Children are a gift from God......

When my husband and I were married he decided to become Lutheran.  He was raised Catholic, but there were some things he just didn't agree with, and since I was Lutheran, it was an obvious change.  Now 37 years later and 4 grown children, the three that are married, married into the Catholic faith because their partners were Catholic.   It is not a problem in any way for us, as long as they are Christians, go to church and raise their children with a belief in the grace of God.  I love my son in law and daughters in laws to death.  I couldn't have picked better mates for our children, actually they are young adults.

We celebrated our youngest grand child's Baptism a few weeks ago, (Christening).  It was a wonderful celebration.  I just wish one thing, that they would teach pasters, any religion mind you, how to speak in public.  How to make a sermon interesting, hold your attention, and motivate you to be a better person.  When someone speaks in a low quiet monotone, it isn't good.  And now I am going to be a better person and talk about it again!  And now some pictures....

 Daughter, Son in law, God father ( # 4 son ) and God mother, his wife.

                                                       The Baptism, God bless Ryan!

Daughter, son in law and our three grand kids.  Megan was a little disappointed that Ryan was a boy.  She said to me one time, "Nonna, I don't know how I am going to handle it with 2 brothers."  Pretty funny, now she just loves him to death!  Connor of course loves having a little brother.

The hubby, me and the family!

Son in law and his parents.

Party time!  Hubby, daughter in law with # 4 son & # 3 son.

Son in law's family, and one of their little ones.

Daughter, niece, Ryan, # 1 son's girlfriend and # 3 son's wife.

More family, sister in laws & niece.

Brother in laws and niece.

Who are all these crazy people?

It was a wonderful day spending time with family!

Susan

Christmas Time!

Well, it's almost here, tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  I was in such a good mood up until two days ago, now I feel a little sad.  I can't put my finger on it, I don't know why.  May be it's just that I really can't do anything with this broken ankle, and it has me a little down.  Christmas is my favorite time of year, and right now I am wrapped and ready, so that should make me happy.  Usually I am wrapping on Christmas Eve at 5 pm, right before we all get together to exchange gifts.

They are predicting snow in this area for Sunday/Monday.  It is really just a tease of course.  They are giving us three scenario's of the storm.  I guess they just say that so they can't be wrong no matter what happens.

Since our daughter got married and started having children we have changed our family tradition a little.  We use to all gather at our house on Christmas Eve and we had an Open House for friends and family.  We would open gifts on Christmas day after Santa came.  Since we have downsized to a little community and our daughter has children and the big house we have decided to go there and continue the tradition, except we exchange gifts that night. 

When your children are grown and out of the house it is a little different on Christmas morning now.  So Christmas Eve is our Christmas morning.  Christmas day they can spend with us or their significant other/husband's family.  It works out pretty good.

Well, that is our tradition, what is yours?  It's almost here!  I am wishing you and your family a joyous holiday and good things to happen in 2011!  Enjoy each other and appreciate how lucky we all are.

Tote