A Few of My Favorite Things-Part One

Gingerbread Houses

This was our 20th year to make our houses.  It is a wonderful tradition that we look forward to every year. To me even though I've had the house decorated since the week before Thanksgiving, it doesn't really seem like Christmas until we have made our houses.  Over the years, we have had churches, hunting lodges, log cabins, and houses of all sizes and shapes.  Reed always stressed that our houses must be structurally sound..... The process is simple-choose your box, fill the table with all types of candy and icing and let the fun begin.

Maddie's 1st Gingerbread House-with a little help from Pop

Yummy!

Caleb's House-I love this!!  He put lots of time and effort into this one....I love his porch. 

Caleb hard at work!

I am amazed by Reed's. All during the week, he would bring acorns, pinecones, and "stuff" home from his walks with Maddie.  Little did I know he was planning this-The manger scene complete with the wisemen, Mary and Joseph, a lamb, donkey, and baby Jesus!  There's even a fire to keep baby Jesus warm!  Amazing what you can do with pretzels, marshmellows, icecream cones and candy! 

 The Wisemen

A work in progress

 

My House-I couldn't get my roof right, so I just stuck a tree up there!

Brooke's adorable log cabin!  She's very creative!

Lindsey and Maddie's houses!  They had to work very quickly, but both are or so cute!

Ok-Josh is going to take a look at this picture and notice that there is a tree up there that wasn't there when he finished!  After I put the tree on mine, I decided he needed one so we could be symetrical, since ours are one the same row........All hospitals need a tree on top at Christmas!

 Our Masterpieces!!

Merry Christmas!



Thanksgiving and the Big Wheel

We had a busy but wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We had Maddie for most of the week so that made the holiday extra special.  We traveled to Mississippi early Thursday to celebrate with my family, and returned to spend the afternoon with Reed's family.  It was wonderful to see everyone.  I enjoy taking a break from our busy routines and reflecting on all the many reasons we have to be thankful.

(I am having lots of camera problems, so please excuse the quality of the pictures.....It was really acting up at Grandmother's, so I have very few pictures there.)


Mom and Uncle Harry-Catching up

Maddie is enjoying seeing all the cousins!

Anne and her precious granddaughter Taylor

 Lindsey and Maddie

 Two of my favorite people in the whole world-Doris and Cassandra

Sweet sisters-Jenna and Jodi with Taylor

Maddie with Mom and Dad

Lindsey and Uncle Harry catching up

Ok-if you ever see my Uncle Gerald he will not hesitate to tell you that I am now and always have been his favorite niece!  Sorry girls!  Welcome to the family Bonnye!

Having fun........

Lindsey and Michael

Most of the gang-Phillip, Bethany, and Tyson hadn't made it yet and Adrian, Bubba, Jami, Tommy, Reed and Caleb weren't able to be there. Also, for some reason Kathy and Anne didn't make it in the picture........

Mom, my twin uncles Michael and Gerald and Uncle Harry

Ally decided to prop down right in front of Taylor and roll over. Smart dog!!

Now to Grandmothers -

Ken and Nash

Kim and Tate

 Papa has had a long day!

 Uncle C and Maddie

There's no telling what these two are talking about

And there's certainly no telling what these two were discussing!!


Now for the REAL FUN-

Pop found this cute big wheel at one of our local dollar stores. Once again, Nana said, "No, she's not ready for that." Well, while Lindsey, Josh and I went shopping guess what Pop went and bought? And guess who was wrong again! She loved it. I'm telling you this is one tough little cookie!!

She loves it!

Pop giving a helping hand!

Lots of discussion going on here-Maddie wanted to carry this back up the hill everytime.  But after about 10 feet, she would have Pop pick her and the bigwheel up and travel up the hill.......

Here we go again!!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your family.  Now it's time to really begin all the Christmas fun!!

A Day in the Life

Maddie came to visit for a few days.  I would like to share with you a brief glimpse into one of our super fun days.  Most of these pictures were taken before 8:30 in the morning.  We start early and try to make the very most of our days with her.



We search for perfect rocks!




We carry our rock around as we investigate the neighborhood.

We search for sticks of all sizes.

Of course, we must go on several walks with Pop.

Pop helps with gathering sticks and acorns.

She sits in Nana's lap and colors and enjoys a snack.

Making cookies with Nana and Pop is so much fun.

I have been a teacher for 28 years, so I am still asking myself why I thought it would be a good idea for a 19 month old to PAINT a Christmas ornament. 

I can't wait for tomorrow!!  I am going to try and upload a video of her going down the hill on her big wheel!