Wednesday, December 25, 2013

"God Bless Us, Everyone" Tiny Tim

The tradition in our home has always been to celebrate with family on Christmas day. I know some families gather on Christmas Eve or other times that are convenient for as many as possible to be there.  When my in-laws were living, we headed down to the "farm"..they weren't really farmers since Jack's Dad was also a Chiropractor, but they had a beautiful piece of property...120 acres.. and a lovely home with space enough to gather everyone together.  We've carried on this tradition with our kids who live near us. We don't call our place "the farm"...just "Mom and Dad's"!  This year was no exception. Our grandkiddos are getting older. With Driana in college and Summer in high school, we know sometime in the future things will change.  Our #2 son, Craig, and his family are in Portland, Ore. now and we probably will never be there on Christmas with them. But, because of technology, we can talk, and laugh, and share a bit of the holiday with them.  We still have a couple of little ones who wait eagerly for Santa and get up early in the morning to check out the goodies.  That makes them a bit tired by the time they come to us, but we still manage to have a good time! After dinner usually the "Christmas Crash" happens and slowly some of the adults slip away and find a quiet place to nap.  One or two of the younger set fall asleep too, but a couple will hang in to the bitter end.  That was the story today! I can't let any gathering go without some photos to help tell my story.  Starting at the beginning....
Christmas Eve had the tree blazing and gifts wrapped in waiting for today.
Jack and I and 2 of our boys shared a quiet dinner. I always make homemade waffles on Christmas Eve.  Thanks Jack for the cutest table centerpiece ever! You could smell the flowers as well as the pine!
Christmas morning started out with Eddy going immediately to the fireplace and knocking down his stocking! He knew it was his! He enjoyed all his gifts!
The group arrived around noon, and after watching the Christmas DVD I made, we opened gifts.
Always a little crazy! I hope everyone enjoyed their gifts...I know I did! Thanks so much!  After gifts we had a really delish dinner.  Afterwards, the crowd thinned down.  Some were having that "winter's nap"...some headed outside to play with new toys!
These bow and arrow kits were a hit with these guys! They became the hunter and huntress cousins! Lexi, and Cameron!
Addy struggled with this toy....probably a bit too much for a 5yr old.
She needed her Daddy's help and then gave it up to play indoors with a new baby doll! It was really cold out today and she was the smart one of the group..and she finally had a nap too!
Jack and Eddy joined us later for some fun and a little hike into the Creepy Woods.  We really gave those kids a workout! They played outside until it started getting dark. Cameron made me laugh when we came in and he had to check out his legs because they were so tired from running all over the yard getting his arrows and then hiking in the woods.  I know 2 kids who'll be sleeping like logs all night!
This was my Kodak moment....Lexi passed out by the back door waiting for her Dad to get Addy and head out...she looked like I feel! Exhausted!
My spirit was truly made bright today with the love of family and the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The real reason for this season. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!  "God bless us, everyone".

15 comments:

acorn hollow said...

So nice to be wit/h family
Cathy

Shady Del Knight said...

Hello, dear YaYa, and merry Christmas! It's a good kind of tired, isn't it?

That tree of yours is breathtaking! Isn't it marvelous - the feeling that sweeps over you when you dim house lights and turn on the Christmas tree and see that glow with the room bathed in colored light? It's pure magic.

Looks like you and I had similar experiences this Christmas day. My Florida day started out nice and cool and we opened the windows, but by the time our holiday guests started to arrive around noon it was getting warm and we needed to close the house back up and run the air conditioner full blast. Aren't you glad you didn't face the same hardship? :) We hosted 25 people which included children ranging in age from 11 months to 13 years. It was pandemonium but everybody had a wonderful time. I was a little sad because my dad passed away on Christmas day 12 years ago. I also missed my dog Toto who always loved the Christmas crowd and chaos. She was with us the previous 14 Christmases and today's party wasn't the same without her. I am always happy to see your Eddy and thank you for posting the picture of him tearing into his stocking. Did Santa bring him a pair of boxer shorts? :) I also appreciated the shot of Jack and Eddy on their way to the Creepy Woods to hunt the elusive, reclusive Bigfoot.

Thank you for sharing your Christmas with me, dear friend YaYa. Your happiness is mine. God bless!

Julia said...

Oh my gosh, it almost exactly as at our house today and even yesterday.

We were 16 at table and after dinner we played the present game, lots and lots of laughter. I took lots of crazy pictures.
Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
JB

selvageedge said...

I love that last picture of Lexi!
Glad that you were able to have such a fun gathering. Merry Christmas. :)

Stacy said...

So much fun at the Starkey house.

Kay G. said...

Christmas day passes by in a flash, doesn't it? Wonderful photos of your wonderful family!
LOVE the photo of your worn out grandchild sleeping by the door, I know how that feels!
xx

Donna said...

Lexi. And I could be in twin positions right now...lol! Merry Christmas, dear friend. Thanks for the visit and lunch....I'm about to go eat the last of the spanakopita. Hugs.

gin said...

loved getting a peek at your wonderful Christmas Day.

B. WHITTINGTON said...

Yaya,
So enjoyed this post with all the photos to really bring us into the picture. Beautiful. Love the Kodak moment as well. I've seen our kiddies that tired. They fall in their tracks.
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs and blessings.
Barb

Christina said...

Oh my gosh! That picture with Lexi is hilarious! I so want to do that right now! haha Merry (belated) Christmas, Kathy!

Hilary said...

It looks like you had a very sweet day indeed. I just love that photo of the little sleepy head passed out by the door. How adorable is that!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Lovely post. So glad that you guys had a wonderful time.

Agent 54 said...

What a great, traditional looking Christmas. Happy New Year!

Rick Watson said...

I love hearing about everyone's Christmas traditions.
These days with families scattered to the wind, things change.
Have a happy new year Yaya.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

What a wonderful post and Christmas you had dear friend.
I am so glad you shared your special day with us.
Love love the picture of Lexi. haha
I miss posting and keeping up with my blogging friends.
My computer is too slow so soon I have to break down and buy one.
Just wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year
Love
Maggie