No place like home...

This year we spent Christmas with my family in Arkansas. It was so wonderful to be around the kiddos and enjoy time with everyone there. The food was great, but the entertainment provided by a three and one year old just couldn't be beat! There truly is no place like home for the holidays!

Welcome!!!!

Last night, I had the privilege of hosting the “welcome committee” to my home to prepare a few baskets to deliver to new neighbors in our community. Everyone showed up with a very unique item to add to the baskets. (The ones pictured are only half full…I just couldn’t wait to take a picture until all the items were in place….you’ll just have to use your imagination!!!) Each basket contained a group of 6 scented candles, a bunch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, a container of hot chocolate, a bunch of mini Toblerones chocolate candy, a copy of the neighborhood by-laws, candy canes, a fresh pineapple(traditional symbol of welcome), fresh ground coffee (flavored with caramel truffle), and a bow to tie everything together. I, as chair of the committee, cannot express to each member how inviting and warm their contribution was to the baskets we prepared. How precious to have such great neighbors as mine!!! Thanks guys!!! (Even though each of you read my blog, but refuse to start one of your own….hint, hint….

Pneumonia boy....

Tonight I motored to Little Rock to visit my little Jake who is sick with
pneumonia. You can really tell he's not at his best, but he was certainly a gracious host and very willing to share his cheese and Smarties. Julia was so sweet all night and I cannot believe how big she has gotten since I last saw her. Mom and Dad came over (who the original invite came from...not sure Jenn and Steve knew I was going to barge in on them) and we all played with the kiddos. A great time was had by all!!!

Rockin around the Christmas tree..

Last night I attended TWO ornament exchanges. I had one at 6:30 and the other at 7:00. I stayed around 45 minutes at the first one, and then made my way to our neighborhood Christmas bunko party. We had a great time and it turns out there are lots of "dirty Santas" in our group that are not shy about getting what they want!!! There was one ornament (a pink pig) that everyone completely lost their "good will towards men" and stole that little ornament until it was to the maximum that it couldn't be stolen. (I have a picture of Laura, who was the final owner, posed proudly with the pig but it won't upload for some reason...) I loved my ornament and tried my best to protect it...and was successful!!! Others were not so lucky, but every ornament was beautiful so everyone left with something great not to mention full little bellies!!!!

Shane & Regan

This weekend Jason and I went to Fayetteville for our friend's wedding. We got to visit with old friends from Dallas which was really nice. Jason's friend, Jason, recently got engaged to a great girl and it was nice to spend time with them and get to know her. We wish Shane and Regan all the best!

The Stockings were hung by the Chimney with care..

I started the CHORE of decorating for Christmas on Sunday night after we got in from Texas. I officially finished everything yesterday after work. Jason put up the outdoor garland, lights, and wreath last night and he finished up this afternoon. It is such a relief to have it all finished. Amy and Katelyn stopped by to say hello. She was fascinated with the tree and was all smiles the whole time she was here!

Oh, another meal!!!

Jason and I left after an awesome TexMex lunch that serves green sauce as well as hot sauce with their THIN/WARM tortilla chips! I felt awful on the way home. I'm not sure if it was the guilt over stuffing my face all weekend or if I really over did it at lunch. Either way, I'm going to have to cut back this week to make up for the little pig I made of myself visiting Jason's folks!

Saturday Night Supper

Saturday night was spent with Jason's immediate family minus Brittany and Abby. We had a really great dinner and went back to Jason's parents so everyone could visit for a while. Alyson and Jason sang a LOVELY Christmas carol which was fabulous! I only wish I had a video, but my battery was running low and I didn't want to risk it! It was good to see everyone!

Lufkin Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Lufkin with Jason's family. On the drive down, Jason got a phone call from a high school friend that he hasn't seen in over 10 years. John and his wife stopped by to visit and I know Jason enjoyed catching up with him. All the family was there and everyone left with full tummies!