Merry Christmas, Dear Sisters! We hope you’ve had a marvelously blessed day. What greater cause for celebration could we have? The Word became flesh and pitched His tabernacle among us so that we could behold His glory, the glory of the One and Only full of grace and truth! Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King!
I dearly love Christmas. I’m dog-tired but so happy. The company’s all gone (at least for a few hours) and I’m taking a break for a few minutes. I’m sitting on the floor in our computer room because we had to use our desk chairs for all our company to be able to eat at a table and we haven’t moved them back upstairs yet. My day started early. I crawled out of bed at 6:00 AM after a late night as Claus. Thankfully everybody slept for another hour and I had some time to myself. A few minutes to get on the floor before the Lord, to read too-fast-a-devotional, and drink a strong cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream. Before long Keith rolled out of bed then Melissa. She is like a 5 year-old at Christmas. She makes it so much fun. She loves seeing all heaps of presents and trying to guess what she’s getting and trying to get you to guess what she’s giving. It was a treat to see that mighty cute Colin Fitzpatrick coming down the stairs this morning. Our family loves him so much and we’ve even adjusted to him and Melissa sleeping in the same room. (Always a tad awkward at first.)
We wanted Amanda, Curtis, and our best boy, Jackson, to get to have the time they needed for Santa at home so we put off opening presents till later in the morning after they arrived. Melissa made a fantastic egg casserole that we pulled out of the oven about the time they walked through the door. We ate a quick breakfast and gathered in the den. It was Amanda’s time to read the Christmas story. She was so beautiful sitting there with that darling tummy. She doesn’t feel very darling but she is. (We’re only 7 weeks out, by the way!) I was sure Jackson would turn into a pumpkin (wrong holiday) before we could get through the Scriptures but he did so well. Keith prayed over us then the mania began. We love to see each other open presents so it takes forever because we keep stopping to look what someone got.
Jackson is at the ultimate age for Christmas. A total blast. He got an entire dealership of cars and trucks. That’s all in the world he loves. Anything on wheels. If I ever end up in a wheel chair when I’m on up in years, I hope he’s still taken with them. His baby sister got so many things for her nursery. It’s going to be adorable! We can hardly wait for her to get here.
I really scored on Colin and Curtis’s presents. I got them remote control helicopters (really complicated ones with an instructional video by some dude that had the personality of a rocket scientist) and they spent the next two or three hours on them. Keith was so bitter I didn’t get him one. Blast. Why didn’t I think of that?
After we dug ourselves out from under six feet of wrapping paper, the family began straightening things up and setting tables and I started cooking like a wild woman. I’ve got to tell you, Siestas, I had the cooking anointing this year. I’m not even kidding. It was everything I could do not to stop every few bites and say, “Is this incredible or what?” (Actually, I first wrote that I wanted to stop every few bites and say, “I totally rock!” but I thought you’d think that sounded a tad boastful. So I didn’t write it. But now I have. You’ve got to give me this one cooking moment. Just one.) My cornbread dressing was killer. My mom would have had a fit. My broccoli and rice casserole was terrific, too, but I made enough for 68 people. It’s what we at our house call a “Moore-der.” (An “order” Moore-style.) If a little is good, a ton is better. I also could feed a football team the rest of my green bean casserole (they’d better eat it after a game, however) and I have two pies that weren’t even touched. (I know what you’re thinking. It wasn’t because they weren’t good. It’s because I made a Texas sheet cake and two other pies and cranberry oatmeal cookies. See what I’m saying? A Moore-der.)
I bet Colin and I peeled 14 potatoes to mash (I make really great mashed potatoes and gravy). I kept saying, “We’d better do just one more.” His eyes just kept getting bigger and bigger. How in heaven’s name are you supposed to gage how much food thirteen people will eat anyway? And two of Keith’s nephews are in college. Have you watched a college boy eat lately? It’s violent.
Colin and Melissa could only stay for a little while after we sat down to eat so that they could head to his house only a few subdivisions from here. She had a temperature when she left so I bet by the time she gets back late tonight, I have a sick girl on my hands. I got Strep throat the week of Converge and then got a chest cold then Amanda caught the cold and now Melissa’s got it. We’re usually a healthy bunch. I don’t know what’s gotten into us. I think it may be because one day it’s 35 degrees here in Houston and the next it’s 80. I had the heater on yesterday and I have the air conditioner on today. Star can’t decide whether to grow more hair or shed it. This climate is preposterous.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that Melissa left her laptop on the side of the stairs last night and while Keith and I were being Mr. and Mrs. Claus and hauling presents downstairs, he stepped on it. (We usually take the chimney but we were afraid Star and Geli would try to leap in behind us and it would take forever to get the soot off their fur.) You should see the laptop. I guess you know what she’s getting for a post-Christmas gift.
OK, I realize this post is really random but, among a dozen other things, Star keeps dropping her favorite ball right beside me so I’ll play fetch with her and I have to stop typing every couple of minutes and throw it. And boy is it spitty. I keep trying to throw the thing at an angle where it will bounce downstairs so she’ll take longer to get it but she’s the fastest thing on four legs.
The last random thing I’m going to tell you is that I got Keith one of those massagers you put in a chair and sit against and it does all sorts of fancy things to your neck, back and shoulders. It heats up and everything. I think he’s about to sit in it and I want to beat him to it so I’m going to have to go. You know how you tend to get people things you want for yourself?
Uh-oh. I hear Keith downstairs singing “Ebony and Ivory.” I bet anything he’s in that danged chair. Something’s chilled that boy out.
Merry Christmas, Siestas. I pray Jesus all over every single one of you this coming year. I want me a Jesus year. That’s what I want for Christmas.
Mmmmm…I’m determined to have me a Jesus year (better yet-life)!
Merry Christmas to you too Siesta Mama! I hope Melissa is feeling better!
Love you all!!!!
Amans in SC
Merry Christmas y’all!! Thank you for the post. It wasn’t random, but I enjoy everybit of your random. That’s what makes you You!!! Love to the Moore family!! And let’s all have a Jesus year in 2009!
Merry Christmas!!! Thank you for the update on your christmas. God really blessed us here in Alabama too! Sisters I need prayer for a dear cousing of mine – Christie lost her baby yesterday, she was due Dec. 29th and the doctors broke her water this morning and this precious girl is going to have to give birth to babe she won’t get to give a Christmas gift too! Please pray for her and her family today and in the days ahead. Thanks siestas!!!
Jules
Merry Christmas to you too. I thought of a blog post from a few weeks ago the other day (the one where you referred to being blessed and highly feathered). I was sewing costumes for our church’s Christmas Eve play. One of them was a sheep out of a very furry, shedding all over the place kind of material. After I sewed that thing I was white all over. I wish I could send a picture. I almost told the sheep to just come over and roll around on the fabric. No need for a costume. I laughed and thought I am truly blessed and I even look highly feathered right now.
I’m a day late…..Merry Christmas Moore’s, Jones’, and Fitzpatrick’s…I pray Melissa is feeling much better!!
I’m so glad you all had a wonderful Christmas. I pray your New Year’s is not only Blessed, but “blesses your socks off”. Of course that new darlin’ little girl will most likely be one of the first blessings.
Blessings to all of you. I know that without all of you Mama Beth would be LOST!!
Bible Bunny in No MI
Thanks for thinking of us during the busy Christmas day. Wonderful to know that your family is ‘normal’ – whatever that might really mean. Praying that you have some much needed family time this week.
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace
Oh, Beth…I love hearing about your family and the day. You live life real, thank you for sharing.
Our family had a great Christmas as well. Also, Christmas is my birthday and it was wonderful. My parents are with Jesus and sometimes it makes the day hard…yesterday I just felt His love pour on our family as we remember His precious gift to set us free.
Thank you for giving yourself and your family to serve us. I am so grateful because through your ministry I have found FREEDOM! Praise the name of Jesus.
Oh Merry Christmas!! I laughed when I read about the gift you gave Keith because I first thought you said he was about to “sin in it” instead of “sit in it”. Totally different meaning. Too much caffeine not enough sleep!
Love ya!!
yes. i want jesus. i had a hundred things so say back to your funny comments (especially trying to throw the ball at an angle so it goes down the stairs and takes longer) but then i read that last part and i just couldn’t think anything else. it’s been a long, hard fall, and i just want HIM.
merry christmas, mama beth.
love you a million reindeer:)
OK, Celeste, now I know how to say it: “I’ve got my chef on.” Yep. That’s what I’m gonna say next time I rock in the kitchen.
On a very serious note, Connie, I am so, so sorry about the devastating loss of your son. September is so recent. You are still very much in intensive care. Really even still in the emergency room, spiritually speaking. I, with all your Siestas, pray that you will not only have a Jesus year (you’ll have to in order to make it with any semblance of normalcy) but that He’ll be magnificent and HUGE for you. He reserves the right to favor the suffering. “Blessed (shown highest of favor) are they that mourn…” I pray that He shows you things the rest of us will only dream about. We care so much.
hmm… Beth/Amanda, I can keep you and the daughters straight, but I would love to be clear on everyone else in your family!
Maybe put a little family tree on the sidebar?
Star is the dog, tho, right? 😉
Sounds a bit like mine. We went to the children’s pageant at church as my niece was Mary and my nephew was a king. After they had returned to the pew and turned around to smile at my little 7 year old nephew who had put his crown upside down on his head and was playing Star Wars. Kids are so special, especially at this time of year.
Yes, I too am praying for a Jesus year!
God Bless you Beth.
Merry Christmas to you too, Siesta Mama! So glad that you had all your family gathered round…And by the sound of it, you were a mighty fine Mrs. Claus:) Sure hope that Melissa is feeling better today- It stinks to be sick during the holidays! Hope that you know how much your family is valued and loved…
Merry Christmas! Thank you for sharing your day with us. I was so glad to hear you “got your chef on” and were able to enjoy it!!
So sorry to hear about Melissa’s computer! When our daughter was almost three my husband told her she needed to keep her shiney red tricycle from behind his van. She forgot and he moved the van to put it in the garage and the obvious happened! She walked into the house with both hands on her hips and said “Daddy literally squashed my tricycle”!! I guess Keith literaly squashed her computer.
Connie,I’m so sorry about the loss of your son-I think the only comfort we can find is in Jesus’ promise that He is always with us and that He gives us strength for each new day. I have a ribbon in my Bible so that each time I open it I say a prayer for you and your family for comfort and strength.
Blessings to all our Siestas,
Bobbie
Merry Christmas Beth and family! It’s good to hear that you guys had a wonderful time together. We had a great time also. I decided to begin a new tradition this year and read your renditoin of the christmas story from Mary’s point of view. Everyone loved it and so from now on we will be reading a story or devotional each year before we open presnts. I wasn’t raised this way – yes in a christian home -but not with special traditions like this. It meant so much and I’m praying that it will continue to grow us closer together as a family. It was so fun to hear the normalsies? of your family and ours. Hope you all get better and that’s my pray also- to have a great big Jesus year! Love you much, Carla Lee
I loved reading all about your Christmas! I so want a Jesus year, too! Thanks for sharing your heart here. You make me want to know Him more!
With love ~ Kristin
Thank you so much for sharing your day. It’s a letter from “family.” I am thankful you all got to be together and have fun and GREAT food. Very cool. My family stunned me by all going in and getting me your study of Esther!!! WOOHOO!!! Can’t wait[I’m still working on your Psalm Of Ascents that I got for my birthday-it is bringing me up higher!!!] Praying Jesus all over you and this blessed blog community as well. In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock
Your day sounds joyous. We made some great memories too.
I got the biggest laugh trying to picture Keith, the rugged outdoorman, singing Ebony and Ivory. It’s about as natural as my husband singing. 🙂
Hope Melissa is feeling better.
I definitely need a Jesus year….that’s the best kind, right?
Such a sweet and tender time. I sometimes think we are living lives parallel in what you describe–me sans your busy schedule. Stages of life though, Texas hunter husbands, adult children and the chaos, dogs, and fun, then blissful peace. Even the coffee with just the right amount of cream–a joy today also. I realized I will celebrate my “jubilee year” in Feb. and how I pray for Jesus to be all of it. He blesses us so richly. Thanks for this word painting. You bless me more than you know. Love and hugs, Annette
The Journey Continues ~
Beth, I want to leave a note for Connie who lost her precious son this past October.
Siesta Connie~ I will be uplifting you & your family in daily prayer as you prepare for a Jesus Year!
Be Still…
Psalm 46:10
With "Heaven Bound" Blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Dear Beth,
I recently completed the Breaking Free Bible study at my church, which ended the week before Thanksgiving. I too was victimized as a young child, and have spent over 35 years trying to deal with it’s scars. I have to say that it was the most grueling and heart wrenching study that I have ever encountered. I truly felt like I was free when it ended. Praise God! The problem is that in one month, my life has done a 360. This is only the day after Christmas, and in one month, nearly every appliance in our home has broken, and needed repairing. I am not exagerating. Also, the first week of December, the company my husband works for shut down unexpectedly, leaving him without a job after 10 years. I am no longer free. What happened? It’s left me standing here, saying “what the heck?” Why did God allow this? I am feeling low again, after feeling so free. What can I do to maintain freedom? I’m just so sad. I feel like God let me down yet again. I have struggled with trusting God for years. I totally felt like I could trust Him after the study, and here I am again, not trusting Him again.
“Ebony and Ivory”? I love that song! Thanks for the fun update. You never fail to keep us entertained, dear siesta.
BTW- We watched “Elf” last night and you’re right- it make us all giddy with laughter.
Bless you all! “Christ the Savior is born” and by believing in His name, we are re-born into the Kingdom of the Heavens.
Glory to His Name! Happy New Year, siestas! May this be the year of His glorious appearing!
Beth, it’s a blast reading your posts, and the more random, the better.
Our Christmas day was blessed and my verse this morning was from 2 Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
Thanks, indeed. I too will pray for a Jesus filled year for all of us.
Much love,
Patti Hayes
BTW, I scored big with hunter Mike getting him a remote camera for the deer feeder that connects to his computer. Thought Keith might like that. And Happy Anniversary to you in a few days…
Just read the comments, and my heart is so touched. Life isn’t always the Cleavers and Christmas isn’t always Norman Rockwell. One thing remains–His love for us is everlasting. My prayers are with you all this evening.
Jesus and Holy Ghost filled year please and thank you.
we had such an amazing day and everyone ended up being able to make it. The storm came early and left via rain Christmas Eve, so my two little grandchildren could make it safe with Daddy and Mummy driving them here for the crazy Birthday/ Christmas gift frenzie that only happens when you have 3 little ones all under 3. Little Jeremiah may feel like he gets gyped when it comes to birthday presents being born Christmas Eve and all(a full month early). But we try to make it special.
My 78 year old Mother in law cooked for 22 people again,she is in her glory in her kitchen (says she is going to stop when 80 and it is up to us to do it after that). She has the lost gift of hospitality, open her home in a moment to anyone who needs a meal.
We are such a blessed generation in so many ways.
I had my children and their Godly spouses and children close to me this Christmas and “That is all that really matters that we are together, because we are family.”
Okay Father God, Help me get this Jesus and Holy Ghost Year started in the right way spending more time seeking you..
Happy New Year (can I be so bold as to call you all)Siestas! (I don’t have any blood sisters so this would be cool if I could have spiritual ones.)
Iris.
It’s times like these that I never feel more like one of your “Moore’s”!!!! Thank you for bringing me into your home and hearts and giving me a glimpse of your normal abnormal life!! Love you! Merry, merry Christmas
I can not imagine opening gifts in an air conditioned room 🙂 ! Glad your Christmas was good – ours was up here in the frozen north too.
As for making it a Jesus year, MAY IT BE!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS Miss Beth!!! Thank you for sharing with us. I just adore you and absolutely love reading your posts. Grin!
You are so much fun! Here’s to a year all for our King!
Sounds like a wonderful day!
Praying that you all are HEALTHY soon!!!
Blessings!
steph.
Thanks for sharing about your Christmas — Sorry about the laptop! We had a lovely Christmas also, thirteen in all for dinner, but I was exhausted when the day was over also!
I’ll take a Jesus year too! Sounds Great!!! Looking forward to what He has in store!
From Sunny California!
(Actually, cold for us now!)
Ebony and Ivory… killed me. hysterical.
Merry Christmas to ALL of you. Love and miss you.
Chance and Jen
Merry Christmas to all of you. I too want me a Jesus filled year. And oh how precious it is to know Him.
Thanks for making me smile!!
kat
Hey Beth! Just dancing around the kitchen to Stomp by Kirk Franklin and thought about you! I would just love to jump into that video and bust a move! How about you? My kids think I’m crazy! I think I dance pretty good! Love ya! Loved reading about Christmas. Thanks for letting us be a part of your life. WOOHOO! Back to more Kirk!
Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas in Texas. Ours here in Kansas was just as blessed, but it was WAY too warm for us. Not a dribble of snow:(
Bless you all
Pat from Kansas
Hi Beth, I had a great time with my family too. I know what you mean about buying a gift that you want for yourself. I bought my husband a season of the The Office and upon opening it he said, “Thanks….,it’s for you too, huh?” I said, “No! But I’ll watch it with you.”
Merry Christmas to the Jones, Moore’s and Fitzpatricks.
Merry Christmas Beth and Family! Sounds like you had a beautiful Chirstmas with everyone! I am praising God that we’ve made it through and survived without any emotional catastrophes. This has been a hard year and was my first without all the family together. But God is so good and absolutely faithful! I ask your prayers for our family next week as all of the family will converge on my mom’s home for new years even though she was not in attendance at the Chirstmas festivities.
Oh…and have to comment on Keith’s choice of song…My brother was singing that song for many months while waiting for my nephew to be born in Sep. His boys names are Evan and Isaac so as a joke he told my SIL that he was going to call them Ebony and Ivory!
I love your randomness. Thanks for sharing. Praying for good health to return to your family.
Love you siestas. Lori
Thanks, Beth!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
I want a Jesus year also. I am better than I was this time last year, just want to keep learning and growing.
We will begin Esther in January, can’t wait!
We had a lovely time of eating, fellowship, gifts, game playing and Guitar Hero, oh my! So thankful for my family!
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
Merry Christmas to you, too, Siesta Mama! I love you, my “big sister”…
I kept thinking about how it would likely be a fun one with Jackson this year.
Watching small children at Christmas time is so much fun.
However, I couldn’t help but think of what it must be like for my dear Dad this year. It is his first Christmas in Heaven with our Savior, Jesus … Like the song says, I cannot even imagine how special of a day it must be there in Heaven ~ It was his 9 month anniversary there as of Christmas Eve Day. So, I bet he was singing in the choir, and made some kind of wood carving for “Baby Jesus”…
I think that this year has been a “Jesus year” for us already, as we needed him so much… But, I’d love to have another year filled with Jesus’ love and peace… If I didn’t have Jesus in my life, it feel so worthless… But, with Him, I can do my very best to “press on” moment by moment, and day by day ~
By the way, Happy Anniversary in a few days !!! If I am not mistaken, it should be yours and Keith’s 30th wedding anniversary, too~ Praise the Lord !
Christmas Love and Hugs to you, Miss Beth,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
[By the way, would you like to come up here so little Jackson could make a real snowman, and maybe a snow angel, too ??? We have plenty of snow for Y’all to play in here! ]
Connie,
I just want to say that am praying for God to pour his love over your hurting heart…that it would work as a soothing balm on the pain that you are feeling. I know all too well the pain that you are experiencing. My uncle passed away in May and the family has since fallen apart. This year has been marked by pain and heartache due to his death, my grandma’s cancer, and my dad numerous surgeries (going for his 3rd in Jan.). Jesus loves you so much sweet sister…He cares so very much about our hurts and pains…he knows the depth of aching that sometimes takes our very breath away! Trust Him, Hold on to Him, and NEVER LET GO!!!
Love you girl,
Bethany in California
Merry Christmas! You make me giggle.
Miss Beth,
I could not keep the song that you wrote out of my mind this week; “Jesus the One and Only” … Hmm… Jesus is Life !!!
Love, in Christ Jesus,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
Merry Christmas Beth (and family)!!
Thanks for your prayers. I want a Jesus year too!!
Glad you all had a wonderful day!
Anne in MO
I want a Jesus year and a Jesus life.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Man your posts are so funny. I love them so much. All I want this year as well is ” More of Him as well.” I got your 90 days of David for Christmas and I’m sooooooooooooo excited to start it. MY husband does NOT UNDERSTAND why I have to do a study everytime I spend time with the Lord. I can’t just fling open my bible and read, it’s much more exciting to do a study. Oh! well figures then he gets it for me for Christmas.
You want to know what Travis does in his spare time he plays pathwords on Facebook???? and eats lots……………
It’s funny how we buy gifts for people we love example our husbands and then we can’t wait for them to leave it so we can try it………….. Yup same thing.
Glad you all had a awesome Christmas, would love to be a fly on your wall. I’m proud of you for all your cooking…………It’s cooking with the Holy Spirit. Keep praying women it’s working.
Love ya’ll
Connie,I’m so sorry for your family’s loss of your son. I know their are other siestas on this blog who share in your sorrow. I’m praying for you and know that the God of all comfort cares for you so.
Melana in Wyoming
I had a wonderful blessing Christmas Eve. I am a single mom and I am struggling financially right now. We didnt have a tree, and I could only afford a small gift for each of my 4 children. Christmas Eve, there was a knock at the door, and some stranger was standing thier with $250 in gift certificates for Walmart for my family. It was such a beautiful act of kindness, and to the LORD I am so thankful.
Oh, dear Beth! When I read your posts I feel like I’m in your living room chatting and sharing a cup of coffee with an old friend! I so look forward to your posts. I only hope that one day the good Lord would see fit to allow me to give you the biggest hug ever! I’ll be seeing you when you come to Portland soon! Bless your heart! -Rachel