Christmas Morning

I'm not sure there is anything more magical than Christmas morning with little ones. There is just something special about watching their precious eyes as they walk into the room and see everything spread out for them.  I treasured each Christmas morning with Lindsey and Caleb, and it's wonderful to get to experience it all again with our grandbabies. They slept later than we expected (6:00), and Lindsey actually had to wake Reed up. I also must add that Josh and Lindsey do a wonderful job of balancing the gifts the children get.  They don't overdue it, yet manage to fulfill each child's wish.  Most importantly, these sweet little ones are well aware of the true meaning of Christmas!

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse............

Lillian wasn't sure what to check out first!

This one now has  an awesome new stash of cars, trucks, and tractors!  He also got a new tackling buddy!  I can't wait to see how that goes!

This one wanted art. So along with legos, a tv for the playroom and more-art is what she got!



Sweet memories!

Lee had a set of blocks just like this.  Lindsey and Caleb loved playing with them when they were at Aunt Di's.  I think these kiddos are going to love them as much as their mom and Uncle C.

Poor Buddy, Santa lost his pants, lego fun and more!

Pop and I headed home to have Christmas supper with Papa, Caleb and Taylor.  I did not take one single picture of that! Since I didn't get a picture of the meal, I added one of my favorites of them. We had a great time!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Twas the Night Before Christmas!

Christmas Eve!!
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care! There is nothing quite like the magic of Christmas. Lindsey and Josh are building precious memories and establishing traditions that these three little ones will remember forever. And I am so thankful that we are able to be a small part of it!    Plans were to have a little photo shoot before we listened to Maddie share the Christmas story, fed the reindeer and headed to bed.  Sounds so simple!

First, this little Santa decided to rearrange the ornaments on the tree!

Maddie was preparing to read the Christmas Story to us, and Lillian was helping her get ready.  They were looking so precious, I suggested we grab Reed and have a little photo shoot.  Sounds simple, right?

He just wasn't feeling it!  

The more we begged, the more he resisted! And in all of our focusing on him, I never noticed Maddie's hair in her eyes!  

Lots of begging and maybe a few threats finally paid off!  Sort of!!

Almost pitiful!!

The sisters were ready!!  So sweet! Reed took a minute to regroup and think about things! At least, I think that's what his mom said he was doing!

Then suddenly out of the blue-ta da!!!!

 

For unto you is born in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11
I love the way Lillian and Reed sweetly joined her.
(This, as well as her sweet prayer Christmas morning, were my favorite memories of this Christmas Season!)

Next, they grabbed the reindeer food and headed outside to sprinkle it on the ground!

Finally, cookies and milk were left for Santa who magically appeared during the night.  

Next up, Christmas morning!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas at Caleb and Taylor's

Caleb and Taylor sweetly hosted our family Christmas gathering.  Grandmother would have been so, so proud.  Everything was absolutely beautiful and delicious! Being with family is one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and I hope it continues forever!  I am hoping after a year of rest that they will want to do it again next year! If you couldn't make it, please know that you were missed!


Tammy shared this picture of our hostesses with me!  Precious!

Getting set up and waiting on everyone to arrive!

I wasn't able to get a picture of everyone there.  The photobomb of Todd is my favorite though!

Love this!

So, I may have stolen this picture of Gracie and her boyfriend from Instagram!

Scott, Brandy and Cade were late arriving due to a wrestling match.  It meant so much that they drove down to visit!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas at Our House

I have adopted the weekend before Christmas as the time to get together at our house for Christmas.  My hope is that I won't interfere with Santa and other gatherings.  One of the best messes in the world in the mess created in the living room while opening presents! 


Maddie and Lillian helped continue the tradition of sorting all the presents into piles for everyone to open the next morning following our Christmas breakfast.  Tinker (their sweet little elf) appeared magically to oversee the festivities!

We get up bright and early every morning when the little ones are here, and this morning was no exception. We could have eaten around 5, but we waited for Uncle C, Aunt Taylor and Papa to arrive.  Reed has become very serious about his Alabama cap and his John Deere boots!

For the second year, Maddie read the Christmas story to us before we opened presents.  This year totally out of the blue, Reed looks at Papa and tells him to "shhhh"!  We got quite a kick out of it!

Ready to jump in and open presents!  This year among other things, the babies got trucks, tractors, a fitbit and a rainbow castle! 

Soon we were outside riding the new tractor (Now I can give Jean's back!), and shooting the bow and arrow! 

It's not what's under the tree that matters, it's who's gathered around it! 

Next up-Christmas at Caleb and Taylor's house!

Friendship Christmas

It's the friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey.......

Hosting  the Friendship Circle's Annual Christmas party is one of my favorite things of the Christmas season (and the year).  I have been friends with these ladies for many, many years, and I am truly blessed by each one.  We have made lots and lots of memories together!

We each bring an appetizer, and always have way too much to eat!

Lauri and Lori

I love having some of the young ladies joining us now!

After our business meeting and devotion, we always have a friendly game of "dirty Santa". Everyone brings an ornament and the fun begins!

Checking out the ornaments!

We've trained these girls well!

Love all of these sweet ladies!

I'm not sure what this look was all about!!  

I can't wait until next year!