Well, Chrismas 2008 is history, and all the anticipated activities are behind us. With the last one ending just this evening (our kids headed back to Tennessee just hours ago), the "let-down" feeling has settled in, and I feel sad! I looked forward SO much to the morning after Christmas when Joy and her family would arrive. Now it's all over.... and we get back to the routine, whatever that may be.
We had a wonderful Christmas. The many activities at church -- banquets, parties, programs, etc. were so much enjoyed. The family times together were appreciated more than ever...the older I get the more I realize how much my family means to me. Thought I'd share a few pictures from the past week.
Christmas eve we had our Christmas with Joel's family. Kaylee loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so she received a lot of things related to Mickey Mouse.
Jayna loves to play games. After we opened all our gifts we played her new game. She really enjoyed it, and so did her Daddy, Mommy and Grandma!
Chrismas afternoon we went to my brother Mark's since all four of their children were home on Christmas morning for the first time in a number of years. Mark and Bonnie have five grandchildren -- all boys. Jennifer is expecting again and we told her it's time now for a girl. I guess we'll have to wait and see!! It was so good to see all of them again. These times together are so very special, and Bonnie remarked how much Mom would have enjoyed this day. I often thank the Lord for the rich heritage I have and for the love of family my parents instilled in us children. I am indeed richly blessed!
Last year Marianne's son Allan was so concerned that we didn't pay enough attention to Jesus when it really was His birthday we were celebrating. So this year Bonnie had a cake made with a picture from a Christmas card on the top, and we sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. How appropriate!! It was neat seeing Allan's expression when we sang.
We also sang Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas eve when we had our Christmas with Joel's family. After we sang, Jayna asked how old Jesus is. (You never know what a child is thinking.)
Marianne (Slagenweit) Brown with Jonathan's little guy -- Tyler.
David's wife April holding Marianne's son Stephen.
Friday morning Joy's family arrived. Missy loves the Christmas wreath my Mom used to make and she wanted to help me make one. So Missy, Jayna and Ethan all helped. Here we are getting it mixed up.
The finished product -- as you can see Ethan cleaned out the pan.
Sunday after church we got a family picture. John Mark didn't get home for the holidays, but this is the rest of the family. It was great to have at least this many of us together for a picture. Getting all of the children to cooperate and smile at the same time was quite a feat. This is the best we could do!
Grandpa and Samuel. He is such a happy baby and readily smiles when you talk to him.
Samuel in the swing while we were busy in the kitchen.
Missy feeding Kaylee crushed ice.
Jayna and Kaylee lovin' on cousin Samuel 
Missy and Kaylee
April and Samuel
2 comments:
We had such a WONDERFUL and fun-filled time, though it went by much too fast. Thanks for everything! We love you all so much and now look forward to getting together in May.
Looks like you had a grand time with grandkids.
Some day maybe for me--but not yet. Sigh.
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