Merry & Bright

What a wonderful Christmas we had!  Pop and I traveled to Alex City to spend Christmas Eve with Lindsey and her family.  After opening gifts and a wonderful breakfast, we headed back early Christmas morning to see Caleb's family before they left for the day.  Then we all gathered at our house the day after Christmas and shared a wonderful time together.  Love my people!!

The gang's all here!

Putting out reindeer food on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve fun

After a wonderful supper, we loaded up and went to look at Christmas lights.  After a few pictures, it was soon time to get up (5:00) and begin the day. We enjoyed them opening  gifts and ate breakfast, and then we headed home. This has become one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

Lindsey surprised Pop with a slide and swing for his chickens!!

We were able to spend about an hour with the boys before they went to Gordo for the day.

Pop and John Sawyer were hiding in the bushes waiting for his cousins to arrive!

We enjoyed a late breakfast together and then opened presents.  Afterwards, we enjoyed time playing with all those gifts, before we gathered again for supper.  It was just a great day!

Now just a few pictures of our day-

So true.........

Now outside to enjoy the day-

Bring on 2021!  We're ready!

Making Lemonade-Christmas Style

 When life gives you lemons........

Christmas has always been special to me. I have so many special memories of Christmas at my grandmother's, and I want nothing more than to continue to create those memories with my grandchildren. Covid has thrown a kink in those plans this year, but I am determined to keep a smile on my face, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  We have been quarantined for a couple of weeks, while Caleb and his family have battled Covid. Today was the day we had planned to celebrate together, but have moved that to next Saturday.  Praying everyone is well, and we can reenter the world by then. Reed and I have had no symptons, and I have had a negative test.  We still have a couple of days left in our window though. We have cookies, candy and crafts to make-not to mention lots of Christmas movies to watch!  I normally take everything down the day after Christmas, but not this year.  Maddie, Lillian and Reed will be here for a few days after Christmas.  I am going to enjoy every minute with them, John Sawyer and Jack.  I also plan on enjoying time with their sweet parents!

We have not seen Maddie, Lillian and Reed in 3 weeks, and we haven't seen John Sawyer and Jack in two weeks.  While I miss them like crazy, I know it has to be this way.  I also know that we are blessed beyond measure. Three weeks ago, I was actually in Clanton on my why to get the big kids when I received a call that someone close to us had tested positive. I turned around and headed home.  Just a few days later, sweet baby Jack tested positive. That's one of those life moments that you will always remember where you were when you got the news.  We just didn't expect him to test positive.  Caleb and Taylor soon followed.  They are all feeling much better, and we are very thankful for that.

This little stinker is growing like crazy!  Actually, he is 7 months old today.

These sweeties have finished school for this semester, and are waiting on Santa!

 

I joined Pop for a little quail hunt today.  To be clear, I ride along behind them in the Ranger while he does all the hunting.  I love watching Belle and Beau do what they were born to do.

I think she would hold this point forever when she finds a bird.

Beau is hanging back waiting to retrieve.

Giving his buddy a little encouragement.

She goes non stop all day long.....

The day didn't go as originally planned, but it was a beautiful day to be outside.

Merry Christmas!

Merry and Bright

 The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped, candy is made, cards have been mailed and all the lights are shining.  This is my favorite time of the year!  Even though this year is very different, I am still finding  joy in the season.  We are quarantined here, so I have really missed in person church services.  I am also greatly missing my grandchildren, and am counting the days until I can see them! I began making candy with my grandmother when I was a young girl, and I was so looking forward to doing it with Maddie and Lillian.  I have decided that we are going to do just that-even if it's in January.  More than anything, I am ready for this pandemic to move on, so life can get back to normal. No more whining!  I am truly grateful that we have remained healthy and happy throughout this.  Even though our family is now directly dealing with Covid, I know we are blessed.  For that I am forever grateful!

Instead of the grandchildren, I am going to share pictures of our four legged babies!  Belle and Beau are ready for Christmas, too!  

Sitting still is something never of these angels do well.  There was a treat involved! Still not sure if these two are on the naughty or the nice list.

Merry Christmas!

And for those that we know we have another 4 legged baby, she was behind me and refused to get in front of the tree.  She still got her treat though.

This and That

December is just flying by. Christmas will be here before we know it. The big kids will be here this weekend, and that makes things even more fun. I am going to make some Christmas candy between hunts and ballgames with the girls, and I hope they will enjoy it as much as I did with my grandmother. Except for a few presents that haven't arrived yet, I am all ready.  Now it's time to sit back and enjoy all the fun.  I am missing some of our normal holiday traditions, but staying safe is making that necessary.

Pop and Belle enjoyed a quail hunt this weekend.  I tagged along on the Ranger.  It's amazing to watch her do what comes naturally.

He also enjoyed a duck hunt with Beau earlier the same morning. This was his first duck of the day. He's a little ornery, has a very unique personality, and doesn't like many people, but is definitely my baby!

Naptime for this angel.

Lindsey and Lillian are enjoying a little deer watching.  

Jack and John Sawyer enjoyed a trip to the Fayette Park.

Merry Christmas to these cuties!

John Sawyer enjoyed riding in the Christmas Parade with his dad.

Doesn't everyone dress like this to go get a biscuit!

Pop had some great help putting up the church Christmas tree.  I will add a picture at night with the lights on.  It's very pretty.

More to come!  Merry Christmas!