A GrandLove Christmas

And a GrandLove Christmas it Was!!!

Nine of eleven GrandLoves in this family picture are being hugged by us on each end.

What a fun, busy Christmas weekend we had.
The little ones kept the house feeling warm with their constant giggles and grins.
There was music in the air with much of their singing, gentle humming, or the sounds of Christmas coming from the many music boxed snowmen for the children to play with.

The scents 'screamed' Christmas as we baked, filled slow-cookers, casserole bowls, cookie platters, appetizer trays. Spiral hams were cut and plated, gently glazed with brown sugar and cranberry sauce. Fruit trays were sampled as fast as we could fill them. Little fingers were grazing the tables of goodies, some sweet, some savory.

Grandpa took a chair at the head of the table, happily letting the smallest of GrandLoves fill his plate with blue chips, salsa, TX Caviar, Saultz, sausage and dips, Pumpkin Glazed Almonds, many fresh vegetables from the platter.

Soon the table and counters were covered with more than we could eat in one sitting.
Surely there would be left-overs.

There was that gorgeous Glazed Ham, Marshmallow-Toasted Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Swiss Mixed Veg. Bake topped with Toasted Onions, Crockpot Mac N'Cheese that was the best I've ever tasted, and so much more.

After dinner, full tummies and quiet little ones, the excitement began all over again. Before the cousins each opened gifts from one another, of which names had been drawn just after Thanksgiving, a very special time is shared. This year Katie read a book she wrote titled, "My Best Day Ever." She wrote about baking with her Mom, of which she did most of the work...so cute. Next it was Syrus' turn, as he stood tall in front of the fireplace and family and sang and played his Recorder to
"It's a Holly Jolly Christmas." Can that kid sing and play. Watching our GrandLoves gain confidence, pride and respect, is such a heartwarming feeling.

For the 'big kids,' like me and any teen that thinks they can handle the defeat of a gift being stolen from them during ' The Game,' much fun was about to begin. Poor Hannah, our first Granddaughter, 16 of age, was stolen from so often, that she finally accepted the Dremel Tool and Magnet on a Stick with a smile rather than a grimace. We sure have a lot of fun during, what has become a tradition during our Christmas together. I can just imagine what it's going to be like when all the little ones are grown and playing along. I can't wait.

After all the exchanging and games, the little ones all had a chance to search for the Christmas Pickle on the Christmas tree. There are rules~~~no touching the tree, and no going behind the tree. There were little noses peeking here and there, giggles, a little push and shove but the tree is still standing.

The tradition goes, the first to find the Christmas Pickle gets a prize. They know the prize is always the same and that the winner must share. This year, Syrus was the lucky fella to find the Pickle Ornament. He happily opened the trio of Canned Popcorn and did share. What a great time for the kids. Of course, there is always a picture to keep.

And Then, There was PIE!
Tummies began to settle from such a wonderful meal, but there is always room for pie~
There were Caramel Apple, Coconut Creme and Chocolate French Silk Pies. How do you choose? I had a sliver of each, and I mean a sliver. Mercy, how wonderful.

The fun continued as some of us vegged the rest of the afternoon, while the younger ones and their parents, played board games, Wii Dance, Boxing and Skiing. I always choose a Memory Game, reason, I need to work on mine.

Sorry this got too long, but how do YOU cram a weekend of Christmas into a few lines.

Have a great time preparing and celebrating our Lord's birth.
We live because of Him.

BlessYourHearts