Christmas 1

I love Christmas!  Some years I haven't been in the Christmas spirit very much and that made me sad.  I realize that it is a problem with my spirit and it's relationship with God  that holds me back.  I am ashamed of myself when that happens.

This year I am smiling and enjoying everything about the season.  Molly makes it even more fun for me.  The other night when we went to sleep we listened to the Classical Christmas music station.  It was glorious.

I love attending Christmas concerts.  I love performing in Christmas concerts.  When Bev pulls out the Christmas music in choir I am so happy.

Nicholas is a Christmas fellow.  You might not guess to look at him that he loves everything about Christmas so much.  Even as a little fellow he wanted a string of Christmas lights and a tree in his room.  I say that Brooke is lucky to have a husband that likes to decorate for Christmas.  Most of us know how our husbands hate the words "Will you help me put the tree up?"

This year will be a special Christmas for Hayley & Aaron.  Molly doesn't understand it at all, but she puts delight in everything about it.  That little girl is such a sweetie, and I'm not at all prejudiced!  :D

Thanksgiving, Chapter Two

Well, Dennis & I didn't have the Thanksgiving we had hoped for.  Wednesday afternoon I made my 2 pumpkin pies and 1 mincemeat pie.  I felt perfectly fine.  I was planning on us going to El Reno to spend the night.  That way we could help mom & dad the next morning.  Dennis was outside working when my stomach started to hurt.  At 7:00 I called mom and told her we weren't coming to spend the night.  I still didn't think I was getting the stomach flu.  My stomach just ached.

Later I got the full-blown stomach flu with all of the crummy symptoms!  I spent a totally miserable night.  Thanksgiving morning I started to feel a little better, my stomach started to settle down.  I still had a fever, but I was able to drink a little Powerade.  Dennis now had all the full-blown flu symptoms!

I called my liver specialist's office and a nurse returned my call.  She told me to take Tylenol and Immodium.  I was afraid to take either one because of my condition, but she told me all of the liver specialists allow them.  My fever never went below 100, but I did feel better.

This morning we are both much better.  I'm afraid to eat anything, but might try some chicken noodle soup later.  As for my pies, I guess I'm throwing them away.  I certainly don't want to reinfect myself!

Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you that Hayley was also sick with the same thing.  Precious little Molly had been sick Monday night, but we all thought she was just teething.  Aaron is sick today!  I'm sure Nicholas & Brooke are glad that we didn't get anywhere near them.  I'm worried about Linda, Regina, Bethany, Cameron, & Olivia because we had had a delightful visit with them Wednesday!

  

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving might just be my favorite holiday.  I  love the food, fun, and meaning of it.  It is a time when we all get together and just enjoy each other.  We don't have to rush around and buy gifts, we just relax and enjoy.

All of my life I have been so blessed with family, friends, and good fortune.  I often reflect on how wonderful it is that I was born in the USA and grew up in the '50's and '60's.  Life has been very good.
Why then don't I remember more often to thank my Heavenly Father?  I'm ashamed to say that I fail miserably in this.

Today I want to challenge myself to stop and notice all of my blessings.  I thank God for all of them, most of all for loving me and sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

November 22 is my mom's birthday.  She is 84 years young.  I say young because she still has a young attitude.  She keeps up with all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's lives.  She doesn't seem to be any older than she ever was.

I love to call and talk to her because she still gives great advice.  I've said before how much we depend on our moms for sympathy.  There's simply nothing that can replace her.

I told her recently that every single day I think of some of the things she tried to instill in me.  I know she probably thinks she failed miserably with me, but I do actually remember some of it.  :D

As you can see by the picture, she is still a beautiful woman.  That is true inside and out.  I hope I can be a little like her some day.

Joyce, Betty Jean, and I owe her a lot.  We simply don't tell her that often enough.  Mom, I love you and hope you have a happy birthday.

Love, Francy

Happy Birthday, Bill!

Happy Birthday to our nephew-in-law, Bill Munsell!  Just look at him.  You can see what a great guy he is just by looking in his eyes.

We love the way he is rearing precious Sarah & Freeman.  He is a wonderful husband to Rhonda and they make quite a team.

If you have ever met Bill, you realize right away that he is intelligent, caring, and fun-loving.  Try taking a ride in his car with him sometime!  It is an experience.

Dennis and I hope he is having a great day.

Happy Belated Birthday, Lowell!

Sorry, Lowell, I have been lax about writing in my blog lately!  It seems like I start drifting this time of year every year!  I  don't want to miss letting everyone know how much Dennis & I think of you.

Lowell is a kind, loving, levelheaded man who is always ready to help someone else out.  He is a great husband and father and is admired by all who know him.

He fits into our wacky family and has been known to join in with the other brothers-in-law in torturing their wives.  All of you who know Joyce, Betty Jean, and me know that we have never done anything to deserve that!  Maybe it is Dad rubbing off on them!  :D

Dennis & I hope Lowell had a fantastic day.  He deserves it!

Happy Birthday, Freeman!

Precious Freeman is 3 years old today! Isn't he a cutie?  You can tell he is all boy and full of mischief.  That's my favorite kind of boy.  His eyes just twinkle.

Uncle Dennis and I hope he had a wonderful day that was full of fun. Maybe Charlie gave him a great big kiss!  :D  (Charlie is the family beagle and those two get into lots of trouble together!)

We love you, Freeman!