Christmas Snow

What a wonderful way to end a blessed Christmas day! First time Georgia has had snow on Christmas since the late 1800's.

gingerbread houses

Last night we had a small Christmas Party. The teenagers all invited one friend over. We made gingerbread (graham cracker) houses. We done this last year and everyone loved it. Even the teenagers got into creating a house. We had a first and second place for the elementary and a first and second place for the older kids. They were really very creative. I guess this is a new tradition for us. It's late, I'm tired , and Santa still has to be set up. UGH! Playing Santa was so much easier when I was young. The kids are all so excited NO ONE is asleep. It's almost midnight and everyone is still up and about. Every one but me. I'm soooo sleepy. They will finally give it up and then be back up at 5 am. At least we cooked today and I won't have that to do. Left overs will be nice tomorrow when I am so tired. OH! Listen I don't here anyone maybe they crashed. Off to set up!

Christmas Caroling

We took the kids and went caroling for Maw-Maw, Grannie, and Nanny Mildred last night. Kieanna played her Clarinet to Silent Night and Away in a Manager. The kids sang Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Away in a Manager and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It was so cute! The older ones even enjoyed it after having to be coaxed to go. We plan on going again to the Nursing home where my grandmother is. My mother actually cried. They were so sweet. The kids cooked and prepared Candy, Cookies, and treats all day and then made goodie bags for everyone. Everything turned out really well. I am so proud of all the kids. Everyone has been exceptionally well behaved this Christmas. Keith ask all the kids in the van last night specific question about Jesus birth, and most all of the kids got all the answers right. I truly want the kids to get the real meaning of Christmas. Now days Christmas is so commercialized. It's all about the money. I do want them to receive gifts and enjoy being a child. But I don't want them to think of just themselves and what they can get. Jesus received gifts and that is one of the reasons we give to each other. Looking forward to many more Christmases with all of the kids!

Making Christmas decorations

The children painted Christmas ornaments for the tree. They all turned out really well. We still have several more crafts to do by Christmas. We cooked over 200 cookies yesterday and today. We also made Chocolate covered cherries, Peppermint bark, and peppermint patties. The girls really like making goodies for Christmas. The kids used there "updated" Christmas lists to place their ornament on to paint. If you look close at some of them you can see what's on them. Little do they know Santa has all the Christmas presents he is going to deliver here.

blogging

I haven't blogged much lately. I think of a thousand things I'm going to blog about and just don't take the time to sit down and type. Several people have scolded me for not keeping it up to date. It just takes time and that's something I don't have much of. We are planning on taking the kids carolling tomorrow night. I made cute red shawls for the girls and the boys have black outfits with red gloves. They all have Santa hats. I know they will be so cute. Thursday we have planned to make gingerbread houses. We did this last year and all the kids loved it. I guess it's a new tradition. Jennifer will be here in the morning from Tennessee. Brian and Amey are suppose to visit tomorrow too. There are still hand made ornaments to be painted, Christmas candy and cookies to be made and pictures to be taken. Oh and I don't have enough of the presents wrapped. We don't wrap everything but this year I've not wrapped much at all.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

And I have a new niece: Victoria Carol Mauldin. I got to keep her 2 nights as her mom had to have a minor surgical procedure done. I fell in love with her, except at 1:30 in the morning, then I was glad she was my brothers daughter and not mine. LOL I do miss those days.(nights)

Another post coming with pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

Hot chocolate, cookies, and decorating the tree

We had lots of fun decorating the tree.
I'm a little late posting pictures, we have been really busy. A cheer leading competition, a national guard Christmas party, a church party, and basketball games has made for one bus schedule. I'll catch up soon.

November birthday pictures

Katelynn, Krishawanda, Selena, Keith, Brian and myself all had birthday's in the month of November. 9,17,15,52,27 and ?????29(again) I'm 29 again of course!