Merry and Bright

This has been a wonderful Christmas season.  We have had 3 weekends together for different events, and there is nothing I love more than having my family together.  We meet together the Saturday before Christmas, and I really enjoy that.  I love that no one is rushed to get somewhere else, and we can enjoy the time together. It's about so much more than opening gifts.  We are building bonds and making memories that will last a lifetime.  Celebrating the birth of our Savior with those you love makes for a perfect Christmas. Traditions, smiles and laughter, floors messy with left over wrapping paper, going to see lights, reading the Christmas story, cooking and eating way too much, making new memories--this is Christmas. I know this is a difficult time of the year for many people, and I pray that all can find comfort in Jesus.  The older I get, the more I realize just how short life really is and how quickly it can change. Make those memories and love your people! Lots of pictures follow!

For their main presents, Maddie got two of her deer mounted including one she killed with her crossbow. Reed got his first gun, Lillian got a bicycle and the little ones got cute little bumper cars. 

Caleb has mastered Grandmother's German chocolate cake.  She would be so proud of him!  I love these happy Christmas faces!

We enjoyed breakfast before opening gifts (followed by supper later), and Jack couldn't wait for the biscuits to be ready!

So much fun!

I love seeing these sweeties together! There is nothing quite like cousin time!

Lillian, Reed, John Sawyer and I ventured to the tinsel trail and ice skating one day.  Lots of falls, lots of improvement, and lots of fun!

John Sawyer enjoyed a little deer watching with Pop.

For several years now, we have celebrated Christmas Eve with Lindsey and her family. This is such a sweet time.  After watching them open gifts on Christmas morning, we hurry back to see Caleb's family before they head to the Hall's for the day.  

These fountains in Alex City will be a good reminder of just how cold this Christmas week has been!

I did not get a picture of these cuties Christmas morning, so I borrowed this cute one from Taylor's page.  

And just because I don't want to forget, these are the trees Pop did for the city and Carrollton and Aliceville's Trail of Trees.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

Family Christmas

 Christmas at my grandparents each year growing up was very special.  Those gatherings, along with others lead to bonds that just can't be broken.  Miles separate us, but when we are together time seems to just fade away.  We aren't able to gather as often as we use to, but we make the most of every second when we are together.  Since my grandparents passed away, most years we have met in Meridian with my Aunt and Uncle.  This year Reed and I were fortunate to be able to host. We live a good bit farther north than most, but I'm happy to say most everyone was able to come. We recently unexpectantly lost a very special family member, so I think that made this gathering even more special. It's good to  remember where we came from and strengthen that unbreakable bond.  I know he's thankful we gathered together. 

My People-If you weren't there you were missed.

We enjoyed food, good conversations, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Some of the kids were more impressed than others with the jolly old elf!  (Jack and Mattie Jo).  

John Sawyer was a big fan!

We were all on the nice list!

Lots of visits to see Santa with these two in the past, so it was nice to see it again.

Cassandra was the biggest fan of all! Hunter, Jenna, Bethany and Adrian are ready for his visit this year. Gil, too!

So many new memories were made.

You were missed.

                                  

         I can't wait until next year.  Merry Christmas!

Small Town Christmas

There's nothing quite like a small town Christmas! We have been quite busy this week.  First the parade and tree lighting, followed by my church party at the house and another party.  We ended the week hosting my family for Christmas.  That gets a post of its own and will follow soon! Let's begin with the tree and parade!

Reed and Caleb have been putting the lights on the town tree for several years now.  It's always beautiful, but you have to hold your breath when the switch is flipped that night!  This year Reed was joined in the bucket by our mayor who was a great help! Below are a few of my favorites from the parade and tree lighting.  Our church provides hot chocolate, and Reed prepares it.  We served over 200 cups and could have served many more! John Sawyer and Jack were able to ride in the parade and loved it!

In addition to the city tree, we have decorated trees for the Tree Trails in both Carrollton and Aliceville.  Some of the grandkids helped me make ornaments for the Carrollton tree.

Now on to our Friendship Circle party.  Around 25 years ago, Sarah and I were sitting in the Fellowship Hall and were approached by Mary Francis Noland and Myrtle Ruth Alexander.  They kindly, but firmly told us that it was time for the young women (at that time) to form their own group.  At first, we were a little reluctant, but I can honestly say it has been one of the greatest joys for all of us!  We love our gatherings and love when new ladies join us.  I honestly don't know how long I have hosted the Christmas party, but I truly love doing it!  Our ornament Dirty Santa is not for anyone that gets their feelings easily hurt!  This year, I think Susie had about 5 ornaments stolen. And let me add, that these ladies manage to find the most beautiful ornaments!  Lots of laughs and lots of memories are always made!  If you weren't here, you were missed.  Please know that we also have lots of good food, and love learning and sharing about Jesus!

I love this special group of ladies, even if I won't hesitate to steal an ornament or two from any of them!

On a different note, Maddie ran in a national race in Huntsville last weekend.  After the race, they enjoyed exploring Huntsville.

Next up, we hosted my families Christmas gathering this year, and I just can't wait to share.

Thankful

It was wonderful to be together for Thanksgiving.  Believe it or not, I didn't take many pictures.  Sadly, I didn't get pictures of everyone.  Trust me, we ate well, enjoyed the company, and had a great time.  We have entered my favorite, but busiest time of the year! Here's a quick recap!

First, this cherry tree is almost as pretty in the fall as it is in the spring!

We had lots of fun leading up to Thanksgiving day.  Trips to the park, playing in the yard, roasting marshmallows in the fireplace, checkers, cooking pancakes with Pop, visit from DD and more provided lots of fun.

Thanksgiving Day-I got very few pictures but Pop cooked 2 great turkeys, we added the trimmings, and then it was on to candy houses!

This family tradition began 32 years ago.  Pardon me while I brag, but we have got this down pat!  I think the grandkids enjoy it as much or more than I do.  We form our boxes into whatever we plan to make, and the fun begins.  No kits for us!  I love when we introduce this to new people, and this year DD got to participate.  

It just wouldn't be Christmas without making the houses.  This year in addition to houses, we have a church, lighthouse, soccer field, nativity scene, tree in the truck and more!

Row 1- Lillian, Caleb, Taylor   Row 2- Pop, Reed, DD   Row 3- Lillian, Josh, Lindsey  Row 4- John Sawyer, Jack, Nana

Maddie

Did someone say Roll Tide?

November Notes

 I was working on a Thanksgiving blog and realized I never shared this post. Oops! Let’s catch up and then we will move on to Thanksgiving.

We have been anxiously waiting for our trip to the state soccer tournament in Dothan.  Sadly, our little player came down with the flu.  Thanks to the wonders of medicine, he was able to play for just a little bit. Pop and I left around 4:00 Sunday morning to head down and watch his team. We were able to bring Reed and Lillian back with us.  

Marnetta, Stacy and I enjoyed Chonda Pierce and a nice meal out. 

The grandparents enjoyed a great meal with John Sawyer at his school. 

Big pig down. 

Next up-Thanksgiving

Life

I'm quite certain that one day life will slow down, but I'm just not sure when.  I promised myself I was going to do better at keeping up with this blog, and I am determined to do better.  Here's a quick recap of the month so far-  I celebrated my birthday at the Christmas Village with friends and Lindsey.  This is always one of my favorite days of the year! I worked the polls.  That's always an interesting 13 hours!  The first weekend of the month Maddie ran in the State Cross Country meet (and did great), Josh and Reed had a District Soccer Tournament in Alex City, and Lillian had a travel ball tournament in Auburn.  We had to divide and conquer.  Reed took soccer, I had softball and Lindsey had cross country!  My halls are all decked and I'm ready to settle down and enjoy the holidays.

Just call them champs!! We are headed to Dothan this weekend for the state tournament.

This was her last tournament of the year.

She got to leave with a little bling!

This meet was a cold, wet mess!! We are so proud of how well she did here and the whole season!

The little ones stayed with me and did a little yard work while Pop, Maddie and Reed enjoyed the youth hunt.

Lots of memories are being made here!

This sweet girl was able to shoot her 18th deer!  Pop tried all weekend to help Reed find a deer to shoot.  It just wasn't meant to be!  Pop is determined that Reed gets one during Thanksgiving.

Christmas Village 2022-We came and we conquered. 

Life is definitely short and will throw you a curve sometimes.  Last Thursday night, I received one of those late-night calls that you just know isn't going to go well. My sweet, larger than life cousin had a pulmonary embolism and passed away.  I truly have very few childhood memories without him and his sweet sister Anne.  He was a vital part of my life, and I truly can't believe he's gone. I will always treasure the countless memories I have of him!  I'm going to devote a post just to him and those memories soon.  I'm just not quite ready to do that yet.  Know that he was very loved and will be missed by all who knew him.