Christmas was very different this year because it seemed to extend for days! One week ago Sunday, we sang our musical in church, "Tell Me the Story", which was beautiful. On Monday morning, we picked Mom up and headed to Branson. We stayed at the Marriot Resort, where we had 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Noel and Janice reserved a condo just around the corner from us. It was a two story with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Thus, Galen and Sondra stayed with them. Tuesday evening, we ate dinner at McFarlaine's Restaurant. It looks like a logging camp establishment, and serves green fried tomatoes. On Wednesday evening, we had a party at our place. We ate such things summer sausage, cheese balls, crackers, and sweets. Then, we opened gifts and played games. On Thursday, we went to Silver Dollar City and enjoyed 2 shows. We saw, "Christmas Carol" and "It's A Wonderful Life". Friday , we played more games with Mom and then rested before going to "Dixie Stampede". It was my third time to go and I never tire of it. The arena holds 1200 people and it was filled. We ate wonderful food with our fingers as we watched world class horses and riders. The music and the dancers are also very entertaining. Our favorite is always the nativity which is portrayed with live animals and a beautiful angel coming down from the sky. I want all of my kids to see it so they will never forget the story and its meaning.
We were not sure if we could get back to Oklahoma on Saturday morning due to the severe ice storm. But, the roads were clear in spite of the ice covered foliage. It was a dazzling sight. On Sunday morning, my Bible Class had a party together and the children provided a musical during the worship service. I played, "Angels We Have Heard on High" for the offertory. On Sunday, Bill and I ate lunch at Red Lobster and ate lobster, scallops and shrimp. It was our 32nd wedding anniversary. Where does the time go! And, they said it would never last. Smile!
I volunteered on Tuesday morning at St. Anthony Hospital -Shawnee. I usually take care of the third floor, however, it was closed and 9 nurses layed off work. The Obamacare mess has caused this because many of the patients coming in do not have any insurance, and there is no way to varify it. The hospital doesn't have the funds to cover the problem. Tuesday, I was assigned to the Newborn floor. It was filled. How appropriate! Christmas is the season to celebrate babies, and especially the birth of Jesus. Thank you, God, for sending us a savior! Our nation is so messed up, and yet God's love for us is unconditional. We are ones who turn away from God because of our guilt and our desire to be in control. How foolish to think I could ever be in control!
Tuesday evening, Bill and I attended a candlelight service at Sharon Baptist Church. It was our first time to attend that church which is just a few minutes from our house. It must hold 350 people and was crowded. After the service, we drove to Mom's apartment where Sondra (Galen's wife) had made enchiladas and the trimmings. I took a cake for dessert. When we arrived we had to eat by candlelight due to a power outage. We were happy when it came back on at 11:00 p.m. We couldn't persuade Mom to go home with us.
On Christmas day, Galen and Sondra and Mom came to our house for a ham dinner. Noel and Janice had traveled back to Springfield to be with her Dad and their son's family. They came back to Shawnee today and will stay through New Years. Bill bought me a cross necklace with a diamond in the middle. He also ordered a pewter ornament with the covered bridge that we visited in New Hampshire. To make my day complete, we got calls from Kelli, Kirk, and all of my brothers. Kelli left Grand Rapids in 23 degree weather, and arrived in California to feel 79 degree heat. They will enjoy Kirk's gorgeous pool. Roger was leaving with his family on his boat for a week in Catalina. Keri's family had a wonderful Christmas in North Africa. I loved the picture of the kids at the Sheraton Hotel. My heart melted when I heard that Isaiah said they should skype and thank Gramma and Papa Bill for their day at that oasis. Children have the hearts that God would have for all of us.
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