Christmas 2011

I thought I would share a bit of our family's Christmas. Christmas Eve is always our extended family celebration. Above is a picture of all the "little" kids. This year, my parents were thrilled to have all 6 of their grandchildren and all 4 1/2 (Lisa is expecting number 5) of their great grandchildren at the Christmas party.
Here is a picture of my own little family..... My parents, me, and my sister, Debbie.My parents and their dog, Mamie.....Mamie has turned out to be the nicest dog EVER. She is 4 and was rescued from a puppy mill where she had 4 litters in 3 years. She thinks Cammy is her baby! LOL...Cammy is not falling for it! My parents ADORE her!And here is EVERYone......Our Christmas Day was a quiet one, as it always is. Our oldest son came for dinner and we had our traditional Lasagna and garlic bread. The kids opened presents in the morning and Cammy's first Christmas was SUCH FUN! That kitty LOVED every minute of it! Sass stayed close to me and watched her with lots of curiosity!GO BEARS!!!!!!!Everyone was thrilled with their gifts and it was a fun day....the meaning of the day was not lost on any of us as we focused on the birth of our Saviour.
A couple of gifts need honorable mentions! About a month ago, Yvonne sent Charlotte a box of yarn. What a blessing that was for my daughter to see and feel the generosity of someone she has never met. Well, my daughter took some of that yarn and secretly made me a beautiful throw for Christmas!!!Her stitches are perfect. It looks beautiful on the back of the living room couch!I also received a package from Winona. She sent me some wonderful handmade gifts! I know this is a potholder, but it was just too dang cute to use for that....I hung it in my hallway! It is a focal point as you are coming down the hall!A crocheted dishcloth (no pic, sorry) and this GORGEOUS hand quilted wall hanging were also in the package. I was overwhelmed! Winona's hand quilting and hand embroidery stitches are beautiful!"Friendship is a sheltering tree" Isn't that the truth!
I pray your Christmas was as wonderful as mine was! Next up.....Goal setting!

Over The River and Through The Woods

My grandchildren came to spend a few days with us. They immediately (like before they had their coats off) wanted to make their annual gingerbread houses. I convinced them it could wait til after lunch. They has so much fun!
Emerson looked up just long enough to say, "Grandma, I am so happy." My heart melted. Memories. That's what Grandma's house is all about. And what's a memory without some icing on your eyelid!?TJ had a great idea....gosh, he looks so much like his daddy at this age.They all (Uncle Zach included) made beautiful houses this year.That tray of candy was GONE...and only about 1/2 of it was used on the houses LOLSeems everyone was having a bad hair day......heehee......The grandkids got to open a present early. Really, it was because they could use them over these next few days.....New beds for at Grandma's house!!! TJ has been sleeping on a crib mattress and Emerson was still in the playpen. She is SO excited to be in a big girl bed here!
In other news, our little Cammy was a very sick kitty for a few days.She had some tummy trouble, but after some time (or the shot of antibiotic she got at the vet as a precautionary) she is back to normal. I was quite worried for her.
The raffle quilt is DONE and hanging at the meat shop....the owner's daughter is Isla. I will have the site up right after Christmas so you can all order tickets. Don't forget there will be a way to get a free ticket also.Tomorrow is a trip to the mall to see Santa, and some cookie baking. When at my Weight Watchers meeting yesterday, the question was asked, "How will you handle the challenges of the holidays and all the fattening treats?" My answer was, "I will let the grandkids help me bake and not make them wash their hands first!" LOL....if you get a tray of cookies from me, beware!