and now, cheers of the day ...
On the tailcoat of a wonderful Christmas Eve praise and worship where the children sang 'Happy Birthday Jesus' sounding like little angels, on Christmas Day I slept in and even the little one slept in because he tried so hard and managed to stay up late. When I arose the husband had been up as is his way. We had morning coffee flavored with cinnamon or caramel. In times past, there would be a decorated tree under which were an abundance of presents; but we didn't get that far this year - no tree, no lights, etc. We did manage to display the paper decoration that the little one had made, a huge ornament with snowflakes and such streaming from it; it adorned our front door. The usual nativities (we've collected a few sets) were adorning tabletops. The dining table had an array of gifts upon it and Christmas cards. I didn't get around to sending this year either, but next year I think we'll be more on track with our usual holiday celebratory activities.
All of us lazed around through the morning listening to carols, watching festive television programming and chit chatting and however kids laze. We had everyone around except for the girls with the exception of the middle one; all of the boys were present. The eldest and her husband spent their first Christmas in their new home. The other daughters were with their perspective other parent enjoying family there. When the little one opened his presents, he spent time on each one, overjoyed every time - talked about 'bonicles' and such and went from one to the next putting them together and seeing what joys they beheld. But before opening his, he took the present to his dad.
The husband wasn't wanting or expecting anything - we have had such a bountiful year, but I always try to find something he has wanted and this year the little one got him a pair of very nice tennis shoes for a very 'husband' cost (he aims the spend the least possible for for the most of anything, which has served us well). The Giant's girlfriend was able to get them where she works for a 'steal'! It's always a pleasure to see him get what he is not expecting, as generally he is not expecting, and be pleased. He liked the shoes. The children this year all received VISA gift cards, which really delighted the one's in their teens, and the older ones all struggling with their various goals and endeavors were greatly please with the financial enhancement. For the little one who had been going on and on and on 'till the break of dawn' about new games, it was a dream made possible.
In the afternoon, keeping the agreement, I went about preparing the Christmas dinner - ribeye roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn, with rolls. I have to pat myself on the back, it was delicious. I guess one of the keys for me is to keep it simple. I experimented with making a rub - I combined a couple of packages of marinade - I'll call chipotle peppercorn - some garlic pepper, a special hot sauce, smoke seasoning, a splash of wine and olive oil into a warmed gritty liquid paste and rubbed it into and all over the roast, then let it sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours (a marinade instead was recommended to take a couple of days - no time for that!)l. We cooked it in our new countertop oven which is full of options and quite tidy. The gravy I prepared on the stove with the makings of a package of Lawry's au jus seasoning and with the browning of flour - the taste was wonderful.
I rather enjoyed making dinner this year. The table was festive with the Christmas dinnerware. There was apple pie for those whose stomachs eventually made room for dessert. We, at the middle daughter's suggestion, went around the table revealing our goals for the oncoming year. It is a time too for reflecting on our blessings and where the Lord would have us in the new year. May yours be blessed and prosperous.
All of us lazed around through the morning listening to carols, watching festive television programming and chit chatting and however kids laze. We had everyone around except for the girls with the exception of the middle one; all of the boys were present. The eldest and her husband spent their first Christmas in their new home. The other daughters were with their perspective other parent enjoying family there. When the little one opened his presents, he spent time on each one, overjoyed every time - talked about 'bonicles' and such and went from one to the next putting them together and seeing what joys they beheld. But before opening his, he took the present to his dad.
The husband wasn't wanting or expecting anything - we have had such a bountiful year, but I always try to find something he has wanted and this year the little one got him a pair of very nice tennis shoes for a very 'husband' cost (he aims the spend the least possible for for the most of anything, which has served us well). The Giant's girlfriend was able to get them where she works for a 'steal'! It's always a pleasure to see him get what he is not expecting, as generally he is not expecting, and be pleased. He liked the shoes. The children this year all received VISA gift cards, which really delighted the one's in their teens, and the older ones all struggling with their various goals and endeavors were greatly please with the financial enhancement. For the little one who had been going on and on and on 'till the break of dawn' about new games, it was a dream made possible.
In the afternoon, keeping the agreement, I went about preparing the Christmas dinner - ribeye roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn, with rolls. I have to pat myself on the back, it was delicious. I guess one of the keys for me is to keep it simple. I experimented with making a rub - I combined a couple of packages of marinade - I'll call chipotle peppercorn - some garlic pepper, a special hot sauce, smoke seasoning, a splash of wine and olive oil into a warmed gritty liquid paste and rubbed it into and all over the roast, then let it sit in the refrigerator for 2 hours (a marinade instead was recommended to take a couple of days - no time for that!)l. We cooked it in our new countertop oven which is full of options and quite tidy. The gravy I prepared on the stove with the makings of a package of Lawry's au jus seasoning and with the browning of flour - the taste was wonderful.
I rather enjoyed making dinner this year. The table was festive with the Christmas dinnerware. There was apple pie for those whose stomachs eventually made room for dessert. We, at the middle daughter's suggestion, went around the table revealing our goals for the oncoming year. It is a time too for reflecting on our blessings and where the Lord would have us in the new year. May yours be blessed and prosperous.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUSMaybe seemingly not so, but we were at the party in heart and mind, being less Martha than Mary. It was a lovely day. Never neglect to come to the Lord's banquet.
Written by Donald Arey, Sr.
I had a birthday party, most everybody came.
They danced and ate and had a ball
But no one spoke My name.
They gave each other presents, as nice as they could be.
People came from far and near, But no one mentioned Me.
The stores were filled with shoppers,
The restaurants crowded out,
But no one seemed to really know what the party was about.
They talked about a reindeer. I think Rudolph was his name.
Then someone mentioned "Jesus"
And they hung their heads in shame.
You see, it was My birthday. They didn't even know.
That is why from heaven My heart is grieving so.
I came to earth from heaven on that first Christmas day--
Born in a lowly manger From sin to show the way.
I died one day on Calvary, on a cruel Roman cross
To save a world of sinners From a life of awful loss.
When you next have a party, with presents, friends and tree,
Remember Me, your Savior Whose birth has set you free.
-- Jesus
PS: I am coming again soon.
Happy Birthday Jesus; we love you!
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