Thursday, December 25, 2008, Nashville, TN., 5:31 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S!! 

Louie here.  A very tired, sleepy Louie!  Haven't been to bed; spent all night wrapping presents, getting them underneath (or by the tree), trying to be as quiet as a church mouse, so the kids don't suspect anything. 

It's not easy!  LOL

Especially in this family!  LOL

Right now, all is calm, all is bright.  Husband is up, but the little (and not-so-little) ones are still nestled in their beds, visions of presents and sugar plums dancing in their heads.  :)

Now the presents are underneath the Christmas tree, which is lit up; it sure does look mighty festive! 

And I'll be paying on the gifts for the next six months.  My credit cards are all maxed out.  *BAH the humbug!*  LOL

I'm just grateful to have all the children here, safe and sound.  I'm grateful that (most) are healthy, happy.  I'm grateful for my loving husband, to still have my parents in my life.  I'm grateful to have a job in these tough economic times and am able to provide, take care of my family.

Most of all, I'm grateful to have the Saving Grace of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate on this most holy day of the year.  I'm grateful that my family knows His salvation and aren't afraid to witness this to other people, boldly and confidently.

I'm especially grateful that none of the children are spending this Christmas in the hospital.  There is nothing more sadder than having someone you love in the hospital at Christmas!

Today, for Christmas, we will be helping out at the local Salvation Army, helping feed the homeless/destitute of our community for several hours; then we will come home, continue to enjoy the gifts we got.  This morning, though, in just an hour or two, the kids will be rising, getting into their presents; soon, all havoc will descend upon our (once) peaceful household. 

I only hope the children appreciate the hard work their daddy and myself put into getting their presents this year!  I hope they like what we got for them!

Well, I am going to go now, fix myself a cuppa Joe, then join Bill as we read the paper together, then wait for the rumble of little feet (and happy shouts of joy) ringing through the air as children, big and small, catch sight of the magic that Santa Claus has left in our livingroom.

Until later, this is Louisiana Sandusky signing off, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!  May your Christmas Day be full of joy, God's blessings, and most of all, love, peace, and family!  Remember the Reason behind Christmas:  the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah Therese Sandusky.  :D

P.S.:  Thanks, Ronee'.  Think I caught your cold; just sneezed all over!  YUCK!  What a mess!  LOL

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To my friends here at AuthorsDen:

May y'all have the merriest of Christmases EVER; may it be full of joy, love, hope, peace, and God's many blessings!  Love y'all so much!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Texas, Karen Lynn the Texas Tornado.  :D 

My words are my gift to you this Christmas Day.  Enjoy!  :)