Christmas at my parent's 2013

Well, another year has almost come and gone.  Hard to believe it is almost 2014.  We went to my parents house for Christmas and I got to spend it with my Mother In Law, Sandy too as she joined us this year.  It was fun having all of us together.  My mom has mastered Grandma Lillie's Ham Gravy, and if you've tried it, you know what I'm talking about.  In my opinion, it is the BEST gravy I have EVER had.  Seriously, its that good.  We had Ham, potatoes, pull apart bread, corn, green bean casserole, pistachio salad, a black bean raspberry chipotle dip, candy, cookies, pies, tons of food!  We played the dice game, and just sat around feeling full and content.
Merry Christmas to you who read this, and may our upcoming year be full of positive change and blessings.

new co2 gun??  not sure what its called...

Head set for his games

New boots!

 I know...I'm a horrible mother for getting that for him....LOL

But we also got him an acoustic, with the help of both of my parents and his other grams, too

Each year I buy the two oldest new PJ pants..

Gift card to Guitar Center

The four of them Mike 21, Jon 17, Emily 12, Caleb 10

Troy and his Mamma Sandy

Yep..he photo bombed this!  LOL

Kirk at his finest

Joshua

Dane looks HAPPY!!!

Yep, he went there...ha-ha he really is a sweet boy

the three of us

the matriarch's

the 2 grammies with the kids

family photo

Lisa and Kirk's clan

Only little James is missing..

See!  I told you he is sweet...

Hmm..very interesting indeed...

These guys are good people

 

Christmas with Sami and James today

We got to celebrate Christmas with Sami and James at my sisters house today.  How fun!  We had tacos, chips and salsa, chocolate mousse cake dessert, and shrimp dip and crackers.
The kids all got to play the dice game, and each one got to bring something home with them.  Now the kids are off with uncle Kirk to go sledding.  A fun day!  It was nice seeing Sami and James.  All in all a great day.  We also all got to meet Joshua's girlfriend, Lauren.  She is so sweet, and we just might see a future for the two of them.  

Abby with her bestest smile!

Is Emily taller than Grandma Peggy?

Mr. Jimmy G

Josh and his lovely girlfriend, Lauren

Kirk

Kaitlyn

The Patriarch and Matriarch of our clan

The 3 girls

The Dice Game

Enjoy it now, this is the only time I've seen him smile!  haha

Sami and James

Dane

Caleb

Beebz and Lubber

 

A tribute to Lionel Sr~

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas,
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear the angels sing.
I can't tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another,
As you lift your eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm Spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I'm walking with the King.

This is Lionel Sr's first Christmas with Jesus.  The firsts are always the hardest.  We miss him all the time, but Holiday's seem to bring out those feelings of longing to be with our loved ones.  And as hard as it is to believe, this will be Danny's 5th Christmas with Jesus..Wow...
Let's remember our loved ones today and always.