More Christmas!

I went a little crazy this year and bought all of us Tervis tumblers & ice buckets!

I have never mentioned having a Pandora bracelet, but Santa brought me one. I will sure have to be careful that is doesn't fall off! Actually, getting it on and off is not easy! Thanks Santa.

Another charm for Becky's bracelet, this one says "favorite sister".

Wii games for the Wii they got last year. Pap asked them to hold up their "wii wiis" for a photo. That was too funny.

MJ learning to play her brother's Leapster.

I wanted a picture of the snowy Christmas Day 2010.

Ready to eat!

Salad is served, waiting for second course!

I started the game and Jason took over when he came. Then I could cook!

Christmas with the family

Christmas Day at Nanas
MJ eating dessert after everyone else did...she was hungry!

Day after Christmas, coming over straight from church. Austin likes to wear ties, Matthew not so much. They are staying here overnight while mom & dad celebrate their anniversary.

Day after Christmas, Matthew is loving his Hummer.

Austin's jeep is popping a wheely, while pap is controlling it. Austin is playing with paps doon buggy! Pap got one so they could all three play together! He searched all over to get all that were not on the same frequency. He is a good pap.

We didn't speak too much of dad, but we did recall some fun comments he would make while playing Rook. He often would say "well this is a revolting predicament" when his hand would not be all he wanted it to be! We laughed about how often he seemed to be dealt the Rook (bird). Mom mentioned him once or twice but I don't recall what she said. (I am rewriting this b/c my laptop is extrememly sensitive and deletes whole paragraphs at a time...there is no "undo" key that I see). I am thankful mom & Kent have spent the last few Christmas' at our home. They are alone a lot of the time, so they need to be with family at the holidays. They go to Bev's on Thanksgiving and have been coming here for Christmas. As I tell anyone, Martha is mom's bff and they go everywhere together! That is a blessing for all of us.

After playing a game of Rook, Clyde served our dinner. I had fixed a stuffed pork loin (stuffed with sundried tomatoes, jack cheese & spinach leaves), a ham, broccoli casserole, green beans, cheesy potatoes & salad. Everyone ate their fill, then we opened presents.

The best thing this year, the kids were very grateful for any and every little thing. They thanked us (Austin w/o being told) and they had no meltdowns over anything. They allowed the adults to play Rook without one time being held in our laps or wanting to "help" (I know mom & Kent loved this!) They were so fun. The photos will come up on top, even though I add them last. Here are a few. Happy New Year everyone!

Horse Park & More!

MJ will be three December 28th.
Austin, age 5

Matthew, age 5

On Becky's birthday each year, we make it a point to eat out and go to the Horse Park, Southern Lights. This year, we ate at Carino's on the 20th (her BD) then went to SL the next night (Tuesday, 21st). This was the best year yet (according to Bec & me!) The kids were NOT afraid of the animals, the pony ride or Santa (this was today at Lexington Green). They are growing up too fast and we loved taking them there. The night was awesome just perfect for riding the outdoor train, walking around feeding the animals and all. I would recommend it!

Christmas in My Heart!

Kent has been very sick this year, and we are so happy he is getting better and able to be here!
Mom surprised each of the 10 grandkids with a nice Christmas gift that she and dad discussed leaving in their will. She decided to give it to them now.

Becky's family missed this, but she surprised us by leaving directly after Maggie's program and bringing the boys. Jason's family all came to the program, then stayed for a BIG potluck afterward that Bec had cooked a potroast, potatoes & veggies to bring. She didn't get to eat, but she did make mamaw happy.

As we were leaving, I remembered Clyde and I didn't get a photo, so we had Christopher snap a quick one. Always glad to get a picture of just the two of us since most of the time we are out alone and don't have anyone to take one!

Some of my favorite Christmas moments this year:

• Christmas parade in downtown Lexington got me started!
• Kindergarten program at Clays Mill. The kis had a few solos that were just wonderful!
• I got to see Maggie's day care Christmas program the day before they preformed at their dress rehearsal.
• Friday night my extended family Christmas. It is always a little "disorganized" as we have it at mom's church (none of us attend there, except mom & Kent). So, we don't have the decorations, table settings, and all the "frill" of the season. However, we have all that is important, family.
• Last, but the one thing I have "personally" enjoyed are all the Hallmark movies:)

I was so disappointed but didn't want to say much about the fact Maggie's program was on the same night as my family dinner. We really didn't give it a second thought, as we couldn't miss mom's dinner. She reserves the church, and to her, this is her Christmas. However, at the last minute, on Thursday, the 16th (I think) Ms. Judy called to tell Becky Maggie had to come for dress rehearsal at 4. So, Becky asked her if nana could come and bring MJ and stay to see the dress rehearsal. I know this was NOT something Ms. Judy wanted, but she let me come. Although I felt bad being there, after the rehearsal, I was so happy I came. I cried through the whole program. Just sitting there, alone, in the dark with this wonderful production was overwhelming. All six students are younger than Kindergarten age. So, 2 to 5 are the ages. She had some "past" students that are siblings come to take part. One read scripture, and the rest were older angels. However, the little ones were the main characters. Maggie was an angel, that was not the best behaved angel in the program I was told. She couldn't see me at the rehearsal, but during the program, all the family (Jason's family) were on the front row and Bec said Ms. Maggie waved during most of the program. Then she pointed her finger at Becky during the carol time when Becky was singing and told her to "shhhh".

During the program, there was a video of all the children walking "to Bethlehem" in a big field all dressed in shepherd's clothes. A beautiful song was playing during this. At one point, a section of "The Littlest Angel" movie was playing, the part of "what can I give"....they ended the program by raising candles (light bulb kind) high and saying "Happy Birthday" Jesus. All in all, it was moving, precious, and I am happy Maggie learned the message of Christmas at the age of almost three!

Mesh Wreaths

Several friends have asked about making these. As you see above, you need wire, poly mesh, and a grapevine wreath (or wire one). Just wrap loops with wire, keep going all around the wreath. After you have met end to end, just "poof" out each loop. Add a ribbon or ornament if you want. Very super easy and not expensive if you find your supplies on sale!

This green wreath was given to my sister, Beverly.

This wreath is one I made for my sister, Martha.

Wreaths

Wire them tight!

My friend April that is the life of the party!

Finished product!

This year at the fall festival at South Elkhorn, Becky and I saw these beautiful mesh wreaths. We decided to try and copy them. I made one for both sisters for Christmas, one for an exchange, and one for my door. After my school friends saw one I posted on Face Book, I got several requests to show them how to make them. Today, after school, we did just that. They turned out great! Here are some photos!