It is getting closer and closer to the big day and by the time you read this it will be even closer. Hope everyone has gotten all their shopping done or at least made a big dent in it. The weather may or may not cooperate with your plans. According to the weather Monday morning rain, wind and you name it is expected. Just pray that anyone who is traveling this week to visit relatives will have a safe journey and have a Merry Christmas.Jane Clark is recovering from her bypass surgery at home and is reported to be getting stronger and better with each passing day and will be home for Christmas.The home of Jimmy and Mary Hicks was a very happy place this past weekend. Their children did very well in the FFA Lometa stock show Saturday showing their pigs. It was reported that Katherine received a 1st on her entry in the light weight class and her brother had two entrees in the heavy weight class and he won a 1st and Reserve Champion of show. He also won Showmanship for the senior division. Congratulations Kather-ine and John!This will be the last time for John to show. Katherine will be the lone contender next year and she is already making plans.Visiting in the home of Leon and Mebbie Eckhoff this weekend was their sons and family. Donnie and Rachael of Leander and his brother Robbie and wife Amy and boys Ethan and Ory of Santa Fe, Tx. They also attended the Bend Community meeting Saturday night. Along with Jolene Lively and Debbie January. It was good to see Jolene getting out.Eric and Ashely Hernandez of Lampasas was out to the Bend visiting his parents and attended the Bend Community center Christmas party Saturday night.Jackie and Charlene Brister was in Houston Friday to watch grandson Ryan Brister graduate from college with a 4.0 average. Not bad at all and he is reported to have a job already lined up and grandpa Jackie was pleased as punch, as well he should be. Congratulations Ryan.The annual Christmas party that Lesa and Hugo Preece have every year for the kids that she used to keep in her daycare for 18 years in Lampasas got together this weekend. Those present were Robi Willis Akers and husband Zac from Copperas Cove, Mardi Willis, Megan Blair, Derek Rogers, Michele Rogers, Ethan Morris, Blade Hardin, Shelby Jorgen-sen, Marisa, Eyan, Lyla, Lydia and Lillian Skiles, and Kody Robinson, Jordan Mason all from Lampasas. Dakoda Allen from Rochelle, Lexi Lowry and Nick Roviso from Fred-ericksburg, Donovan Clarkston from Lafayette Louisiana. Malissa Lemons from the Bend also attended. They all attended church at High Valley and afterward enjoyed a full Cajun meal supplied by Donovan Clarkston that was brought from Louisiana. It consisted of Gumbo, Crawfish cornbread, boudan, potato salad, corn casserole and lots of sweets. Afterward pictures were taken and everyone had lots of fun. Plans was made to have the event same place and same time next year.The annual Christmas party held at the Bend Community center went off as scheduled. Santa Claus was in attendance handing out candy and gifts to the younger set and pictures were taken. Afterward finger foods were served and Allison Hendrix sang and played her guitar to entertain everyone. Later the Chinese gift exchange took place. Phil B McCoury and OraBeth Hicks got to choose from all the gifts as they had number one. Lots of visiting took place and the weather cooperated.Happy birthday wishes goes out to Jennifer Henniger who will celebrate a birthday December 24, and to Doris Poe the one Santa Claus delivered on December 25, to Jennifer Goodwin whose birthday is December 26 and to Jean Stronbal who will celebrate a birthday December 26, to Grady Gibson, Clay Bradley, Phillip Morris and Jerol Lively who will be celebrating a birthday December 28, Brenda Gibson and Charlene Reavis will celebrate a birthdayDecember 29.