Santa

IF A FAT GUY GRABS YOU AND PUTS YOU IN A BAG, DON'T WORRY I TOLD SANTA I WANTED A GOOD FRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Eve

Christmas with the family has come and gone, all the remains are the memories. This year we all met at Gregg and Alicia's house for a wonderful time of family togetherness. Brenna and Alicia did an awesome job with the food. I am so proud of how they made food that they had never done before.

We went to the little country church they were married in for a Christmas Eve service. It was so nice to experience something different. Mom and I both remarked on how long it has been since we saw communion give the way it was done. The old fashioned way of having everyone come forward to the front and kneel around the altar.

Once the meal was done it was time to do the gifts. This year we did it like Gregg is used to doing. The little girls passed everything out and then everyone took a turn and opened one gift. It was nice to see what ever one had gotten. Julie had given me a gag gift that really was kind of a private joke. She had thought that I would open it and no one would know about it. NOPE!! My little junk in a box was there for all the world to see. THANKS JULS! She was so busy knitting on Brenna's scarf that she did not have long to be kind of embarrassed.

Some gifts need to be explained, I sure hope that Gregg does not think this new family of his is too strange. Brenna gave him her tool box. The look on his face said it all. She had been so worried he would not like it. It was greatly appreciated and will be used.

It is always hard for me to have to say good bye when that time comes. Brenna had to leave to get back for work this morning. We did not stay overnight as we had the dog and it is just easier to be at home. I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and that the next year will be even better. Till next time...

North Pole

The Wait

The anticipation of what tomorrow is, and hopefully we have not forgotten the meaning behind this day! The last minute preparations, and the saying good bye to Brenna being at my house. It really is never enough time for me to have her here. A friend stops by with her grandson, these moments are what life is about. The trip to Walmart, now you know I am not enjoying that, but it was necessary to get the groceries to last through the week. My 2 girls were busy out shopping for the food for our Christmas Eve, the calls to ask which of this and that to get. I just had to smile as they are slowly learning so much to help them with their lives. I am ready to pass on to her the fun of having Christmas Eve at her home. May your Christmas be blessed and full of good memories!! Till next time...

The Christmas program

It has been a few days since I attempted to even write anything. It is NOT that there is nothing to comment on, it is just to take the time to sit here and put it into words. It is more like my flighty mind starts to think and then I am off doing something else. I think I finally have my Christmas cards done. I started cleaning out the files so that I am ready for the new year. May I say UGH!! I often wonder why I save all that I do. I live in fear that I might throw away something that could be important at a later date.

Sunday was Mariah's church Christmas program. I thought it was very cute! I am really disgusted at my photos. John had to work and I am NOT a photographer. I just can not seem to get clear photos with my camera when I am inside with movement. GRR!!! I made sure I tried to catch her before she had stripped off her costume. Alicia had her dressed so cute, but it was all covered by her garb. Till next time...

A day at Alicia's

This day was SO beautiful. I saw a 48 degrees on one of those bank signs that show the temp. Tessa can only say, "It does not feel like Christmas!" I am really not so sad to have a beautiful day after the cold.

Alicia and I had planned to get together and make some Christmas cookies. We brought Nakita with us, so we could spray the house for fleas. It did not hurt her to be outside. She really would rather be in the house with the rest of us though! Everything is going along just fine, until my little darling decides to pull her usual behavior. Mariah went away mad and then the fireworks began. Tessa spent sometime outside with the dog to cool off.

The cookies made it on the pans and most of the sprinkles ended up on the cookies. The one minor mishap was when Mariah dropped on of the bottles with a loose lid, there were green and red jimmies everywhere!! One pan of Spritz cookies burned, it really does help to put on the timer. ;)

Alicia and I were checking out Gregg's Snow Village. We were just so amazed by how cute everything is and she can not wait to get it set up! We just hope one little miss will leave them alone!

The ironic part is that Tessa was so mad when it was time to leave. I wish she would remember that when she first gets there and not cause any fights. You know, there is just not ever enough time in the day! Till next time...

The annual putting up of the tree.

I have been in a funk and not really able to write. Now I have to catch up on this week. I think that maybe the one activity that John really dreads is putting up the tree. Our tree is just to large and looks great, but is a BIG pain to put up. I think that after this year, we maybe switching trees with Alicia as she has the house for this one.

As you can see by the photos, no blood was shed and the tree once again is up. John tried to stay in the mood with a little of Christmas music. I have to smile as even in that we do not agree in style. ;) Tessa had the job of picking out of the box the many color coded branches for this tree. You know how it is when someone is just TOO happy. She managed to find both of our last nerves. I do have to say though, I just LOVE the lights twinkling in a dark room. Till next time...