Merry Christmas

It's the happiest time of the year, or at least that's how the song goes.  But I have to say it is truly a blessing to have all the kids at home for the holidays.  Caleb has been home on Christmas break but he's worked most of the break.  He has a few days off for the holiday and we can all be together.  That's the blessing of working for a Christian company. 

Abigail has been working five days a week, too.  So again the next few days off is so appreciated.  Our morning started off early with Frankie excited and ready to check out Santa's haul!  We opened our stockings and then enjoyed breakfast together.  After breakfast we checked out the packages under the tree.  

Santa was generous will all of us and the day was filled with my favorite people.  We broke out the snowballs and had a snowball fight in the house, Padme' was barely phased but all the activity! Today was a nice blessing surrounded by my sweet husband and beautiful children.  Truly the best gift of all! 

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 

Tim Hawkins Tour

For Christmas each year we try to get one gift that is a family gift, something we can enjoy together. This year our family gift was tickets to see Christian comedian, songwriter, and singer, Tim Hawkins.  

He's probably best known for parodying popular songs such as Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take The Wheel", Kansas's "Dust in the Wind", and "The Candy Man." He has nine comedy DVD's out with great stand-up material based on topics such as homeschooling, marriage and parenting.  

We love his side splitting humor and it was even more enjoyable seeing him live in an auditorium of Tim Hawkins enthusiast.  The show was at a local church with seating for 2,000 people. 

The show also included another Christian comedian, Dustin Nickerson who I'm sure we'll be hearing more great things about soon because he was so funny! 

We had a great evening.  Frankie wasn't too sure about it though, she said he talked way too fast! 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with joyful shouting;

Then they said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:2

At the Movies

Growing up every holiday included a family visit to the movies.  I have lots of great memories of Star Wars, E.T., Indian Jones and so many more! In keeping with that tradition we headed to the theater, today's feature was the remake of Jumanji.  

The movie was a fun remake but a little too much profanity and off-color humor that added nothing to continuing the story.  

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Christmas Morning

This Christmas I got everything I wanted which was my three babies safely home for Christmas! Sure the presents and goodies are great but all three babies home is the best!  To Frankie's delight Santa ate all his cookies and drank his Dr. Pepper, but that silly Santa still never rinses off his dishes! 

Padme' was undisturbed by all the commotion.  Santa remembered to bring chocolate covered cherries! And he stuffed the kids stockings with goodies.  

After a delicious ham dinner we played some board games.  One of our favorites is Say Anything a game where the group is asked a question and everyone writes down their answer on a dry erase card.  Frankie had us in stitches throughout the game.  One question was, "What would be the most fun thing to push off a building?"  Most answers were 'watermelon' or 'water balloons.' But Frankie's answer, 'Bad Guys!'  

Another question was 'What super power do you wish you had?' Again, common answers, 'invisibility' or 'super speed.'  But Frankie's answer, 'Stretchy Arms!'  She had us laughing hysterically most of the afternoon! We also played several rounds of Apples to Apples Bible Edition, we love that game too matching words like 'Wild' to 'Rabbis!' 

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Amos 5:14

Christmas Eve

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house . . . . 

We began our morning in the best way possible, worshiping the Lord. My favorite part of having Caleb home are those moment as we sit together as a family worshiping.  

With no Bible Bowl this afternoon we spent the remainder of the day watching a few of Frankie's favorite holiday movies like Frosty, Rudolph and Santa Clause is Coming to Town.  

The kids helped me put the finishing touches on the Christmas preparations so that the big guy could visit tomorrow.  Frankie wrote her letter to Santa and left out chocolate chip cookies and a Dr. Pepper. Santa is lactose intolerant and prefers Dr. Pepper! 

They rejoice in your name all day long;

    they celebrate your righteousness.

Psalm 89:16

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas is in full swing with a stop off at Mimi's home for a little holiday celebration.  What a great blessing to have so many to be with at the holidays. 

Caleb got to share with Mimi the stories of his travels abroad. Mimi and Pawpa visited Greece in their travels so they were able to share stories! 

He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:2

Over the River and Through the Woods

Our next Christmas stop was to see Granny and Donnie along with Jon's brother and his sons.  Even though the kids are all mostly adults, I love seeing all the 'old cousins' together.  And I know Granny loves to have all her kids together! 

There was a little football on tap and Caleb shared with Granny his pictures from Europe. The kids played a little fetch with sport in the Oklahoma snow and there were more presents and several Christmas favorites like ham and queso! 

We make it our goal to please him,whether we are at home in the body or away from it.  2 Corinthians 5:9

Home for Christmas

"I'll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams"

You've got to love a little Bing Crosby at Christmas time! The wonderful sounds of home for the holidays. 

Christmas brings together family and warm celebration.  First up in the celebrations was Christmas with my Mom and Mr. Bob. 

The girls enjoyed helping their Grandmother prepare Christmas dinner with all the fixin's.  There were lots of shiny packages with pretty bows! And even snow! 

The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

    but he blesses the home of the righteous. Proverbs 3:33

Sippy Cups & Celebrations

The last few weeks have been filled with Christmas parties but today's celebration may just be my favorite!  The preschool had their Christmas celebration today. Many of the Moms and Dads from the community joined the kids for the celebration. 

There were crafts, singing, books, pizza and home made treats. Because of all the celebrating there were no naps today! Sugar filled preschoolers and no naps, now that's the life! 

All of the kids were dressed in darling Christmas outfits, they were definitely picture perfect! 

 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Luke 10:21

Elf Movie Watch Party

Tonight was Ms. Katrina's 2nd Annual Elf Watching Party!  The girls get together in their PJ's and watch the Christmas favorite.  There are plenty of yummy snacks like spaghetti with optional maple syrup!   No angry elves at this party just lots of singing loud for all to hear and movie quotes! This is definitely a holiday highlight! 

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.  Ecclesiastes 9:7

Christmas Party Homeschool Style

We are probably ten plus years and counting for our church home schoolers annual Christmas party.  It's a wonderful excuse for great food and sweet friendships.  One of the kids favorite events at the party is the gift exchange.  The oldest kids go first and can choose a gift from the stack, but the younger kids can steal a gift from the pile or select a new gift from the pile. It's fun to see the younger kids steal from the big guys. It's lots of fun for all. 

One of my favorite things is the time hanging out with the other moms and just enjoying being with kindred minded ladies all trying to raise Godly children. There is such a renewing of spirit just being together. We've had lots of sweet home schooling families at McDermott over the years and it's a joy to see them as young adults.  I look forward to see what the Lord has ahead for this group. 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works Hebrews 10:24

Sitting with Santa

It's that time of the year when all good brothers and sisters head to the mall to visit the Big Guy! Sissy couldn't wait any longer to talk to Santa.  

Santa asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she told him nothing, all she wanted was for Caleb to come home from Spain and now that he was home she was happy! 

After their pictures Caleb and Santa discussed their travels around the world! 

You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.  Ecclesiastes 11:9

The Celebration Continues

Time for one more family Christmas celebration with Mimi before we head back to Texas!  We had a great visit catching up and enjoying a meal together.  It was fun listening to Caleb catch her up on all his school adventures and up coming plans. 

It's always nice to get to spend time together.  It can be tough being in the home she shared with my Dad, but it is also comforting at the same time.  Hopefully she will be able to make a visit to Dallas soon and we can spend some more time together. I'm so very thankful that the kids have so many extended family that want to be a part of the kids lives.  They are truly blessed! 

How good and pleasant it is

when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalms 133:1

Oklahoma Kirkwoods Christmas

Years ago when we relocated to Texas and I began the blog I selected Texas Kirkwoods because there were no family members in Texas.  Not one one either side of the family.  

So today we headed to the original Kirkwood clan in Oklahoma for Christmas.  It's crazy to think that it's Christmas day and it was seventy-five degrees outside.  The cousins, all five of the grand kids, were able to play ball outside.  Granny and I sat out on the porch and watched the kids.  Donnie took the boys out back to see his new tractor and the new gardening plots he's been plowing up for spring. 

Sport, Granny's yellow lab, loves being in the middle of all the action.  I have no doubt that the puppy will sleep well after all the play time today.  Granny served her boys favorites, chicken and noodles with a side of green bean casserole and some Velveta-Rotel dip.  All the favorite flavors of family meals together. 

Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ Luke 10:5

Home for the Holidays

Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas from my side of the family.  Our first Oklahoma Christmas stop after boarding the big baby was at my mom's house.  It's always good to come home.  Mom and Bob had some Elvis and Burl Ives on on the surround sound.  

My mom's house, like all grandparent homes is never short on food, lots of snacks and goodies.  I'm sure they probably still have leftovers from all the goodies, but we did our best to eat as much as possible.  

Santa shopped at Rustic Cuff, Kendra Scott and Kohl's, he has impeccable taste.  Mom got her first two Rustic Cuff bracelets, so now she can sit with the cool kids at church!  The kids also showed her how to take her first selfie, clearly a skill that will come in handy with her flip phone! 

It was a great holiday, too short, but so good to be together.  

And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house,
 and peace be to all that you have.  I Samuel 25:6

Merry Christmas

It's amazing how none of the children offered a single objection when they were told they could open their Christmas presents a few days early.  Not a peep, they were more than willing to accommodate our upcoming busy schedule. Imagine. 

Most of their growing up we have had Christmas at home, where they could run down the stair in their pj's to where their stockings were hung to see what Santa had left for them.  We've always invited extended family members to join us in the merriment.  For the last several years we've made big plans to have family in town, cleaned house, cooked meals, prepared special treats, all those extras you do for entertaining, but for various reasons no one has made it down despite the best laid plans.  

So, knowing there was family in Oklahoma who missed out on seeing us, we decided to head north.  So instead of clean sheets, and dusting we busied ourselves with making arrangements to board the dog, packing and car maintenance.  We still made sure we had lot of baked goodies to take with us to the family.  Frankie was beyond ecstatic to have Grandparents to share the holiday.  

We joked that we could pile our gifts in the mini-van to take to Oklahoma and unwrap with family, but joked that with 184,000 miles on the vehicle it could just be more weight in the car to push when we broke down!   Again, another advantage to opening gifts a  few days early.  I think the biggest obstacle to traveling for our family of five isn't the eleven year old car, or the very limited boarding options for a huge English Mastiff, but it's the juggling of schedules.  But anyone with kids and especially almost grown kids understands that struggle.  I'm so grateful for parents and in-laws who have modified their schedules for us for so many years. 

I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:10-11

A Visit with Santa

Time to go see the big guy in the red suit at the mall. Every year the kids indulge Sissy and stand in line to have their picture taken.  We hung out in line for about an hour and half with a line of much younger, busier, noisier kids.   

At moments like these I'm thankful for the way the two younger kids indulge and oblige Frankie's wishes. They are sweet to my girl and she loves this time of year.  Afterward we stopped by Sonic for our favorite drinks before heading home. 

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Ecclesiastes 9:7

The Theater, The Theater

After our fun in Ada last night, Richard and Melissa drove down to Plano to spend some time with Caleb and Abigail.  The kids went to visit the big guy in the red suit, but this is the picture they sent me! 

Apparently they really do sell everything at Tiffany's! Darth Vader was also at the mall wearing a red cape.  

While the kids were out, Jon and I headed to the movies to see the new Star Wars release Rogue One.  But the the showings were sold out so we decided to see Marvel Comics Doctor Strange. 

After we got our tickets Jon and I started talking about the tickets costing less that we had expected.  Upon further inspection or our tickets, we had one adult ticket and on senior ticket.  We looked up on Studio Movie Grill's website to see that a senior is 65 years and older!  After a good laugh, Jon said he was a little upset to find out that a senior discount only get you $0.50 off a movie ticket!  Maybe in another 12-15 years when we actually qualify, it will be a more substantial savings! 

A gray head is a crown of glory;

It is found in the way of righteousness.

Proverbs 16:31

Spreading Christmas Cheer

At our homeschoolers party on Tuesday we made cards to be delivered to the Christian Care Senior Living Community.  When the kids were younger we would visit the location in Gunter, TX.  But that one was closed a few years ago, however just recently they have opened a new facility in Allen.  

The Christian Care centers are sponsored by Churches of Christ and were initially established to provide an affordable place for ministers, elders and their spouses to retire.  Many smaller congregations don't have retirement plans for their ministers.  The Christian Care centers also provide a place where Godly like-minded individuals can continue to worship and fellowship just as they did when they served in the local congregations.  It's a great ministry. 

Today we met up with the Hunt family and handed out our cards and visited with the residents of the center.  It is such a small world in the Lord's body.  We met a gentlemen, Rayburn who was the brother to a gentleman we worshiped with for years in Owasso, Ok.  We met another man whose daughter attends the congregation in Broken Arrow where I grew up.  Still another couple we met were the great-grandparents to one of my Bible Bowlers!  It was really great to visit with the residents and something we will do again soon! 

The LORD stands guard over the stranger; he supports both widows and orphans, but makes the path of the wicked slippery.  Psalm 146:9

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas time is here, and today we made plans to see Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang at the Dallas Children's Theater! Charles Schulz's classic animated television special comes to life in the live theater production. We were all looking forward to seeing Charlie Brown and his friends discover the real meaning of Christmas but Frankie wasn't feeling well.  

Fortunately Caleb and Abigail were still able to make the performance and joined the Baileys and several other PEACH families for the holiday fun. We broke out the DVD for Frankie to enjoy at home.  The photo with Caleb and Abigail standing in front of Snoopy's dog house is them leaving a space for Frankie would have stood if she had been feeling up to joining them today.  

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14