Happy Birthday, Jesus! And no. You don't need stronger glasses. The photo is just blurry.

It's been a wonderful time...a wonderful season.
Somewhat Mattel-ish... but delightful all the way.

Family is here.
Friends have stopped by.
This stash of goodies on the table at Nanny Carol's is ONLY from Donna Sue & Marlene.
Geesh.

We've gone to visit some friends who are kissin' cousins to Amish folks. They live a simple life, are quiet, beautiful people. I cannot figure out for the world why they love me like they do.
What a joy to spend the afternoon with them. They live out of town, but even the travel to and fro was memorable. Emily and her buddy, Myah, dressed Barbies 60 miles each direction.
I sat in the front by myself and Perry Como-ed to and fro 'way out in the country where this family drives a tractor'.
Ahhhhh...that smooth voice and a Coke Zero do a lot to soothe a soul.

Nanny Carol, aka The Casserole Queen, and I divided and conquered all the dishes served today. Yummy.

All that to say: It was just a SMALL fire. Small.
Ok. I get it. Do NOT broil marshmallows
on the top shelf of the oven
on high setting
on the sweet potato casserole.
Lesson learned.

That happened at my house. When I went back home later to feed the puppers, I distinctly noticed the "campfire smell effect". Nothing that an open kitchen window and 35 degrees of cold air couldn't fix.

Emily was blessed abundantly with Barbie stuff galore:
Ken and Barbie getting married
Some outifits (but as I told the checkout lady at Target a few weeks back, "Barbie's dressin' kinda trashy these days, huh?")
Ken clothes
And as Uncle Michael calls the Barbies that do not move/flex at the knees: "Rigamortis Barbie"

I'm washing the dishes while mom and Emily go over all the treasures she rec'd today when mom looks over at me and mouths, "Where's the little Barbie car?"
I mouthed back with eyes gazing wide, "In the attic!"

I move cars from the garage.
Climb attic stairs and bring in the forgotten ride in a box too big for the $16.95 Glam Convertible.

Squeals once again.

All that aside, it's a blessed day to remember the birth of our Savior, our Healer, our Provider, our Deliverer, our Peace.
We love you, Jesus!