MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Powers Christmas letter

Here is the Christmas letter from the Powers family - for all of you who aren't on our card list - or those I sent one too, but forgot to add the postage (the post office seems to be a little technical about those details . . . )

Merry Christmas to all . . . .

Ahh, yes, we are shoveling ourselves out from under mountains of snow, the decorations have been hauled out and the stockings have been hung . . . it must be time to write the annual Christmas letter.

Honestly, we are amazed that another year has flown by. We are trying to make sense out of the whirlwind we called life and give you an update of all the chaos. The year has been another testament of God’s grace.

Mikayla is officially 12 years old and has seen the most changes this year. She isn’t a little girl anymore. She skipped a few clothing and shoe sizes, throwing off any pre-planning for future wardrobes. The good thing about it all is we have begun to know the joys of having a built in babysitter with her around. She loves her music, her animals and her books and still thinks boys are gross. So far-so good. She also really enjoys baking – which didn’t help the rest of us with our New Year’s resolutions and the hope of decreasing waist lines.

Brice is 9 and has high hopes for becoming a helicopter pilot someday. If that doesn’t work out, he will be happy building Legos for a living. He is our creative child and loves drawing and art. He also enjoys being outdoors and is still bringing home any creeping, crawling or slithering creature he can capture. His greatest find was a four-inch praying mantis which left a sack of eggs behind that could hatch 2-300 mantis’ in April. We’re sure you are already eagerly awaiting next year’s Christmas letter just to hear how that one turns out. Yeah, us too. . .

Carra Grace turned 6, got her ears pierced, is learning to read, and has asked God for her own baby. She is our ranch-dipping, baby-loving, pickle-eating, lipstick-wearing, dress-up-changing, gum-chewing, sugar-obsessing, t-ball-playing kiddo that always keeps us laughing. She has added so many new words to her vocabulary that it would make Daniel Webster proud. In case you were wondering, "scubbles" is the skin on your eyeballs . . .

Owen made it another year and will be 4 years old right after Christmas. Actually, a better way to put it is that we survived Owen another year. There is a reason God makes the busy ones cute. Owen has a vast imagination (complete with many imaginary friends), no fear (he thinks the Halloween decorations at Wal-mart are cool), a constant vocabulary (seriously, he talks more than both of our girls combined) and is always in over-drive (he was here a minute ago). He really loves sports, swords,chocolate milk, and Buff’s side of the bed.

As for the parents of this clan, we have kept busy with the usual tasks. We actually made it to 15 years of marriage this year and hope to celebrate by going out to dinner and a probably a quick trip to Wal-mart. It is apparent that we don’t have any book deals in the making for "Fun Date Nights." We are thankful though for the marriage God has allowed us. It also helps that He gave us a good sense of humor, and we can laugh at ourselves.

Buff ventured to Romania and Azerbaijan again this year to teach pastors and has plans to go again next May. He is also thrilled to have an associate pastor at Lighthouse to help fulfill the vision of the church and to share the work load of teaching and counseling. In his free time, he usually sleeps, but can occasionally be found hiking with the kids or shooting guns on his days off (and hopefully not both at the same time . . .).

I (Tina ) made a futile attempt at gardening this year. If I had set out to have a rock garden, it would have been a very successful year. I did manage to nurture a few zucchinis, some tomatoes, and a cucumber or two. I hope to plan better for next year and at least get a green bean out of the deal. Otherwise, the kids, school, church and the chaos of reality generally consume the rest of my life.

As another year comes to a close, we look ahead to another year and rest fully in our faithful God and all He has planned. He has graced us with many gifts and we treasure them all. He gives us hope, rest, love and true joy – all gifts because of His Son, Jesus. May your year to come be filled with many reminders of His presence in your life also.

Because of grace,

Buff, Tina, Mikayla, Brice, Carra Grace and Owen Powers

Merry Christmas!!

Thank you, Mikayla

The Power's children were so thoughtful this Christmas to buy a gift for each of their cousins. Karissa received a stuffed dolphin from Mikayla. It looks just like you would expect a stuffed dolphin to look. Grey and white... rather ordinary in the way of dolphins, I guess. As far as I know she didn't pay much for him (I think they went shopping at the dollar store).

But...

I wanted Mikayla to know... Karissa loves that dolphin. It has been several weeks since Christmas now and that dear dolphin (who goes by the very original name of "Dolphy") has been to school every day for nap time hugs, to bed every evening for bedtime hugs and has been thoroughly cared for, loved, washed, wrapped, read to and, yes, hugged. This means a lot because if you were to see Karissa's bed you would find it covered with multitudes (and I do mean multitudes) of other stuffed beings who have been loved and cared for over the past months and years. But right now "Dolphy" is her favorite.

So, thank you, Mikayla, for your thoughtfulness... you chose well!

The cousins - well some of them . . .

My pictures are mostly from sledding. We didn't see as much of Emma, so here are a few more of all the cousins.

Who me?
You will notice he has the same expression in all pictures.

The girls and the dolls.
Grandma made several sets of doll clothes for seven dolls!
Everyone even got matching nightgowns to go with their doll's nightgown!
Thanks, Grandma!

Ma and Pa
Or
Mountain man Richard?

Owen loved sledding!

Emma and Elaine

Aaron - he can't see where he is going - it must have made it a bit more exciting not knowing where he would end up.

Uncle Chris gave the best pushes!

Look out below, here comes Kailyn!

Emma adores her daddy!

I think he is waiting for his head to grow into his hat so he can see where he is going.

Sweet Elaine

It was a great sledding hill, but seriously, Kristen, how much snow did you eat?

Chris and Emma

Chris and Emma

It was such a treat having Chris and Emma around last week. Here are only a few pictures from the week. I'm sure some of you have even more.

Meeting Grandma at the airport...with flowers from Hawaii!

Yep, they look like cousins. I can see the family resemblance!

Emma LOVES the snow!

Christmas memories

Here is one memory we hope to forget soon . . .

More happy memories coming soon . . .

Merry Christmas

Thought you all would enjoy the melodies of the season in classical style!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Christmas Characters

How do you know it's Christmas? When you are making angel and sheep costumes in December! Our church had an all church Christmas program on Sunday night. The kids had a part in a poem about the nativity. Now, I really can't say I mind... since I was the one who organized the children's poem! The girls had fun and it was a great way to involve the kids in "adult" worship time. They also sang in a children's and youth choir.

Sheep acting is very serious business. Karissa stayed in character for most of the evening (in character being... crawling rather than walking everywhere... ). She LOVED being a sheep!

Yeah, I think that halo is on straight! Several of her friends said
she looked real... probably because they've all seen a real
angel before!

The other pretty angel (also with a straight halo!) --Kailyn

In the nativity poem the character of Mary is supposed to pick up the Baby Jesus and hold Him for a few minutes. Well, that was too much for our Mary and she opted not to. Kristen and Kailyn could not understand this and asked me about it. My response was simply that some people are shy and certain things make them feel uncomfortable. Some people just don't like being the center of attention.

Kristen was silent for a moment (with a look of bewilderment) and then said,
"Well, I wouldn't mind being the center of attention."

Ha! Like I didn't know that! Ahh, the windows to the heart.

Both she and Kailyn are petitioning to be Mary next year!

Christmas Letter

Here is the Powers' Christmas letter for all of you not currently on my Christmas card mailing list.

Merry Christmas to you too!

Merry Christmas from the Powers family, Christmas 2007

2007 has been a year of many adventures for the Powers family. Not a whole lot of changes (other than all the growing) but it seems like there is always a story to tell! I will attempt to fill you in on our family and make it interesting at the same time!

We begin our story from the beginning (a very good place to start). Mikayla turned 11 this year and we are always amazed at how much she changes from year to year. This year the most noticeable growth was in her maturity. She occasionally completes tasks without prompting and often finds ways to jump in and help. She loves to giggle, talk and hang out with her friends. She has a very vivid imagination and most days you can find her with her nose in a book or listening to her cds. Her biggest adventure this year happened 15 minutes into vacation when she fell and broke her arm. Her proudest moment was the fact that she never cried!

3 snakes, numerous tadpoles, 20-30 frogs, 2 turtles, 2 salamanders, 1 lizard, 1 hermit crab, 3 hamsters, 1 squirrel and a rat. That is how many creatures followed Brice home this year. Thankfully most of them either wandered away or passed away so we don’t have to change our zoning status to “zoo.” He loves to draw or build with his Legos and his new goal in life is to be a police officer in LA (they seem to have the most police chases there). Brice is 8 and continues to be the quiet mannered of the family with very creative ideas.

Turning 5 was a big deal for Carra Grace this year. Her unique and determined personality continues to make us laugh (and often cry) daily. She loves, loves, loves dressing up (or some days down) and playing with her baby dolls. She has creative names for her “children” such as “Cuteness”, “Fatness”, “BerBer”, and “Burpness”. No really, we couldn’t make this up. She spends a lot of time with her little brother and her coloring books. She started some Pre-K schooling this year and if her ability were to match her excitement for school we would have algebra conquered by June. She is the featured artist for this years Christmas letter! Don’t you love the 5 legged sheep?

Owen. Owen is the child we should have had when we were 20. He turns 3 at the end of the year and has more personality and energy in his pinky than some people have in their entire body. The child feels no pain, has no fear, runs like the wind and insists on wearing his hat backwards. The child keeps us more than amused with his creative discoveries of life. He loves his dad, sports, and sword fighting and has a very busy imagination. Not much gets past him – so watch what you say! As much as his sister loves to talk, I think he has her beat. The kid rarely stops talking! If we could harness his energy, we could be millionaires. Instead we are just tired.

Tina gets to stay home with the current chaos that we call life. Aside from the usual household duties, she teaches the kids and fiddles with her camera. If you want to keep up with the family throughout the year, you can visit our family blogs where she journals the many adventures and pictures of our life. You can visit the Hawk family blog at www.abbydog-hawk.blogspot.com and the Powers family blog at www.cinnamonscootsturf.blogspot.com . (Note: These are family blogs so you will also find updates of the other Hawk or Powers siblings at those sites!) If you stop by, leave a comment and say hello!

This year Buff’s travels were a bit more minimal than in past years with only an exciting trip in May to Azerbaijan (yes, it is a real country - there is a geography challenge for you!) where he was able to teach local pastors and missionaries practical theology. He is looking forward to going back again next year in the fall. He also has another opportunity to teach in Romania in March. His most exciting development this year is that the church is bringing on 2 more associate pastors to help with the ministry at Lighthouse beginning in 2008. This will help his scheduling immensely as well as giving him a stronger accountability network.

And so we close out 2007 and look forward to another year of adventures and growth, Lord willing. We praise the Lord for His continued teaching and His constant mercy. Thank You to all of our family and friends for their love, prayers and support.

Love and Prayers,

Buff, Tina,
Mikayla, Brice, Carra Grace and Owen

Tina's next 25

Okay, Ryan, here is the next 25 questions. Don't you have a sidewalk to shovel, a wall to paint or something else to do to keep you busy?

1. When do you put on Christmas Music?
At our house, Mikayla plays it year around. Otherwise it goes on right after Thanksgiving or during the first snowfall - whichever comes first.

2. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Sleeping under the tree Christmas Eve.

3. Have you ever, or would you ever build a gingerbread house?
We did it once with the kids and I would love to do it again. I prefer the prepackaged kit. I'm going to look in January when they are on clearance.

4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Here is a favorite (I'm sure there are many more if I thought hard enough): The year we were heading to Colorado and ended up stopping in Iowa at noon because of a terrible snowstorm. We found a motel with a pool and attached to a restaurant and we were practically the only people in the entire motel. The kids swam, then we ordered room service with potato soup and onion rings and watched a movie. It was vacation before the vacation. We still talk about that trip. (We counted over 200 cars and over 100 semis in the ditch from WI to CO - thankfully we never joined them!)

5. What is the neatest, coolest, or most interesting ornament you've ever seen?
Tough one. Buff's mom puts bubble lights every year on her tree that are really neat. I've seen some cool snowmen (no pun intended) and ornaments with a true Christmas meaning are the most interesting (i.e. The Christmas nail, crown of thorns, etc.).

6. Do you celebrate Advent? Do you use a calendar?
I always have big plans to, but December 1 usually creeps up on me and catches me by surprise. We like to do an Advent tree. We have various themes and ornaments that we add depending on the year.

7. Is it best to do the presents right away in the morning? Or should you wait until after breakfast?
Right away. Nobody eats breakfast otherwise - they are too excited!

8. Must there be snow on Christmas Day?
I like snow on Christmas. It just makes it feel more magical. It is the best if it is actually snowing on Christmas Eve or Christmas. Although, the last time we went to Colorado (2 years ago) we arrived and it was -1 degrees and the ground was covered with snow. By Christmas Day 6 days later it was 70 degrees. Everyone spent the day riding horses, go-carts and four wheelers. It was a blast and a wonderful memory.

9. If so, who does the shoveling?
The guy with the bad back. He dreams of the day when Brice can take over . . . .

10. Do you write a Christmas letter?
When we were first married, I hand wrote a personal letter in every card because I swore it needed to be personal. I even remember getting the classic Christmas form letter from friends and being a bit offended that they weren't personal. I quickly got over that and joined the form letter bandwagon. I find it very fun to write the letter! One of the best things about Christmas are the cards and letters! I prefer a picture to go with it, but I take what I can get.

11. Do you stay up until midnight on New Year's?
As long as I have someone to stay up with. I find the older I get, the earlier I fall asleep on New Years. As the kids get older it becomes fun for them to get to stay up late, so we have stayed up playing games to see who can make it to midnight.

12. What is your New Year's resolution?
To read 20 minutes a day (from a book on my reading level - Golden Books with Carra don't count).

13. How long before you break it?
Hopefully never.

14. St. Nick's Day. Another ploy, teaching opportunity, or Christmas tradition?
Another ploy. I only heard about it a few years ago and considered it - but I'm not organized enough to plan for that too.

15. Do you do stockings on Christmas Eve?
We did them first thing on Christmas morning when I was a kid. Now that I'm a mom, we do it occasionally - but it isn't tradition.

16. Have you ever received clothes that were completely not to your taste?
Yeah, but we won't talk about those. . . Note to anyone purchasing me clothing in the near future - nothing lavender. Please????

17. Are you a fan of Handel's Messiah?
It has been so long since I've heard it that I don't remember much. Might be a good activity for the long road to Colorado this year.

18. What is the best part of a church/school Christmas program?
As a kid, the bag of candy we got at the end. I remember in Wolverine (a town in Michigan where we attended church) there was a big bag of candy and my favorites were this chocolate covered candy that was similar to the texture of a Butterfinger. Terrible for the teeth. Wonderful for the tastebuds!

19. Do you know the "12 Days of Christmas"?
Umm, once upon a time. I think I could get about 8 or 9 but probably not with the right number.

20. Have you ever ridden in a "One Horse Open Sleigh"?
Nope. Sounds cold.

21. Does "A Christmas Carol" freak you out, or is it another sappy Christmas story?
Ebenezer is my hero! No really, not my favorite Christmas story for freaky and sappy reasons.

22. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
Butter spritz in the shape of a Christmas tree. Also, chocolate turtles (not technically a cookie but worthy of mentioning).

23. Do you own any clothing with a snowman, gingerbread man or Santa Claus on it? All three? No, I don't want to store it for 11 1/2 months.

24. Have your ever made the ever popular "Popcorn and Cranberry Garland"?
Once. I highly recommend a thimble. Another tip: Marshmallows are a bit easier than popcorn to string.

25. Santa Claus or Satan Claus?
Santa - although he is equated with Cinderella. Just a fun fairy tale. We don't have any Santa dress up clothes yet, though.

Kerry's next 25

25 New Questions
1. When do you put on Christmas Music? With the tree.

2. What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Baking a birthday cake for Jesus with the girls.

3. Have you ever, or would you ever build a gingerbread house?I was going to build graham cracker houses with my girls and their friends a few weeks ago so I built a sample one. Very cute. Karissa woke up with pink eye so it didn't happen. As for official gingerbread... no, I haven't, but I think it'd be great fun. The graham cracker one's are the closest I've come.

4. What is your favorite Christmas memory? Kristen's reaction to her gifts on her first Christmas. She was nearly a year old so she really enjoyed the day. I remember it being so fun to buy for her as a mom on her first Christmas.

5. What is the neatest, coolest, or most interesting ornament you've ever seen? I've seen an entire nativity nestled into the center of a tree before. Very neat. It really became the main focus. I'm not sure how it would work in a busy home where the pieces could get knocked out.

6. Do you celebrate Advent?Do you use a calendar? We do at church and we've started it a bit at home... not always consistent. The girl's have a nativity countdown calendar with the nativity story characters hanging on hooks. We use that with our nativity readings.

7. Is it best to do the presents right away in the morning? Or should you wait until after breakfast? We are mean. We wait until after breakfast.

8. Must there be snow on Christmas Day? Depends. I love it because it adds to the atmosphere. Christmas in Africa with snow... no, it wouldn't work.

9. If so, who does the shoveling? Keith... but he doesn't mind if I help!

10. Do you write a Christmas letter? Usually...

11. Do you stay up until midnight on New Year's? No, not always. I think we are getting old. In fact... I can't remember when we last did. I think we've just been home together and figured it wasn't worth our time. Besides, wasn't New Years on Sunday last year? For those who have to preach it doesn't work.

12. What is your New Year's resolution? What? and be accountable? Besides, the new year is still weeks away. I have time to work on thinking of one yet.

13. How long before you break it? I try not to make pass or fail resolutions... I'd rather work toward something or work on one trait for the year... it's a lot less disappointing.

14. St. Nick's Day. Another ploy, teaching opportunity, or Christmas tradition? I'd love to make it a Christmas teaching tradition... but that would require some planning ahead wouldn't it?

15. Do you do stockings on Christmas Eve? Christmas morning. We put these at the foot of the girl's beds on Christmas Eve. They can have these before breakfast on Christmas Day.

16. Have you ever received clothes that were completely not to your taste? Probably. I think I got a pair of pajamas I didn't care for one year. I wore them anyway because I needed them.

17. Are you a fan of Handel's Messiah? Parts of it. Keith has one song as his cell phone ring tone.

18. What is the best part of a church/school Christmas program? Preschool nativity animals singing "Away in a Manger"

19. Do you know the "12 Days of Christmas"? Yep, sure do.

20. Have you ever ridden in a "One Horse Open Sleigh"? No, can't say that I have.

21. Does "A Christmas Carol" freak you out, or is it another sappy Christmas story? Honestly, it freaks me out a bit... especially that tall dark one (Christmas future) from the movie with (the Star Trek captain... what's his name.... Patrick?). I think most of us would be psychologically disturbed if we'd had a night like that! However, for it's depth of story and characters... great story.

22. What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

23. Do you own any clothing with a snowman, gingerbread man or Santa Claus on it? All three?
I had a pair of Santa socks. I think they got holes so it's time to update the Christmas socks.

24. Have your ever made the ever popular "Popcorn and Cranberry Garland"? I remember making it as a kid. I'm not sure if we used cranberries... we may have. I remember it being a mess but great fun.

25. Santa Claus or Satan Claus? Cute.

25 New Questions

We had so much fun answering the other questions, Ruth and I came up with 25 new ones.

1. When do you put on Christmas Music?

2. What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

3. Have you ever, or would you ever build a gingerbread house?

4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?

5. What is the neatest, coolest, or most interesting ornament you've ever seen?

6. Do you celebrate Advent? Do you use a calendar?

7. Is it best to do the presents right away in the morning? Or should you wait until after breakfast?

8. Must there be snow on Christmas Day?

9. If so, who does the shoveling?

10. Do you write a Christmas letter?

11. Do you stay up until midnight on New Year's?

12. What is your New Year's resolution?

13. How long before you break it?

14. St. Nick's Day. Another ploy, teaching opportunity, or Christmas tradition?

15. Do you do stockings on Christmas Eve?

16. Have you ever received clothes that were completely not to your taste?

17. Are you a fan of Handel's Messiah?

18. What is the best part of a church/school Christmas program?

19. Do you know the "12 Days of Christmas"?

20. Have you ever ridden in a "One Horse Open Sleigh"?

21. Does "A Christmas Carol" freak you out, or is it another sappy Christmas story?

22. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

23. Do you own any clothing with a snowman, gingerbread man or Santa Claus on it? All three?

24. Have your ever made the ever popular "Popcorn and Cranberry Garland"?

25. Santa Claus or Satan Claus?

RUTH'S 25

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper if it's in a nice four-cornered box, then it's easier to wrap, otherwise bags are easy. You could just put a bow on it.

2 . Real tree or Artificial? A nice, artificial, Pre-lit one. Goes up easy, and comes down easy with no mess.

3 . When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, not this year though, Jonny will certainly put it in his mouth, or pull it over.

4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever there's energy and time, usually within a week after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? NO!!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? If I had a better memory, it would be helpful, but I do not remember much (at all, let alone a Christmas gift). I do remember getting a bunk-bed, stroller and high chair for my favorite doll. I don't remember if it was all in the same year, but I remember seeing them and being very excited. I loved them and played with them for years. I still have them!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but would love one.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan, whenever I have an idea for him, it never fails that he goes out and buys it for himself- Thanks alot.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Elaine

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, I like the tradition.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have no one specific gift, nor do I want to hurt anyone's feelings, even though they don't have internet, but I have received some doozies.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's A Wonderful Life. Now I own almost the whole Christmas village of the town setting. (from Walgreens)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? No specific time. When I see something, I try to get it on sale and put it away for safe keeping.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, but only once, I think.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Rosettes. Dough, fried, shaped into snowflakes and covered in powdered sugar. You can't beat that.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - Especially when there is a color theme. Colored lights might be alright if you have an old-fashioned hodge-podge tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? The list is quite extensive-Typically anything "Point of Grace" does-"One King" and "Mary's Song". I love Michael W. Smith's Christmas albums. David Phelps-"Joy, Joy"

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Here comes my "Scrooginess." I would prefer to stay home b/c I don't want to fight the crowd, nor do I like to spend the money. But, we do go to WA every few years to see my parents and so the kids can be there for Christmas.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, can't everyone?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We don't usually do either, the star always falls off. It looks fine just "natural."

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve, before bed, then the family sleeps in the living room, under the tree that night. The rest get opened Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? I can't go to Wal-Mart to get diapers w/o standing in line for at least a half an hour.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like to change the colors from year-to-year.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? In our family, we do the potluck thing; very easy, eat-as-you please.

25 . What do you want for Christmas this year? Well, that's a loaded question. I need absolutely nothing. The one thing that I think about this time of year is a nativity. I have my eye on one that you can buy in pieces, still, they are very expensive. I would like to build on it from year to year. But that is a "want", so I'm OK with when that happens. . . .and to coin a phrase--"Peace on earth." (Tina Powers)

Another 25- Kerry's turn

Okay, I'll bite. I'll give my 25. I'm not feeling quite so Scroogey as Tina...


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? For all the gifts at home...wrapping paper. That's part of the fun of Christmas morning as a kid- tearing open presents. For gifts I hand out to others it's usually a gift bag... more practical and easier.

2 . Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. We inherited Mom and Dad's fake tree several years ago and it has worked very well for us. Maybe some year we'll venture out and get a real one... I'm not terribly excited about the mess.... well, maybe that's Keith talking now.

3 . When do you put up the tree? Because I'm a big "believer" in Thanksgiving we wait until after Thanksgiving. It's usually within a day or two, though.

4. When do you take the tree down? This one differs from year to year. Some years I'm ready to have the space back (we have a small living room). Other years I don't mind it and get around to it a week or so after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? I like it but I can't say I've ever bought it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Now I'm stuck. I do not remember any! Big blank right now. Isn't that terrible? Maybe this should be a lesson to me when I stress over what to get my girls-- they may not even remember what they got years from now. (I'm not banking on this with Kristen... she just doesn't seem to forget much)

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I'm with Tina on this one. No, but I would love one! I tend to be an idealist when it comes to nativities. I don't want a melodramatic scene with figures in bizarre positions. It kind of ruins the reality and simplicity of the story for me. Like Tina... the ones I really like are not in the budget at this time of year.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Probably my youngest child this year. Since we have 3 girls there's a challenge of treating each child uniquely without hearing about how one wants what the other got weeks later... the youngest usually inherits what the others have so buying something new and special for her is tough. I've got no ideas this year!

9. Easiest person to buy for? Usually Kristen. I think she's usually just really clear about what she likes. I always have loads of ideas for her!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. Although... this year it may be email... I hope not!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't even remember the good things I got for Christmas! Hold it... I got a box of Rubbermaid one year from... well, from someone who was tired of hearing me complain about my lack of it. He thought he was doing a such a good thing for me. I remember him being so proud of himself that he had gotten me something I really wanted. Hey, I complain much more carefully now!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I'd have to say "It's a Wonderful Life" although I haven't watched it in a few years. No one ever wants to join me. I just don't watch many movies and I don't tend to get sentimental about them--maybe that's my Scrooge when it comes to Christmas.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It's usually sometime in December. I usually have been planning it for several months, but Keith likes to be part of the process and the shopping-- so we save it until we are together. For him it's part of the season to Christmas shop close to Christmas... so we shop in December. We enjoy it!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. I'd feel guilty for months! Couldn't do it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Does apple cider count? I know that's a "fall" thing, but I really enjoy mulled apple cider in the winter and at Christmas. Grandma Hawk made one when I was at her house once in college. I think she gave me her recipe.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear. Although I felt myself softening for the first time this year... I probably won't give in, though. I still really like the look of clear lights. But there have to be LOTS of them on the tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I LOVE Christmas songs. I just can't think of my favorite. Probably "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" and "O Holy Night".

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home. Keith's from Africa. Unfortunately he hasn't been home for Christmas since we moved back to the states (8 years ago). It's his dream to go home for Christmas some year. He handles it well, but Christmas means a lot to his family. My heart bleeds for him every year. Besides, an African Christmas with 80 degree weather on the beach @ his parent's home... it'd be an adjustment, but we'd manage.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No. I grew up thinking Santa was bad and have never taken the time to get to know his reindeer now that I know he's not such a bad guy after all.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither. Like the nativity I have never invested the money. (I've never been much of an angel fan) Once again, I'm a bit of an idealist and until I find what I really want... well, we have nothing there!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. Sometimes we break down and let the girls open one on Christmas eve, but it's really best saved for Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Commercialism. Having lived overseas... well, we overdo it just a bit. It actually feels draining to me to see so much of Christmas for so long. I still love the holiday, though. Just keep it simple.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Red and gold bulbs with ribbon and poinsettas in the tree. It has to be a deep red, though. We switched to blue bulbs this year... we'll be going back to red next year. Just isn't the same.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? This and that. Everyone brings snack food. Great!

25 . What do you want for Christmas this year? A smaller, more portable Bible. I have a couple of study Bibles that just don't travel well because they are heavy and bulky. Something that can travel with me.

There you go! Merry Christmas all!

The 25 questions of Christmas

My friend, faithful neighbor and provider of depleted kitchen supplies Donette tagged "me" to answer the following questions. This is a tough one. I am very Scroogy at Christmas - but I will do my best just for the fun of it. Maybe I do have an ounce or two of Christmas spirit to share.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Depends on what I have on hand. I have happy memories of helping my mom wrap presents as a kid, but I will wrap or stuff it into a bag depending on shape, size and time.

2 . Real tree or Artificial? Real. My hubby loves the smell of a fresh tree.

3 . When do you put up the tree? We only put up a tree on the years we will be home for Christmas - which makes the Scrooge in me very happy. The tree usually goes up right after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? It comes down the first possible moment after Christmas!

5. Do you like egg nog? We love the Kemp's brand. It is a treat we all look forward to! (Note: It can also be found at Easter - a pleasant surprise in March or April!)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't know if this one is my favorite (I have a terrible memory!), but I remember wanting a specific teddy bear that I saw and I actually got it for Christmas. I don't remember being overly excited, but instead just deeply and quietly "happy". I still have that teddy bear too.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I would love one! I look every year for the "perfect" one. I see lots I like - but a nice one is usually out of my price range! (I really want Buff to find me ones from his world travels. Unfortunately, he doesn't shop much when he travels because he is too busy teaching. He has two trips planned next year - - - maybe he'll find one this time.)

8. Hardest person to buy for? Our parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for? The kids.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of anything. I remember getting a Barbie doll named "Tina" and she broke 5 minutes into Christmas. When we went to exchange her they were all out - and I was very disappointed.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I am not much into movies, but the ever sentimental Buffington plays the traditional "Santa Clause is coming to town" and "Rudolph" movies every year. Everyone also looks forward to the "Charlie Brown Christmas."

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? We had all the kids gifts by Thanksgiving (I think we started buying them one at a time in September.) Of course, we only bought them one big item and one small treat.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, but I know I have received some.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Homemade caramels and Swedish pecans (which I decided I am taking a break from this year. My Scrooginess is very strong this year.)

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear lights only. (And no blinking allowed!)

17. Favorite Christmas song? I have to agree with Donette about Oh Holy Night; Joy, Joy; and Star of David (I think that's the name) by David Phelps and Here With Us by Joy Williams; The December CD by George Winston.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Every other Christmas we venture out to Colorado to be with Buff's family. We then have Christmas with my family around New Years. On the opposite year we celebrate with my family whenever everyone is available due to work schedules and church. Some years it is actually on Christmas afternoon, other years it is the day before or after.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Remember. Scrooge. I really have never tried or cared to try.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Crown of thorns

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We usually open one gift Christmas Eve and save the rest for Christmas morning. Since we don't buy much for our kids, it is usually our gift we give them on Christmas Eve and then let Grandma have at it Christmas morning. (When we are in Colorado, we all sleep under the tree Christmas Eve and Grandpa wakes everyone up by delivering the stockings on the back of his miniature donkey, Pansy.)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Maybe the 25 questions about what I think about Christmas! ;0) Actually, the pressure of buying a gift that my family member will actually like - that I can actually afford. I am too intensely practical and cheap!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Our homemade Advent tree ornaments

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? NO BIG DINNERS ALLOWED! Everyone brings their favorite appetizers and snacks and we just graze all day long.

25 . What do you want for Christmas this year? No one ever asks me this question so I'm not prepared. I can't think of anything . . . . Is this where I am supposed to say "Peace on earth"?

Okay, now I tag all my family members who read and participate in this blog - and anyone else who wants to join in! Leave a comment that you answered the questions on your blog so I can go and learn about your Christmas!

Christmas Pictures

A rare event- all the nieces have front teeth

Seriously, where are the boys?

Let me get this straight, I'm not Santa?

"I got two guns, one for the both of ya"

-Doc Holliday-"Tombstone"

"Now we all know what was for dinner"

"Well it ain't gonna push itself"

"This better not be clothes"

Thought you may appreciate a few pics from Christmas @ the Powers

Ryan