Crocheting...

again.. Who knew when Mrs. Moon, my fifth grade school teacher taught the class how to crochet I would pick it up again later in life? I am still trying to figure out why I ever stopped crocheting. I love seeing things come together with stitches I have learned. Thank you Mrs. Moon... again...

Christmas at the Little plantation..

For the past couple of years Courtney has stayed home on Christmas Day and share it with friends in her community. We still have our family gathering here with Rik and family, Christopher and family and Susie and family... we always will... the next day,December 26, Courtney and her family came to the house for supper and gift exchanges ... Abigail came in from KY to visit her mom.. she popped in a for her "every 2 year" visit! So good to see her and have her meet her "nieces and nephews"... haha... it's still a bit scary to see the "boys" carry her down my steps.. she sure is a trusting soul.. lol

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Every where you go... lalalalalala... Especially my house.. although this year I said "Less is more"... I think 4 Christmas trees sort of kicks that thought to the curb.. well, almost.. I used to have every nook and cranny filled with Christmas "stuff"... for the past 2 years I've thinned my supplies way down and only do every other nook.. and no crannies... Each year I host a Candy Marathon .. usually just family.. always lots of fun... Yesterday was such a day.. Candy Marathon Day... I started melting Chocolate at 6:30 AM... I also put on a huge pot of soup because I know after these marathon days I don't feel like cooking.. Smart move on my part.. haha... In the past I've helped mix, roll and dip everyone's candy.. not this year.. I mixed the candy.. and melted the chocolate.. Susie, Michelle,Shelly, Sandy and Cindy were in charge of rolling and dipping their own batches.. to outsiders I'm sure it looked like mad chaos.. to me.. it was heaven.. I love having my family around.. and love these traditions we've begun... I miss Courtney being here to participate but we do our own Mini Candy Marathon at her house now so at least we have that.. and the boys seem to get into the swing of it.. for a bit.. I just know Ellie will love it once she can help... On the list of candy this year we had: Buckeye Balls, Maple Cream, Fantasy Fudge, Peppermint Bark, Saltine Toffee, Chocolate dipped marshmallows, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, Dipped Oreo Cookies, Dipped Pretzels, Dipped Pretzel Rods, Dipped Nutter Butter Cookies and Cinnamon Pecans. I have to still make Hot Chocolate Mix, pancake mix and some fudge for myself. I'm pretty sure I'll get it taken care of this week.. at least I hope I do.. I've been making some of these candy recipes for over 30 years.. some are new.. I look forward to spending the day with my family every year.. If you don't have traditions with your family maybe this is the year to start a few... I think you'll enjoy them if you do... I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

PawPaw Reads...

I was at my friend Becky's house yesterday ... when I came home it was already dark so I was a bit tense driving... all of that was forgottten when I found this:

the girls snuggled up with PawPaw who was reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas ... which happens to be one of my favorite books... LOVE.. love...L.O.V.E. moments like this!

Thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for my family and the ability for us to gather together on Thanksgiving. We were missing Sandy and Joe this year due to their trip to NY... hopefully they'll be with us Christmas!! Even Lucille stopped by before rushing off to Brightwood to work..

You know Halloween is close...

when the hay bales come out front and center to be decorated.. I can not take credit for starting this tradition.. but it's a tradition we continue every year.. The grandkids LOVE riding up in the back of the truck.. YaYa.. a bit antsy about this.. but with parents in tow we did just that.. Every year folks stop to take pictures... with or without their kids..Last year we even had a Kindergarten teacher ask to bring her class.. unfortunately we had already dismantled the bales but maybe this year...

This year the girls had their first experience of running along the hay bales.. doesn't sound like much.. but it is probably one thing all kids seem to enjoy.. When I taught preschool those kids and parents loved to run them as well!

In fact, I don't think you're ever too old to play on hay bales... if you can get up there~!

Super Hero Party

Ben's birthday was October 7.. he is 3 now.. I can't believe it!! Courtney had his party on the 13th because they had so much going on on his birthday.. they went to Disney.. attended a wedding... just so much going on.. all week long.. The theme she chose was Super Hero.. what a fun idea.. and what a fun day! It was a beautiful crisp day for a party and I'm pretty sure everyone enjoyed it! Happy Birthday again Ben!! YaYa loves you to the moon and back!