Christmas 2012

This year Christmas with the Bakers was at our house.  We had very nice weather and everyone came except Erin and Harley.  She had surgery on her foot a couple of days before and Harley stayed home to help her.  He came for our Dirty Santa gift exchange.  Also, Delores (Jerry's mom) was in Cardinal Hill recovering from hip surgery.

Clyde, Martha, mom (Helen), Vernon (in back) and youngest, Harley

Our meal for Christmas is "finger" type food.  I cooked a pork loin and rolls, artichoke dip, and cookies.  Everyone else brought yummy appetizers.  Everything was very tasty!

Our newest addition this year.  A little buggy with a pony pulling it.  

Austin, Maggie, GiGi and Matthew at Baker's family Christmas

While mom & dad were packing up the van, boys and toys, MJ was seen peeping out nan's window! 

After this party was Maggie's day care program.  She did so well.  The last couple of years, she had good motions, but didn't sing out loud.  She always knows all the words, but has stage fright.  This year, she was Mary and sang "I'm Gettin' Nothin' for Christmas" with Braden.  They were super cute!!!

After MJ's program is Becky's 33rd birthday.  We always go to the Kentucky Horse Park, Southern Lights. This year the weather did not co-operate.  So, plan B, we went to Johnny Carinos.  Clyde and I met the kids and Bec. first at Lexington Green for photos with Santa.  Then met the remainder of family for dinner.

After Becky's birthday, was Stinnett Family Christmas, at Becky & Jason's house.  This is everyone except Cameron & Jennifer (that live in La), Ben (working), Michael (working) and Malcolm was asleep.  Angie & Kevin were present for the dinner/gift exchange, but left before the pic.  Also, Daniel (Kent's son)  was not here.  Mom looked around at everyone and said "am I responsible for all this?"

Juliette & Maggie are one year apart, but when they get together, they have a good time!  Juliette is Dana & Randy's daughter and Dana is Martha & Glen's youngest daughter.

Christmas morning finally arrived! 

Good news!  Jason asked Rosemary to marry him, and she said "yes"!  So, this year will begin a new chapter in their lives.  She is a sweetheart and they both deserve happiness.

Santa brought Clyde and I new bicycles.  After Thanksgiving in Florida, we came home and put those on our list for Christmas.  We rode there with Susan & Chris Wiley.  Hoping for some good rides on the Legacy Trail.  Clyde bought us a rack for the car to carry them.  

This year we bought the boys a 32" TV and MJ an American Girl doll, so they only got one more gift for each boy from us.  MJ got a few smaller ones, but Uncle Jason more than made up for it!  He bought them some very nice things that they loved.  

Maggie is in her waitress outfit (she came to the house with it, so not sure who she got it from).

This is the American Girl doll...it is one that "looks like" Maggie.  Brown eyes, blond hair.  She is thinking to name her ZiZi.  We picked her up in Chicago.

I will end with this one of the boys.  Christmas was fun and they were thankful for each thing they received.  They thanked me for the breakfast casserole (they actually loved it).  MJ even thanked me (with a hug each time) for her box of tights!  They were so good, so sweet, and I believe they have had a fantastic Christmas. Next is Maggie's 5th birthday!  They have a magician coming!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year friends!  We plan to spend New Year's Eve at the Giles. The Keith's have their 11th anniversary on the 29th.

First Christmas Party 2012

Last night was the beginning of our round of family/friends Christmas parties.  For many years, a group of friends have been traveling from appetizer to dessert at three houses.  This year we began at our house, with the Wileys & Scott's helping me with the meal starters.  It was very good to see some that now go to other churches and we don't see week to week.  We always hoped to grow old together and seem to be doing just that! 

 

 

The next stop is Vickie's house.  This is for the main course.  I believe Michelle, Cheryl & Ingrid helped her host.  We had ham, potato casserole, green beans, salad & rolls.  Yummy!

 

Vickie has a way with decorating.  These few pictures do not show her house well.  I don't know why, but I didn't get a picture of her 9 ft. tree in the Florida room.  Beautiful!  She has every room decorated with many details.  Love her home!

 

Our final stop was at the Christian's home.  Many people think you should eat dessert first!  We saved the best for last. The Giles helped with this part of our evening.

 

We all get so busy and have just so much energy (LOL) so getting this together is never easy.  We thank Michelle for making the effort to do this.  Thanks friend! 

"Some friends come and some friends go, But true friends stay for life you know, So in my heart you'll always be, your friendships worth a "Mint" to me!" This poem came from me with a roll of Mentos.  These friends are like family and I appreciate them so!