:) Christmas, 2 :)

After opening presents, we set ourselves to enjoy them :)

Working on a present of Stephen's

Here's another view of the "something" I mentioned in the last post. The bird decoration fits just perfectly in our new girl's room decor, and the box underneath it is no ordinary box. It's a mini toolbox from Snap-on (reader, give a gasp of awe here; Snap-on is tops! ;) to hold my jewelry. The guys were so generous!

A download issue here; but I kindof like the result!

Here's the real photo.

It was a lovely brunch, made by Mom!

Busy with various pleasant things...

It rained all morning, and LOOK! there's water in our pond again!!!!

Then, mid-afternoon, I looked up from where I was cuddled on the couch, reading a new book (oh! the delight of a new book!!!) to see SNOW beginning to fall!!!!!!

Yes, we got a white Christmas -- a precious, rare thing! :) :)

Despite all the rain we'd had earlier in the day, it stuck to the ground, and got thicker and thicker...

A puzzle! Prime enjoyment for some during the holidays.

Lost in a book

Amazing and beautiful

Trying the new decoration somewhere else to see where I like it best...

The clip-on earrings were a present from darling Deborah

Playing new music -- what fun for pianist and audience alike!

And then, Mom made a gorgeous table for Christmas dinner -- worthy of a magazine. :)

I simply adored the effect of this blue/turquoise ribbon and the silver wrapping.

The beautiful lady who made it all happen. I pray that someday I will be able to be even half as good of a mother as she is.

Playing games while waiting for dinnertime...

Another view of the table, just before we came over and sat down.

Finishing a game...

(non-alcoholic) Sparkling apple cider -- a special treat

Looking at a table gift!

The one meal in which wrapping and confetti from poppers goes on the floor! :)

A metal sign advertising "Fire Chief Gasoline" (yes, really!)

The beautiful cake Mom made...

...isn't it gorgeous?!?!?

And watching a new teaching DVD that eve...

What a glorious thing it is that God came down as a baby to this wretched earth, lived among men, and then was crucified for our sakes! May we never forget it, and may we never lose our wondering gratitude for what He has done.