Christmas 2023

 A lot of Christmasing going on around here.  I have become really terrible about getting pictures. Just can't keep as many plates spinning as I used to do. 

Let's see, first was the Blackbean Omelet Night with Ol' Mother Hubbard and the Cupboard. I still try to find a funny little toy. I found this very miniature claw toys with the teeniest, tiniest dinosaurs in them. They raced to see who could grab all their mini dinos first. Such a bit of silliness with these teens makes my heart glad.  In addition, I got each of the fairly new coffee connoisseurs a couple of packs of coffee from many different countries with a beautiful postcard about the country and another about the making of the coffee.  Then we gathered on the couch, as our thirteen year tradition dictates, and watched my favorite Christmas flick- Twas the Light Before Christmas. 

Next was the Old Auntie and Nieces and their longest reigning Uncle.

Christmas Eve morning was a full house.  With a new beautiful Gramerling. Welcome Maddie.

Sadly, I didn't get a pic of Tim and family, but they couldn't be any cuter than they are here. 

On Christmas Day, Uncle Tim and Beth came, along with Susie (Stephen was sick) and Jake and Alex. Adam stopped by to see Susie.  I did not take one single picture, but I sure did enjoy the visit. 

Raechel and I had a date to make freezer meals and make them we did ( 24). The boys entertained themselves in a plethora of ways.  We were late getting started as Gideon required a hand gluing at the clinic after a hatchet accident. 

I got to spend some time with friends as well, which I loved. 

Teresa hosted us for a most delicious lunch today before Sue and Stephen head south. 

It has been a long, much needed break. I've done little but feed people, read and sleep. 

I've enjoyed an Advent reading each evening, always wanting to spend sometime with the Reason for the Season. 

Happy New Year everyone. 

Traditions Go On

 For years the Gingerbread Party has been the first Saturday in December.  I am so a traditionalist, so breaking that tradition to go on a bus trip was a challenge for me.  But I did, we all survived. 

Of course, that was also a December weekend gone. I didn't think the Gingerbread Party, the fudge making and a Dumpling Sunday was too much manage, but I didn't count on a visit with the flu. These kids in my room have been so sick. Ugh. 

For years I either went and  helped Mom with Christmas, or sent one of the kids to help as they got older.  I am for sure seeing the handwriting on the wall. I am whooped. 

Miss Lilli got a few picks. 

 Always grateful for another opportunity to make this happen. 

The Old Folks Maiden Voyage Bus Tour

 The Handy Man and I discussed bus tours pre-covid.  We wanted to try just an overnight to see how it all worked and what we thought.  There are no more Toby Tours, but Miller is adding more and more trips. Neither of us have ever been to the Opryland Hotel and since it isn't far and only one night, we decided to give it a whirl. 

I think there were about 46 people on the  bus. First, we were thrilled that no one bathed in perfume or cologne. That sets off vertigo in both of us. Second, not one person was even one minute late.  I felt like activities were spread out enough to go through the three sections of the hotel- Magnolia, Cascades and Delta and see the beautiful gardens and shops and Christmas lights and decorations. I think I could have sat in the Magnolia Garden for a week. 

I could easily see Gollum sitting down there with his fish.  We walked through it a couple of times. 

Delta, and Cascades were pretty, but not like Magnolia.

The ice show was impressive. One of the artisan's was there, carving in the -9 degrees.   These carvings were huge. I so loved that though the theme was Polar Express, it ended with the Angel Gabriel and the Nativity.

There was live music. It was way cool that as part of show they recognized veterans and first responders, and made mention of Christ in Christmas.  We were serenaded by Daryl Worley and Deena Carter at a dinner show and Ten Year Town at breakfast.  

There were tons of people there, everything was ridiculously expensive, the food was mediocre at best. 

The Christmas lights were dazzling. 

The rooms also mediocre. 

On Sunday we went to the gigantic mall right next door.  Huge. I haven't been to a mall in I don't know when. Phil and I are big shoppers. We bought a little bag of chocolate covered raisins.

There is something to be said about being dropped at the door, luggage that magically appears in your room and not having to worry one little bit about any detail. 

Long trip, short trip, I'm always thankful to the Lord to return home safe and sound. 

I had six kids out today and now have a fever myself-good times.