A New Career for Ralph?

Last night was our church Christmas Musical--and it was awesome! For the second time in recent years, Ralph has taken a leading role in the drama part of the Musical. Is there a new career in his future? I think not--but he really did a fantastic job! And what's even better, I think he really enjoyed doing it! Don't get me wrong, it was A LOT of work, but he felt it was well worth it!

The story centered around the family dynamics of a family named the Keagans. Henry(Ralph) has recently begun to deal with the passing of his wife, and his children and grandchildren have decided to gather together to support their dad during his sorrow--and to continue some of the yearly traditions they hold dear. Each family member is experiencing their own loss, as well as, their own stuggles in life.

The main messages of the drama are that, while circumstances change in our lives--the one constant we can all depend upon is found in the love, grace, and presence of our Lord Jesus--and that God is always faithful to lead us through the unique journey He has for each of us.

Here "Henry" is in conversation with his daughter and son-in-law. Jake, the son-in-law, has been out of a job for about 6 months--so the daughter is dealing with that, as well as her mother's death.

Henry is reminded of so many wonderful memories of his late wife, but is trying to encourage his son, Zach, who is missing his estranged wife and children.

It sounds very heavy, but there were many light moments in the script, and the music was a variety of traditional Christmas carols and light secular music, too. Several people commented that they could relate to a particular struggle in the drama, but that it was "just what they needed to hear". That's what matters most to Ralph.

So, today he didn't have go over any script-- and we are resuming our other Christmas activities!

Merry Christmas!

It's Freezing Today, But We Have Lots of Warm Memories!

BRRRR! It is so cold here today! Our fountain hasn't thawed out all day! I think it's so pretty, though. The only thing that would make it prettier is if there was SNOW, too. Usually, this kind of freezing doesn't happen until January or February, so who knows what we'll see in the next few weeks!

Today is December 12th, and that was always a fun day when I was growing up! It was my sisters' birthdays, and we always got to put up our Christmas tree on that day, too! Lynn and Debbie were twins and there was always something exciting going on! May 24th, 1991 forever changed our family, though. Thanks to God, we have come through those sad times! Things will never be the same, and we'll never forget our vivacious Debbie, but God has reminded us of so many wonderful memories! Her life was taken away, but those memories will always be in our hearts. She was such a "giver"! In the picture below, she was giving her time as a clown at Egleston, where she worked as an X-ray Tech. She also was constantly making something for someone. She had crafts going on all the time on her kitchen table.

She had more friends than anyone I've ever seen. Everyone of her friends considered her their "best friend".

This picture, with our Amy, was taken at Easter( only a few weeks before her death). We always laughed about how much Amy was like Debbie( thus the picture). They really were a lot more alike than Amy and I are! Debbie is the one who immediately came over to care for Amy(then, about 4 months old) when Beth had her accident with the reclining chair.

Debbie's children, Matthew and Melissa, were 18 and 9 (at the time of her death) and now they are adults with children. It makes me sad sometimes to think about Debbie not seeing her three grandchildren, but then I realize that she will see them one day --and she is in a more glorious place than ANY of us! Happy Birthday, Lynn and Debbie!

I'm So Far Behind, I Thought I Was in First Place

It's December already--Right?!!! Yeah, I thought so! About the time we got back from the Mountains with our Jacksonville friends, I made the mistake of thinking that I pretty much had it together. I had made plans for Thanksgiving, had purchased a couple of Christmas gifts, and--now that we were back home for a while, I would really go into high gear, and get everything done! WRONG! I began having some throat issues--then, sinus issues--and, before I knew it, I had a whopper case of bronchitis and a sinus infection. I kept pushing myself, but in a lot lower gear! The Doctor put me on an antibiotic and a steroid on Tuesday(before Thanksgiving), so I was sure I'd be "over it"by the time the family got together on Sunday(after Thanksgiving). To make a long story short--it didn't work that way! I am now on my second round of steroids, and still not completely well!
Nevertheless-- we DID manage to have a nice Thanksgiving! Amy and her family were in NYC on Thanksgiving Day, and Beth and her family were at David's parent's house. Also, my sister's kids were elsewhere, too----so my sister and brother-in-law asked if we'd like to join them at their house at Lake Hartwell. We did, and had a lovely, unconventional Thanksgiving Day. We had barbeque instead of turkey-- and talked and played with our laptops like a bunch of "young people".
On Friday afternoon, we headed home to get ready for the family Thanksgiving we were planning for Sunday. Since I knew I wasn't contagious, we also stopped for a little while in Royston, GA to see Ralph's brother's newest grandbaby, Mayleigh. She is just precious!

Here is Ralph with his brother, Doug. They are 14 years apart in age--and they are just beginning to look a little like brothers!

Here's our tree. We wanted to get it up this year before Thanksgiving--since we were going to have our small group here on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. ( That didn't happen, since I was still sick, though.)

Needless to say, Sunday was a little bit of a stuggle, but I wouldn't have cancelled it for anything in the world. I absolutely love having the family here, and it didn't disappoint! We have so much to be grateful for, and all enjoy being together so much.

Since Mother lives at Kings Bridge now, she doesn't get to see the kids as often--so Sunday was a real highlight for her! And for them!

Our nephew, Matthew, was able to be here-- and so was his daughter, Amanda. She lives in Florida with her Mom, so we love it when she can be with us. She's so good with the kids, so they love her dearly!

Here's Matthew and Amy!

During the afternoon, we were able to do a little Photo Shoot of the kids. None of us had really planned it this year, but I think it worked pretty well! It's still kinda hard to get them all to smile at once and not be silly!

Ralph took a lot of pictures, so maybe we'll be able to choose one for the Christmas card!