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?