Christmas with Anthony, Bridgett, Gabrielle & Byron

Normally, we have Christmas one day and one only.  But this year, we will have it three times.


When Anthony and Bridgett moved back here from San Antonio, Anthony left his son, Tanner.  Tanner lives with his mother.  So due to this, plus the fact that his mother and brother live there also, he and Gabrielle will be leaving on Christmas morning to travel to San Antonio, TX.

Bridgett, Anthony, Gabrielle & Byron

Bridgett will be staying here.  Her son, Byron will be here for the holidays and she will be spending time with him.


So today, they all came over for present opening.  I think that Byron was the most excited.  He was the one that got the video chair and he was anxious to get back home, so that Anthony and he could get the ball rolling on setting his chair up.


I did not have to prepare any food, only gifts to be given out.


I did get a popcorn popper from them that I have been wanting to buy for myself.  I also, got a necklace from my Gabrielle.  She calls me "Panda" instead of Grandmother or Nana.  I wanted to post some of the pictures of today, so I hope that you get a glimpse of the beautiful family I have.  But come back, because on Thursday evening, we will have another Christmas gifts being given out.

Gabrielle's Hello Kitty house shoes

Gabrielle's pair of "Miss Me" jeans.  She has been waiting along time for a pair of these.

Anthony and Byron

The chair that Byron wanted and was ready to leave for home to try out.

My popcorn popper.  It looks right at home on my counter.

My Panda necklace.  Isn't she lovely.

My Gabrielle.

The Manger of My Heart

This Christmas, Lord, come to the manger of my heart.

Fill me with Your presence, right from the very start.

As I prepare for the holidays, and gifts to be given, 

reminding me of the gift You gave when you sent Your Son from Heaven.

The first Christmas gift was the greatest gift ever;

When You came as a baby born in a manger,

And wrapped like the gifts under our tree,

You wait to be opened, to give Your love to me.

Restore to me the wonder that came with Jesus' birth, 

While He left the riches of Heaven and wrapped Himself in rags of earth.

Immanuel, God with us, Your presence came that night.

Angels announced, "Into your darkness God brings His light."

"Do not be afraid," they said, to shepherds in the field.

Speak to my heart today, Lord, and help me to yield.

Make me like those shepherd boys, obedient to your call.

Putting distractions and worries aside, to You I surrender them all.

Surround me with Your presence, I long to hear Your voice.

Clear my mind of concerns and all the holiday noise.

Slow me down this Christmas, help me not to be in a rush.

In the midst of parties and planning, I want to feel Your hush.

This Christmas, Jesus, come to the manger of my heart.

Invade my life like Bethlehem, bringing peace to every part.

Dwell within and around me, as I unwrap Your presence today.

Keep my heart and mind on You, Lord.

It's in Your precious Name I pray.

~Renee Swope~

@2011, www.ReneeSwope.com

Apothecary Jars

I found these on www. uncommondesigns.blogspot.com.  The first time I saw them, they were decorated for Halloween, with the words BOO.  I love the way they look for Christmas.  Taking something so simple, but looking so elegant.  Wanted to share them.

Christmas Tree & Succulents

Well, I just thought that I was only going to do the lights.  I turned out, that I had to do the whole tree.  I kept telling myself, "Only the Tree, Sherree".  But as you can see from the pictures, I did not listen to myself.

Once I get started on something, I just seem to not be able to stop.  So from the tree, I went to the mantel.  Tommy came in after work and he was surprised that the mantel was done.  He commented that, "You have never decorated the mantel since we redone it."  That is true.  I really just hate to take my things down, just to replace with something that will only stay out a few weeks.  Plus, where am I suppose to put all the stuff that I have taken down?

The night before, Tommy once again mentioned that I should take some of the branches from the holly tree out front.  We planted it the year my mother passed  in memory of her.  She loved playing the piano, so now when I look at the holly on the piano top, I think of her and how much she is missed.

Had an open space that was just begging to be filled with this little stuffed dog

Perfect place for my snowmen collection from Hallmark

Perfect place for my 4ft. snowman.  I just have to remember that it is not a real person.

A birthday present from My Aunt Arvina and I did not want to put them up.

On the bar in the kitchen and no, the apples are not real.  They are wooden.

Captain Knuckles and Nola

My baby Donkey Ears, that are having babies themselves.  

From there, you would think that I would be worn out.  Remember, how I said that I hated to remove things?  Well, the place that the tree stands now is were my coffee table was with some of my succulents.  So, on to the sunroom.  Not only did I have to move them, I had to get the sunroom clean.  I made my shelves using paint cans and extra shelves I had laying around.  My Mandy, made a great place for hers with cement blocks.  But at 9:00 at night, Lowe's is closed.  So the next best thing I had, were my many cans of paint (left over from my many projects)