We are Blessed... and that's Spectacular!: Christmas Blessings

I indeed had a blessed Christmas. For the first time in many years all of my children, their spouses, and children were together to celebrate the Holy Day Mass Christmas Eve. We were the guests of my sister, Sister Ann and the Sisters of St. Joseph at Mt. St. Mary Convent. The Liturgy was beautiful and the party afterward was a lot of fun.
For those present Christmas morning, the day began with our traditional breakfast of texas eggs, fruit salad, orange rolls and Sarah Lee Coffee cake. My brother Ray and his wife, Vicki, stopped by to wish us a Merry Christmas and to see the new house.

At noon we all gathered, all 16 of us, for our family gift giving. First came the "opening" of stockings. The opening of gifts, one at time, from youngest to oldest followed.

It is always my prayer that somehow, in someway this expression of our love for each other in celebration of our Lord's birth give Him honor and glory. One of my greatest joys, is watching my grown children and now their spouses joking and laughing and loving one another. Each gift given was chosen with great thought and great care. WGO's sister Tabitha joined us for dinner of chili and cinnamon rolls. Unfortunately the day ended all too soon and each family left our home for theirs or for other celebrations. WGO and I ran into Wichita to wish my siblings and mom and dad a Merry Christmas. And when I returned home I was happy but very tired.

My sister Nancy and her husband R.P. came for a visit with mom and dad. She helped me try out my Christmas present from WGO, an "Accuquilt" machine. We cut out the blocks for a quilt and begin sewing them together. Sister Ann came down for dinner on Saturday and we played a rousing game of Catch Phrase. My dear sisters introduced me to a new game on the iPad: Moxie. Have you heard of it? After Nancy left town my sister Mary and her son Charlie came to visit our parents. We will celebrate my mom's 85th birthday on January 3rd.

On New Year's Eve WGO and I enjoyed a steak dinner at the Lackey's. Following the feast we played SkipBo and lost both games! Not very hospitable of the young couple. We almost stayed awake until midnight (on the east coast). We hosted a brunch for family on New Year's Day.

And that brings you up to date. Tomorrow I return to work and to a more normal routine. May I greet it graciously!

God is good. I am blessed.