Merry Christmas 10 on 10

On this day, we celebrate the birth of our youngest daughter.  I'm spending the day creating a "meme-nado" on her Facebook page because today she is 372 months old. That's how all the cool young moms count their child's age, so I just thought I'd join in. Happy Birthday Boog!

But today also officially (finally) marks the beginning of the Christmas season at our house. Last week some of our short people were here and one of them was bemoaning the fact that we hadn't set up our Christmas tree yet! 

So, that is what comprised a good part of our day. 

Every year it comes out of the basement smashed and dusty. 

 But with a few fresh candy canes, lights, some ribbon and the tried and true ornaments that we've been dragging around the country for nearly 40 years, it'll look great. It always does!

It's getting there!

The handsome half brought this nativity home from Okinawa 35 years ago and our children have never known a Christmas without it. It has wise men too, but they didn't visit Jesus until quite some time after His birth. So they reside elsewhere right now.......

.....in the room to the east of the nativity. 

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:1-3

We have another set that is much more kid friendly, but unfortunately, in this set Mary is a single mother. Joseph went missing a few years ago.

It just isn't a proper Christmas tree without Santa on his surf board!

And airplanes. 

Lot's and lot's of airplanes!

This one was given to us by my best friend from high school. She always had a part in setting up our Christmas tree. But since she's Jewish, we called it a Hanukkah bush!

Thanks Cherie!! 
(this is a parenthetical inclusion, and doesn't count as a 10 on 10 picture!)

"All is calm, all is bright...." 

until the horde arrives in a couple of weeks!! 

Can't wait!

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

A light of revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of your people, Israel.

Luke 2:30-32

My other projects

Little Bits 10 on 10

10 little bits from my day and the beauty in the normal things life brings. 

29 years ago this morning, I was able to get a message to my husband, who was cruising along at 35000 feet, that I was in labor. I just thought he'd like to know. But he actually made it home in time for the arrival of this little cutie! 

It's a hysterical story!

So, of course the day starts with a happy birthday text!

Filling the soul a bit before heading out.

This is my 10 on 10 friend Jen. Isn't she cute??

Ok, so here's the story on the trash. I had a coupon for a free drink from Speedway, so I left a few minutes early to pick up a drink on the way to leaders council at CBS. Well, they only had this sized cup which is roughly equivalent to what a built in pool will hold. So I filled it up and went to give the cashier my "free drink" coupon, only to be told that it had expired. I went ahead and paid for it and left. 

While sitting in CBS leaders council, I picked the swimming pool sized cup up to take a drink only to have the lid break and pop off, the drink drop to the floor, and the contents to shoot up in the air, wash down  my friend Lori's leg, and then splatter all over the carpet. 

So,the good part about my "free drink"? At least it was diet, so no one was sticky. I'm sure it would have tasted good. 

I had actually packed my lunch. But being distracted by leaving early so that I could pick up the above mentioned "free drink" I forgot it sitting on the kitchen counter. Mickey D's was a pitiful substitute. 

Snap crackle poppin' always feels so good!

I love getting mail around the holidays. This is a gift I bought for myself!

And since Christmas is right around the corner, I need to get these gifts finished!!

Merry Christmas, my friends!

And Mary said:

"My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state

of His bondslave;

For behold, from this time on

all generations will count me blessed.

For the Mighty One  has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is upon generation after generation

toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud

in the thoughts of their heart.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Luke 1:46-55

Linking up to: A Bit of Sunshine