Maybe Santa Claus will read the Bend News and bring rain for everyone around this area, as this is the number one wish for Christmas this year. If he is making his list and checks it twice, he will know that a big rain would really be nice.

We can be thankful that we are in Texas enjoying the up and down temperature, and not like some folks up north who are without electricity and having snow that is up to their knees.

Congratulations go out to Dennis and Glenda Scroggins on the birth of a new grandson. His name is Tennyson Lee Gary who was born December 3, 2008 weighing in at six pounds and twelve ounces. His parents are Jeff and Sandy Gary of Ft. Worth.

Last Thursday night Lola Morris, Bill and Jo Price attended the Lampasas Nursing Home Christmas party to be with Elo Henniger. Santa Claus was in attendance and had gifts for all the residents. Everyone had a very good time and enjoyed the refreshments.

William and Jane Clark held the church Christmas party at their home December 21, with thirty-two friends attending.

Kristi Messer had foot surgery Friday, December 19 and is to go back to the doctor December 26, to have the stitches out and will be wearing a boot for the rest of her healing process. This past Friday Kristi along with her mother Jane Clark attended Jordan Messer’s class Christmas program in Burnet.

Emerson and Gladys Brister of Thrall was in over the weekend at the Brister ranch hunting. It was reported that Emerson got a deer.

William and Jane Clark had their family Christmas Saturday with the following family members attending: Bobby, Kit Clark of Round Rock; and Jesse Clark of Dora, New Mexico; Bill Ennis and Danny Clark of Bastrop; Boyd, Melissa, Eli and Silas of Lubbock; Doug, Kristi, Jordan and Jaylee Messer of Lampasas; Jamie, A. J. and Andrew Houdyshell of Bend. The only one that didn’t make it for the celebration was Kasandra Clark.

Last Thursday a surprise birthday party for Jessica Barefoot who turned 21 was held at Underwoods in Brownwood. Attending was her parents’ Craig and Sheila Barefoot, her grandmother Louise Barefoot, Steve and Ralene Gideon, cousin Blake Gideon and ten other Texas Longhorns. The next day Blake stopped by to see Opa and Oma (Jerome and Shirley) with the news that he had been selected to be on the 2nd All American team. Friday afternoon he went back to UT to practice for the upcoming game in the Fiesta Bowl January 5, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. Jerome and Shirley will be starting the new year off by attending the game and cheering for the Longhorns.

The annual Bend Community Christmas went off as scheduled with lots of good food and much hilarity with the adult Chinese gift exchange. Santa Claus was there to hand out gifts to all the youngsters who attended.

It has been reported that Charlene Reavis is seriously ill and is in need of prayer.

The wedding of Bobby Hicks and Debbie Hierch was held at the Methodist Church Sunday and the reception followed at the church.

Bill and Jo Price was in Eastland Saturday to attend the funeral of her cousin Peggy Thompson. Peggy will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Justin McCoury and his girlfriend Katy Davis of Bryan were in over the weekend visiting his grandparent’s Phil B and Winnie Lou McCoury.

Happy birthday greetings go out to Jennifer Goodwin who will be celebrating a birthday December 26; Grady Gibson, Clay Bradley, Charlene Reavis, Phillip Morris and Jerol Lively who will be celebrating their birthday December 28; Brenda Gibson will celebrate a birthday December 29; Gunner Stinnett and Danny Lemons will be celebrating a birthday December 31.

Congratulations go out to John and Barbara Burk who will be celebrating an anniversary December 30.