Saturday, December 26, 2015


As we drove to our family Christmas Eve dinner, it was a rainy, cloudy, warm December
evening.  But, in the midst of that combination, it was also a full moon.  From out of the dark
clouds, the bright full moon would show itself.  It kept our eyes glued to the sky above.  What
an unusual weather night, for this 1 hour trek that we make each December 24th.


We had a wonderful time, relaxing, visiting, and eating with my husband's family.
Spending time with these four handsome brothers, who happen to be our nephews,
is a rare gift.  My sister in law, brother in law, and their four sons, offered gracious
hospitality to the 39 of us.

 
Christmas morning found us spending time with these precious, pajama
clad children, at our daughter and son-in-law's home.
 

Our daughter made her grandma's favorite hard boiled egg casserole.  Her grandma would
have been proud of her.  It tasted so delicious, and brought back many memories
of Christmases past, and the beloved lady that we all miss so much.


A quirky, fun elf hat that my husband had received as an early Christmas gift, added to the
laughter of the morning.  Just push the button and the hat actually dances:).


We left our daughter's home and drove to the farm where our brother-in-law and sister-in-
law live, for a late morning brunch.  We both found ourselves in similar situations this Christmas,
with many in our families having other plans. 

The weather was most unusual for December 25th.  This was the what we saw, as we drove
through the country, to the farm, at 10:30 in the morning.


The warm welcome we received though, quickly left the weather conditions behind us.  My
sister-in-law had a beautiful table set for us.  The aroma of "evergreen" filled the air, from
the  holiday candles burning.

 
What a pretty table!
 


I especially liked the look after the votive candles were lit, and the watermelon
salads were placed on the table.  Doesn't that add a festive look to it all?


I don't know how she made the salad, but I do know that it was delicious!


Our niece, her husband and their little girl joined us for the brunch.  They were visiting
from TN.  She showed me the adorable dolls that she had made for her daughter's
Christmas gift.  What a talented person she is!



We were also so grateful, that my husband's mother was celebrating with us.  She just had
her 86th birthday.  What a remarkable lady she is!


I finished out my Christmas Day, watching the movie, "Coat of Many Colors".  The
story of Dolly Parton's early childhood years.  It spoke to my heart in a powerful way.
I found it to be one of those movies that draws one right into it's story, and at times
I found myself laughing and at times crying.  It was the best way to close out a very
special Christmas Day.


Life produces so many different chapters.  For me, this was the beginning of a new chapter,
and I am thankful for the health and strength to do just that.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  How was your Christmas Day celebrated?


9 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

What special days spent with extended family. All looks so festive! John and I watched the Dolly Movie last night too :) I had the same emotions you did. Very sweet movie.

Judy said...

It sounds (and looks) like you had a wonderful Christmas Day...spent with family here and there. The pajama clad grands made me smile...as it looked quite familiar! Our grands found bathrobes in their gifts yesterday morning...and wore them over their clothes the rest of the day. (We had the whole gang here for brunch yesterday.)

Thanks for the movie review. I will watch it sometime soon!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Great celebration! And, yes, Coat of Many Colors was one of the best movies I've seen. I loved it. Blessings to you for the year ahead!

Christine said...

This is probably a very hard Christmas, but you were surrounded with lots of love.
Hugs to you! I pray that this New Year will be special in many ways.

corners of my life said...

Jim has that quirky, fun elf hat and it drives me crazy.
I suggest you hide it quickly :)

Debbie said...

Everything just sounded wonderful! So glad you had a good celebration! Hope the rest of your week is good too!

Anneliese said...

I can sense that new chapter you are entering and it's good to see the strength God is giving you. I love that photo of the decorated barn doors. Is that what they are? I also like the coat of many colors on the last photo. I've been wanting to see that movie. I've heard good things about it. Wishing you a blessed new Year.

debi said...

I'm with you, watching that movie was the perfect ending to our Christmas season. Such a sweet movie.....
You seemed to have kept busy with your extended family, so fun when we can reunite with many in one spot!

Happy New Year to you sweet friend!


Hugs!

janie said...

I just wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. I got behind in reading blogs during the holidays and just sat down to catch up.

I always enjoy reading your blog. You always make me think about taking time to make things special.

From reading your blog I can tell your Mom was extra special just as you are. Sending our deepest sympathies to you. May you draw strength in the coming months from wonderful memories.

Hugs, Janie

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