Getting ready for the holidays

I just love Christmas! I wish that the decorations could stay up as long as autumn does. I try to decorate as early as I dare so I can enjoy them as long as possible.

I have two tree themes (I only put up one tree -- I rotate from year to year). The themes are "Toys" and "Victorian" -- one for children and the other more for grown-ups. However, I haven't used the Victorian theme since my granddaughter's first Christmas. Children love the "Toy" tree because of all the toy ornaments. Also, I have some old fashioned toys under the tree and kids ARE allowed to play with them. The airplanes, a set of red bicycles, a red wagon, a train, nutcrackers and a train are among our granddaughter's favorite. My grandchildren will have fond memories of Christmas at Grammie and Pa Pa's house.

Last Wednesday, B stayed overnight at our house. Earlier that day I had cleaned the patio (which is made like a walled courtyard) and decorated it for Christmas. That evening she and her Pa Pa snuggled on the loveseat in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" while the Christmas lights sparkled in the darkness. And me? I was in the kitchen preparing our Thanksgiving desserts -- and serving hot chocolate. Next time I want to snuggle with her on the love seat -- and be served hot chocolate! ;)

I have almost finished my Christmas decorating. I only lack the tree and dining room table. The front door (inside and out), piano, mirror, coffee table and end tables, grandfather clock, pation and kitchen are finished. I may decide to sit out a few things in the bedrooms and bathrooms. As I said, I love Christmas!

Simple things can make the best memories. We are blessed with some wonderful memories. Some that have been captured on film, but many more that live only in the realms of our minds.

Love,

Sherry

A time of thanksgiving

Yesterday at our granddaughter's elementary school, parents and grandparents were invited to eat a Thanksgiving lunch with the students. Our son and daughter-in-law were not able to attend so we were asked if we would like to be B's guests. OF COURSE we accepted!

We arrived a little early to check in and receive our name tags. We made our way to the cafeteria and popped in to see the head cook who is part of our church family. We had a short visit with her. Then before too long, our sweet girl came in with her class. It's hard to believe that she is growing up so fast. She is almost half way through Kindergarten!

Here are a few pictures from our time with her.

The 1st Kindergarten class coming in for lunch.

B and her classmates.

Lunching with PaPa . . . .

. . . and with Grammie

Her teacher took this one of the three of us.

After lunch we were invited to walk with her to the library so we could see her picture on the library doors. To encourage reading, the students to read during each month. The goal is 80 books. Since she is learning to read, she is allowed to have books read to her. Only one student per class can be the winner and they get their picture up on the library doors, their name anounced over the intercom system and and be a part of an ice cream party. She was the only one in Kindergarten that made it to 80 books. (Last year she won in Pre-K too.)

Here a not-so-good picture of the library display.

Her picture is in the "October" window top row, just left of the camera flash.


Close up of her picture.

I am one blessed chick that thanks God every day for His grace, love, blessings, and unmerited favor! Are you counting your blessings? What has God done for you?

Love,

Sherry

Getting into the spirit . . .

Last week we took off a couple days and headed to Branson, MO. We wanted to see the Christmas decorations and shows because after Thanksgiving we will barely have time to come up for air -- the calendar is full.

We had such a great time. We spent one day at Silver Dollar City. One of the shows wet saw was Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", a live production that was amazing! It far exceeded our expectations. They did a phenomenal job. For example, when Mr. Scrooge went to his front door the night of his visits from the spirits of Christmas, the carving on the door spoke to him and "stretched" outward toward him. Also, the Spirit of the Present flew out over the audience and there were many more surprises. At the end, the actors were singing and the snow was falling. All of a sudden, it began snowing over the entire audience! And, in case you've never been to Silver Dollar City, the shows are all included in the price of admission to the park.

Since we were going to be there while it was all decorated for Christmas, we decided to come prepared to have some pictures taken that could be used for our Christmas card. We had a few taken professionally that will used for the card, but here is one that a stranger took of us -- and we returned the favor.

You might think that I'm rushing it a little since Thanksgiving is still a week away, but let me say that I am thankful for our country and all of God's blessings -- I thank Him everyday. However, I am even more thankful for the birth of His Son and what that represents -- the plan of salvation! So, I'm ready to begin the Christmas season now.

Love, Sherry

First Haircut !@#

Sunday night my 5-year-old granddaughter proudly announced that she had just given her little brother a haircut! Her shocked parents asked her "WHY!" She told them that everyone had been saying he needed a haircut, but no one had taken him to the beauty shop so she thought she would help out and do it herself. (Her stunned father instructed her that boys go to a barber shop :) She was very proud of herself for being so helpful. She said that he sat . . .v -e- r- y still during his "makeover".

She had cut the front - bangs. Fortunately, she used her little scissors and not some dangerous pointy ones that could have poked his eye out. Her mom told her that he had only needed the back cut because his hair was starting to curl. No matter, the job was done!

They have since laughed about it saying that she gave him a cut like Jim Carrey's character in the movie "Dumb and Dumber". See for yourself, whatcha think?

This first view is not too bad.

This one shows where she cut -- pretty much straight across.

It could be MUCH worse, but Grammie thinks he's still so cute. Big sister just may have cosmetology in her future :) I love those little munchkins!

Love,
Sherry

Header picture

I just love the picture in the header of this blog. I took this picture in Reykyavik, Iceland. The rolling hills, majestic mountains and -- oh my word -- the cloud formations are just beautiful! There were little churches like this one dotted all throughout the countryside.

I wonder if the house on the right could be the parsonage? If so, I wonder how the life in that parsonage compares to the life in the one where I live. Hummm.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Love,
Sherry

Scripture Memory Challenge

"Yes I hate them with a total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies."
Psalm 139:22 (NLT)

This is my scripture for the next two weeks -- not exactly one I would necessarily hang out there all by itself, but it's part of the chapter I'm memorizing. I'm so happy to say that I've already memorized this verse. In fact, as I stated in a previous post, I have completed memorizing the entire chapter - PTL!

I have begun searching for what I will be memorizing next year. There's nothing quite like the peace and satisfaction that come from hiding God's Word in our hearts. I love the Word!

Love,

Sherry

Get in the Game

During the month of October we recognized all the volunteers and volunteer teams in our church. Each Sunday spotlighted a different group. The entire 4 weeks of appreciation was paralleled to a football team. The last Sunday everyone was asked to wear their favorite team colors whether it be professional, college, high school.

We live almost equal distance between two rival state colleges; Oklahoma University and Oklahoma State University. It was surprising that there were much more OU fans than OSU. Some were teachers and wore the local school colors. (I called them the peacemakers :)

Here's a few pics from the day.

Me in my Southwestern Oklahoma State University sweatshirt - my alma mater.

Isn't that a tiny little emblem?

Tennis shoes are so much more comfortable to teach Sunday School in than dress shoes.

I was so thankful that the weather turned very cool or I would have been one hot mama!

My granddaughter and her best friend sport'n their Kindergarten and Pre-K tee shirts.

I swear, these two are joined at the hip. They are such close friends.

They say that they will marry some day.

Too young! Too young!

Not only the young, but the older ones participated, too!

Isn't she darling?

This couple is wearing the church basketball league jerseys.

Some serious OU fans.

"Train up a child. . . .and when he is old he will not depart . . ."
Starting early here. This is my son and grandson.


A few of the "peacemakers". She's a coach at our local school.
Here we have Meeker jerseys and church league jerseys.

Our inspiration for the whole thing. I couldn't get my camera out fast enough to get a picture of her wearing her helmet . The OU song was played as she came through the doors and ran down the isle and encouraged everyone to "Get In The Game" and volunteer to help in some area.

Pamphlets and volunteer cards were given to each person as they entered the sanctuary.

It was a fun day. I really enjoyed wearing extra comfortable clothes -- I think I could get used to that ;)

Love,

Sherry

I'm Finished!!

I am so excited! I have been doing the scripture memorization with the Living Proof Siestas. We have been memorizing two verses per month for an annual total of 24 verses. I chose to memorize the 139th Psalm with has exactly 24 verses. Well . . . . . I have completely memorized it -- ahead of schedule!!!!!

Putting this chapter to memory has been an awesome journey. I am one of many who has been doing this all year long.

Actually, I have memorized 25 verses. I included my "motto" verse into mix. Now I am "polishing" and working to make my recitation smooth and expressive.

I am fortunate to be able to go to Houston in January to say my verses! What a reward for the work over the passed 10 1/2 months.

I encourage you to do this next year. Hiding God's Word in our hearts is a wise thing.

Love,

Sherry

Feeding the "flock"

I have an awesome Sunday School class. Every week we have a treat of some sort and coffee. This week I made them an apple tart. They really liked it -- in fact, it's all gone! I took a picture of it to share with you.



This one is apple pecan but my favorite is strawberry/cherry. The class likes that one, too. That group of awesome people are so worth any effort I put forth to feed them -- spiritually or physically! I am truely blessed to share in their lives.

Love,
Sherry

Skywatch

I'm not a member of Skywatch, but I love looking at the sky and cloud formations. Cathy is a member of skywatch and post pictures of the sky almost every week. While I was on vacation I saw some beautiful cloud formations, the moon, sunsets, sunrises (there were few of these - 'cause I was on vacation).

Here are two pictures that I took while on vacation.

This was taken in Cherbourg, France.

This was taken while driving out in the countryside near Reykjavik, Iceland.

No matter where we are in this world, we have an enormous God who is always present.

"I can never escape from your Spirit!

I can never get away from you Presense!

If I go up to heaven you are there.

If I go down to the grave you are there.

If I ride the wings of the morning;

If I dwell by the farthest oceans,

Even there your hand will guide me

and your strength will support me.

I could ask the darkness to hide me

and the light around me to become night --

but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

To you, the night shines and bright as the day.

Darkness and light are the same to you."

Psalm 139:7-12

Isn't He just marvelous?

Love,
Sherry

Scripture Memorization Challenge

We are already memorizing verse 21 out of 24 in the LPM Scripture Memorization Challenge! It's hard to believe that this year is passing so quickly! This is my verse as I continue memorizing Psalm 139:

"O Lord, shouldn't I hate those who hate you? Shouldn't I despise those who oppose you?

Psalm 139:21

I just love this chapter. It keeps reminding me how personable our Shepherd is. I am teaching on Psalm 23 in Sunday School and yesterday I went through Psalm 139 to emphasis this fact. If you have not taken the time to read this chapter in a while, I highly recommend that you do. You will feel loved and very special!

Love,

Sherry