Happy Birthday Jesus!

Caroling

Christmas Eve and Morn2010

 Ray man reads a christmas story after Mom read the Story of Jesus birth from the Bible

 Ray man helps make breakfast

 Dad got a Blanket from our secret Santa

 Mom gets a Music Box from our secret Santa

Dan gets his MP3 player ~ amazing!

 Sponge Bob shaving kit.

 Anna wonders what happened to her gifts this year.

Yummy Eggbake made by Mom Dad and Ray man

Go fish sponge bob style

 Darcy

What?!  I finished my egg bake ~ time for Mexican wedding cookies

 Center piece from National Cattle Congress so simple but beautiful.

Being a tough year financially & emotionally I was having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit.  Dan & the boys put up Christmas decor and motivated me to help.  Then I started the Christmas baking.  Then on to Service projects.   Knowing funds were low Christmas shopping did not have the usual cheer to it.  Then one day a plate of cookies and an angel ornament arrived. from a secret Santa.  How nice.  The next day came two Christmas tree ornaments. The next day a Christmas Star Cookie Tree, delicious and beautiful.  Followed by a Sugar Cookie Wreath. Next day a pizza hut gift card. Well I thought our Santa was done but no more cookies came our way. Lil Dan wanted a full Christmas dinner this year. Dan's job had given us a Turkey and a box of food.  So I was hopeful we could pull off the dinner.  But along comes December 23rd we return home to find 2 large boxes of food and a large Turkey.  Including a 6lb jar of Crisco, huge bags of flour and sugar 4 family gifts, a gift for the boys to share, and 1 gift to each one of us. Plus the ornament Jar by the coffee maker filled with snicker's, beautiful napkins.  I thought my heart would burst.  Ray man could not figure out why mom was crying.  We had not let onto anyone has scarce this Christmas would be.  Yep I still have Pride issues.  And I realized although we had lost Curt, Leola, Beverly, Yvette's dad, Larry, Dan J,Butch, Joannie, Punk, Candy, and the week before Christmas Chuck this year. We had to say goodbye to Eddie Ray cat, Max, and June Bug.  Our oldest Rick was adjudicated and would not spend Christmas with us this year. Dan's mom and my aunt Kay were diagnosed with cancer, thankfully Pat's tumor was benign.  Dad's Alzheimer's has progressed farther, and my Mom almost died.  Dan & I were able to spend an hour with Rick as he opened his Christmas gifts.  We were blessed to have 4 of us together.  And to have Christmas get together's with both sides of the family.  Many of our financial woes had been relieved, many just short of a miracle. Mom & Dad moved in with my sister Marianne so I can be assured they are safe and needs are being met. So on Christmas eve I was baking a pie and the doorbell rang.  There stood one of my secret Santas holding another plate of cookies for us and a small plate for Santa.  I thought as we read the story of Christ miraculous birth.  Landon was born, Drew and Ally were married and are now expecting, Lori & Brad our expecting, as well as Dianne & Izzie.  We welcomed Afton to the world.  Sam & Sarah were married.  Ivan & Chantel & family were reunited with the Terry Clan.  So although 2010 sure carried alot of pain, in many ways we are so truly blessed.  We want to Thank each and everyone for being a part of our lives.

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Eve and our Secret Santa

 I thought this was one of the coolest trees I've ever seen.

 Christmas wreath

 Anna had Chloe over for a playdate.

 So love this arrangement 

 The new PJ's

 Everyone loves Mom's robe!

Christmas with Rick ~ Sledding with the boys

 He loved his gifts.  A big Thank you to all who sent something.  Very appreciative.

 Ray man Dan and Danny

 Danny

Ray man chasing his board

23rd Anniversary -Winter Concert- Ray man and Dad build a carb

New frame for living room.  Perfect Day

Lil Dan has a permit! Look out!

Yipee on December 3rd little Dan received his permit.  We are working hard on cornering.  It was funny at one point he started to lose control.  Then he accidently did a minor burnout.  Came close to a curb.  We get home and he parks the Blaser.  "See I told you mom I'm perfect at  this"  Al I can say is he is pretty good but not quite perfect. lol

The boys are no longer allowed on visits.  So visits with Rick will be trickier.  As the younger can not feel like Ricky is more important.  For Christmas for Rick it needs to be gum, candy, games all sealed.  Or medium size aeropostle.