HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Well- a new year is just around the corner with so many unanswered questions still remaining in 2008. Much happened in 2008 and one was the longgggggggg election year campaigning. It was good since we had such a different campaign--but boy was I happy when we got into Nov. The new president has a lot on his shoulders-may it all go well-and may the economy get better with many changes with the big wheels trying to run the businesses with such a smallllllllllll salary.

One thing is still true no matter what some may say and try to rationalize--GOD is still in-control. I found a great poem that tells us how to handle the unknown---

"Talk it Over With God"


You're worried and troubled about everything,
Wondering and fearing what tomorrow will bring-
You long to tell someone for you feel so alone,
But your friends are all burdened with cares of their own--
There is only on place and only ONE FRIEND
Who is never too busy and you can always depend
That HE will be waiting with arms open wide
To hear all your troubles that you came to confide-
For the heavenly Father will always be there
When you seek HIM and find HIM at THE ALTAR OF PRAYER."

May you and yours have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Christmas Preparation

We are having a few extra activities this year for the Holidays. This year the choir is giving their Cantata at the Osage Village Nursing Home on Dec. 15 and again at Shilo Rehab on the 18th. We will have it in Church on the 21st.

They went caroling on Wed. and returned to church to have some hot chocolate and hot cider. I volunteered to serve a few goodies. That was fun for me and all enjoyed it very much. Made some candies-- cookies--pinwheel sandwiches --and dips.

Then on the 19th our choir director is having a party at his home with goodies and a small gift exchange. We are soooooo busy, but oh such a nice break.

I'm just so glad I don't have to buck the crowds at the stores at this time. We do have the tree up and one present under it. Every thing looks so nice and just love the Christmas CD's and tapes.

We have had so many cards already this year and a number of very nice photo cards. They can do such good work with the new digital camera's. So proud of our good looking family--grandchildren--and great grand children.

I may not blog again until after the New Years and our family gathering on Beaver Lake. Sure looking forward to that. Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Is Coming

I know that Christmas is right around the corner. This morning it was 26 degree--Yesterday we had snow on the ground--Radio stations are playing Carols and Holiday music--so I must do something about it.

Saturday we put out our few decorations. No outside lights-no big fresh cut tree- no fancy evergreen wreaths--but everything that has home made value to us. We have a small tree that stands on our sofa table, decorated with just about every ornament hand made by me or some friend. The Seasonal pictures hung for the occasion are all stitched and framed by us--a lot of the figurines have been made years ago at ceramics classes that I went to, mainly to remove stress that took it's toll on me from the business--A rusted wreath made by our creative Rozeboom family-etc.-etc. But Oh what memories.

Then I have my Christmas greetings written-sealed and today , delivered to the mailbox. Yesterday I made those Ritz, peanut butter dipped goodies. Today I plan to dip wreath pretzels--then tomorrow Rice Crispy cookies and Chow Mien cookies on Thursday. Have already made Carmel corn and nibble mix. Do you see ,I only plan one thing for a day. Seems I need more time to do stuff these days.

Our church choir has a 20 minute cantata we are giving on the 21's. This year we also plan to give it at 2 nursing homes. One on the 15th and the other on the 18th. They are going caroling on the 10th, but we are staying at church and when they return we will have a snack lunch ready for them. Hot chocolate, apple cider--dips and crackers and all the other fancies for Christmas parties. Doesn't that all sound great?

Our minister has taken another church at South Haven, Mo. He preached his last sermon this past Sunday morning. Mixed feelings on his departure-but some time we will get a replacement. Oh--what a beautiful season. The birth of Christ!.