WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

What a difference kids make (even when they are only 9 months old!). Christmas was just wonderful from start to finish. First of all, I didn't get all "wigged-out" on preparations. Note to self -- remember this next year. Truly, I have found that it is so much more enjoyable not to overdo things. And if some things don't get done, oh well. There's always next year. For those of you that have know me for many years, you know this is a transformation. And a welcome one. Great faith, frequent bible study, trust and the Holy Spirit have done wonders for me.

It was a bit different for us this year -- no kids at home Xmas Eve -- just Mark and I. We went to his mom's for dinner and then I met Mary Kay and Doc for Xmas Vigil Mass. It was beautiful and I loved listening to the adult choirs sing. Silent Night still gets me a little choked up as it was Grammy's favorite. Wonderful memories. When I came home, Mark and I opened our gifts to each other. It was kind of strange, but we quickly got into the spirit. He got me many nice things, but the sweetest was a collage frame that he put several pixs of Hunter & I in. He really is such a thoughtful guy. He also got me those small diamond stud earrings I've wanted (I guess he really does listen!)

We couldn't wait to see how Hunter reacted to everything. Needless to say, he could have cared less, but seemed to enjoy the excitement (for a while). We went out to TJ & Jenn's at 7:30 am (after a 2 a.m. bedtime, it felt like the old days). Jenn had breakfast pizza, muffins and fruit for us. TJ had the fuel (coffee). It was so cool that Jenn's mom and dad were able to be there "live" through skype. That was actually Hunter's favorite -- pushing the keys on the laptop! He was a pretty good trooper, but as most babes his age, liked the bows and the boxes.

The kids then came to our house a little later in the morning and opened their gifts. Every year we think we're getting better, but there's always still a good load for them, just more practical items these days! Steve laughed when he opened up a box of rubbermaid storage containers. He said he knew Christmas was different, but didn't think he'd be getting those already (he did like them). After everyone shipped out, Mark and I layed down for some rest. Wasn't enough for me, but we were to be at Jennifer & Ryans by 5 p.m.

It's always a full house when the McAllister side of the family gets together. Mark learned years ago that you go early, get a seat and don't move! Just kidding (I think). As usual there was lots of good food, good eats and lots of smiles. It was nice that Melanie and Scott were able to get in and Steve's friend from Phila (formerly from Ebensburg) "Joe" joined us for the evening as well. Jennifer's place is a great place for all of us to get together. It was fun watching Hunter and Mikayla. Mikayla loves to give him kisses, but gets mad when he doesn't kiss back.

It is too funny. Then when Hunter was in the kitchen eating his fingerfoods, she came over and took some (of course we're all laughing), but Hunter could have cared less -- as long as there was some for him. Then Mikayla comes back a little later and starts feeding him. She definitely has that motherly instinct at a very young age.

It was a wonderful Christmas. We are very thankful for our family and friends. Here's to a happy, healthy 2009!

A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO TINCAMP

Mark was recently inducted into a fishing/hunting/relaxation camp in Potter County. This is the same camp my Uncle Roy belonged to and my dad (Reynold) went to many a times. My brother Tom has been a member for many years as has my brother-in-law Doc and his son Brian.

Mark and Steve went with the rest of the members back in June for a spring cleanup and they had a great time. This trip was just the two of us. It was a beautiful weekend and the drive was great. It's so neat to go through these little towns and then you drive a little bit and "boom" - the mountains are smack in front of you. There is a reason why they call it "God's Country".

We got there around 5 p.m. Friday and Mark was going through the steps of opening up the camp. When he turned on the water, there was a pretty good leak so we had to shut it off. "Great" he says "we're screwed". Well, no biggee, we can rough it and just sponge bath if we have to. Well after we got looking at the problem and then found the mini-hardware store inside, I was confident it could be fixed. We had to run to Gavelson for plumbers tape on Saturday, but be darned, it worked! (Mark says I'm a handy wife to have around).

The beds have a little bit to be desired (OK, a lot). I did noto sleep very well and was actually up before Mark. We made some coffee and decided to go for a little walk while the dew was still on the trees. It was actually pretty cool and I got some neat pixs. We then took a ride to Bush Dam and he showed me where the Illigs camps were.. We then went down to the store to see if we could get a paper, but they only have weeklies (which were now already days old). So we decided we would stay in town and have lunch. Well, they didn't open for another half an hour. If you have ever been in Cross Fork, there's not much to do unless the bar or the restaurant is open. So we decided to go back to camp. We got the water fixed so we could now get showers. It was a good afternoon just to kick back and relax. The neighbors from the camp above came down to see how we were making out with the water. They were surprised we even had any as their well was dry. They then invited us to dinner at their camp. The meal was delicious -- strip steaks, fried potatoes, cole slaw, home baked bread. It sure beat the sandwiches Mark & I were planning on having. We sat around the fireplace after dinner and had some great conversations. When we left, it was a little scary. We had a flashlight, but it is SOOOOO dark up there. I kept thinking the bears would smell the steak and be around. We made it back OK, but did hear a loud thud outside shortly after. We looked out the windows but couldn't see anything.

Mark fell asleep early Sat night so I found myself looking through the old photo albums and reading journal entries that have been posted for many years now. So cool!

We had a wonderful weekend. Mark told me he's so glad I like it up there. I really do. There's just this peace that comes over you as soon as you start up the mountain road for the 4 mile drive back to the cabin. The air actually smells different. The peace, quiet and solitude are what every person needs to experience. We hope to make many trips back.

Visit from the Lunns

It was so great to have Cindy, Jeremy, Victoria & Bella come to Pennsylvania for a visit. Victoria wasn't smiling so good for the camera, but we did catch her here!

Getting ready for our family reunion

The planning has been going on for months and now the day is here. It is so awesome that all our family (children of Renny & Bibby McAllister) will be together for the first time in eight years. Most of the nieces/nephews and greats will be here as well. We will miss Brenda, Dan, Luke & Zachary (our newest addition) as well as Scott and Melanie (recently engaged). We will hold them in thought in spirit.

Can't wait for an awesome weekend!