are looking for an in-depth study of this material and information this probably would not be your choice, but, if you are looking for an easy read on this topic this would be a book I could recommend.  It is also the type book that could easily be given to someone who is not very versed on The Word and yet desires to know more about what is said on the subject of End Times.

It is my firm belief that as much attention and knowledge that can be put forth in the area of End Time Prophesy is very needed and I am thankful for Pastor Hagee's voice and influence being used, not only in the writing of this book but in his recent TV broadcasts on this very subject.      

An ANGEL from my far away ANGEL

I am so very thankful for SOOO many blessings that my Lord & Savior, Jesus The Christ, has bestowed on me.  

One of the greatest blessings are the wonderful Christian friends and Sisters-in-Christ my Lord and Savior, JESUS, has connected me with.

One of these is my dear friend Retha.  We "met" via our blogs way back in 2007, almost 7 years ago. Retha is a jewel and a gem in my life in many ways.

Yesterday, when Mickey brought in the mail I had a package from South Africa from Retha. Enclosed, wrapped in many layers of wrapping was this precious, sparkling, shining 2 1/2", very fragile, little crystal angel.  

Here she sits, in front of some books to try and get a picture of her sparking , dainty beauty.

Retha and I are separate by 9,077 miles!!!

She lives in South Africa--8 time zones away from me in Oklahoma,

BUT in the Spirit and in the heart we are so connected!!!
Though we will never meet in person here on earth, she will be one of the very first I will rush to meet some day in heaven!!!  We both cling to that reality and hope.  

Here she joins my other 5 smallest angels, in my large angel collection.  She will actually "live" in the front and center of these other 5 on this mirror plate. I lined them up this way in order to get a decent picture of all of them.  

The 4 holding the gem hearts represent my 4 children and came on my 69th birthday cake from my daughter, Jacque.  They are as follows:

Blue - Hope - Son David

Pink - Love - Son Marc

Green - Joy - Daughter Suzette

Purple - Faith - Daughter Jacque

The other crystal angel, on the other end, is a Christmas present several years ago that my friend, Jeanne, gave each of us in the WOW -  (Woman of the Word ) Bible Study.

Thank you Retha for your thoughtfulness, love & friendship.  

When I look at this littlest angel I will remember Christmas 2013, which will also be my 76th birthday. 

(((((HUGS))))) across these 9,000+ miles to you 

my dear, precious friend.