I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is having a good day so far. I am taking a little break before I cook dinner for this evening. It is cold and we are having a little SNOW, not enough to accumulate but just flakes drifting through the air. It is warm and cozy in here with the wood-burner and the fireplace roaring. The kids didn't get up until 8 this morning. We had company until late last night, so they actually slept in a little. They had fun opening their gifts. We are going to play some of their new games this afternoon.

I wanted to tell you all about a nice gift my Mom gave me. It is a container that is filled with garden tools. They all hook into place and the sides fold down to reveal the tools. The top can be used for a little seat, and it slides open and you can use the inside for storage. The tools are all stainless steel and very heavy duty. I think it will last for the rest of my life. Easily one of my favorite gifts!!

I am baking some ham and scalloped potaotes for dinner. Probably have a fresh salad, and we still have plenty of desserts left!

I hope you are all having a good day and I look forward to getting into some exciting new topics during the new year. I know people are busy during this week with kids being out of school and being on vacation!! So catch us up on things in your neck of the woods as soon as you can.

Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 25, 2001

Answers

Good morning. We have a light dusting of snow. We had an exceptional Christmas. Lots of food and Presents. We went to my sisters house, over the weekend and my other sister was there. The kids had a good time. Journey went to her Grandma Robinson's house and was spoiled. We came home Christmas eve after spending a wonderful time with my aunts and Grandma. Got home and Johnny called and the kids got to open one present. We had a total of 131 presents under the tree. TOO MANY. I held some back to use later for birthdays and other things plus we gave some to other kids. Had dinner with the neighbor across the hall. Lots of left overs. Marques and Jalynn will be going to Grandma's this weekend. I got hat and gloves, microwave, blender, elec. can opener, perfumy stuff, robe, nightgown, and slippers, a two hundred fifty dollar gift certificate for target, and stocking stuffers. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and an even better New Year.

-- melinda (speciallady104@hotmail.com), December 26, 2001.