Visions of Sugarplums...

Christmas Morning, 2007

"The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads".

It is quiet at the moment...very early on Christmas Morning. All is awaiting the wide-eyed wonderment of the two young grandchildren, still nestled in their beds upstairs. Santa has visited through the night, eating his cookies that they so diligently baked and decorated early last night. He left the Christmas Tree lights burning through out the night so that the glow would be reflected in their wide eyes.

The past four days have been ones that Hubs and I will treasure for the rest of our lives. We have known for several months that our children and grandchildren have been planning a reception for our 50th Anniversary. Having had an "almost" Christmas wedding, we knew the timing would not be good for people to go to another party. Families would be together having their own celebrations of Christmas. Many would be traveling to other places to do the same. But faith, hope, and love perseveres in our family.

But as in all best laid plans, there are always stumbling blocks. Whoever would have dreamed that this would be the year that our local high-school football team would have a winning season that would carry them to the State Playoffs! Yes...our small town is a "football town". People live, eat, and breathe football....especially in a winning season.

On Saturday, December 22, 2007, the same day as our "so well planned party", Our Town could have very well been described as a Ghost Town. Every living body that could possibly travel the distance went to the game! And, on top of that, the weather changed overnight....from 70's in temperature to high 30's, with a high wind! Those that didn't travel to the game, didn't want to brace themselves for the bitter onslaught of wind that chilled to the bone.

Though some nervous, doubtful feelings arose, our group carried on...like the troopers they are. I don't know that he actually said this but I can hear the S-I-L saying..."Never fear! Underdog is here...saving the world, one paw at a time!" I think of this because, one of my gifts from them was the DVD movie "Underdog"!

I suppose I need to make a long story a little shorter. The reception was set up as a "come and go" affair. As it turned out, it evolved into a "come and stay" affair. The best count that we have (because all who attended didn't register their name) is 56 visitors. Twelve of this number was local...those that we can always count on for support and encouragement. The rest had traveled from far and near. There was a cousin and her husband that had driven from Marysville, California to attend. There were ex-students that Hubs had taught that were here. Friends from all over, from the past attended. It was an awesome day.

As a signature on my email messages, I have:

"For I know the plans I have for you",

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

God is true to His word. He is faithful and keeps His promises. There were just as many plans and prayers from our football team and their followers...for a winning of the State Trophy.( which was won 26-6) He honored them just as He honored my family and friends. He is not limited by any circumstance.

Although, our party was an unforgettable experience and success, our greatest gift this year...on the 50th anniversary of our marriage, was to have our entire family together, working together in unison with one goal...to give us our gift of "family".

I have pictures of my family that will be posted later. The one picture that is posted here was taken by our 6 year old grand daughter. Great picture...huh!

Now, it's time for those "visions of sugarplums" to come to fruition.

Have a blessed day, readers of "For the Love of Home"