PDP Exclusives by Rebecca

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Our Christmas Crafts

Most years I am a bit more with it, than I have been this year. Honestly, I left life get in my way! Some of missing momma, some being sick, some the packing and upcoming move! Either way, before we knew it, was time to get busy! We make or decorate ornaments each year. So we had to get them done for this year too!


The girls and I colored and glittered ornaments together!


Above is Lil E's, and below is Lil K's!


Here's a couple of pictures of them hard at work! It was all fun though!






Then we got busy making these super cute Santa pots! Oh my word, they are just precious!!!!!

The girls had so much fun!!!!


I left them, just the way they did them! And let me tell you, Lil K was so excited, when adding the white to the top, as she realized the white and red made pink! She would scream, Look I make it pink!!! Over and over and over! She was so proud of that pink! And so is this mom!!!

I kept the 1st one each girl did, and I will set them out every year!


There's one all finished! Aren't they just too precious! We filled some with our crock pot candy, a couple with some Scentsy, and there we had some great little gifts to share! We put a poinsettia in momma's to take out to the cemetary, to put at her grave! I just love how they turned out! And I think each person that received one did too!!!

Hugs and Blessings,


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!!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas



Merry Christmas to you and your family from our family. May your Christmas be filled with lots of love, family, friends, joy, and happiness!



Hugs and Blessing

The GREATEST gifts


Have they been good or bad? Did they make the nice or naughty list?


wow, lik K sure wasn't finding her name on this sheet! hehehehe She was told to work really hard to insure a spot on the nice list. Now she says "I nice".

In reality, they are my greatest blessings here on Earth. The best gifts I ever got! They are my babies and they totally changed my world! For the better!!! But know what is even greater? It's a baby, a baby boy, and he was born in a stable. He is a King and his parents on earth are Mary and Joseph! He was sent to save and change the world for us! God gave the world his son, born a sweet baby boy, who lived a good life and died on the Cross for our sins! Glory be to God for our Savior Jesus Christ was born on Christmas Morn! He is still alive, and because of him, we can have the most awesome and abundant life full of grace, mercy, hope, faith, and love! This is why we celebrate Christmas! The real reason for the Season!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Hugs and Blessings

Monday, December 20, 2010

The real reason we have Christmas

May we use this video as a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas each year!!





God bless you and yours! Merry Christmas!!!!
Hugs and Blessings,

Our Weekend

We have been so busy this weekend! Friday hubby got canceled at work, so he was home an extra day with us. We did all our running around and grocery shopping then. Yesterday we worked on projects around the house. Then today was not as busy, but yet busy too. I visited with my family on the phone a while. Daddy made pancakes for breakfast, both regular and blueberry. It was our first time to have blueberry ones. They were so good. Then we did a little more around the house. Then the girls and I decorated ornaments and Lil E and I made a link chain and she decided to put it on the tree. I made a pot of chicken and dumplings for dinner tonight. They were wonderful! I did a lot of time crying missing mom. Spent some really important time with hubby, sharing our feelings, and tears together! Then the sweetest of all moments came. Lil E went and got her Christmas bear, and she brought it to me and said here, it will make you smile! So at that point I hugged it and her. Then the four of us played and laughed and giggled so much. Our evening was much happier and full of GREAT times! Making memories as a family! A daddy was busy being an elf and was hard at work out in the garage. Then we watched a Christmas movie and chilled out! So tomorrow we will be painting some little gifts. Then Tuesday and Wednesday we will be doing our baking! Lots of goodies to bake and share! Oh and this weekend, we set the move date and even booked our uhual! I am so excited about the move! So all in all it was a wonderful weekend with my family!!!!


Hugs and Blessings,

Friday, December 17, 2010

I'm Lovin' It ~ Holly Bloggy

Here's a collage of pieces I am really loving! Each has a special place in my heart for one reason or another! It might be something silly, or it may be full of treasured memories! It's all part of why I love to decorate for Christmas! There isn't anything I don't love about decorating for Christmas! As most know, it's my most favorite time of the year! I love ornaments, gingerbread men, bows that we make for packages, custom outfits for the girls, and all the other decorations from pieces in my kitchen, knick knacks, and each and every one of my Nativities! I love it all!!!


So I am linking up to Tidy Mom's Lovin' It, Christmas Edition, that rounds up this week's Holly Bloggy! I hope you all enjoy! And go by and check out all the other great things that people love!

Hugs and Blessings,

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Holly Bloggy Christmas ~ Our Favorite Hot Chocolate




HollyBloggyButton1


Hot Chocolate


1 - 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup cocoa

2 tsp of vanilla

6 cups of boiling water


Heat milk and cocoa and low heat until smooth and warm. Then add 1 cup of boiling water and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Mix well. Stir in 5 additional cups of boiling water. Serve with whipped topping, or lots of marshmellows. if desired, you may sprinkle cinnamon on top.



With the snow that we are suppose to get tomorrow, I thought I'd share this great recipe. It's not only a favorite while we are enjoying our favorite Christmas treats, it's also perfect to warm up after playing in the snow, or to drink while enjoying your favorite Christmas movie!

Hugs and Blessings,

Christmas Cooking Thursday



Please check out Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, for other great Cooking Thursday recipes! And who could pass up this Christmas Edition! I know I can't!

Molasses Crinkles

3/4 c. shortening
1 egg
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 c. white or brown sugar
4 tbsp molasses
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ginger

Mix shortening, sugar, egg, molasses, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger in that order. When all mixed, roll into 1 inch size balls. Dip tops in sugar and place on cookie sheet. Poke a slight hole in center with finger tip. Put 1 - 4 drops of water in hole. Bake at 350 for 10 - 12 minutes.


These are one of the cookies I always baked with my Mother in Law on our marathon Christmas Cooking Making Days! It was one of the recipes that we did ever year, without fail!

Hugs and Blessings,

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Littles

I love my girls!! And everything about them!! Even when they are as onry as can be!




Remember we aren't promised tomorrow. None of us! So give your littles and loved ones and extra hug and kiss!

Most of all I ask you to pray for this family! No I don't know them, either. She is a fellow blogger, and the story just mortifies me! So please please do lift them up in prayer.

Hugs and Blessings,