He Leadeth Me

For many years, although Christmas has been a truly joyous occasion in the Gibson home, it has also been a "rushed" season. There never seemed to be the time to get everything ready in a leisurely manner. Today is November 30th. I woke up this morning to beautiful blue skies, nippy weather, and NOTHING on the agenda except getting ready for Christmas. Oh, the joy of retirement! The Plan Enjoy a leisurely Pre-Christmas Season! Wishing you and yours a joyous Pre-Christmas.

David and I have spent almost all of our 37 Thankgsivings in Houston with my family but this year felt different and very special because we were visitors from out of town. Here are a few random shots of the day. My mom and Aunt Wilma, my dad's sister. My brother Lynn is in the background cooking. We celebrated at his and his wife Terry's new home. Nephew Andrew The big cousins and Aunt Kim Nephew Jon and Aunt Kim Nephews Philip, Josh and Joseph playing football Nephews Joseph and Michael Niece Bethany Nephew Matthew and Great Nephew Andrew--before Andrew came along, Matthew was the youngest. Hard to believe from this picture. He is now a freshman football player. Niece Jenny Aunt Gail--also taking photos Niece Stacie and the youngest great nephew Nathan Poppy visiting with Philip (it is razor free November at least for Philip and Josh) Uncle Randy and a friend who works with my brother Lynn Nephew Joseph and Niece Emily Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of everyone...

2009 has been a year of many big events in our family. Not only did both of my parents celebrate their 80th birthdays, but they also celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Of course, we had a party. Our family looks for any reason to celebrate and this was a big one. I'll explain more later about the very special scrapbook they are reading. Although Poppy and Sweetie's grandson Jon and his wife Bethany (far right on couch) live in Arkansas, they were able to be home for the big event. That was especially important because although each member of the family had a part in creating the scrapbook, Jon is the creative genius who put it all together. The cake was beautiful as well as delicious. Each family brought a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the day. The very special scrapbook that the family wrote and Jon put together was entitled "The Things We Have Learned from Sweetie and Poppy". I will include some of the quotes below, but if you ever want to read all th...

Another big event in 2008 was my dad, Poppy's, 80th birthday. Poppy has been a great Patriarch of our large family. He is the true example of a Christian father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather . Poppy's motto has always been "eat the dessert first." Poppy and his girls Nathan, great grandson, enjoyed the party. As always when our family gets together, there is lots of laughter. When I was a teenager, one of my friends told me that she loved coming to my house because we always laughed a lot. Sweetie and Poppy--Married 60 Years! Great Grandsons Andrew and Nathan enjoy posing on Aunt Kim's front porch at the end of the party. Make a wish! Granddaughter Stacie. This is a classic Poppy pose. Always ready with a big hug. Everyone sings "Happy Birthday" including great grandson Caleb.

Please excuse me while I do some blog catching up. I seem to have a little more time to blog than just a few months ago when I was working full time. As many of you know who follow my blog, my mom's grandma name is Sweetie, and the name fits her perfectly. Well, Sweetie turned 80 on April 13, 2009 so the girls decided to do something special for her. We transformed my sister Kim's house into a Tea Room and surprised her with a fun evening. Surprise! We do love Sweetie, as does everyone who meets her. We have had the delight of sharing her with lots of other families through the years. The Tea Room food tasted as good as it looked. The entryway table. Sweetie is a master at writing encouraging notes so we each gave her notecards. Another view of the food. Look at all the wonderful pictures that have been collected throughout the years. Checking out the pictures. Good memories. A good night was had not only by Sweetie, but by all her "girls" as well.

Little boys do things with their aunts at age 2 1/2 that they will never dream of doing again. Thank goodness for cameras. Here, let me help with that lipstick. Oops! A little too much blush! Aunt Kelly's not so sure about this. Let's see what I can find to put on your face. I think I'll use my hand instead of the powder puff. What a gentle little guy! How about some eye shadow? Let me just rub it in a bit. So this is what a powder puff is for. When Caleb's a few years older, he won't believe these pictures.

Hope you enjoy the highlights of Kelly and Adrian's recent visit to Colorado Springs as much as we enjoyed having them here. Can you see our future grandchild in this picture? Isn't she/he cute? Karen, Kelly and Adrian David, Kelly and Adrian Don't let Balancing Rock fall on our future grandchild (or Kelly and Adrian of course). Caleb enjoys playing with his Aunt Kelly. Uncle Adrian playing "Squish the Buggie" with Caleb. Wish you could hear the gale of giggles coming from that little guy! And the real reason for the visit. The Pittsburgh Steelers were playing the Denver Broncos in Monday night football. The guys got to enjoy the game live and in person and Adrian (who is from Pittsburgh) was very happy with the outcome. Can't wait for their next visit!