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

"Sew Hearts Gramma"

Two year old Kasey spent Friday with me instead of going to daycare. I had put all my sewing things away when preparing for everyone coming for Thanksgiving. (My dining room table doubles has my sewing table). Last summer she watched as I sewed the baby quilt for her new cousin, Tatum. I posted pictures in July of her climbing onto the chair and "sewing". Each time she comes she wants to sew hearts, stars, and now we added bells. She pushes my hands away to place her two fingers on the fabric to guide it along. I tried to have her look at me to take a picture to use on our Christmas letter. Her response was, "No Cheese Gramma!" In Kasey talk that means she won't smile or look at you! When she is finished she looks at her sewing and says, "I did it!"


Another picture from Kasey's birthday celebration last Saturday night. Her gift from her mommy and daddy was a trike. Of course, it came in a box. So Kasey and her cousin, Conner, were right there giving plenty of help and direction to her daddy, our son Todd, on how to put it together and what parts came next!

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart
Give Thanks To the Holy One
Give Thanks for He's Given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich
Because of what
The Lord has done for us

Give Thanks.

Have Blessed Thanksgiving--Giving Thanks.

I finally finished something!

My projects are extremely small compared to quilt tops that most of you are doing--However, I am pleased to keep plugging along!

I have finished the Christmas Table runner that I started in a Community Ed. class the first of November. Due to combining, feeding the guys in the field and helping to move equipment from one field to another I missed the second week. I had wanted to learn new methods of quilting the finished product. Each class I take--I learn more and find out there is so much more I need learn.

We celebrated Granddaughter Kasey's second birthday Saturday evening. In attendance were 3 great grandma's and 1 great grandpa in addition to the grandmas, papas, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I was disappointed that I hadn't been able to finish Kasey's Fuzzy Flowers in time for her birthday. I was short fabric to finish the sashing strips so I had do some ripping and changing of the plan.
I am changing from having strips with setting posts around the outside to have a smaller border and a larger border. I started clipping some of the flowers this afternoon. That is going to take time.

I had allowed a sales clerk talk me into greens instead of blues when I purchased the fabric. After sewing the green on to the yellow squares I wasn't happy with it. So I took 16 squares apart and replaced them with the blues I found at Busy Bobbin. I really like it now!

We are heading down to our son, Chad's home tonight to cut up the two bucks that he and DH shot yesterday and today. I would rather stay here and work on Kasey's Fuzzy Flowers!

Take Care!

Linda

Thank you!

Lee Greenwood's Song still says it all!

"If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
well There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:

that I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A."

AMEN!