December 19

We attended the morning worship service at church this morning, then watched the Cowboys game (occasionally switching over to check on the Browns game). Robbie made mini-hamburgers for lunch served on Hawaiian buns. We relaxed most of the afternoon, playing one game of dominoes. I took a nice long bubble bath and headed to bed early so I could catch up on some magazine reading.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Here are some of the gifts we received during our family get-together on Saturday.

From my parents - a new black coat (I actually picked this out myself shopping with Mama one day). I've been wanting a new coat for a few years but haven't taken the time to shop for one, so I am thrilled with this gift. As you can see, there was no shortage of helpers when it came to unwrapping gifts!

Robbie got a multipurpose power tool from my parents. Daddy bought himself one of these several months back and has enjoyed it so much that he got one for Robbie and one for my brother-in-law.

My sister had a gift bag filled with wrapped presents for each individual. She carried all the bags in and put them under the tree, and there was no mistaking which bag was mine. First, it wasn't a Christmas gift bag at all, and second, it was my favorite color! I love this happy bag and really think I need to plan a trip or big outing just so I can carry it somewhere soon.

There were lots of goodies in my bag including candles, a puzzle, dish towels, and a water bottle that matches the bag, but my favorite is this framed portrait of my three youngest nieces.

Robbie's bag was full as well and included a Christmas tie, a puzzle, an action figure (of course), and a wind-up flashlight. (Actually all the gift bags included a wind-up flashlight for those times when you don't have batteries. I believe these were my brother-in-law's contribution to the bags! A great idea since everyone can use it.)

I also received a Bing Crosby Christmas CD and Robbie got a pack of trading cards from my younger sister. Overall, we made quite a haul!! :>)

I have to admit that we went a little overboard with the camera and took about 500 photos that one day. I know there are quite a few that can be deleted because they are blurry or near duplicates, but I'm thrilled with all the great opportunities these photos will provide for scrapping in the new year!

Here's one of my favorite photos from the day.

Anytime the nieces or nephews are visiting, they usually keep their shoes right inside the guest room door, right where all their shoes were on Saturday!