LOOKING A LITTLE DEEPER

These are a few more pictures from Christmas ( I told you I had quite a few). This tells a little more about the time I spend with my family. Of course, it is a little different at the holidays but similar still the same. After the kids had found their Santa gifts I look up and this is what I see. Butter just sitting under the tree. She stayed just like this for what seemed to be 5 minutes. It doesn't seem like a long time but to her it is!

Going for an updated picture of the grandkids. We decided that next time it will be before we open presents!

Typical Pop. Christopher likes to get into the action too!

Typical Pop. Molly does not like to get into the action too!

One of the favorite gifts from bingo. Hannah trying to look normal (one of her favorite poses).

TIME WELL SPENT

As you can tell by my lack of postings, we got busy. Like everyone else this time of year, when I did get a free moment, I wasn't quite sure what I should do (first). So, I let the time pass by and now that things are calming down I can look back and see how much fun we DID have. It is always fun at my parent's house. It always changes, what's going on at the time, but we usually have company (more family) and when we don't we pass the time playing games and just hanging out. These are just a few of the pictures I took, but there are plenty more where these came from. So, to start we have.... The demolition of the gingerbread house made at Thanksgiving. They have been so patient knowing that Christmas was the time to feast!

Emily with the hot outfit of the day. Meme bought matching outfits for her and Naomi-it was a hit!

We tried something a little different this year. We played bingo for prizes and everyone was a winner!

My house with my best friend Kimberly (in the middle) and Julie and Joslyn on the left.

THE CUTEST BABY, EVER! Jack, stylin' as usual.

3 DAYS LEFT !!!

17 haircuts
2 hair colors
lots of laughs
the last day of work
before Christmas.

ONLY 4 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

With only 4 days until Christmas we are finishing up last minute plans. We had company over last night and had a card making party. Our friends are planning to go caroling at the nursing home Christmas eve and wanted to bring cards for the residences. Since we were having the girls over anyway, I volunteered to make some. One of my fondest memories of my Granny was making Christmas crafts. We had a blast and got a lot accomplished! I did find out one thing about the other girls, they don't like to get their hands dirty. When I instructed them to spread the glue with their hands, they couldn't do it. Naomi, on the other hand (no pun intended) had no problem and was proud of it. The girls were creative and used other things to get the job done, just as expected. They made me proud! The finished product, made with care and love.

Naomi showing off a couple of her favorite ones.

Love it!

Veda, with her new hairdo, posing for the picture.

Georgia, working hard.

All that work made me hungry!

5 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

The Blessed Family as seen by Naomi.

ONLY 6 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

The present Joe and I received today from Naomi. She always makes her artwork so special, adding just the right detail. She pointed out that she dressed the boys alike and tried to make me curly hair but it was too much. I really like my high heels and Joe's hat!

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Even though we look like we're going to a funeral, we were actually going out to celebrate. This is our annual Christmas dinner. The owner, Caroline (far left), is so good to us. She gives us two weeks vacation in the spring and always takes us out for the holidays. She has a wonderful salon that is very low stress and a great place to work. The four of us are the original group, Caroline, Debbie, Paula and myself. We have formed a close friendship that will last us years.

ANOTHER PIECE OF CHRISTMAS

Part of my Christmas tradition is getting Santa out. He is part of my childhood that I have had since very young. Mom can tell more about how I got him, but the part that I remember, is that she had a friend that was a florist and owned her own shop. We went one day and I got to pick out something and St. Nick is what I picked. It plays Jingle Bells and my kids LOVE IT. He started out under the tree but hasn't been there since. I find it in their rooms or by the TV. He has become something of an heirloom that I hope my kids will remember how much they loved.

A PIECE OF CHRISTMAS

This is the play "A Piece of Christmas" done at our friends church. The kids have been going to their church on Wed. nights since last year. The church family has really embraced us with welcome arms. So when it was time to prepare for the Christmas play there was no questions that my kids wanted to be part of it. Joseph and Mary, wrapped in a piece of Christmas.

The angels, being instructed by the lead angels to the right. Naomi is the third from left in the front row with our friend Veda standing beside her.

The angels singing and "cheesing" for the audience.

The Shepards looking for their sheep.

Georgia doing a reading.

The Sheep!

The Wise people, Levi on the left.

Using a piece of Christmas to help shield the wise one (I love Levi's smile).

The Angels sing, Silent Night. It was so beautiful!!!

The end, everyone coming out to take a bow. Look how shiny Levi is, he was in heaven!

PJ and Gregg, and Sarah were in charge of the play. Myself and another lady worked on the costumes, with some of the pieces coming from my Grandmothers stash of material. Notice the Wise People's head pieces (not the purple crown), made with love by me. The striped outfit that the Shepard wore was something that was "in the works"in my Grandmothers material. The only thing was, I didn't notice the first time I gave it to the boy, it was FULL of straight pins! I am so thankful that he didn't get stuck, but am very surprised. We got lots of compliments on the costumes (thanks Mom for your help and support) . The kids seemed really happy to be a Piece of Christmas.

I wanted to be able to post the video of the play, but it was too long. So I opted instead to post a video of the pre-show. It is beautiful with a lot of meaning.

DO YOU NETI?

Warning: Graphic images.

This goes along with Mom's recent post here. She has a picture of my niece having her ears candled. One of the comments was someone asking if we nettied too. Since I know some people don't know what the neti pot is I thought I would share what we do. And there's no better way than showing a picture to get the whole picture!

Naomi has had a cold for a couple of days. So, at the first sign of stuffiness we broke out the neti pot. She has done it a couple of times before and it works really well for her. We usually don't end up at the doctor and she is feeling better fast.

The neti pot has been around for many, many years but I only started using it this year after all the trouble I was having with sinus infections. I was having to take more and stronger medicine with little results. At first I was reluctant to try it because the thought of putting something up my nose was more than I could bear. (Anyone who has had water up their nose can relate). But, at this point, I was willing to try anything. It stays in our bathroom as a constant reminder that help is always available. So, if you have trouble with congestion, as most of us do in our polluted world, I would invest in one. It made a believer out of me!

THE HOUSE as of this weekend

It's getting there, slowly but surely. We haven't been to the farm together as a family since it got cold but, we have been hearing lots about Joe's parent new home. Joe couldn't stand it any longer and had to go see for himself. I had lots to catch up with at home so I opted for the pics and stories. View from one entrance to the farm (is set way back off the road). I'm not good at distance, I would guess several blocks???

This is the same hill, to the right, we were taking the wagon rides down. It looks really big next to Naomi!

The drive.

Other side of the drive.

What you all were waiting for! The posers.

What a view!!!

My boy, he has gotten so big this year. I'm sure Mamaw and Papaw are looking at him as someone who can really help out on the farm.

Princess. The one who really WILL help out on the farm.


Of course, all my kids are looking forward to helping out.

NAOMI'S DANCE

Naomi's dance recital was this weekend. After many weeks of practice, the show was finally here. For a beginning dance class, I think they did pretty good. She's the second one from the right in the back.

NOT ONLY CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday, December 7, 2008

NOT ONLY CHRISTMAS DAY
Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.

And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how you rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You've done.

So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
"Come, good and faithful servant,"
Your Master says, "Well done."

And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day

--Mary Fairchild

Presented to us in our weekly bulletin,
shared with love to all.

THE DEVIL MADE ME BUY THIS DRESS!

Something that I remember from my past, listening to it to.

I see now there are so many things that shaped me, looking back. It's been a nice road, with many bumps, but with many more rainbows.

Flip Wilson, what an influence!

BUILDING on a much smaller scale

The box that took 8 years to complete. I think I have mentioned before that I am a procrastinator, did I mention Joe was one too??? I think I have mentioned before that I have all kind of ideas floating around in my head and sometimes they come to fruition, and sometimes they don't. This box happens to be one of my big ideas. Joe loves woodworking and a long time ago he was able to do more of it. So the box was started as something as a keepsake for Elijah (I had ideas for all my kids to have one) but life happened and it got put on the back burner. Every year or so Elijah would mention it and another part of it would get done and then get put back for future finish. Then it fell and came apart, so a few more years passed.

Fast forward, the new workshop. Projects being moved, the box resurfaces. This time Elijah is really interested and offers to help finish it. Of course that has been the question all of this time, what will the finished product look like? I wanted to leave it somewhat unfinished because of the keepsake idea, but now there were three brains working here. I mentioned the wood burning tool and then taught Elijah how to use it. There was some discussion of what would go on it with the final decision being his, with my suggestions. (Of course, he didn't take too many of my ideas) I think it turned out well and fits a male teenager. The finished product, strong and sturdy.

A Joe in the Box!

Irresistible.

Not my idea, but he was determined.

I didn't get a picture of it, but the Steelers logo is on the side. With more opportunity for decorations in the future, it is his for keeps, made with love.

NEW HOME UPDATE

These pictures are a couple of weeks old, but the latest ones we have. The house has really come along as you can see. They are working on the deck at this point and making good progress. I am looking forward to the finished product, as I'm sure it will be great. It's amazing (to me) how much they have done in such a short time. Looks good!!