We had a visitor this evening.

Can you tell Betsy was excited?

(My mom's dog Bo in his snuggly vest)

Such a pretty dusk sky to begin this Christmas week.

Whenever we've been to Helen, Mr. Broome always has to stop in the candy shop to get these.. Ritz crackers, sandwiched over peanut butter, and dipped in almond bark. They're so yummy and easy to make. I made a  few batches tonight for Mr. Broome and his co- worker and some friends.

Oh yes, one last thing this Sunday evening. My friend Amanda posted on her blog last week something I think everyone should read. Here.

I've been wrapping.

And pestering this mutt. I bet anyone would love to find her under their tree on Christmas morning....




Mr. Broome says this is why Betsy likes him better...

Christmas time makes me miss:
My dad(reminding him that Christmas is a week away, four days away, tomorrow!!, the rule of wearing socks especially on cold winter nights, Old time Christmas movies- Meet Me in St. Louis)
Grandma Ginnie(her long visits, peanut m&m's, coca-cola, last minute Christmas Eve errands)
My Hometown
I hate to get nostalgic at Christmas time, but I have to look at it as the Lord pulling on my heart- serving as a gentle reminder that I have a need greater than anything in this world and that is His love.

 Mr. Broome and I had a date night. We needed a date night to get us in the Christmas spirit.

 We stayed at The Georgian Terrace, right across the street from the Fox Theatre. The hotel is historic and beautiful especially at Christmas time.


 

All dressed up(which I love to do!) and ready to go.

 

 We went to see The Nutcracker Ballet. Did I mention I planned this date? Our room had a great view of the theatre.

On the eleventh floor, it was fun to have a pretty room and view for the evening. We had dinner at Livingston down stairs then went to see the show. After wards, we came back and ordered a piece of chocolate cake to top off the evening. 

Yum.Yum.YUM.

I could take up residence in this pretty hotel.

Merry Christmas time:)

I mentioned last week that Andy's grandaddy had been sick. He passed away this past Wednesday morning. Grandaddy was 94 and aside from the last couple of months that he had started getting sick, he had been healthy and going strong. Even when he started getting sick, he still got the energy to hit a few golf balls in his room with Andy. We miss him already, but it's such a refreshing feeling to know he is with the Lord. I got the privilege of spending a little time with him earlier this week and just the little we got to talk, I felt so confidant in the Lord's plan for Grandaddy. While we will mourn his loss, I know he is in Heaven with his wife, hitting golf balls, and getting loved on by the Lord. Isn't that what we all long for at the heart of this life? Love from our Father, our provider, our sustainer, our friend.




(The picture above is Grandaddy at the beach Labor Day 09. Sun bathing and fishing with the rest of us at the age of 93.)

It's beginning to look like Christmas at our house.

We broke out our matching reindeer pajamas, compliments of the Bonnot's.

We ordered Chinese take- out for dinner while we decorated. We order it a good bit(oops) and for the first time ever, they gave us a Chinese advent calendar. We we're pretty pumped and I begged Mr. Broome to take a picture with it. Got ya, Mr. Broome..

I love this time of year. I love Mr. Broome. I am so incredibly thankful for him and our family. I am also thankful for the red sweatshirt with a Betsy dog on it pictured above.. I like to put it on at Christmas.. 

 Mr. Broome doesn't like egg nog(whattt?) but he found a version he does like.. Sugar cookie egg nog- It taste like melted ice cream so I am SURE it's reaaally good for us... but it's Christmas time right?? Mr. Broome gets sleepy and gassy when he drinks it.

Last, but not at all least- Mr. Broome's grandaddy is sick and not doing well at all. Keep him in your prayers. He is such a Godly man with the biggest heart and we love him a lot. He's treated me like his own grandchild and we all want him to feel better. 

Merry Christmas time!