As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Sunday Snapshots: December Birthdays





















"Fa-la-la-la-la"

"Bah, Humbug!"



On Sunday we celebrated our December birthday people: our dear daughter-in-law Sarah, and our oldest grandchild, Gavin, who recently turned 15! (What?!) 

Such a fun day! For lunch we had our traditional Christmastime sandwiches, broccoli salad (Sarah's favorite), and ambrosia (Gavin's favorite). There was arm wrestling (no photo). Giggles. Presents delivered by two adorable Birthday Fairies. A make-your-own ice cream sundae bar, as well as decorated cupcakes and "reindeer poop" . . . sweets for the sweet? A party game in which a word or phrase was pulled from a bag ("snow" or "Walmart" or "camping", etc.) and each player went to the sign which best described how they felt about that word: either "Bah, Humbug!" or "Fa-la-la-la-la" or "whatever." 

And we did all of that before exactly half of our group had to go to  church to practice for the Christmas Eve service! 

Kati, I believe, is a serious contender for Aunt of the Year! Her gift to Gavin was a Chick-fil-A calandar which includes a coupon for a free treat each month. (Anyone who has raised a teenage boy knows that food is their love language!) But on top of that, she put his gift inside a box labeled "Ear Wax Candle Kit"! (Most of the guys thought it was great; most of the gals said, "Ewwwww!")

Yes, all of the aunts out there are going to need to step up their game if they're going to beat Kati out of this prize! 😁

It was a joyful day for celebrating two special gifts to our family: Sarah and Gavin!

18 comments:

  1. I totally cracked up at that Earwax candle box! Just what a 15 year old boy would enjoy! ha ha!

    You guys throw the best parties!

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    1. We have fun! :)

      Oh my goodness. The box was a HIT! :D

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  2. I'm constantly amazed at the lovely parties you host in your home, Cheryl. Such creative ideas. And Kati certainly takes after you with her creative ideas! It's nice to see the joyous faces of your darling grands in your photos. Happy birthday to the December folks in your family! ♥

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    1. Thanks so much, Martha Ellen! We have lots of practice! :)

      As you know, joyous faces on our grands make grandmothers' hearts sing!

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  3. Another great month of birthday celebrations. Love that Chick-fil-a calendar sounds great. We finally have a few of them in the Seattle area! It's too funny how I crave something from them on Sundays...the day they are closed! I love seeing your family gatherings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ellen!

      One time when we were traveling, we went out of our way to stop at a Chick-fil-A, totally forgetting that it was a Sunday! Yes, I think Gavin was happy with a year full of treats!

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  4. Ahhhh...ohhhhh...ewwww... Kati is a riot! (And a wonderful auntie.) I, on the
    other hand, try to discourage such marketing practices. Ha! Can’t believe that
    Gavin is 15. Pretty sure I said that last year when he was 14!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Ahhhh...ohhhhh...ewwww..." All of those reactions were heard at my house on Sunday afternoon! :D

      I know. 15.

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  5. This whole post made me smile. Ear wax candle kit!! Lol. Your photos are full of family and JOY to the world! God bless you and your family as we celebrate the birth of King Jesus!

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    1. We enjoy lots of good times together! :)

      Blessings back to you and yours! KIng Jesus is worthy of celebration!

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  6. What a wonderful post Cheryl! Where ever did Katie get such a box - that is hilarious! I love the pure joy picture of that little sweet boy getting candy M & Ms on his ice-cream!!! (we call them smarties over here). You throw the best parties and it's evident that you love to celebrate each and every one of your loved ones!

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    1. Thanks, Rosella! Kati actually found that box at Target, and she knew that Gavin would get a kick out of it!

      I love that M & Ms are "smarties"! (Does that make me smart if I eat them? I'd like to think it.)

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  7. Enjoy the photos of your beautiful birthday celebrations. It amazing to see the changes in the children. I think every family is blessed, if they have an Auntie Kati. In our family, it is Auntie Nicki. The children love her to bits and she always finds the best presents. Could be she the youngest sibling of five, and relates to the children in their world. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

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    1. Thank you, Sally! Oh my goodness, don't they change so quickly?! And, yes, Kati adores her nieces and nephews!

      A blessed holiday season to you and yours too!

      (P.S. Do you blog, Sally? I can't seem to find you when I click your name.)

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  8. With the celebrations that you have, I bet the kids really look forward to their birthday celebrations at your house! Enjoyed all the photos, and I was quite interested in the ear wax candle, but alas, just a box. :-) Have a blessed Christmas celebration!

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    1. I think the kids look forward to their celebrations. There are one or two who don't relish being the center of attention, but sharing your celebration with another one or two (or six) other people helps with that!

      A blessed Christmas to you and yours, Dotsie!

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  9. Oh, Cheryl, what fun times and precious family. The games, the gifts but the expressions are just the best!

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    1. Thank you, Lorraine! Yes, good times! We are blessed!

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