Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014

This year was our year to host John's family's Christmas. Of course, just as it did the last time we hosted, it was boo chilly and raining/sleeting. That didn't stop the traditional horse tournament, but it did stop me from getting pictures of the contest.

Inside we were all snug and had lots of NC Barbeque, snacks and desserts.

Christmas Eve found us few in numbers, but strong in heart. We carried on with our traditions, with the exception of walking around the neighborhood. There were no luminaries to admire, due to expected rain.

But we carried on with other traditions…

Singing carols

Ahh, the excitement of a child at Christmas…

Reading Luke's account of the Christmas story.

A thank you hug!

Times Two!

Then the traditonal pig out.

With horseradish dares…

Later, we deviated a little from tradition and had a rousing game of "Sorry"

Presenting the "Sorry" champion

Mimi didn't want Lou to be left out of enjoying a present.

Christmas morning, the kids under the leading of Daniel, fixed breakfast and brought it into our room to eat. Afterward they waited for the presents to start…

Dad with video at ready…

I love the excitement on Abbey's face as she watches Elijah open a gift.

We couldn't unwrap this one, but it didn't diminish Elijah's happiness when he saw it. (and yes, it was warm enough for him to be out in his short pj's)

The dichotomy that is Abbey…

Shooting a bow and arrow in her fancy Christmas dress!

Then it was time for Christmas, phase 2…off to Nana and Grandaddy's house.

Layne and Abbey are all "matchy-matchy"

Layne has fun with Papa

"Super-Layne" flying about the Christmas carnage of post present opening.

Tom(my brother), his wife Betty and their two boys, Landry and Jordan

Then the full day ends with Christmas # 3…Layne, Anna and Jamie come to our house to exchange presents.

Layne and her horsie..

It was a different Christmas. Family is what it's all about, and when a few are missing, it's really sadly felt, but the remaining can certainly enjoy each other and be grateful that they are together.

So, 2015 should be my year. It will be here before I know it.  Plus just imagine…Christmas is only 48 short weeks from today!!

Thanksgiving-2014

Thanksgiving is always spent at my mom and dad's house. It's the closest I will get to having all of the kids home. Anna and Jamie always go to his folks on Thanksgiving, so we don't get to have them. But, Beth and her husband switch every year, and this year they got to spend it with us.

We took advantage to the nice weather and scenery at my parents' house and took a lot of photos.

Greg, Evie Claire and Beth

Look at this sweetie…

All of the grandchildren and great grandchildren, (except for Anna, Jamie and Layne)

Landry horsing around with Elijah

The next night, we played cards with Daniel. It was great to be able to spend some time with him.(even though I didn't win)

We had some trials to navigate through over the holiday, but we made it through. I'm so thankful for John, and all of our kids. It was such a blessing to have the older ones and be able to share and listen to their hearts. Their support of us has made a horrible situation a little more bearable.

While the younger ones keep me going and help me to see the joy in each day.
You can't help but smile when these two are around…

So this Thanksgiving, I was incredibly thankful for all of my family!

Mr. Lou

This summer, Daniel acquired a pet. When he shared the news with us, we were a little less than thrilled. John's exact words were, "No more dogs in our house full time!". Daniel got John to grant permission to bring his dog to our house for a weekend.

Daniel comes in with this beautiful puppy.

After about an hour, John pronounces that this dog can stay! So he spent the rest of the summer with us.

We've become quite enamored with Lou-boy. He's fun, loving and sort of a big 'ole oaf. He gets along famously with all of the other grand-dogs, as well as Layla.

This Christmas vacation, I went into Elijah's room and found this:

Elijah had covered him up with a blanket. Elijah had his first taste of playing with a dog. Layla's playing days are few and far in between, so Elijah had never experienced a young dog. He had a blast playing in the backyard with Lou. Evidently, he invited Lou to share his bed.

I'm so glad that Daniel took a chance on this baby!