And yet Christmas lives on...

From the bulletin at John Black Memorial United Church, December 24, 2012

This Christmas Eve is at an end...
And yet Christmas lives on.

After the presents are opened; the tree dismantled or taken to the chipper,
the radio stations go back to their regular list of songs;
the Christmas T.V. specials wait to be resurrected for another year;

Christmas lives on.

It lives in the hearts of all of us who dream of peace,
and who wake to do the hard work of loving our neighbour
and the stranger and those closest to us who are demanding,
and those who need us who never say anything at all.

Christmas lives on.

Not as a burden to serve, but a gift of joy.
We have people to love, and a God that loves us.
A God who calls us to leave where we are,
to open our eyes to the signs of newness in our midst,
whether we travel across the globe to give aide,
or across the table to give comfort or challenge,
we continually go to the manger, and Christ is there for us.

Christmas lives on.


Merry Christmas one and all!

He knows when you're awake...

So off we went with #2 grandson in tow to see #3 granddaughter's first nursery school concert.  It was great fun - about 2 minutes of singing followed by a rather huge snack buffet.  #1 grandson was so happy to be the old pro, as he has graduated from nursery and is now a big kindergarten student (see last blog entry).  He could spend his time running through the entire building, and was more than happy to show his younger cousin just how to take those corners.  Fortunately, he didn't teach younger cousin how to hide.  We would still be looking. 

#2 grandson has a reputation for being rather fussy when it comes to eating.  Mom, here's the trick.  Just lay everything out on the table buffet-style, and let him graze.  He loved to help himself to most everything, especially since most everything fell into the "cheese, fruit, pretzel" food group.

That event took the morning.  For the afternoon (after a "rest"), #2 grandson "helped" put the lights and decorations on the tree.  There is nothing like seeing 75% of the ornaments hung at the three foot level to take grandparents back a few years.

He sees you when you're sleeping...

Off we went to visit Santa at the local mall, hoping for more smiles than tears.  Thankfully, that's what we got - well, if not true smiles, at least tolerance of the experience! The pros in the group showed the sort of rookies the ropes, and all were happy to enjoy the candy cane and sticker book after the visit!

And this young man performed well as a sheep in his first "really" Christmas Concert. The place was packed but the seats were comfortable!  We couldn't help but remember "tappa tappa tappa" and wonder if the sheep experience will follow Cole as the elf rendition has followed Tyler.

And so the madness begins...

She sits!

Look who is a big girl and can sit up and play with (large size) Lego (sorry Lily, it wasn't girl lego!)  Just in time to sit on Santa's knee!  Wonder what she wants for Christmas?

We know what he wants - Woodybuzz!  (Although he does really like the small Lego too, Cole!)

Dedication

It was Dedication Sunday for this sweet little miss.  She was happy during the ceremony, and very happy at home afterward!  Such a sweetheart.

Toy Story

Some toys just never grow old.  They are meant to be around forever and a day.  Addy's brother saw this up in a closet the other day (not sure why it was there) and wanted it desperately.  He played with it for a good half an hour.  And then, when he left for other more exciting adventures, this little princess got a chance with the toy.  Now, I rescued this pop up animal toy from Grandma and Grandpa W's second to last home.  I am not sure why it even made the journey from St. James.  This little one's mother and her aunt and uncle all played with this in the early years and now, some 30 years later, it is still obviously as entertaining and exciting as it was then. 

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

But the fire (and food and family) is so delightful!  We journeyed east to Falcon for an overnight and thoroughly enjoyed the great hospitality.  Here are a few pictures of what we saw during the 24 hour stay.

Tried to visit some friends, but they weren't home!

                                               Some things in the place remain the same...

 and some things are new.

 

The scenery was beautiful...

And the jacuzzi was great!

Thanks to our hosts for a relaxing visit.  We look forward to more.

A Bit of History

Those of you on Facebook will know that this past weekend my great grandparents' homestead was designated a Century Farm.  This is an honour given by the Manitoba Historical Society to farms which have been operated continuously for at least one hundred years by members of the same family.  This farm has been worked by members of the Abel family for considerably more than one hundred years, but inspired by my mom, the paperwork was finally done and submitted so the honour could be bestowed.  The present owners, Murray and Brenda Abel, also worked tirelessly to make sure the place could receive the designation.
Last Saturday was a glorious Manitoba fall day, which on the prairies means that the sun was shining, the temperature was high, the wind was blowing (but not until after the ceremony) and everyone was smiling.  Everyone travelled in caravan (dust, dust, dust) to the original homestead.  While the house is not there, having burned down in the 1970s, the land is there, and the memories held by the few who remember the house and had experienced visiting or living there, were shared.
The pictures which follow are in no particular order, but they show the official sign and beautiful wrought iron gate, the remains of the foundation of the house, a few original bricks, the speakers, Brenda Abel, Norma Cleverley, and the representative from the Manitoba Historical Society, and candid shots of the 60 or so people who attended.  The oldest I think was Alec Abel, and the youngest for sure was Julien Fortier.  We joked that he is probably the only one who has a chance of being around for the bicentennial!

                                                                  This chair is just right!

Youngest attendee.

Brick from the farm house.

Red hair - must be a relative!

Owners before the present day ones.

Present day owners.

The Brown Family Bible.

The six cousins.

Congratulations to one and all, and many thanks to those who made the day possible!

Visits

There is nothing more exciting in our house than visits from family and friends.  Here are some recent visitors.

First time in the high chair!  (It only lasted a few minutes, but she liked being able to see the action.)

This was a special visit from a special friend.  Glad you were able to meet Addy!

We look forward to many more visits and sleepovers.  Before we know it, these kiddies will be so busy, they will have to squeeze visits to Grandma and Grandpa's into their schedules.  We are enjoying the moment.