Not Christmas yet

We haven't had our Christmas yet.  The kids don't arrive until later next week.
The house is ready!

We are waiting, kids!  Can't wait!

On Christmas Eve day, Al and I spent the day at church.  Al was in charge of the communion service.

We filled all the communion cups, cut the bread and set up.

We have a tradition that after the last service (there were 3), we go out looking at lights.

When the kids were teens, they did NOT enjoy going with us and they would just complain, so we'd drop them off at home and go out ourselves!  We LOVE to see all the lights!
 (I wonder if they don't take their kids out driving to look at lights now??)

 I thought the sky had its own show!

I've been enjoying the view from our home this last week.

 From the sunrise to the hundreds of Canada geese to the cloud formations.  God shows His handiwork!  I am filled with such thankfulness and joy!

Recently I received this book in the mail.  I am really enjoying it!
There is no greater honor or calling in being a grandmother than to pray for my grandchildren every day!

Looking forward to our celebration of Jesus' birth with our family soon!

Christmas celebrations

With the Christmas season, there are always a few celebrations and programs!

My 3 year old Sunday School class along with a couple of other classes sang at church.

We headed to our kids' town for Hannah's school program (Sophia will be in it next year)
We met the kids at their house and this little Diva welcomed us.

Guess we were just a little late in arriving?
On time, but late compared to others who got there early!

 Good job, Hannah!

 

The staff and elders of church went to see the Wiesman concert at Bethel.  This family performs in Branson but because one of the daughters lives here, they gave a Christmas show here.

Our cousin's daughter was sitting in front of us and we had a good time catching up on family news!

We had a young couple's Christmas party complete with gag/regift gifts.

 Sophia's class Christmas party:

The children's program at the kids' church.

This little boy cracks me up!

The last program will be our Christmas Eve program at church.  

And then our family Christmas celebration will be next week after Christmas Day!  

Celebrating Christ, the newborn King!

Moving

A couple of weeks ago, we drove out to Colorado to see our daughter.

 I always wonder about old farm buildings and wish I knew the history.

 We took a different route this time, turning off after Limon and going into South Denver.

It really was quite pretty and we didn't have to contend with rush hour traffic through Denver.

There was a cute little coffee shop along the way too.

Mindy had just moved and needed some help with hanging 

some pictures and such.

So "handy man" Dad came to the rescue!

Mindy was pretty amazing and not afraid of heights!

We went out to eat and I tried something I have never had before.

An egg on a burger???  I said I would be brave enough to try it.

Not sure what I thought about it.

The next day we took a day trip into the mountains.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
    Where will my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,

    the maker of heaven and earth.  Ps. 121

Such beauty!!

cute mountain town of  Idaho Springs

We don't believe in superstition!

That evening we went out with 2 of Mindy's good friends.

How grateful I am to God for these friends of hers!

 And all too soon, it was time to head back to Kansas.

 Goodbye mountains and bluffs.

It was super duper windy as we drove home and tumbleweeds were flying across the road like crazy.  Trucks were having trouble staying upright.  Rather scary drive!

 I wish they would invent a flying car so we could get to Denver and back in short order!  Maybe someday?