Holiday Season

This past month has been a blur of activity and fun.  Our church, Blackburn Chapel Baptist kept us busy!  The rebirth of this old church has been a miracle!  Pastor Larry wrote that we had 46 salvations and baptisms this past year.  We are so glad that we were asked to be a part of this ministry last August.  The church had its first Christmas choir and drama in 6 years.  There were 15 in the choir and 6 in the adult drama.  So, so funny!  Everyone laughed and laughed!

The week before Christmas, Bill and I enjoyed our timeshare condo at Willow Ridge Resort in Branson.  Since it is 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Noel and Janice joined us.  We enjoyed the Hughes Brothers and the Irish Tenors.  We all agreed that the highlight of our week was eating a Christmas dinner at the College of the Ozarks.  It is beautiful at Christmas and the dinners so delicious!  It is so popular that we had to make a reservation.  It is very classy with white linen table cloths and waiters in white jackets.

Bill played a trumpet solo, "Angels We Have Heard on High" at Galen's Christmas Eve service.  After, we ate Mom's homemade Swedish ring (and my lasagna soup) and opened gifts at her apartment.  Everyone was so generous!  It was fun watching.  We bought Mark a Santa Bear that sings and dances.  I loved it!

On Christmas, Noel and Galen were with their children and grandkids.  Kirk called from California, Kelli called from Michigan on her way to Nebraska.  She reported that she had a promotion to project manager for Cornerstone University.  We skyped with Keri's family in East Africa.  They will be reassigned to England next summer to work with refugees.   My brothers, Roger and David also called.  Christmas is my brother, John's birthday and I sent him a card.

I cooked a spiral ham dinner for Bill, Mom, Ian and Phyllis and myself.  After, Bill and Ian watched Thunder basketball and the women played Skip-Bo.  Bill gave me pearl earrings and other very nice gifts for Christmas.  I gave him Polo and a weekender bag by Polo.  We also upgraded our Dish to include the Heartland Channels.  We both enjoy watching the Hallmark movies. 

God has been so good to us!  Catch me on face book when you get time.  More pictures!