Christmas Decorating!!!

Well, today is officially the first day of winter and as the song says, "Baby it's cold outside!" It seems like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas just fly by. It's funny, when I was a kid it seemed like it took forever for Christmas to finally come, but now that I am older it seems to come quicker each year. I like to celebrate the entire month of December. My favorite part of the season is spending time with my family, friends, and church family. I like to put up my Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving. Each year, we "Deck the Walls" at the church the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This is a time of not only decorating, but fellowshipping and enjoying Christmas music--which is another thing I LOVE about this time of the year. I wanted to share a few pictures of the church decoations.

This is the tree in the church foyer (sorry the ladder is in the picture.)  

Below is a picture of the front of the sanctuary. The Nativity on the communion table belongs to my mother. I love the simplicty of the Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus figurine. She has been kind enough to loan it to me to use in the church for the past several years.

Tree in fellowship hall:

When we "Deck the Walls", women, men, teenagers and even children participate. The following picture is of one of our youth, Royal. Royal is blind, but he enjoys coming to listen to the music and to chat. Royal always has plenty to talk about!

Below is a picture of one of the children, Christopher. He is such a sweetie, and he wanted his picture made. Check out his big smile!

We all had a great time. Some of us even got in touch with our inner child (sorry , Karen, I couldn't resist!)

It was a fun night and thanks to everyone who helped make the church festive for the Christmas season. May God bless you!

Remember: Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Technically, it's still autumn!

I know it's Christmas, and yes, I have decorated my house and even my blog. In fact,I have been to a couple of Christmas parties and have indulged in many Christmas treats! As I type this, I'm wearing a Christmas sweater and listening to Christmas music. However, winter does not officially begin until December 20th or 21st (I can never remember); therefore I think it is still okay to blog about fall and share some pictures from various events this fall.

First of all, we spend a lot of time at football games from September through the beginning of November. I have mentioned previously, that I know very little about sports. I had no brothers and my father was not much of a sports fan, so I was never exposed to sports. However, I love going to the high school football games. First of all, my oldest son, Caleb plays the alto saxophone in the band. I too played saxophone in the marching band and have fond memories of marching and playing in the stands. My younger son, Josh, loves sports and has been on the junior high football team. This was his first year to play on the high school team. I do know that he is #88 and his position is tight-end, but that is about the extent of my knowledge.  I'm one of these Momma's sitting on pins and needles praying he doesn't get hurt!

In addition to home football games and away games, there were band competitions. I enjoy watching the band perform their shows. This year, the MHS Band's theme was "We Didn't Start the Earth Wind and Fire".

Josh in his football uniform (apparently, you are not supposed to smile in football pictures!)

Here are some pictures of the mascot and some pictures from homecoming 2009. He was an excellent mascot and provided us with much entertainment at the games.

Our good friend, Michael, showing his school spirit!

In addition to football and band, we were busy planning the church's annual Fall Festival.This has become a much anticipated annual event and fundraiser at our church. We have a silent auction, sell baked items, and food. The kids have fun playing games and participating in the cake walk and costume contest. Katie Beth dressed up like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Vena and Karen-- or should I say "Moneybuckets the Clown"-- helping sell tickets!

Lots of yummy pies, cakes, and canned items! To the left you will see Ms. Ruby and Sherri. They are just a few of the ladies, youth, and men who volunteered to make the Fall Fest successful.

Our youth department sold BBQ nachos, sandwiches, fried pickles and other delicious items at the "Hollywood Grill". They were dressed as movie and television stars. To complete their theme, they had a red carpet walkway and a giant Oscar. I guess this is "Dorothy" winning the Oscar!

So these are just a few of the things that my family has been doing this fall. The Christmas season is well underway and it is cold outside. I hope to share some Christmas tradititons and decorations soon.

God Bless!!