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.