Our Christmas, with lots of pictures

We started our Christmas a few days early with crafts and baking! We decorated ornaments, made a Christmas chain, painted Santa pots, and did a little baking.

Our every so yummy Crock Pot Candy! It was so so yummy! And it makes a lot and is great for gifts!

While we were busy baking and crafting, Papa & Granny 's Christmas package arrived! It was full of lots of goodies! Even a pan of homemade peanut butter fudge by Papa!

Then we headed out on Thursday mid afternoon to get to Grandaddy's. We had planned to go that night when James got home from work, but he was canceled and so we headed out before any bad weather could get in our way. And this would give us more time with Grandaddy too.

On Christmas Eve it was a rainy messy day! But we did take momma/ Mamaw her Santa pot and poinsettia that we got her! So very thankful that her Headstone arrived and set up 3 days earlier! It's pure beautiful!!!!

Here's my Christmas Angels! They are by GREATEST Blessings! And they were in Red and Green wings too!!!!

We just spent the day hanging out with Grandaddy. Then Nana and Uncle Doyle came over for dinner with us. It was great to see them! Then Grandaddy took us to see the Christmas Lights! If you are in the area and can go, you should check out Christmas Park! It's in Athens, and it's by far the BEST drive through we have ever been too! We have visited there for years now! And it's a bit of everything and something for everyone! You won't be disappointed.

Here's a few pics taken with the cell phone...

I had mixed feelings about going, as Momma really loved going with us all on Christmas Eve out there. I just wasn't sure. But then the girls made it beyond perfect! They squelled and screeched, and carried on! It was beyond awesome!!! And they made it worth while for all of us! It was lots of smiles from all of us.

After the lights we enjoyed some ice cream at Grandaddy's, before heading to bed, so Santa could come.

This is a very special ornament a friend made us out of mom's fabric. She is working more for each person in the family. But she had Dad's and us 3 girls each one finished. They are beyond beautiful and so very special for us!!! Dad set his by this beautiful Scentsy warmer on his bar! I couldn't help but share it with everyone.

Oh wow, it's glowing so beautiful! And little gifts are under the tree for each girl from Santa with a note, saying you have a big surprise at your house!

The gifts may have been little, but they were just as excited!!!!! Lil E was in love with her pet kitty!

My little reindeer, all ready to go be with all our family for our Christmas on Christmas Day!

At our family's Christmas, we have lots of fun! It's chaotic and hectic, but fun! It's great to see everyone and be with everyone too! We keep it simple, and do finger foods and sandwiches with a ever so yummy ham, and this year chicken salad, instead of turkey! And they were both so good! Plus way to much other stuff. We made my meatballs, and fiesta ranch dip and chips, cookies and crock pot candy. There was lots of goodies, including a Happy Birthday Jesus cake!!

We draw names for the grown ups, but still buy for the little kids. This year, I just had to do something for everyone. So I found a Christmas in Heaven poem, and of all the ones I had found, I decided this one just was like Momma, so I printed it and framed it for each family. They all loved them, I do believe. I sure hope so.

Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below

With tiny lights, like Heaven’s Stars reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas Songs that y’all hold so dear

But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas Choir, up here

I have no word to tell you of the Joy their voices bring

For it is beyond description to hear the Angels sing

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I can’t tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place

I’ll ask him to lift your spirit, as I tell him of your love

So then pray for one another, as you lift your eyes above

Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing

For I am spending Christmas in Heaven,

and I’m walking with the King.

I love y’all always, and am forever proud of you!

Love,

Mamaw

Tommie Lee Bryant

1944-2010

It was really a special day! Even though it was so hard without Momma, and we all missed her so very much, we knew she was smiling down on us! And still as big a part of our family, maybe even more so now! I had a horrible drive to Dad's on the 23rd, it was the first time to go to his new place, and knowing it was Christmas with Momma, it was nearly too much for me to take in! But I got through! I had help from the most beautiful Angel ever! She sure is my strength!!!

After being with everyone, we went back by Grandaddy's before we headed home. It was really hard to leave him. But we knew we needed to get back home. I had a horrible time saying bye, and the girls didn't want to leave either. Nor did James! But we did and we headed home Christmas Day afternoon!

All four of us on Grandaddy's porch.

We got home, just before midnight and the girls had their surprise and stockings waiting! They were so excited! And it really makes me happy to see them so excited about the small stuff in their stockings!!!! Oh my, Lik K was beyond excited for each thing she pulled out! She loved her make up. But the sweetest moment of all was they had some scripture candy (like smarties), when she pulled one out of her stocking, she explained, "This is from Mamaw, she loves us so much!!!" I just cried and cried! We do something from Santa every year that is to honor Jesus, for it is his birthday that we are celebrating!!! And then my sweetie pie just knew that was so something her Mamaw would have given them too!!! Just proof, she is forever with us!

They enjoyed playing with the new surprises before we headed to bed!

Then it was up on the 26th to have Christmas at our house! Daddy made us pancakes, regular and blue berry! YUMMY! And then we opened gifts! It was a day full of fun and family!!!! Just being together and watching the girls, made it near perfect!

Our tree with packages! And so you know, they are single layered, because we can not smash bows! I use large boxes, and we don't stack anything up because bows can not be smashed! (Thank you Momma! I'm so glad that I'm just like you with this! Just like gifts under my tree, must have a bow! Even if they are gifts from Grandparents or others, I add a bow!)

Our Christmas morning (yes the day after) pictures in our pj's by the tree!

The girls were so excited and had fun playing with their new toys!!!

That afternoon we decided to go on to town, so we could go by the store and get what we needed. So that is what we did.

On our way to the store, we stopped at the park, and took a few pictures!

The girls in Santa's sleigh, and my angels with some Christmas angels!

We made our trip to store, and then back by the park to see it all lit up! It was really pretty, but more important it was a wonderful day with us!

Even though I had a lot of sadness because I was missing Momma so much, it was a great Christmas filled with love, fun, and family! Just the way it is suppose to me!

Hope you and yours had a great Christmas too!!!