Merry Christmas Eve -- PLEASE Make Memories That Count -- You Just Never Know!

Merry Christmas Eve!! PLEASE Make Memories That Count -- You Just Never Know!
My sweet Mama would always make her calls to each of her grown children on Christmas Eve morning -- "Merry Christmas Eve!". We expected that call. And, with fervor and joy, I say that to all of my FB friends today -- MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

Eight years ago, our family was making their usual trek to Oklahoma for Christmas. Ryan, Shawntel and the boys flew into Fort Smith AR for time with her family first before coming to us in Tulsa. I'll never forget the hilarious story that ensued.

Typically, Ryan has a vehicle reserved that would accommodate the six members of his family, plus lots of luggage, but to his dismay, the reservation got lost in the shuffle, and the only vehicle they had was a 12 passenger van to rent. And that's how our Christmas of 2009 began with the most awesome of memories to be made. How amazing that God would give us this Christmas to remember in such a profound way.as it would be the last Christmas we had with my Sweetheart, their Dad and Papa.

Once all of the family made it to Tulsa, including Larry, Staci and their two, who came in from their home in Hot Springs, AR, we were ready for our traditional Christmas activities. And, the best part, Ryan's accidental misadventure with the car rental and having to get a 12-passenger van, made way for all of us to pile in and be all comfy cozy -- but not before the guys put up Christmas lights inside the van, with a wreath on the front bumper and the Wuerch/Wallace Family Country Singers & Dancers had a rowdy, hilarious time of singing Christmas carols, cheering and waving to passerbys -- making this night one to remember.

First order of business was to head to our family's favorite restaurant for making even more lasting memories -- Casa Bonita, followed by games and family fun. And, afterwards, we headed to Rhema Church/Bible College to drive through their spectacular lights extravaganza. It was so cold, but the family togetherness kept us warm. I've included photos -- note the one with my Sweetheart in the front passenger seat who seems very much in pain. He had reason to be.

The next day, we all went to Great Granny's to have some sweet time with her, then because it looked like it may snow, we took her home with us.

And that's when God put icing on the cake.....er..earth, for the Christmas to make memories like never before. We were literally snowed in which made for all 13 of us to have even more fun times of celebration: frolic and playing in the snow, having yummy meals together, the kids putting on their annual Christmas program/talent show for us, the reading of the Christmas Story with the kids by Papa, and Great Granny giving out her Christmas envelopes.

We made lots of precious memories in this time that we knew was orchestrated by God. During this entire weekend, Papa (my Sweetheart) valiantly fought through so much pain in his back.
He braved the pain by putting out every effort to build a snowman, to play and put his best foot forward.

2009 ended with our family tightly knitted together in love and support which prepared us for 2010 which would be, early on, the year of Papa's brave battle with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer and we would never have a Christmas on earth with him again. But, that's okay, because this Christmas was one that could ALWAYS be remembered as God saving the BEST for LAST!

I can't begin to encourage you enough to make the moments, minutes, hours count while you can. Tomorrow or next year could be one that changes everything. You'll be so ever grateful, like we were, that we celebrated each other in a way that God proved "Joy to the World" to us. For us, it was a Christmas to remember -- FOREVER! This is Christmas Eve. Keep Christ the center of the celebration. It's not Santa Claus is coming to town. It's Jesus is coming to town to bring His the perfect gift....HIMSELF!