Kale and Kayla have been in since Monday evening and we’ve been busy, busy ever since. We’ve spent the last two days with our family and friends. Last night, we had supper at David’s sister’s house. Carla is an excellent southern cook and she had a huge feast fixed for us. (She uses ALL her cast iron and everything!) Carla and her husband, Gweldon, became grandparents last winter during the ice storm and it was so fun having baby Rylee in the mix this year! She livened up the party!
On Christmas day, we usually go to Jodi’s and Gary’s and then to my folks house. We had a good laugh when Jodi gave Kale his present. Apparently when we had our Christmas service at church Wednesday night, their dog “discovered” Kale’s gift under the tree and tore into it. There were some goodies in it and he had eaten quite a bit of it. Ha!
Here’s what the package looked like…
We always have a fun time when our families get together. Today, Gary started up his Victrola and we listened to OLD vinyl records. Jodi fed me biscuits and chocolate gravy… that was my first time and I was pleasantly surprised. It reminded me of eating a chocolate long john donut!!
Kayla and the cute apron she got
Two cuties… Tyler and Jodi’s daughter, Jessica
Jodi always makes her gifts fun by adding some extra “goodies” like my mint M&M’s. Yum! (I look sunburned???)
The Howards
The Wallaces
The girls. Jess grabbed Jodi around the waist just as the picture was snapped.
The Men
Afterwards, we went home for a little while before heading to my parent’s house. I didn’t get a head count, but there were lots of people there.
The kids … Kale was messing with me
Mom, Kevin (#10) and (part of) his family
Suzanne (#3) and Mom
Sharon (#9), her son, Tanner, and oldest daughter, Krysta
My niece, Becky, and her boyfriend, Jordan. (She shares your first AND last name, Becky)
Becky’s brother, Brandon, and his wife, Alicia
Me and a couple of my peeps
Sharon (#9)
Jack (Val’s husband as well as Dave’s cousin) and their son, Hunter
The Goulet girls: Suzanne (#3), me, Mom, Sharon (#9), & Val (#4). We were missing my oldest sister, Cathy (#1) and youngest sister, Kristin (#11).
I hope you all enjoyed your family and friends today and celebrated the joy of Christmas together.
I was reminded of its true meaning this past Sunday when we sang “O Holy Night” (my favorite Christmas carol) in church. The words to the second verse really spoke to my heart as I envisioned myself at the birth of the King of kings…
- Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
- With glowing hearts By His cradle we stand.
- So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
- Here come the wise men from Orient land.
- The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
- In all our trials born to be our friend.
- He knows our need,
- To our weakness is no stranger,
- Behold your King!
- Before Him lowly bend!
- Behold your King,
- Before Him lowly bend!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!