Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone! 2006 has been a wonderful year, we have had many blessings. We also have had many challenges. With Mom and Dad both invalids now. Mom in the nursing home, and Dad at home with 24/7 care. But God is so good to us. I know both my parents are ready to meet their Lord. Christmas morning, Don and I went over to my Son's home. I cooked breakfast for us all. I made Cheese scrambled eggs, grits, bacon, ham, toast and Cinamon buns. We had a candlelight breakfast. Then came opening presents. Amber, my 2 year old grand daughter had a blast, she was most excited to see the raisens and the bubbles in her stocking. They love the simple things. We helped them get a trampoline for her for Christmas. She loves to jump! Donny and Shelly are expecting, and tomorrow Shelly will be induced. We are all looking forward to the new arrival. We do not know what it is yet. They love surprises! Then after a morning with Donny, Shelly and Amber, I went to Tangerine to see my parents. I went over to the nursing home and picked up Mom and brought her to Dad's house. Dad was up for a while, but the pain in his back is so severe, we could not keep him up long. We put mom in the recliner and she loved it. She always falls asleep. She sleeps alot, but at least she is with us. Carol and David fixed a wonderful meal of Beef Brisket, and vegetables. We had cherry pie, and a frozen fruit dessert. After dinner, we took gifts into the bedroom for Dad to open. I got him a warm up suit. He has been in PJs for months. I expect him to wear this soon. Mom did not open her presents, so we opened it for her. I took her back to the Nursing home right at dinner time. So I helped her with dinner, Then after that, I took her over to the televison set to watch. I made her a warm cup of coffee with cream and sugar. She loves that, when she was still home, she loved to drink coffee every day. I do not think she gets much in the nursing home. She does not know how to handle hot things. So I fix her a warm cup. With my parents like this has been a real learning experience with all of us. Such compassion for those in nursing homes have really come to my attention. 80% of those in nursing homes get no family visits. These are a lost generation and we are told in the Bible to visit the widows, and the hurting. My bible study group has started a couple months ago to visit a nursing home near us. We take them lap blankets, stuffed animals and cards. Last time we went, we took a cd player and played The Lords Prayer, and Silent Night. The people loved our visits. We bring them hope, and encouragement. Don't forget the elderly! I will close with, I am so greatful for my husband, son, daughter in law, my sisters, brother and my parents and friends that God has given me. I have had many material blessings too, but they can not compete with my loved ones. Have a very blessed prosperous New Year! Cathie