"Christmas Joy"with the Animals!

When EWE smile, Ewe tend to enjoy Christmas more !

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are exciting times of the year.
They both provide opportunities to celebrate the birth of Christ
with family & friends, as well as thoroughly enjoy the "Reason for the Season"! With that in mind, let's take a peak at the "Animal" world & their celebration of this glorious season.


I Love to find just the right hat to wear to the Christmas Eve Service!

I enjoy the refreshments being served at the celebration!

We love the "Colorful" Christmas outfits Ewe get to wear!

No matter how well EWE plan, there always seems to be an abundance of last minute things that Ewe have to do!


OH NO! I have to get to Walmart before it closes!

Only ONE day left for SHOPPING!

The anticipation of opening presents always generates a "Buzz" among family members!(especially the young & the restless!)

We promise to Love & protect EWE!

No "LION", we love opening presents!

Cooking is always a must for the holidays. Those meals  are sometimes hard to plan, & often require some "outside" help! 



The MENU always leaves me with my Mouth "Watering"!

Preparing the dinner drives me "HOG WILD"!

They told me to bring the salad! UN-BE-"LEAF"-able!

The family meal is always an opportunity to share the love that families have for one another. The dessert caps off a magnificent feast & wonderful time of family fun & fellowship!

Sharing a meal with loved ones is a must at CHRISTMAS!

It's sure nice to just relax & eat with family! It dispels all PANDAMONIUM!

Ewe have to be careful not to overdo it! The dessert is so DELICIOUS!

Family meals are often followed by games & fun activities for all to enjoy! Exercise is good for the "WAIST"-Line!

I'm just having a Ball this Christmas!

Don't EWE scratch this Chicken at the Christmas reunion match!

There are always some relatives that just prefer relaxing, especially after a BIG meal!


I prefer "Rocking Round the Christmas Tree"

POWER NAPS work wonders after eating!

After  exercise, the family gathers together for a "HYMN" sing, & than bids each other a hearty "GOOD-NIGHT"!



"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, ..."

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the New Born KING! "

"Away in the Manger, ...the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet Head!"

Shepherds had the privilege of attending the first Christmas celebration by way of invitation from above! Even though they were of low social status, God saw them as valued guests!


Sheep are blessed to be cared for by a GOOD Shepherd!

As Ewe enjoy  the Christmas celebration this week, treasure the beautiful moments spent together with "Friends & Family"! They are a gift from God, brought to EWE by that "Baby" in the manger, Jesus Christ! 


"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which is translated, ' God with us'." Mt.1:23


I couldn't "BEAR" not wishing EWE the best Christmas ever!

"Cyber" Space!

Picturing that "Perfect" gift is sometimes not EASY!

Cyber week has once again descended upon us, & sales are up from last year! Cyber week has become a recent phenomenon & a new trend in shopping during the holidays. It offers the opportunity to shop conveniently, without having to leave the comfort of home. The thought of not having to deal with crowds, travel, etc., is really quite appealing to some!



Shopping at home always makes me hungry!

  I must say that ordering from my phone is not a "BAAAA...D" idea!

Why not shop?  I'm always "on" my phone anyway!

Some Sheep are somewhat resistant to engaging in this new way of shopping. Sheep are creatures of habit! Using the computer is very difficult for some of the older generation to accept. We all know that "Creatures of Habit" are very "Resistant" to Change!

I just don't think that Ewe can trust computers!

Do I look like I'm "Tech-Savvy" to Ewe?

I told EWE! I don't want to talk about it!

They continue to shop the old-fashioned way & are stubbornly proud of it! Besides, they neither have the time nor the interest in learning how the computer works.They prefer the "hustle & bustle" of the malls & performing in "Flash Mobs"!

Ewe have to be there to appreciate it!

We're still eating left-overs! Who's got time for shopping!

Being the first to find the bargains  makes shopping a "BREEZE"!

The younger generation of sheep has to led the charge into the new technology. They are taught computer skills in their local schools & pick it up quite handily. So much so, that they run circles around their parents & grandparents & their generations!


Technology has taken me to new "HEIGHTS"!

New technology is "Purr"- ty easy , once Ewe get the hang of it!

 EWE just have to "DOGGONE" study up on it!

Whether in Cyber Space or in the Mall, the Christmas season always presents its challenges each year. Whether it's finding the "Perfect" gift, the "BEST" bargains, or the "NEWEST" gadget on the market, both old & young must carve out some "time" to shop. Fortunately, for the older generation, Ewe still can, "teach an old dog some new tricks"!





"I-HOP" is my favorite restaurant to "GNAW" in, while out shopping!

EWE must see the gift bargains they have at "PET-SMART"!

I absolutely Love & Devour  "ON-LINE" shopping!

Each & every sheep is uniquely created with it's likes & dislikes. Thankfully, the Shepherd knows, loves, & understands each of us!

I know exactly what I want when I go Shopping for a gift!

My Shepherd helps me to find all the hidden "Treasures" when we shop!

As Ewe graze on Ewer pasture today, enjoy Ewer-distinctiveness-, as a "One-of-a-Kind-DESIGN"! Ewer Shepherd is watching over Ewe as EWE seize the beauty of this season! Happy Trails!

"I praise you because I am fearfully & wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm139:14

Who is Ayla Grace?

AYLA attending Church with her "Favorite" Neighbor!

AYLA really gets a KICK out of playing DEFENSE!!

Guess Who's an 19 yr. old "TEEN-ANGEL"? Ayla likes Jaguars the best!

I run as fast as I can to get to AYLA! She's "PURR-TY"!

In today's Blog, I'm continuing my (not so)"New" tradition of blogging for each of my grandchildren's birthdays. December 9th is our granddaughter from Fort Myers' birthday, Miss Ayla Grace. Ayla, whose name means, "God's Oak Tree," & she will be "19" years old & is like "Solid Oak" in many ways! As Ewe will see, Ayla is very determined to stand as "firm as an Oak" at home, at church, in school, or in the community. Let's take a peek into this sweet young lady's life & I hope Ewe come to appreciate her as much as I do!


"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek."
Mario Andretti



Ayla & I have liked each other ever since I got my STRIPES!

No Lion! I get a "KICK" out of hanging out with Ayla!

As EWE can see, I just "FLIP" over AYLA!

First, at home, Ayla loves taking charge in the kitchen! She loves to cook & bake her famous "chocolate-covered pretzels"! Her Mom describes her as compassionate, helpful, & very witty. She helps her siblings with their homework, runs errands for Mom in the neighborhood, & brings a great deal of laughter to the family! Ayla's determination & gifts are helping her to make a "Solid as an Oak" contribution to her family. A perfect illustration of this quality just happened in our household! Ayla & her mom recently made a "Surprise Trip" to our house with all kinds of Thanksgiving Goodies for her grandparents, who had spent the holiday alone! 

Ayla Loves "Hanging" out with her Aunt Belen & sisters!

Ayla loves her Family! (Especially at "Family Reunions"!

Ayla enjoys running errands on her bike, for her mom, to the neighbors!

Did Ewe know that Ayla loves to Cook & Bake? Her Chocolate-covered pretzels are the BEST!

My MOM taught me everything I Know!

Next, at school, Ayla's sheer "Determination" enables her to stand firm & strong as "God's Oak Tree", regardless of the challenges that she is presented with. Webster defines "Determination" as; "a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult." This is a very fitting description of Ayla & of her approach to her responsibilities!  Whether it's Reading A.R. & achieving the status of "Double-Millionaire", (2,000,000 words) or being nominated six years ago for the prestigious "Dr. Ben Carson Scholarship", (honoring academics) Ayla is determined to do her BEST! This year, Ayla is attending her fourth year of "High School" & is "ready" for a new set of "Challenges" by attending her second year of College through Dual enrollment! Academics are a priority to Ayla, & she works very diligently to do her best & compete at the Top of her Class! She enjoys Reading, P.E., playing piano, running Cross Country, Computer, playing Soccer, experimenting with science, & putting together difficult jig saw puzzles with her doting grandparents! Ayla is presently studying Psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic on the east coast & works for Security on campus!

AYLA was recently recognized for outstanding achievement on her Science Project!

Ayla likes Lizards, especially those that can play music!

AYLA likes to "TICKLE the IVORIES"!

Even though it's "RUFF", she became a "DOUBLE MILLIONAIRE"!

Ayla is not "OFF HER ROCKER" for wanting to STUDY so hard!

Third, in the community, Ayla is determined to be the best player she can be on her community sport teams! She works well with her teammates, exhibits outstanding sportsmanship, & plays rock-solid ("God's OAK TREE") defense in soccer! As a matter of fact, three years ago, she was selected to play on a "Competitive" soccer team, & Ayla loved it! She is actually following in the "footsteps" of her former "Soccer Star" parents!

 Ayla has a real "Ball" playing soccer & is not "CHICKEN" to play!

Ayla has to defend against some BIG opponents!

Ayla doesn't "Monkey" around when it comes to DEFENSE!

DO NOT TRY to TAKE the BALL AWAY from AYLA!

Finally, at church, Ayla continues to demonstrate herself as being determined to be "God's Oak Tree"! She is very active in her faith & has participated in the "AWANA" program at church. She also really treasures memorizing Scripture, & her favorite verse is John 3:16! Ayla also enjoys attending church VBS programs in the summer, as well as Sports' Camps. (Even when visiting her cousins in CA) She has a very compassionate heart, which expresses itself by helping those in need whenever possible! The three summers ago, on July 4th, Ayla & her sisters & cousins got baptized! It was an exciting event that I had the privilege of participating in! Ayla's terrific work ethic fuels her desire to do her best for the Lord, not only at church, but also in whatever she does!

"Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you."  Denis Waitley

Ayla enjoys listening to worship & praise music!

Ayla "Hops" to anyone in need of a helping hand!

Ayla enjoys drinking in the "milk" of God's Word! 

Sheep live a well-balanced life under the care of their watchful Shepherd. They enjoy the benefits of being loved by their Shepherd!

You have to believe me, I got Ewe covered! 

Ayla is well loved, just like we are!

Enjoy grazing in the pasture the Shepherd leads Ewe to this day, knowing that He has everything under control! He is training a whole new generation of lambs in the flock, & Ewer future looks brighter than ever, especially with Ayla Grace in the fold!   

"Be strong & take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24 (Ayla's life verse)


Ayala celebrated Christmas a few years ago, with her cousins in TN!



HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY AYLA!