Christmas Cheer!! Bah!! Humbug!!!

Mark and I decided to do a little Christmas shopping.  After a nice lunch, we set out to have a great time buying some little gifts for each other.  With my list in my hand, I am humming along with the 12 Days of Christmas and just full of Christmas cheer.  First of all, a lady jumps in front of me and grabbed the buggy I was reaching for....there were lots of others.  Then a lady just about runs me over to reach the dollar bin....which has about nothing in it....ooh, big bargain...NOT!!!  Two people stepped on my foot with no apologizes (we won't even mention the parking lot).  I finally got my gifts and checked out.  I decided to go to the snack bar for a drink and wait for Mark.  One lady almost pushed me out of the way to get in front of me in line....that made her number 2 in line...it wasn't like it was a long line.  Then she pushed the lady in front of her, who turned and they had words.  All this was happening while Christmas carols were playing in the background.  The whole time I am think what in the world happened to spreading Christmas cheer???  I felt like I was in a fast forward world while I was on normal speed.  Maybe some people just wait too late to start their shopping...who knows, but the Grumpy's were out full force.  We got popcorn and left and came home were Christmas cheer is abundant and Scrooge is ban.

Community Icon!!!

Yesterday we said goodbye to a community icon here in our neighborhood.  Mr. Ed Wilson lost his battle with cancer.  It hit me pretty hard, as the Wilson's have always been in my life here in the Riley's Creek Community.  I can't ever remember not seeing them or hearing about them once I moved away.  I immediately started crying when I saw the wreath on the door.  My world is once again changed.  The Wilson's sit in front of us at church, and I enjoyed watching Ms. Glenn punch Mr. Ed to make sure he is awake.  The dynamics of our community have changed once again.

Mr. Ed Wilson

You see, my first job was at Wilson's Supermarket.  I went in on Monday after getting my license to apply for a job.  Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Wilson were there in the office (a rarity even at that time).  The manager didn't look like he was going to hire me, but Mr. Wilson told him, "You better hire this little girl.  I've known her since she was this high."....his hands went up to about 2 feet.  Mr. Tootoo immediately hired me on Mr. Wilson's recommendation, and I started working that night.  Many times I would check the Wilson's out as they bought groceries.  My job gave me freedom and responsibility that helped prepare me for adulthood.

Me at 16 in my Wilson's smock.  I had received flowers while at work, Mr. Tootoo, the manager took this picture.



I can remember the store they had at Long Creek.  As a very young child, we would go there and buy groceries. It was a sad day when that old building was torn down as well.  Wilsons, home of the country boys....that was their motto.

I actually found this photo of a name tag on the internet.  Just wanted to share a piece of Americana of yester year.

Not long ago Mr. Wilson got to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.  It was to take the veterans to see the WWII memorial.  He was so excited about that experience.  He told me all about how great they treated them, and how he felt as he saw the memorial.  He was proud to have served his country.  I immediately thought of song that Janet Paschal sings yesterday when I knew of his passing. 

Strike up the band 

Assemble the choir

Another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more

But he's won his wars

Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song

Another soldier's coming home

 

Yesterday, the angel's sang a welcome song as another soldier went home.  We will miss you Mr. Ed, but heaven was waiting for your arrival.

A Good Exhaustion!!!

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, but I have been super duper busy.  I have literally fallen into bed every night for weeks and not even caring if make up was off or on. LOL 

The ladies ministry team of our church planned a very elegant Christmas Tea for this past Sunday.  As you know, these things just don't happen by themselves.  We have met every week since October to plan.  We collected china for this event, so I have scoured every thrift shop every week in Moore County.  I was successful on some days, and some days...I just found things for myself.  I am happy to report that the tea was a huge success.   We had close to 100 ladies to attend.  Becky Lee sang, and as always she brought laughter and excitement to our event.  Mrs. Herchenhahn gave her testimony and it really hit home with lots of our ladies.

Such elegant tables were set.

Becky Lee gets us rocking with her song.

Our ladies have a great time.

After the tea on Sunday, Mark and I attended our Deacon and Wives Christmas dinner on Monday night.  I got to go and just enjoy this event.  We were asked to speak and sing at this event.  It was very nice, and I am honored that God has chosen us to serve Him in this area.

Our Youth Pastor and Wife, Jeff & Ashley.  We just love them so much.  They are the perfect fit for RCBC.

Enjoying each others fellowship.

The chairman, Jody, is all smiles.

Well, after those two events, we still weren't finished.  The Silver Threads Christmas party was the next day.  We had a great meal, candlelight service and a game that was a hoot.  We played Guess that Baby??  It was great.  We had 37 to attend, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

They are trying to guess those babies!!!

Some came festive and ready to have  a great time.

They look like they could be at a Valentine's party....lovey dovey.

Who is that baby????

29 pictures were submitted...great participation.

Fellowshipping with one another.

Great turn out!!!



A packed weekend, but it was so much fun.  I was exhausted when everything was over, but it was totally worth it!!!