Christmas Day~

I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.

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It's been a long , long time, since we went to church on the actual day of Christmas.  Most times, services are cancelled most places cause they're afraid nobody will come , I guess.  But we went yesterday to the new little church we've been going to for about the last 4 months or so.  It was actually a really nice service.  People seemed sincerely joyous to be celebrating the birth of Our Saviour.  Everyone was dressed in their favorite things, some new, maybe some not.  Everyone was fellowshipping and hugging and smiling.  Everyone sang at their best, and the Christmas carols rang out in the room.  Pastor Steve read God's word, and gave us some great things to think about.  Candy was given to little ones, or maybe a small gift, or card exchanged.  Mostly it was just wonderful to know that we still are able to gather to worship in our own churches, in our own ways for one more year.  It was wonderful to know that we were loved by the Saviour , and genuinely loved by those around us.  All in all, I can't think of the last time I had such a moving experience at church.  I hope all of your holidays were all that you wished them to be, and that the new year holds many blessings for everyone!

Here's to Christmas in the house of the Lord~ Ruby Jeanette

2011 Fantasy GIfts~

It's that time of the year again.  Yes, it's time for Neiman Marcus to share it's fantasy Christmas gifts!  I shared these last year , and thought it'd be great to do it again.  I don't know about you , but I don't know anyone who can afford anything on this list for their loved one, but it's sure fun to read about it, and either marvel at the wonder ,( or the stupidity) of the whole thing! 

Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts 2011

1. Dream Yurt with tons of silk throw pillows, linen wall coverings, and a crystal chandelier, installed on your lawn ~ $75,000
2. Custom designed library with all books , decor, floor coverings built on-site  $125,000
3. Trip for 6 to Stone Barns Farm~  $20,000
4. Johnnie Walker Private Scotch Tasting with your own personal bagpipe player~ $5,000
5. Tony Burr Ping Pong Table~ (which they of course , cal a table tennis table) $45,000
6.  Hacker Speed Boat~ $250,000
7. 2012 Ferrari~ $395,000
8. Trip for 9 to Flower Show Internationale, in various places around the world, Rome, London, etc.~ $420,000
And finally the most expensive fantasy Christmas gift this year is drumroll please..........."His" and "Hers" Bellagio-type fountains that move, twist, roll and light up to musical scores, installed on your "estate's" lawn.....   $1, 500,000 !  (Yes, that's 1 million and a half dollars for two fountains!)

So there you go! Whether you wanted to dream or wish for these items, or just wanted to laugh out loud at what some people are willing to pay for things, that's this year's fantasy according to them,anyway!

33~

33~ I turned 33 Friday, and thought it would be great if I could find one thing to be thankful for, for each year I've been alive.  So here are,

Thirty -three things to be thankful for~

1. My salvation
2. My husband
3. My children
4. That both my parents are still with me
5. My house is paid for
6. My vehicle is paid for
7. I am able to teach my children at home
8. I have 5 dogs, one cat, 4 fish, a spider , a turtle , and some chickens who like me
9. I am able to read and enjoy books
10.  I can hear and enjoy music
11.  Clean , fresh sheets to sleep on
12.  Good food
13.  Cold water to drink
14.  A team of doctors I respect
15.  A church family who loves me
16.  My husband is employed
17.  We have enough money to pay our bills
18.  We have a little money for extras
19.  I have 3 sisters that I love
20.  I have three brother in laws who I love
21. I can see and enjoy God's creation
22.  Chocolate cake
23.  Holding someone's hand
24. Hugs!
25.  Classic Christmas movies
26.  The smell of pine cones
27.  A little boys smile
28.  Knowing that you got someone the perfect gift
29.  Waking up to see the sun rise
30.  Seeing the sunset
31.  309 Face Book friends
32.  Living one day at a time
33.  and finally, NOT knowing what tomorrow will hold!

Homemade for the Holidays~

Well, Christmas is sneaking ever nearer now.  I know it comes the same time every year, but every year I find myself unprepared, again!  There just seems to be so much to do, and so little time to do it.  Every year I swear I'm going to have shopped all year so I'm covered, and every time, I end up rush Christmas shopping. 
  I think this year, I may make homemade gifts for Christmas, like cookies or candy.  I remember our favorite neighbors growing up, Tommy and Fayne Verdon, use to make us a homemade gift every year. A cedar jewelry box, a big wagon of blocks, a checkers board and checkers.  Oh, and Fayne made this fabulous peanut brittle! She brought me some when I had the chicken pox, when I was about 4 or 5.  I remember thinking , "Chicken pox couldn't be all bad , if you got to eat peanut brittle on account of it! 
  It's funny how most people these days think you have to spend a huge amount of money for the gift to be appreciated, when the gifts I remember most did not cost much at all.  It really IS the thought that counts, I think!

Here's to adding a little more home-made , to our holidays~ Ruby Jeanette