Christmas Recap- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

December 19- Happy Birthday, Jared! He turned 29! Jared's parents came into town to help us celebrate! Jared's parents, Andy and Jenny, and my family ( except Joseph, who had to work) all met us at The Fish Market. Jared received from his parents, Wii Fit and Wii Star Wars Legos game. Andy and Jenny got him a gift card to Chili's. Mama and Daddy gave him tickets to an Alabama game earlier in the fall, and Caleb gave him a Wii controller. I gave Jared The Dark Knight dvd, new jeans, Transformers Wii game, and some new shoes.

December 21- After worship, we met Andy and Jenny and Caleb and Jared's parents at Logan's for lunch. Then we came back to our house to have Christmas with Andy and Jenny because they were not going to be able to get together at Christmas. We had a great weekend with them all.

December 24- I spent all day watching Christmas movies and not doing much of anything else. It's nice to be able to do that once in a while, to truly relax! When Jared got home from work we opened our stockings. We had opened all of Christmas presents that Monday evening (as is our tradition- open when we feel like it way before Christmas)! That evening we all went to my parents house to eat and play games and eat some more. Before we all went home, as tradition, my daddy read us "The Night Before Christmas!"

December 25- We woke up and went back to my parents house to spend the day. We opened presents. Jared made apple pancakes and blueberry pancakes and bacon. Mama made a quiche, Pam made a sausage and hash brown casserole. We also ate leftovers from the night before, plus other goodies. My favorite treat was Redstone Candy! We opened it the night before and munched on it both days. You can only get this chocolate candy from PA during Christmas. We had not had it in a couple of years, so my mama ordered some and had it shipped. It was as good as I remembered eventhough my Grandad (who lives in PA) says it's not as good since the new owner and is twice the price. I still liked it though! We played Risk at Jared's request which took five hours! Then we had ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and chicken. We ate and played games and ate and ate and ate! Good times!

December 26- Mama, Pam, and I went to get some after Christmas deals. That evening we all went to mama's for Christmas with my dad's family. We decided to have soups and sandwiches. Everything was delicious! We had a really good time with everyone. We played Apples to Apples. I've got a funny on my 5 year old cousin, Chandler. The men were downstairs using a red laser light to mess with Chandler. They would take turns pointing it all around the room and he would scream and try to catch the red dot monster. My Uncle David shined it up the stairs at my great aunt. She was laughing and wiggling around and Chandler was yelling, "It's on you!" He ran into the den where we were playing the game and yelled for us to look. Someone asked him where was the monster and he loudly replied, "It's on the old lady!" We all burst into laughter, but he was serious about this monster and replied, "Well she knows she's old (turning to Aunt Enola) don't you!" We couldn't stop laughing. Even funnier, she can't hear well and didn't even hear it and if you know Chandler, you know he talks EXTREMELY loud!

December 27- Jared and I woke up and traveled to Brundidge to have Christmas with all of his family. When we got there, we went to Jared's Granny's and had Christmas with his mom's side of the family. We really enjoyed our time with them because we don't see them all that often. Next, we went back to Jared's parents where we opened our presents from them. Then we went to Jared's Aunt Ann and Uncle Robert's to have Christmas with his dad's side of the family. We took time to remember those who have passed from their family. Jared's dad has lost several brothers and family members on his side of the family including both of his parents. I especially think of sweet Hadley every year at this time of year because we lost her on Dec. 7 two years ago. She now has a brother named Cade who will be one in January and a brother on the way, Carter. This year, instead of doing dirty Santa, we decided to give to the Hadley May Foundation which benefits Children's Hospital right here in Birmingham, where Hadley spent most of her life. The Foundation gives gas cards, gift cards, toys, movies, and games to the part of the hospital where she spent all of her time. It goes to children and their families to aid in helping with their stay. Cancer is ugly and draining, no matter who you are! I know that when Had was in the hospital anything that occupied her for just a little while and made her feel better was worth anything! We had a wonderful visit with everyone!

December 30- January 2- Jared has been off work and we have had a relaxing time together. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday shopping. Wednesday evening we went to the church building with friends and ate and played games to ring in the new year. Thursday, Jared and I went to Pam and Joseph's (Xander was with them) to play games and relax. That evening, Sarah R. came over and we played more games and watched the "Bucket List." This is a must-see (warning- there is some language so not appropriate for children.) Friday, Jared and I finshed taking down the rest of our Christmas decorations and then went to the movies to see "Bedtime Stories." This is a very cute movie and kid friendly. It's rated PG. We came back home and cooked. Casey came over to watch Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. It was not good! Right before half-time they asked for cookies. They needed some comfort food! lol
I hope everyone has a very happy and prosperous new year!