Santa Makes one Last 2009 Stop!

Santa knew we were having a late Christmas celebration with our family so he postponed his return to the North Pole and waited a couple extra days before trimming his beard. There were two very
excited grandchildren and one who didn't know what to think!

Conner was looking out the window when Santa arrived. He was so excited he didn't know what to say. Santa was hardly in the door before Conner jumped in his arms!

Kasey wasn't quite as sure as Conner, she was more reserved but Santa won out and received a hug from her also. Especially when he brought her a princess bag with a bracelet inside!


Tatum didn't know what to make of this interesting looking person!





After taking pictures of the grandkids with Santa--He asked if he could take a family picture of us. So--Here is our family. Herb and I with Conner, Chad and Katie's son, on my lap. Todd is on the floor with his wife, Marie next to my mom. Kasey, sitting on great grandma's lap, is their daughter. Chad is on the end with his wife, Katie holding Tatum.

Now, I hope to spend some time at my sewing machine finishing some unfinished projects before vacation is over!


Could anyone tell my what I have to do to allow replies on my comment? Thanks!!!
Enjoy the week!
Linda

Good Morning-Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas,
Good Morning--Christmas came even though I am not prepared. However, last night as I sat at the Christmas Eve service with our sons, daughters-in-law and love, our three grandchildren, and Herb at my side, I realized that we have all we need. Following service we all went to my mother's for a light dinner where we laughed and enjoyed each other.

My gifts this Christmas include:
* the doctors were able to remove from the penny from Conner's esophagus
*the doctors are going to repair Herb's heart and he will finally feel better
*I have friends I can count on to listen-Thanks Sis!
*My sons and their families live close to us so we are able to a part of the kids growing up.


Today Todd, Marie and Kasey have left home to spend Christmas and the next few days with her family near Albert Lea, MN. I am praying for their trip with the road conditions. Chad, Katie, Conner, and Tatum are spending Christmas with her family at Hayward , WI. I realize that when you have sons--they spend the holiday with the girl's families. So today--Herb and I are spending a low key day. I will be working on a few projects I need to finish before everyone comes here on Sunday for our day of eating, celebrating, and opening gifts!

Have a very special day!
Linda

Away In the Manger---by Third Day

Merry Christmas

Joseph's Lullaby --By Mercy Me

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Merry Christmas,
Linda

Welcome to My World by Michael W. Smith

Four years ago, I attended a Michael W. Smith concert at the Target Center in St. Paul. This was one of the songs he performed. Linda of Linda's World posted this song on her blog--I wanted to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas,
Linda

One Penny = 2 hour trip to Children's Hospital

Last night around 7:30 daughter-in-law, Katie called. She said 3 year old Conner had swallowed a penny and was asking what we thought they should do. She said he was crying because his chest hurt. I suggested they call the ER and ask for the doctor's opinion. I left shortly for the 10 minute drive to their home to stay with Tatum. He had an x-ray that showed it was lodged in the esophagus. The ER doctor spoke with Children's Hospital in St. Paul for suggestions. They were sent home with instructions to have him drink plenty of fluids to try to flush it down then to return this morning for another x-ray to see if it had moved. It hadn't changed positions at all. So late morning they headed to the cities to the hospital. We received a text message a few moments ago that the Dr. came out to see them bringing the penny. He said it all went well and they would be able to see Conner shortly. Praise the Lord! It could have been much worse! We are now waiting word as to when they will be home. If it is not too late I hope to run down just to give him a hug and a kiss!

6:00 Update--Just talked with Chad--Conner is still in the recovery room. He is on his third popsicle.
The nurse should be in shortly to remove the IV and then they will be on their way home!  PTL!!!!

We're Home with a PLAN!

We are home from meeting with the cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital. It has been decided that Herb will have surgery in January on the mitral valve. The best scenario
would be that when they are able to look at the heart they maybe able to repair the valve. If that is not possible it will be a tissue (pig) valve or a mechanical valve. Each had pros and cons. We are at an outstanding facility with a outstanding surgeon. When we told Dar the name of Herb's surgeon. Her response was "Oh my!" Dr. Kshettry is world renowned -the top surgeon at the institute. We are both totally comfortable with this decision and the doctors! Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayer support!

Now that we have a plan in place I am able to prepare for Christmas! The tree goes up tomorrow!

Request

Good Morning,

Herb has an appointment at the Minneapolis Heart Institute located in the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis . He was diagnosed earlier this fall with Mitral Valve Regurgitation. We are meeting with a specialist there this afternoon. My prayer is that we find out what needs to be done so he feels better and is able to return to his normal activities and work load. Please pray as we make the two hour and a half drive and that we are able to find the hospital and clinic without difficulty. I have my mapquest map!
Thank you for your prayer support!

Thank you,
Linda

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

The Fat Quarter Shop's Jolly Jabber has asked what I would pick from their store for you to put under my tree. I looked and looked trying to decide what I would like to find under my tree and then on my bed! ! I selected The Coming Home Quilt Kit! I love the pattern and the colors! Where would we be without our dreams! This is strictly between Santa and Me and my dreams! Check it out and write your letter!
Have fun dreaming!
Linda

Mary, Did you know?

This is the 28th year I have set out this Nativity Set. I purchased it the year our four year old son was killed in a farming accident on our farm. It is one way we have for Travis to be a part of our Christmas. It makes the season a little easier. As Christmas gets closer I will share other things we do in his memory.

I have been listening to Christmas Music as I set up my Nativity Scene. This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs. The title link is sung by Clay Aiken with scenes from The Passion. The second link is Mark Lowry singing. His version always sends chills while I listen to it. How thankful I am that Christ was sent at Christmas for each of us!

Mary did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am

Oh Mary did you know?

Linda