Faith of Our Fathers, Holy Faith

The black and white photograph is of my Grandpa Dykstra and his brother, my Great Uncle Oscar. They farmed across the road from each other on the Wiser Lake Road. There was a lot of visiting back and forth. I lived next door to them until second grade. I was taught to "stop, look, and listen" before crossing the road when I was pretty little.

Grandpa had an Oliver tractor and Uncle Oscar had an Allis Chalmers, so whenever we got straws with a drink we blew in them and made noises to the effect that Grandpa's tractor always started while poor Uncle Oscar's did a putt putt die thing...there must have been some tractor rivalry going on that the kids picked up on.

Two of their great grandsons are the best of friends, Sam and Jesse. They both love to camp, hang out, watch movies. Sam is home for Christmas from Fort Sam Houston. Jesse is considering the military. Their Great Grandpas would be so proud of these guys and would be so pleased that they are such good friends.

I imagine them smiling down from heaven watching Sam and Jesse.

Luke 1:50-And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.

The Feel of Christmas

Yesterday I went to Seattle Outlet and finished my shopping. Today I baked and baked some more. I am listening to my Johnny Cash Christmas CD. Hubby and I tidied things up. We went over our menus and table settings. Tomorrow we bring in the holly and the ivy, and the cedar too. Max is on Christmas vacation. Sam flew in today from Fort Sam Houston and should be home shortly.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. So, here is a little tour of Christmas at the Stone House.

Thanks to my dear friend Becky, I added some Christmas bling to my dresser.

Speaking of bling, our tree is pretty glitzy. I have shiny brites, actually quite a few. A Christmas favorite for me is to get things done and then stare at my tree, possibly in a stupor from the Christmas crazies...


I found this gem at the thrift store and in the Fall it is filled with pumpkins and nuts, a mini garden in the Spring and for Christmas I filled it with leftover ornaments. I love it because it is like I Spy.


We have a tree in our bedroom and all of the "stocking" shopping bags are under this tree and waiting for Santa.

Jesse and Max are out of school. I made them kool aid last night. Sugar free. Pretty soon there will be a lot of guys around. Sam today, his friends, and Danny comes home on Christmas Day! I am so thankful that I will have all my guys home for the holidays this year.

My famous Holly Basket cookies, it wouldn't be Christmas without them. Sheryl and I started this tradition almost 20 years ago.

Bring it all on, I think I am ready for anything!

Here Comes Friday

The baking supplies are ready. Friday is bake day. Oh, and cleaning day. Hmmm, and wrapping day. And ummmm, organize your life day. Oooohhh and Sam and Blake come home for Christmas on Friday!

When I have a looong list Hubby always asks, "so, what are you doing in the afternoon?"

Friday is going to be one of those days...

So this afternoon I am going to play.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Good Things:
*The decorations are up.
*The Cantata on Sunday evening prepared me spiritually for Christmas.
*Hubby and I had a nice lunch with Danny at Chantella's in Edmonds yesterday.
*My shopping could be finished but I am going on Thursday to Seattle Outlets.
*The weather is warming up.
*I finally planned the docents' Christmas party. BINGO!
*A girls' movie night tonight, Julie and Julia.
*I had a nice nap this afternoon.
*December mail is fun, thanks for all the wonderful cards.
*A pedicure is on the calendar for Saturday-yay!

Bad Things:
*The decorations are up EXCEPT for the greens.
*My shopping could be finished but I can't quit.
*The weather is warming up, and I want a white Christmas.
*I have a teeny tiny start of a sore throat and ear ache.
*I haven't been making dinner... tomorrow Max, I promise!
*No Christmas cookies have been baked here.
*No cards are being written.

The ugly would be the melting, gray, slushy snow and Max's response to No dinner tonight again.

A 'It's Good to Be a Parent' Night

Max had Tolo Christmas dance Saturday night. Max and Kassie looked so great. She is so pretty and her dress was darling. They went with Tyler and his date, Joci, and Jesse and Emily, and Chad and Erica.

Brian and Holly invited the group to their place for pictures, then an appetizer party for the parents. In the morning Brian and Holly's kitchen was still being remodeled, at 6:00 p.m. they had a party. Amazing or crazy, you decide.





Max drove, but not without a three point sermon from his Dad and constant reminders from Mom to be careful!
Definitely a night when it's fun to be a parent.

Girls' Traditions

Thursday evening was Girls' Night Out. This is one of my favorite nights of the Christmas season. Four friends, since elementary school, dinner out, gifts for everyone and so much talking and laughing I come home hoarse. What's not to love?

We started our evening at Sheryl's place. She had bacon wrapped, stuffed dates and a festive libation waiting for us. Her house is so festive and pretty for the holidays.

Before dinner we have a traditional photo with a toasting pose. I have these pictures since 1983. We haven't changed a bit!

This year I made mini albums for the girls of our day of Going NoWhere, and celebrating fifty. Doreen is wondering what is in her package. She looks like her niece Ruby in the picture.

A special evening built around friendship and traditions.