Christmas 2013

Christmas is over. It's always bittersweet, kids at home, kids far away, we always make the best of it. 

Lori captured a pretty picture of our table. 

 She also took this of us Skyping with our daughter, son in law, and grandson in Florida. 

When it was time to open the presents, it started out so calm. However, soon the room was trashed!  Oh, the fun of opening presents! 

 Both the cooks seemed to like the pressure cooker they were given. 

The boys found a quiet place to check out their new toys. Now that I look at this picture, I think Alex is checking out a toy his brother Brady received. 

Look at Miss Lizzie.  She is wearing her new pajamas over her clothes while playing old maids with her great-grandma Cardwell. There is 86 years separating them, yet they still find something in common. 

I found it rewarding to make some gifts this year. 

I used pictures of Connor from his birth  and ended the book with his one year old picture. Books were all made using Shutterfly.com. 

 Brady's was labeled a "A Year with Grandma and Grandpa 2013".

 Here are Lizzie's and Alex's.

 It was so much fun making a yearbook for the kids. Here is an inside sample.

 The little guy in Florida, also got a personalized minkie blanket. 

This corduroy jumper and matching doll clothes were for Lizzie and Holly. For those that sew, you might recognize the jumper has yo-yo's on the front, my least favorite thing to make!

 The girls matching pajamas, with their names embroidered on them. 

Alex asked specifically for an iPod holder with some special requests. He wanted it to go on his belt loop, he wanted the shop name, his name, and an anvil on it.  

I incorporated all those and then some. I included a lighted carabiner, and a Velcro flap.

Jeremy teaches concealed carry gun classes in his spare time. I embroidered a shirt with his business name on it.

And so it is now Christmas past. It was a wonderful time with family, friends, and food.

Life is Good!