THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT AND THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER

The fourth Sunday symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

And that's exactly what our message was about this morning.  The angels' visit to the shepherds.  Such a good message and I was so happy I was there for it.

Afterwards I was playing with Miss A.  Truly she is the sweetest baby ever.  She just smiles and giggles all the time.  Since she has learned to walk she is all over the place.  I got to pick her up and hold her twice.  The rest of the time she was holding onto my fingers to steady herself as she walked all over looking at everything.  The curiosity that child has.  I always have said that if you want to see the world in a new way, spend time with a child looking at the world through their eyes.

When we finally got out of church (Joe has to talk to EVERYONE) we ran some errands.  I went to the post office and mailed off some Christmas cards.  I didn't send many out this year, but considering that the last two years I didn't send ANY I consider this an improvement. Then I ran into Rite Aid and got some gift cards and a few more stocking stuffers.  After that we went to Target and I got my step-mother-in-law and her sister their gifts (and a few things for myself).  Finally we went to get gas.  I paid just $2.51/gal for it!  Amazing.  Every day it seems it goes down in price.  I can't remember the last time I paid so little for it.

It feels good to be so far done.  I have now just one gift to go.  I have no idea what to buy him.  And I have a few more stocking stuffers.  

The house is still a mess, but that will have to be taken care of in the next three days.  How did Christmas get here so quickly?  I have wrapping, decorating and baking to do.  One party and one church service to attend.  Then the big day will be here and it won't matter anymore what else I have to do.

Hope you all are getting everything done also.

Today being the first day of winter it was also the shortest day.  Only 9 hours, 19 minutes and 57 seconds of daylight.  Tomorrow is almost a minute longer.  We are heading in the right direction.  My brother Larry and I always celebrate the shortest day because now it's heading toward spring.  I know that sounds silly but you need to do something when you have SADD.  At least the sun lamp Joe and I use helps somewhat.

There was a knock on the door this evening and when I opened it two guys from the Viet Nam Veterans group across the street were there with two big boxes.  They asked if this was where Joe lived.  I said yes and they brought the boxes into the house.  They were filled with food -- a whole turkey, canned ham, canned veggies, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, orange juice, milk, spaghetti and tomato sauce.  They said "Merry Christmas" and left.  Joe had been taking a nap, but I woke him up and he went across the street to thank them.

Later there was another knock on the door and there were some carolers.  Joe said "Wait a minute" and got me to listen to them too.  They were very good.  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

To end I thought I would show you some of my recent pictures.

Holiday Peeps.  Yum, yum!  I know they aren't good for me, but I eat Peeps only twice a year -- Easter and Christmas.  I figure 12 Peeps a year isn't going to hurt me.

Look at my new little scene!  I couldn't resist buying the little tree for half price and making it a Cherished Teddy Christmas.

Here is the tree -- all sparkly and beautiful.

Santa is no longer holding Hershey Kisses, but Bob's Peppermints.

My little Snowy.  We have had her a year now.  We took her in last December 20th.

A man and his cat.  She is very much his cat now.

I found Jenny's stocking and repurposed it for Snowy.  Three stockings hanging in a row.

It's up to four Advent candles tonight.

 I have to go to bed now.  Thanks for reading.  See you tomorrow.

Kathy