Friday, January 2, 2009

Christmas & New Years Eve Moments

I know we're into 2009, but I wanted to share some photos from our holiday celebrations with you.

Christmas Eve is always a busy day for our family. It involves "making the rounds" as we call it. We stop in for a short visit with two of Jason's aunts. We then head over to my Aunt Jo and Uncle Wayne's house for an early evening dinner.

For as long as I can remember, Aunt Jo's sewing room has been the kids' and teenagers' hangout complete with it's own table, couch, toys, books and TV. What else do you need?

Here's Colt and his gifrlfriend, Amber, sitting in the sewing room on Christmas Eve.



Joy was busy with the youngest member of our extended family....Jackson. He's a smart little guy, full of energy and curiosity, like most are at two years old. He and Joy became instant pals.





Jackson really loved that snowglobe! Can you tell? Do you have any idea how hard it is for a two year old to NOT touch something so pretty?



I'm telling you she fell in love with this little guy....and I think he loved her just as much!





After Christmas dinner over there, we came home to enjoy the rest of the evening. I spent most of the evening in the kitchen preparing for Christmas Day dinner at our house. The rest of my crew (and my father-in-law) were watching White Christmas in the living room. We also exchanged presents with Jason's dad on Christmas Eve. The kids always look forward to opening his gifts, along with one more that we let them open on Christmas Eve. This year they chose to open the gifts they got from each other. Colt got a Chuck Norris calendar from Joy, which he loved. Colt gave Joy the Jonas Brothers' new CD, which she loved!

Of course, cookies and milk were left for Santa and carrots for the reindeer! (Those reindeer sure were messy this year...they left bits and pieces of carrots all over the sidewalk)!



Here are the kids on Christmas morning. They just finished checking their stockings!



Colt is acting surprised over his new cell phone. I don't think he missed a single day in December asking for it(he was hoping for it early, but I stood firm). :)



And here's Joy beside the desk Santa brought (Dad had to help Santa paint it after Christmas)! :) (I'll share more pictures later of the completed desk).



My mom and dad came over Christmas morning for the gift opening. They always do when they're not in Alabama for Christmas. After all the paper, boxes, and goodies were picked up, we got ready for the mid afternoon dinner at our house. My Aunt Jo, Uncle Wayne, and my cousins came over for dinner (prepared by my mom and me). This is a traditional Christmas Day for us. Dinner was also traditional: Ham, baked beans, hashbrown casserole, corn salad, fruit salad, rolls.....and for dessert...lemon pie, pecan pie and buttermilk pie.

Joy had another fun afternoon with Jackson! I'm telling you she fell in love with this little guy!

We were truly blessed with a wonderful Christmas!

New Years Eve is totally the opposite for us. No running, rushing, or anything is involved with this day. We're usually stocked up on snacks, movies and games. It is very low key...spent here at home eating, watching movies, and playing games. I really don't like being out on the roads on this night. This year Colt was invited to a New Years Eve party, so he wasn't home with us...sigh! That's part of his growing up, but I missed him!

After tacos for dinner, here's what we did. Anyone remember this?



I lucked out. I got to be the official spinner. Jason and Joy got to be all twisted up!





Matty, (one of our cats), was very interested in watching them! I think she thought they were acting a little strange!



Anyone want to guess who won that game? A little hint...it wasn't the 48 year old!

The next game was definitely more my speed! I actually love this game! It's called Word Trio.



Depending on what color you land on, you either draw, explain, or act out whatever word the card says. There are two levels....easy and difficult.

Uh-huh! You see that yellow one? That's mine! Yep, I won.....well the first game anyway! Joy demanded a rematch and won the second go around! (Poor Jason didn't win any games.....he did get a kiss and told he's still a winner in our book)! Maybe that counts for something!



We had Superman movies, Yours Mine and Ours, and The Sound of Music. We didn't get to watch them all, but we have them until Monday, so it's on our list of things to finish!

On New Years Day, we had another dinner over here with my mom and dad and Aunt Jo and Uncle Wayne. New Years Day is never complete without black-eyed peas, right?

Last of all today, as I look back over this past year, I can see how blessed we really are. I am thankful for so much. First of all, I can't imagine a day without my Lord and Savior to guide me. I'm blessed with a wonderful husband, precious children, a great mom and dad (and father-in-law), good health for my family, a cozy home, food, clothes and warm beds, Jason's job, being able to be a stay-at-home mom, freedom to homeschool my children, and much more! I give the credit for all these things to God. I know I'm truly blessed.



As we all begin 2009, I hope we can all remember to thank God for our blessings and evaluate our lives and realize those people (and things) that are most important and remember to be thankful for them everyday. I am also thankful for all my blogging friends and readers.......for choosing to spend a portion of your day stopping by for a visit. I enjoy your comments so much and I enjoy visiting you as well! I wish you all a healthy, prosperous, joyous and BLESSED year in 2009!

Hugs and Blessings,
Tammy

27 comments:

Janene said...

Tammy~What a wonderful Christmas you had!
I love playing games with the family!
Have a great 2009.

Colleen/And Baby Makes Five said...

What wonderful holiday memories, Tammy! Happy New Year to you and yours as well!

Mandy said...

Thanks for sharing your holiday with us! It's such a blessing and so encouraging to be reminded in this day and time that family is important!

We started to play Twister on New Year's Eve too, but all the older folks chickened out!

Blessings,
Mandy

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I agree - there is always something to be thankful for! And seeing the pics of your Christmas and New Year's fun, it is clear that your family is at the top of the list! HappY New Year!!

Lindsey said...

Oh My Gosh!! Can I just say that kid Jackson is probably the cutest kid ever on the face of the earth. Is mother needs to cut his hair!! So cute I want copies!!!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Tammy,
What a wonderful Christmas you had and I also enjoyed the past two posts of yours...loved the horse and buggy ride.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Rondell

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Tammy, what great pictures. I loved seeing Christmas at your home. Amber is a pretty gal. AND Jackson is a cutie pie. Your Joy is a gorgeous gal---and seems so happy, as does Colt. Where was the picture of your Mom and Dad????

Thanks for sharing!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Jo-Anne said...

We also play games--lots of them!--over the holiday! It's always so fun!
You are right, there is always something to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing your Christmas and family with us!

Jo-Anne said...

We also play games--lots of them!--over the holiday! It's always so fun!
You are right, there is always something to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing your Christmas and family with us!

Luke Holzmann said...

Happy New Year!

~Luke

Shelley said...

Nice to see such a happy family! Can't wait to see how Joy's desk looks after you painted it!

Anonymous said...

Tammy, I enjoyed looking at all your pictures! It is so wonderful to be able to share the holiday's with one's family and friends.

Joy just has that beautiful charisma when it comes to the little ones loving her! and.... also with older people too, like Daniel & ME! She's a real sweetheart!! Jackson's a little cutie too!! Loved the picture of Colt and Amber too!

I sure do remember the Twister game from when our kids were little.. I recall many times of us being all twisted up while playing it! It made for lots of great memories and oh, all the laughter that playing it created!! Sooo much fun!!

I shared with my hubby the pictures of you all taking the sleigh ride and seeing all the beautiful holiday decorations... How neat that must have been!!

You and your family have a very Blessed New Year in 2009!

Love & Blessings,
~Lynn/OKC

Never So Simple said...

Tanny and thank-you for inviting us into your home and sharing your life with us. I have grown to love blogging and reading everyone's posts. Thank you for introducing me to the blog world. :)

We stayed home on New Year's Eve and did nothing. It was actually kind of nice. I'm still not feeling my best. This cold has really worn me down.

Donna

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

Hi Tammy!
What a great family and what GREAT memories you all will share! :)
Looks like a wonderfully perfect holiday season at your home!!!

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hugs-Kath

Kindra-At Home With K said...

So glad you and your family had such a wonderful Christmas. I always enjoy seeing pictures of your family. Happy new Year!

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

Mom,

Yeah, I had such a great time with Jackson! He's a real sweetie! He would pull out a book and say, "Read!" lol! He was sooooo fun! I had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy new year!

-Joy =D

basketsnprims said...

Tammy ~ I enjoyed looking at all of your great pics and you will certainly have great memories from the holidays. We have been very blessed and you can always find something to be thankful for.

Pam

Zaroga said...

You had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year's Day. You are truly blessed!

Zaroga

Tammy said...

Loved seeing the pictures and hearing all about your celebrations, Tammy!

I just now posted the rest of ours, too...:)

A very happy New Year to you and your family!

Cottage Rose said...

Hey Tammy; I love looking at all the fun family Christmas photos. Everyone looks like they are having such a great time just being together. I love the photo of your daughter and her new best friend with him kissing her cheek.awww so sweet.
Have a great weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

:-) said...

Loved all the holiday pics! How adorable! Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family.
~Trish
p.s. I think your cat is gorgeous!

Country Chick said...

Tammy, Happy New Year and looks like you guys had a great Christmas too! We played Twister a lot this past week.. My girls got a lot of games and books this Christmas. Back to the good old things was my motto! Come see my blog when you can! I love your blog!
Janine

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

I really enjoyed reading your post!!! Sounds like just a wonderful holiday and a great start to a new year! It's been wonderful following your blog this past year, and I pray that the Lord will really bless 2009 for you and all your family!

Cora

Julie said...

Tammy--Just to let you know, there's something in the mail headed your way. have a great day, my friend. Julie

Tracey said...

Tammy, It looks as though you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. It's fun when the kids are still around. My 3 boys are all grown and out on their own. It's just not the same. You just have to enjoy the season of life you are in right now. Happy New Year. Tracey

Birgit said...

It sounds like you've made many wonderful memories over Christmas this year. We played lots of games over vacation as well. Monopoly being at the top of the list as always. :)
Hugs & blessings to you this 2009!
Birgit

Farmhouse Blessings said...

Love sharing in your holidays through your photos! The children look like they had so much fun. Bet you're glad you got to be the "spinner" for that game! LOL My body just does not twist anymore.

It's going to be a wonderful new year, isn't it?

Blessings,
Lea