Christmas at my Parents!

I know this is quite a few picture, believe me, it's just a tiny "drop in the bucket" (where do we get some of our crazy sayings). 

My brother Tony holding his 5 year old daughter Janie's presents...the little ones aren't spoiled! 

No, not at all hehe!

The most adorable picture. My great niece Finley cuddled up in the blanket Jen made for Britainy.

WARNING...she gets even more adorable!

Warned you...she fell asleep!

 Jen opening Keegan's present! (I think Mat's trying to photobomb - not really)

Mom & Dad (and of course Ali at my Dad's feet)

One of Audrey's many presents.

One of Audrey's presents for Granny (a glass cardinal ornament). Granny loves her cardinals she has in the backyard.

Sisters - my nieces Britainy & Cassidy!

Avery at her house before heading to Granny & Grandpa's.

Photo by Mitzi

Nieces Avery & Cassidy

Photo by Mitzi

My great niece Finley at her house Christmas morning!

Another cute one of Finley!

Cousins - my nieces Avery & Janie!


~♥~
 A story to go with the next three pictures!
When we (my sister, brother & I) were young we didn't have a lot of money. One year we really struggled with what to get Dad for Christmas. Well, Dad loves peppermint, and we found straight peppermint sticks that were about a foot long and about the diameter of a quarter. We bought 3 (1 from each of us) and we had his present.

Fast forward to our adulthood (I'm not sure what year, some time in the beginning 80's I think) my sister Mitzi finds a giant peppermint stick like the one in the following pictures.

Now six grandchildren and the first Christmas of a great grandchild later. He still gets his giant candy cane.

There's no name tag. It's one of the first presents opened. He acts like he has no clue who it could be for, or what it is. The little one's have so much fun telling Grandpa that he had better "open it to see who's it is".

He then opens it and with the honing steel from the knife block he whacks at it and we all get to enjoy someffo the best peppermint I've ever taste!

~♥~

My nephew Keegan with Jen! Isn't the chalkboard fireplace so cute!
My niece Britainy drew this on her chalkboard wall for her stockings! There was a "fire" burning and everything

My sister Mitzi

A cousin pile

The three little girls!

Hope your Christmas was as blessed as mine!

Finish December Before I Start 2013!

We made cookies!

Audrey got a new BJD (had nothing to do with her Christmas presents!

Left cookies and milk for Santa. Still ;)!

Ready Christmas morning,

the presents under the tree!

Did you notice him in the picture above?

Audrey doesn't like for me to post pictures of her so I didn't really have any of her opening presents that she wasn't in! Except this one hehe!

Audrey got me this from Etsy! I LOVE it! 

It's exactly like my parents! I've wanted one forever!

Thank you pumpkin!

Birthday Updates for December!

We had a very blessed December! I didn't post any details during December except my birthday wishes to my  Rudy & Bridget and my shock at how fast Christmas was rolling around this year!

Here's a few pictures of Rudy's celebration at our house!

Collection of "The Three Stooges"

We usually make Rudy's cake. This year we were going to pick one up at the grocery store.
The only "marbled" cake they had was this... pink, yellow & green!

Full of candles!

Call the fire department!

 Our family always celebrates birthdays on Sundays at my parents. With Rudy's birthday December 1st and Bridget's the 6th we had both their celebrations on the December 2nd

Notice the missing "t" on Bridget's name?

 Of course Rudy & Bridget both need the help of Janie & Avery!

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:1-14
~*~*~*~
Thank you Father for sending your only Son to pay my sin debt.
Only by Your grace and mercy am I forgiven.
Your grateful daughter,
Tammy
Amen
~*~*~*~
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
~*~*~*~
Have a blessed Christmas with family and friends!

Happy Birthday Bridget!

Bridget is married to my baby brother, and is the mommy to my 5 year old niece Janie. She's an only child and came into our crazy family willingly (will I guess willingly, hehe). She's officially been in our family for over 18 years, but there were several years before it was "official" too!

Anyway, I love you so much, you are such a blessing to my brother and our family!

Bridget! 

Hope your birthday is fantastic, love you!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Happy birthday sweetheart!  Thanks for always being there for me & Audrey.  We love you very much and hope you have a wonderful day! 
I love you more each day!

Happy Birthday Dad!

What Makes A Dad

~Author Unknown

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,  And then there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it - Dad!
  My Dad has taught me so much,  and has always been there for me and my family. 
  I love you so much Daddy!