Engraved in His Palms

Our school didn't begin its break this year until December 22nd so I was rushed to finish shopping and get all the last minute preparations for Christmas together. While it was a whirlwind few days, I think I like the break falling this way. When everyone else is going back this coming Monday we still have another week. I usually have the week before to run around and prepare then the week after to clean up but this year it really feels like I have so much time off. I am so thankful. I enjoyed my years at home with my kids and going back to work was so difficult to adjust to but I am so thankful that if I am going to work I have the same schedule they do..and I really do love teaching.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Unfortuatetly we didn't get to see my side of the family but we did get to see quite a bit of David's side so that was nice. My mother-in-love has Alzheimer's so we try to get together as much as possible while she can still remember a little bit.. My sister-in-love,Helene, is always so gracious to host the majority of family gatherings we have, she has plenty of space, is a wonderful cook and my mother-in-love feels comfortable in her home because it is somewhat familiar to her which makes it easier for everyone.


Our Christmas Card this year- of course I had over 50 to send out but only sent out 18--how does that happen you ask??? Well busy got in the way and I had done 18 so they went out so if any of my friends are reading this and didn't get one I am so sorry but here is the picture and Merry Christmas about 5 days late....ha!

Can't have Christmas without watching Rudolph
We are never guaranteed tomorrow, only today, so with my Mother-in-Love's Alzheimer's we try to get a group shot whenever the whole family is together- This is David, his parents, and his sisters, Pauline, Helene, & Diane
These are all of the grandkiddos and the only great-grand-daughter, Molly--she is soooo sweet!!!
Uncle John and John-Paul serenading us
Memere & Pepere-(french for grandmother & grandfather)
Christmas Eve- the boys sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, then ring bells so Santa knows exactly where we are
Every year "santa" leaves a clue in each of the kid's stockings. They have to search to find each clue, usually 3 or 4 of them and this will lead them to their "big" present. Here are all three of them reading their clues before the big hunt is on.. My 18 year old loves this so of course he still gets a clue in his stocking too--tons of fun!


Some of the haul--the rest already made it to the playroom

Have a great night!!
Blessings,