Don't Forget Us

The time is here for sending and receiving Christmas cards. Gone is the time of sending out a few cards to our family and close friends; the time of writing a quick note inside a card with a printed Christmas greeting and maybe enclosing a photo of the kids; the time of addressing the envelopes by hand; and the time of an affordable stamp to send the card on its way.  Taking the place of the old fashion cards are family newsletters with the happenings and accomplishments of each family member or the slick photo cards of beautiful children or entire families.  I am in the stationary business and I know how much some of these cards cost.  With postage included, some have quite an investment in sending their Christmas greetings.

I know many of you reading this are saying, "I know what you mean.  Sending cards is just another step in the commercializing of Christmas and spending too much money." You may be right.  But, I just have to say I so enjoy receiving these cards.  Someone thought enough of us to take time to send a card even though our address is on a label that was printed from a data file and even though there is not an original signature.  The subjects captured in the pictures are happy for that one moment in time, even though behind the scenes was a most disconcerting time of trying to get that one perfect picture.  I know families who can recall all the times they gathered to take Christmas pictures and the hassle they endured, but as they remember those times they laugh lovingly and speak reverently of those who are no longer in the family pictures.

So, if we are on your Christmas card list, "Thank you."  I look forward to receiving your card.  I am still on the fence if I am going to send cards this year.  I think I have waited too late and so again may send out New Year's greetings in 2011.  If not, then I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Memories

Well, it is all over! Yep, the decorations are put away, the gifts are being used, and a semi-routine is back in place. We went to Chase and Laura's with my parents, Mamoo and Taylor for the holiday. We stuffed ourselves with Mexican night on Christmas Eve (our version of Christmas Eve on the 23rd) and then with a traditional meal on Christmas Day (our version of Christmas Day on the 24th). That is a story I will let Laura explain. Anyway, we had a great time watching the kids get all excited about their gifts.

One of the highlights of the holiday season was a meal I prepared for my Mom and Dad to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. They were married on Christmas Day 1949, and I didn't want the milestone to get lost in the chaos of opening presents, etc. So I had them come to my house on the Saturday evening before we went to Tupelo, along with their friends Billy and Marie and their next door neighbors and ministers, Hugh and Dixie. One of the highlights of the evening was a video I made, with the help of Laura, showing pictures of their life together the past sixty-years. I have included it here, and if you have a few minutes, you can watch the progression of their time of marriage.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ha Ha Ha . . .

One of my friends elfed us last week. I heard from Laura that William thinks it is the funniest thing he has seen in awhile. Enjoy! Go to:

www.elfyourself.jibjab.com/store/show_video_overview/pACH8gekaDC9cgni/qzQx16GW5a

Christmas 2008

Well, I know we probably all agree that we blinked and Christmas was gone. I know by the end of the 26th it was hard to tell that Christmas had even been at my house. I look forward to the season but am pretty much saturated by the time the day gets here. I think we need a law that says no one or any store can even think about Christmas retail wise until the first day of Advent.

We spent Christmas at Chase's and Laura's again along with he boys and my parents.

Christmas Eve

Wes and William making cookies for Santa

Chase tries out one of the plasma riders as Lance figures out how it works

Christmas Day

We ate food, watched some t.v., ate some food, played games, ate some food, waited for Santa Claus, ate some food, opened presents, ate some food, put a puzzle together, and ate some food. I heard on the new yesterday that the average person gains 5 pounds over the Christmas season. You might want to check with Lance on that stat. In his case, I think it was more than 5 pounds.

Wes catches on quickly to opening presents that come from Santa

William delivers stockings

Poppa has William's attention

William and Laura check out the John Deere Walky Talkies

Mamoo and Poppa check out a Christmas present

William explains how to play Hungry, Hungry Hippos

Ask Laura why she is so excited over a ladle!!

Out of the mouths of babes: When we went to the Christmas program to hear William sing, he informed us that Jesus did not show up for the program. He again reminded us that He did not come to the birthday party in His honor at Honey and G's house. I was excited to know that William associated Christmas with Jesus, whether He showed up or not.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I hope Jesus showed up in your heart. DK

We Survived!! Christmas 2007

Well, we survived Christmas. I know that sounds awful to say, but by the end of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, I usually feel like I have been run over by a truck. This Christmas was one of the best for me. Could it have something to do with having grandchildren?? I shopped on-line with a vengeance. The UPS delivery man and I met several times in the days leading up to Christmas. We spent the holiday at Chase and Laura's, along with my mama and daddy. William got into the presents and Santa Claus and baby Jesus' birthday. Wes was as mellow as always. We spent New Years with our friends the Turners and the Dickersons, eating and watching football and catching up on family news. The diet starts tomorrow. I have included some pictures from Christmas eve and day. HAPPY NEW YEAR! DK

Putting out reindeer food and cookies and milk for Santa

Posing in our Christmas jammies

Look what Santa brought us!!

Delivering presents like Santa

How does this look, Coach Croom?!!!!!!! Future Bulldog??

Family pic Christmas '07 and 3 generations (Baria, Jaudon, Taylor)