Christmas 2009 = Complete Bliss

Christmas was wonderful!!! It was absolutely the best Christmas ever!!!!! On Christmas Eve we went to Omi's house, which is the day/evening that we always celebrate Christmas with her and Dad's side of the family. We had a good time, stuffing our faces with chips and dips, and pizza! Then it was present opening time. I got money from Omi, which I have already spent on cowboy boots....I've had the boots picked out for some time. I don't have pictures of Christmas Eve, though sorry. Christmas morning, I was awakened by the girls....mainly by Becca, who was up at 5:30, with a flashlight in hand, examining the new presents that had appeared beneath the tree in the night. .....sigh.....I rolled over, growled to myself and fell back asleep. At a more reasonable time in the morning, we all got out of bed, and greeted the morning with joy. And ripped into the presents, of course! I feel so spoiled now! I got three books, two from a serious, and the book 'Do Hard Things' which I have been wanted!!! I also got a Joel Engle cd, and two Paul's Journey C.D's! (that would be a big Yay!!!) I got a movie as well, and a new card game. Not only that.....I got.....dun dun dun dun.....A CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And not just any camera either! A teal/aqua colored, Kodak camera! One that holds LOTS of pictures!!! Needless to say, I am in heaven! Ahhhh! Life is beautiful! Life is wonderful! All the picture in this post are from my amazing camera! After the paper ripping good time, we had a scrumptious breakfast that Mom made for us, complete with Christmas Hot Chocolate. Then we all got ready for the day and headed down to my grandparent's house for our third Christmas, lol. It was a fun time visiting family and stuffing our faces with more food!

Danny and Nick with their katanas, their presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

My grandma, Aunty Lynn, and Mom

My goofy, cool, cousin Steve, tickling Jackson.

Uncle Sock and Aunty Lynn

Aunty Lynn
Uncle Sock
My grandma, reading the Christmas story to us!
Jackson got a bike for Christmas, from our grandparents, and he just had to try it out at at their house.
The snacks.... :)
Jackson, eagerly awaiting the food! haha!It was a wonderful Christmas, one I know I shall never forget! Thank you Jesus!

Christmas Adam

Happy Christmas Adam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

Paaaarrrrrty! (and other shenanigans)

Last Friday, Colette and I threw a little Christmas party with a few close friends. The party was somewhat in Colettey's honor, and because....who doesn't love Christmas parties!? (Grinches and scrooges, don't answer that, okay). *Jane* and her brother Nathaniel came, as did Jason, a friend from church, and of course, Colette! A fun time was had by all. There was lots of good food, and we exchanged our Christmas gifts to each other too. Danny got a neat game, from *Jane* and Nathaniel, which we played, after finally figuring out how to play it. To my utter joy, I got a beautiful gorgeous locket from *Jane* and Nathaniel! CC, aka Colette, gave me a romantic movie, which I was glad to receive! It was a fantabulous, glorious night! We got all hopped up on jolly ranchers and diet coke(if you haven't watched 'Barnyard' you won't understand that statement).

Saturday night, our family went out driving looking at all the pretty Christmas lights(a family tradition). One of the places we went to was Candy Cane lane, which is a must each year, and Jackson loved it! There's a little train there that the guy gives out rides in, and Jacko Bean was rather impressed. Santa was also there, and Jackson got to sit in his lap. Right before Jack went up on St. Nick's lap, Rebecca sat on his lap, and didn't know what to ask for Christmas. Jackson knew exactly what he wanted. He had paid close attention to the fact that Becca had gotten a candy cane. So, when 'The Big Man' asked Jacko what he wanted, he promptly pointed to the bowl of candy canes and exclaimed, "A Candy Cane!" Upon receiving the Candy Cane, he was joyously satisfied.

Sunday Danny and Colette played a song for church, and they did a wonderful job! If you want to hear it, you can go over to my mom's blog. After church Colette came over for the day, and hung out, which was fun. We played a fun dice game that Danny introduced us, and watched Danny's new movie that he got from her for Christmas too. After the movie we played Mile Bornes, a game which we almost always play with CC when she's over. Twas a fun day.

Today was 'baking day'. Actually, this week is 'baking week', the week that we spend baking all our Christmas goodies. We made Peanut Butter Balls today, which was fun. I also the rest of my Christmas wrapping done today.....well, except for the stuff my Dad has for my mom. That stuff, I plan on wrapping tonight. Have I ever mentioned how I love Christmas? I love Christmas!
.....Pictures to come soon.....

You Are

Interior Monologue

Brian stared up at the clear sky, filled with twinkling stars. His muscles were tense, his thoughts swirling around inside his head, making sleep impossible. Lying in trench didn't help things either. I wonder if it's as clear a night back home as it is here, He wondered. Is it raining there.....snowing? He sighed. What did it matter what the weather was like back home? What did he care? Closing his eyes, he tried to shut off the thoughts that circled in his mind, willing himself to fall asleep. The soldier in the trench next to him let out a loud snore. Brian jerked his eyes open, and scowled at the noisy sleeping lump near by. Really, can't you refrain from snoring so loud every stinking night, Joe? It's hard enough to sleep as it is, out here. Another heavy sigh escaped him, as he turned to gaze up at the stars, and his thoughts turned to his family. Jill would have tucked the kids in by now, and probably would be sleeping soundly herself. Or, perhaps she was unable to sleep, as he was, and was thinking of him. She worries too much. Poor girl, she has her hands full, with four kids, a baby on the way, and me miles away. The kids are good kids though. They'll help out when the baby comes. He smiled as he pictured his children in his mind. Eight year old Kevin was the spitting image of Brian, and had just as many quirks. Like his father, Kevin was, as Jill put it, a 'clean freak'. His room was always spotless, his appearance always fresh and clean. Kevin was always ready to lend a helping hand. He'll help out his mother when the baby comes. He already helps her with the other kids. Savannah was six and full of spunk and spirit. The wild child, Jill always said, Savannah was everywhere at once, whizzing through the house. If someone dared her to do something, she did it. If someone said it couldn't be done, she'd be the one to prove them wrong.....or at least want to try. Her brown curls were always in her face, adding to her wild effect. She's definitely a wild thing. Keeps Jill on her toes, she does, Brian chuckled quietly. Four year old Maria was the little angel of the household. Her blue eyes, golden hair and sweet complexion floated before Brian's eyes. Maria was a dainty, delicate girl, who had almost never been. She had been born early, and because of that, had never been healthy. In fact they had almost lost her at one point in time, when she was born. Thank God we didn't! I don't know what we'd do with out her. Dear sweet innocent girl. She's the household peacemaker, that girl. The youngest of the family, soon to be a big brother, was 2 year old Corry. His red hair and green eyes were so like his mother's. A bundle of mischievousness, Corry was into everything. If something was laying on the floor, and was small enough to fit in his mouth, he'd eat it, regardless of the taste. If a cupboard was left unlocked, and was where he could reach it, he'd be in it. One time he had gotten into a chocolate cake, that Jill had made, and it had been all over his face and hands. Brian grinned at this remembrance. Jill had called him ranting about little Corry's cake escapade when it had happened. Flustered and irritated, she complained to Brian, and he had simply laughed and asked her if she took pictures. Ah, that boy. The little monkey! How I wish I could have been there. Brian's smile faded. Will I even see them again? What if I'm killed out here? They won't have a father. Jill won't have a husband. My little unborn baby won't even get to meet me. Brian frowned. Stop it! What on earth is wrong with you, Brian Sullivan! You go home in two weeks. Nothings going to happen to you. I'll see them in two weeks! Brian sighed. If he didn't get some sleep tonight, he'd be sorry tomorrow. He needed his sleep. It was so hard sometimes though. His mind would start swirling with thoughts of his family. Sleep! Go to sleep. He sighed, once again, settled in the trench more comfortably, and closed his eyes. Now, if only Joe refrained from loud snores, and his....mind would.... quit..........thinking................

< >

Christmas Program

Last Sunday was my Church's Christmas program. I must say, it went quite well.....in fact it went swimmingly! The entire program was spectacular! *Jane* was amazing on her solo, 'One King', the guy who played the Saxophone did quite well, Nathaniel, Rachel L. and Mrs. Cox did a very nice job on the song they did together, and Mrs. Sweeten did a wonderful job singing 'Mary Did You Know'! The other soloists did splendidly as well! And the H. family.....well they were absolutely amazing!!!!! They sang two songs and it was so beautiful and sweet!!! Everything was absolutely great!!!! After the music, everyone went downstairs to eat some delicious food! I have no idea who did all the food, but they rocked the meal that night! It was a very good time, and hopefully, if there was anyone there who wasn't saved, God used us in the Christmas program to bring them to Him. I don't have pictures of the night, but that's okay, cause no one wants pictures of people singing. :) So I shall instead leave you with a picture of this girl hanging with Jacko! (SHE COMES HOME FROM COLLEGE WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

One, two, three let's go, it's a snowball fight!

Sunday it started snowing......and did it snow! We ended up with over a foot of fluffy white, sparkling, snow! So, of course, Monday ended up being Snow Day.....or at least a Snow Morning. After getting all bundled up, we headed out.There was snowman making....

and snow eating.....
and of course, lots and lots of sledding!
An all around good snow playing week was had by all!

Time to say goodbye....

Two Wednesdays ago, while us kids were away at AWANA, Samantha's beloved Guinea pig, Ralphie, passed away. He had been sick looking all day and got worse as the day progressed. The next day we buried him beneath the big pine tree in our front yard. Needless to say, it was a very sad time for Samantha, and many tears were shed.Ralphie's grave

Tree Day!

Last Friday was Tree Day! This is the day that our family goes out to find 'The Tree'. This is the day in December when our whole family troops off to Apple Hill, (on very rare occasions it has been somewhere else, much to the dismay of me and my siblings. It is a family tradition in this house, definitely! One of the best family traditions, I might add. It was a beautiful day that day, and it started off with a....erm....I'm sure a marvelous breakfast....but I don't remember what breakfast was. I'm sure it was quite good though. Anyways, we met Danny in Jackson after his morning college class, around 11:30, and headed off for wonderful Apple Hill. We made a quick-ish stop at a tree farm at Apple Hill other then the main one we always get our tree from. But we didn't linger for long, we had to get our tree from Indian Rock Tree Farm. Now Tree Day is a long process/day. One must hike up the big tree farm hill, stopping and looking over as many trees as possible at the Tree Farm, touching them, smelling them and examining them from all angles possible. It is a very tricky process finding the 'perfect Christmas tree'! And it must be done. The Charlie Brown tree, is passed up, as is 'the bush'. When the perfect tree is found.....a hearty chorus of 'Cutter' must be yelled! Sadly though, there was a 'cutter guy' right there, when we picked our 'perfect' tree....and thus our rendition of 'Cutter' set to a part of a Beatles song never reached the air. But us kids had been ready to belt it out. After getting the tree wrapped and strapped securely on the roof of our Suburban, we have to refuel ourselves, by going and getting some awesome amazing Apple Cider samples! Then of course, we have to meander about looking at the little stands selling stuff, and buy some Apple Cider and apples! To finish off the Apple Hill visit, trek on over to the Fudge Factory, where my fantabulous Dad always buys us all a small treat. This year.....my fantastical brother, Danny, bought us all caramel apples! After the treats, we head back home....but Tree Day is far from over. Once home, another job awaits.....the decorating! Daddy always puts the lights on the tree, once he and Dan get it set up in the tree holder, and on top of the round table, in front of the window. Dad does a wonderful job each time, putting the lights up, though he may not exactly enjoy it. After he's done, it's me, my mom, and my younger siblings turn. We transform the already beautiful tree into a gorgeous, pretty, colorful tree....while listening to Christmas music of course!

This years Tree Day was amazing! I love Tree Day each year, it's one of my favorite family traditions of all!

The finished product....the 'perfect' Christmas tree, the tree!

Happy Thanksgiving.....Bring on December!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving weekend! I know I'm a little late....but I was busy. For Thanksgiving Day, we went to my Aunt and Uncle's house, and had a grand old time visiting with family, gorging ourselves with fantastical food, and watching football and Disney's UP!!!!! We had the entire week off of school which was very nice! I am very thankful for the break. Today though, it was back to school and routine....not necessarily a bad thing though.

I know I am behind on a few things........the Grand Prix......the concert I went to a while back.... So this blog will just be full of different things!
The Grand Prix was a fun time, and Becca won first place in the little kids speed division, Joey, won second in the same division! Samantha and Nick didn't' win anything, but their cars were spectacular! My Hershey's car won second in design! All in all, our family did pretty good, taking home quite a few trophies. :) Sadly....I won't be able to race in next year's Grand Prix...which is so sad!!!!!!! But, I suppose I shall live.

A couple weeks ago, on the 20th, I went to a Legacy Five, Southern Gospel, concert, with my adopted Uncle and Aunt, who go to my church, and who are amazing!!! Before the concert, they treated me to a fantastical, fabulous dinner at The Elephant Bar!!!! Let me tell you....that was one good meal! And....it's pretty cool inside that restaurant! The concert was incredible and awesome!!!!!! Not only was Legacy Five there, but Larry Ford and The Herb Henry Family, was there also, along with The Freedom Singers, who talked a bit about how they escaped Romania. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After the concert, Marilyn even bought me a Legacy Five C.D!!!! Thank you so much, Walt and Marilyn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are pretty amazing, aren't they?! It was a very fun night! And the concert was a very long concert....just the kind of concert I like!!!!!

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving, to you all! Now...........BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! LET THOSE CHRISTMAS BELLS RING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET IT BE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LET IT BE WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random......

okay, so I have a post with pictures from the Grand Prix soon coming, but right now I'm going to blog about my day today, and other random things.....because I can! And because right now I"m watching the Kings game and I like to multitask and it's giving me something to do! :)
Today we got to sleep in till 8:20 and then we spent the morning baking pies for tomorrow and listening to Christmas music! The house was filled with such wonderful smells. Tomorrow we are going to my Aunt and Uncle's house for Thanksgiving and it shall be a fun time, full of food, and family! I have been totally in the Christmas mood! I love December, Christmas, and winter! Christmas songs have been playing all week, and I've been singing them like crazy! I even dug up a little tree in our yard, put it in a pretty pot and put it on our round table here! I made mini decorations for it, with wire and beads and made some mini Apple Sauce and Cane decorations! It's so cute!!!! It's mine, all mine!!!!!! Ahhhhh......It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!!! Today has been a good day! and tomorrow looks just as good! In fact, the rest of the two months are looking just as good, no, I take that back, better!!!
And, making tonight even better, the Kings are winning by 23 points!!!!!! Buckets, aka Donte Green, is tearing it up tonight!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the hearts of all people both near and afar

Christmas everywhere
Feel the love of the season wherever you are
On the small country roads lined with green mistletoe
Big city streets where a thousand lights glow

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
With the gold and the silver, the green and the red
Christmas everywhere
In the smiles of all children asleep in their beds
In the eyes of young babies their first fallen snow
Elderlys' memories that never grow old

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere

Let it be Christmas everywhere
In the songs that we sing and the gifts that we bring
Christmas everywhere
In what this day means and what we believe
From the sandy white beaches where blue water rolls
Snow covered mountains and valleys below

Let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let every heart sing let every bell ring
The story of hope and joy and peace
And let it be Christmas everywhere
Let heavenly music fill the air
Let anger and fear and hate disappear
Let there be love that lasts through the year
And let it be Christmas
Christmas everywhere
Christmas everywhere

Christmas everywhere

~Let It Be Christmas~
* Alan Jackson*

What to do with a bored cat.....

Give a cat a box filled with crinkly paper and he'll be occupied for hours.

Aha! I gotcha now you villain! Thought you were so smart there, didn't ya, but I got you know! Feel the claws of fury! I shall sink my razor sharp fangs into you!

Uh....Charlie....that's your tail. Your tail. Your tail. Yeah..........

The Big News!

Oh my, after all that time waiting to post, when I finally did, I forgot to mention the 'big' news around here!!!! That news just happens to be that Danny and Colette are now courting. My big brother and one of my best friends. So, we are all excited about that. Don't know how I forgot about that when blogging last time.....


And now I shall leave you with a video of the song More by Matthew West, which is one of my favorite songs! :)

Hodge Podge

Jackson, a.k.a Batboy!

Okay....so I haven't blogged in a while, obviously. But I was busy. I've had tons of blog posts in my mind, just haven't sat down and actually blogged them. But now I shall blog! Backing up to October, on the 31st we went to 'Trunk Or Treat'. It was fun, and more importantly, we got lots and lots of candy!!!! Well.....my siblings got lots and lots of candy, but they love me lots and they couldn't eat all the candy they got all by themselves, so I helped them eat it! Like the nice sister that I am. All us kids dressed up. Nick was a Greaser, Samantha was a Pirate, as was Joe, and Becca was a Renaissance Princess. Jackson was the cutest pirate on the earth!!! I dressed up as a gypsy in the beautiful (if I dare to say so myself) tired skirt that I made!

Last Sunday was Nick's 14th birthday, so we celebrated it with Grandma and Grandpa, Omi and two of Nicks friends, Andy and Michael. It was a good day....there was lots of good food! Nick and his friends airsofted some, and skateboarded(Mom and Dad gave him a skateboard for his birthday).

Last Wednesday, I went to my Orthodontist Appointment, and heard such good news---I don't have to go back!!!! I am done!!! Yay!!!!!!!! Everybody clap for Cara, she just had some wonderful news! :)

Today, Danny and Nick are sick. And I might be coming down with their stupid cold too.....sigh! I don't wanna get sick!!!!!!! *Big sigh* Oh well......at least we rented three movies today! Two for today and one for tomorrow! We watched Indian in the Cupboard this afternoon, and this evening after dinner we'll be watching Disney's Up, with Dad. Tomorrow night we'll watch Faith Like Potatoes too! So life isn't so bad. :)

One more random note: Early this week, forget which day, the girls and I watched the first episode of the new BBC Emma!!!! IT WAS AMAZING! I can't wait to watch episode 2!!!!!!

Well.....that's it for this hodge podge blog post! I have a million more things to say that I've randomly thought up during the past couple of weeks, but I'll save them for other posts. TTFN, Ta Ta For Now!!!!