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A Very Merry Christmas…
By Mrs. BlackSheep | December 28, 2009
It’s the Monday after Christmas. Mr. BlackSheep is back to work and Baby BlackSheep is working herself to sleep in the other room. I’ve enjoyed a morning of getting back into routine and now it’s time to reflect on a wonderful Christmas before too much slips my mind.
It all started back on December 19th with the arrival of Grannie and Poppa Tom. We were the first stop on what was an extended Christmas vacation for them. They spent 3 days with us which proved to be a great start to our Christmas. No doubt Baby BlackSheep was in the spotlight of their visit! We all had a tremendous time. We cherished dinners around the dining room table and breakfast that always seemed to end in a few Christmas treats. One night we loaded up in the car, coffee in hand, and gazed at the beautiful lights that adorned the mansions in Brentwood. Another evening we took in the nativity and amazing light display at Opryland. Grannie and Poppa got a taste of life in Franklin, TN as our doorbell rang a couple times a day with home-made goods being delivered by our generous neighbors. We rode the Natchez Trace and of course had BBQ. Grannie & Poppa took in sights downtown and I drove them past a couple homes of the stars. We played games, opened presents, watched football and even enjoyed a movie together (Walk the Line – about Johnny Cash – Recommended!). Then Tuesday morning we sent them east bound, through our teary eyes we said good-bye and reassured each other that it wouldn’t be too long before we would see them again.
Christmas Eve was soon here and I found myself greatly missing old friends and our old church. At one point in the day I checked the clock to see if we could still make it to Wisconsin on time for church. No chance. We went to Christmas Eve service at a church we had visited a few times and afterward went across the street to our neighbors. We had a great time, met new people, and enjoyed a dirty Santa gift exchange. Steve went home with a high-tech coffee mug for his car and I left with a set of Christmas towels and hot pads. I almost had a Star Wars Light Saber – Whew! We stayed out late, played guitar and sang silly songs. It was the perfect night spent with other families that were away from home.
Christmas morning we opened presents from family. Somehow there were gifts that surrounded the tree despite the desire for a low key Christmas. Our families were once again incredibly generous and I am humbled that they would take on the extra work so as to not have us feel left out. When the presents were opened I made breakfast, we ate, played and then talked to family on the phone. Baby BlackSheep got a charge out of talking to Grandpa via web cam, and after reservations I learned to embrace the technology. It was cool. We did our rounds with Grannie & Poppa, and Chad & Alisha, wishing everyone Merry Christmas across the miles.
It snowed for about 15 minutes. I think it was a gift from God just for me. I was giddy and decided it was time to call my folks. I knew they would be by my sister’s house so I called Dad’s cell so Mom wouldn’t have to get up. “Hello”, as my Dad always says…”I’ll have to call you back “, he said with a crack in his voice, I knew he was crying. “Ok”, I replied. Steve immediately said, “Don’t think its something bad right away”, but what else could I think? Soon, I learned Great Grandma had a heart attack Christmas Eve. She’s a young 90. I wanted to drive home so bad, but let’s face it – you don’t jump in the car and drive 12 hours just like that. It turns out she’ll make a full recovery. I hope I’m in her condition at 90. The rest of the day we chilled, made a list of how we wanted to spend our Christmas money the next day and took in a movie.
We ventured out the day after Christmas with the goal of buying a Christmas tree and a few other items, ready to brave the traffic and crazy shoppers. They must have all been home in a sugar coma, because it was rather peaceful out there. We found what we wanted and headed home to enjoy another relaxing day.
Sunday proved to be fun day and I think life changing for me. We went to The People’s Church. Steve had been there once, but this was my first time. To sum up the message, it was about living life to the full. Nothing new to Steve and I as our old pastor, Pastor Guy, had had spoke this sermon before. I knew the scripture, I recently even taught on the scripture to a group of women. But God spoke loud and clear about some areas of my life that I just wasn’t living to the full. Oh my, How could I be so lost? Thank you Lord, because this is the best Christmas gift that I could have ever received this Christmas.
Topics: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
December 28th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Sounds like a great christmas! thanks for the thoughts…it’s good to hear from you.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I’m glad you have good neighbors down there…it makes all the difference! Also glad to hear that God bonked you on the head. Merry Christmas!