CHRISTMAS EVE 2008

Jonique says that her favorite night of the year is when the family gathers for Christmas Eve. We have some priceless memories, traditions and a lot of fun. Yes, a family that plays, works and prays together is a family that is strong! Everyone pitched in! Rick made the potato casserole (that the kids call Funeral Potatoes, because they are often served at the large luncheons after funerals), Riley grated piles of carrots for mom's carrot salad (that Cambria calls "The Depression Salad"), Ashley made the green salad, Rick glazed the ham, RileynAsh brought the pies, and Cambria brought the caramel popcorn (not to mention all the other treats and food that we have stuffed ourselves with.

The grandkids arrived in their new pijamas and robes - all dressed up for a party and a good night sleep to await Santa's arrival. They party with us until 8-9 pm, then they go to bed at Grandmas until their parents carry them out of the house to their own beds (after the adults have fun).

Zander and Devanie always create amazing Lego projects that we try to protect from the quick hands of Roxie and Maddaux. Ryan and Cam left for home at 1 am to help Santa come to their home - in hopes of a couple of hours of sleep before the kids were awake to see what Santa had brought!

Richard fell asleep in the chair before we played Russian Rummy - so he got the good night's sleep! In the morning Richard and Jonique woke Rick and I up - jumping on our bed - - yes they are 20-21 years old - and we came in for prayer, to open gifts - and then Richard treated us all to a yummy breakfast of biscuits, Gravy, eggs, juice and milk! It's awesome to have good cooks around! That is a great gift to me! He called Riley, Ashley and Grandma Gurney and they joined us for breakfast and some Wii games.

At the end of the day there are 4 of us - Rick, Jonique, Jacob and me - and this is our last year of kids at home - because Jonique and Jacob will marry in one month! I will forever be grateful for the knowledge that I have of a loving Father in Heaven, who gave us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ! That knowledge, that they live and that they love us is the greatest gift that I have been given in this life - and I will spend all my days sharing it with others! My other greatest gift is my eternal family - for as I look around the world, I see that it is not something to take for granted - because so many people are not surrounded by this amazing love!