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!

Season of Thanks

Thankful for a kind brother-in-law that picked me up five $1.00 poinsettias today at Home Depot (or Lowes?) The red ones were especially nice! Thanks Harley!

This is the second year for our slim, pre-lit tree. I really loved how easy it was to assemble...no lights to string! However, I miss not having enough room for all our ornaments!

I'm so thankful for Matthew, Maggie and Austin! They make me laugh.

I didn't get any photos tonight, but I really loved the Christmas parade downtown and eating with my hubby at Sawyers. The tree was lit and beautiful. After getting up very early to shop for bargains this morning, and spending the day at St. Joe with his family while granny had surgery, he still went with me downtown so I didn't have to go alone! What a guy. He is what I am the very most thankful for (right after the God who made us and joined us together).

Early Thanksgiving

Becky's first turkey was moist and delicious!

The Baker's have Thanksgiving on the Sunday (today) before the BIG day on Thursday. For years, this has worked well for us. That allows Becky to have Thanksgiving with her husband's family and anyone else to go to their other family. For Clyde, Jason Allen and I, we enjoy a great meal at Cracker Barrel! It is the best dinner for the cheapest price! The $8.99 includes pie and ice tea:) There is a wait, so we try to pick a time in the early afternoon after the noon time and before evening meal time. There is still a long wait, but to me it's worth it.

In the morning, I watch the Macy's parade and put up the Christmas tree and decorations. What a great day. I wish each and every one a very blessed Thanksgiving and a holiday season to long remember. One of our 4th grade girls came in this week and said she is most grateful for being in remission for three years. I remember when she was out of school more than in school one year, lost all her hair and was very pale. So, we all are very thankful and happy for this precious student.

Two Trips to the ER this Week!

Our first trip to the ER with Austin (or any of the three) was this past Wednesday evening. On Tuesday, getting out of the shower, Austin fell and hit his chin on the shower seat. After getting it to stop bleeding, a band-aid on, they put him to bed. After school on Wed., it still looked "bloody", so the nurse at WCH recommended Becky take him in. We met out at Brannon's Crossing at the Central Baptist Urgent Treatment. After the doctor checking it out, she decided we should take him on to the Pediatric ER at UK. We went, and after waiting there, the doctor made the decision that, although it could take a couple (or three) stitches, he would put in the little Sterial "strips". Out and home by 8:00 or thereafter. Jason had a meeting in Woodford Co. until about the time we got home, and Clyde had framing here with three different jobs. So, it was me, Becky and Austin.

Then on Sat. night, mom got home from a day at Renfro Valley with the church group, and found Kent in a bad way. He had been sick all day but by the time she got home, he was unresponsive. She called and I went right over and after that Bev. & family arrived. It was everyone's decision to call the life saving squad. They took him to UK, and immediately they hooked him up to an IV, which was putting fluid in him (badly needed). Then they did a CAT scan, EKG, and found his potassium was extremely low. They are taking care of each of these needs so he will likely go home tomorrow. Now, the work begins to see if Kent will seek help to get over this illness. Prayers please for this need!

Beautiful Monday

Austin ran in to see us first, and we commented how tall he is getting, so he stood up straight for us to measure him. He likes getting tall!
Matthew & pap playing basketball.

Their bikes are at their house (with helmets)...oops, no helmet at nana's house! We may need to but one! This bike is one they share.

Today is the first day of the work week and the weather has been marvelous! Clyde and I had a good weekend, starting off Friday night at Sonny's with Michelle & Fred. Saturday, Clyde and Jason Allen went to the UK game. I believe they made it through without freezing until they were in the shade, then they were quite cold. I shopped around while they were there, taking it easy on my aching back:( Then Saturday night, we went to Lexington Green to see "Switch" with Jennifer Anniston & Jason Bateman. It was cute, I would recommend it! The large popcorn is always a winner! Becky & family were in London, enjoying granny and grand-dad, Uncle Jessie & old granny. Sunday after church we went to Abuelos with the Waggoners and Susan & Chris Wiley. We ended the weekend sitting out back by a nice big fire.

Monday we started a pot of veggie soup in the crock pot that smelled good when we got home. The grandkids came over for the evening, while mom & dad went shopping & out to dinner. I added cornbread to our dinner and ended it with cream cheese filled pumpkin muffins. They were more work than I usually care for, but they were very good! I got them from my friend Allysa's blog (link on my page named "Me and the boys"). If you want really good muffins, that are really moist, check out the recipe from her page.

I loved having Austin, Matthew & Maggie over tonight. When they arrived, Austin was the first in the door, and just looked so tall! He is growing by leaps and bounds. He gives us good hugs and love. Everyone ate good tonight, and they played well in their playroom, rode their bike, played basketball and MJ played with her doll. Love them to extreme!