Finally - Christmas Photos

As I said earlier today, Son and his family were with us this past weekend to share a late Christmas.

There was the traditional "pickle" hunt. We actually had 2 - one for G3, G4 and Girlie and one just for G5 since it was his first year to hunt the pickle. G3 found the pickle the first go-round and G5, of course, found it the second time.

All four shared in decorating a gingerbread boy, a gingerbread house and each one made a snowman's head.

Of course there were gifts. Girlie had a special gift for G1's girlfriend.

G3, G4 and Girlie all got marshmallow guns.

Even though it was pretty cold on Saturday, they had a good time shooting marshmallows. Our dogs actually cleaned some of them up which really surprised AD and me. Elliott, Smoke and Dani have never liked marshmallows!

G3 and G4 tried out the "red-neck" Wii game they gave AD for Christmas.



All the kids wanted a ride in AD's newest vehicle. Girlie had to wait  for her turn and she was really anxious for her ride. I coaxed her over to look at some cattle that were close to our fence promising I'd watch for her Papa to get back with her older brothers so she could have her ride.

Of course there was food.

Son insisted he was just going to rest his eyes. After just a few minutes his sister put the Grinch doll on his shoulder and AD added the elf hat. Of course that said "photo op" to me.

Son should count himself lucky though. Make-up could have been added!

So now I'm in the process of getting all the Christmas decorations away for another 10 months or so, then we'll do it all again.

Christmas Memories

Many bloggers have posted some of their favorite Christmas memories.

Here's some of mine. Sorry, there are no photos because I've just been too busy to find the ones that go along with them.

1. In 1972 one of the local photo shops started taking photos of children with Santa very early - like November 19, which happened to be Son's 2nd birthday. Taking advantage of getting a birthday and Christmas photo at the same time, I put Son in his overalls and a t-shirt (it was warm that year) and off we went. While sitting on Santa's lap, Son had a bit of an accident. The photo is great - there's just this dark blue spot on his overalls.

2. The year Son was in kindergarten and we went to see Santa at one of the shopping centers. Santa asked Son how old he was and if he was in school. Son replied he was in kindergarten and Santa asked what his teacher's name was. When Son told him, Santa said, "Well, you go to Wilson Elementary" and then started talking to Son about the principal of the school among other things. You'd think that would pretty much make a believer out of Son but when we left, as we were walking across the parking lot Son asked me who Santa was. I asked him who he thought Santa was and he paused before saying, "I think he's my dad." I couldn't lie to him and told him he was right but not to say anything to any other children. He thought about that for awhile before saying, "I really like dressing up for Halloween. Let's not tell Dad I know so he can still dress up like Santa at Christmas."

3. The year Daughter was 3 1/2 she was Mary in our church pre-school's program. The shepherds, Mary and Joseph walked down the center aisle to the front of the church. The Wise Men came in from the side and up one level from the manger. Well, our miss Mary decided that one of the Wise Men wasn't doing something right as they were coming in so she hiked up her robes and climbed up to the level the Wise Men were on and proceeded to tell the Wise Man what he was doing wrong. My cheeks could have rivaled Rudolph's nose in color. Years later I can laugh about it.

4. The year G3 walked into the house upon arriving and told me that his dad said my plastic snowmen were "cheesy." One thing led to another with Son saying that they were as bad as "those awful pink flamingos people put in their yard." Now if you've been reading my blog very long you know we have a thing about flamingos here and that's how it all started.

5. Last year's big Christmas snow. That's one I won't soon forget.

#1 through #4 are amusing Christmas memories. #5 - not so much.

Next year and in the years to come I'll remember that this year was the year I was introduced to the following song. It says a lot and has become one of my favorite Christmas songs. If you haven't heard it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. You can read more about the song and how it came to be at here.

Santa Came A Little Early This Year

Santa stopped by yesterday to bring AD this for Christmas. He (Santa) said he had to bring it a little early because it wouldn't fit in his sleigh.

Somehow I think the gifts I have for AD are going to pale in comparison.

Christmas In Silver Dollar City

If you read yesterday's post you know that AD, G2 and I went to the Dixie Stampede on Saturday morning and then went to Silver Dollar City later in the day.

We arrived about 3:30 and it was pretty cold. The picture above was taken just after we went through the turnstile and just before you enter the "City." It's one of my favorite picture spots. G2 took the photo because he didn't want his picture taken.

I headed straight to the back of the park to see if there was a chance I could get in to see Silver Dollar City's production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol while AD and G2 went to see what rides were open. (Like I said, it was cold and sometimes rides will be shut down due to the temperature.)

The theater or Opera House, as it's called, holds lots of people and the next show was at 3:45. From past experience I really knew I didn't have a chance of getting a seat 15 minutes before the show. And I was right. This is one of the most popular shows at Silver Dollar City and there's ALWAYS a line.

The line for the 5:45 show was already forming although some people thought they were still in line for the one at 3:45. Silly people! So as the word started getting around that there would be a 2 hour wait - in the cold - for the next show, the line started to shrink putting me closer and closer to the head of the line.

I've seen the production many times (in fact one year I actually stood in line to see it twice in one day) but it's just so outstanding - in my opinion and the opinion of many others - that it's well worth the wait.

You meet some really nice people standing in line and this time was no exception. As the temperature dropped and the wind picked up we passed the time talking about lots of things. The people I happened to be talking to had tried to get in to see the show last year but wasn't able to stand in line so they were determined to see it this year. I told them they wouldn't be disappointed. I didn't see them after the show so I don't know what they thought but I can't imagine them thinking they'd wasted their time.

This is my favorite part of the whole show. The Ghost of Christmas Present is a hoot! She's not the original Ghost but her performance was every bit as good as her predecessor's.

Once inside the theatre I discovered the battery was low on my camera. Ugh! So I limited myself to only a few photos. You have no idea how hard that is for me! Flash photography is strictly prohibited so I did the best I could.  (And it does "snow" inside the theatre at the end of the show.")

I immediately saw this sight as I came out of the theatre. I wish my photo did the scenery justice. Silver Dollar City decorates with millions of lights - and that's not an exaggeration.

At the front of the park there's a huge tree that is lit every night starting at 6:00. Music plays and the lights dance up and down the tree to the music. It's quite a sight to behold.

There's also a short parade a couple of times a night. We really weren't planning to stay for the parade because of the cold but as we were trying to leave the park we were told we couldn't go "up the hill" because the parade was coming. G2 said we might as well stand there and watch it.

Santa Claus always leads the parade.

And it always ends with a float that is entitled "The Greatest Gift of All." Very appropriate in my opinion.

AD and G2 did ride the big roller coaster called Wildfire earlier in the day but when the temperature dropped and the the wind really began to howl the big, outdoor rides were shut down. They rode a few "inside" rides and even stopped into the Carousel Barn where Santa visits with all the children. They stopped in to warm up but said they didn't stay long. The barn was packed with kids waiting to see the jolly old elf.

We really wanted to ride the Christmas "Sing-a-Long" train but we just couldn't stand the cold any longer. It's a great train ride. The train ride is always in the park but at Christmas it turns into the "Sing-a-Long" train. Christmas music plays while everyone sings along to old, familiar Christmas songs. As it makes its way around the park there are many light displays to see.

Then about half-way through the ride, the train stops at "Grandpa's house" and he's there, sittin' on the porch rockin' in his chair. He greets everyone and then proceeds to tell the story of the very first Christmas. It brings tears to my eyes just typing this.

Once the story is told the train proceeds on its way back to the train station with everyone singing along again to the music.

So that was our day at Silver Dollar City. If you've never visited the City and you're ever in the area, it's a fun time. Lots of things to see and do. They have a saying there - "You've got a great past ahead of you."

Christmas In Branson

Some of you who have been visiting for sometime know that our family loves going to Branson, Missouri.

AD and I had been planning a Christmas trip to Branson for sometime. This past weekend was the one weekend we would be able to make the trip.

Back in the summer G1 and his girlfriend made a trip to Branson with us. G2 wasn't able to go that time so he went with us this weekend.

Since it was just a short weekend trip we didn't take our 5th wheel. Like anyone else I want to stay in a nice, clean place but I just hate spending a lot of money on a hotel - especially since we're just there mainly to sleep.

There are quite a few nice, inexpensive places to stay in Branson but I was able to find a GREAT deal on a 2 night stay at one of the resorts in Branson. And it was cheaper than the place we usually stay when we don't take the trailer!

It had an exercise room which G2 

  

and AD tried out. Actually, I even tried one of the machines but there aren't any pictures as evidence.

They also had a game room with an air hockey table

a pool table and a Foosball table. (I'm not sure if I spelled that last one quite right.) Since we didn't arrive until later in the evening on Friday, we spent some time in the game room.

G2 was the big winner of the night. He beat AD at both air hockey and pool. I played him a game of pool too and of course, he easily won that too. Umm - in my defense, I haven't played pool in years and years and years.

one of the Dixie Stampede horses

Our original plans were to go to Silver Dollar City on Saturday morning but I really wanted to go to the Dixie Stampede too. They have a wonderful Christmas show with a live Nativity, including camels that the Wisemen ride in on!

Silver Dollar City was going to be open from noon to 9:30pm.

The weatherman predicted COLD weather on Saturday! I called the Dixie Stampede and there was a 12:30 performance and there were still seats available. So we I made the decision to get the tickets and go to the show and then we'd go to Silver Dollar City later. The main reason for me to go to Silver Dollar City was to see the lights anyway and arriving a bit later would be fine.

Photography of any kind is prohibited so there aren't any photos but of course the show was wonderful as always.

If you've been to the Dixie Stampede before you know there's always a friendly competition between the "North" and the "South". At Christmas it's between the "North Pole" and the "South Pole."

We like to sit with the "Southerners" but we had to go with the "Northerners" this time. They were the better seats - not that any of the seats are bad - but these were just closer to the action (on the second row).

(Note to Angela: I didn't notice any bad animal smells.)

Oh, and the North won that friendly competition. Early on it didn't look like we would but the North passed their candy canes quicker in the last competition and we won!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about Silver Dollar City.

It's Better to Give Than to Receive

I believe the title statement. I do.

But I have to admit, receiving the following Christmas gifts from Son's family was great.

If you've read my blog for awhile you know about the ongoing fun Son and I have with flamingos. The grandkids gave me this adorable flamingo that has a voice box. It says, "I love you!"

I love each one of them too. And I love the flamingo!


This book is the gift I received from Son and his wife.

I've decorated cakes for friends and family for about 35 years - and I'm not counting the years before I actually took a class. However, I am by no means a professional cake decorator, just one that enjoys baking and decorating fun cakes for those around me.

In 2008 Jen Yates created her blog, Cake Wrecks. I can't remember how I even came across it but I've followed it for well over a year now. Son follows it too.

I really can't believe there is anyone out there in the blogging world that isn't familiar with Cake Wrecks, but if you haven't seen it you should drop on over. It's an absolute HOOT!

Anyway, Jen's blog led to a book and the book, of course, led to a book tour. Kansas City was listed in the tour dates and I asked AD if we could take a drive up there for the book signing. One thing led to another and to make a long story short we weren't able to go.

Dallas was also on the tour. Son planned to attend that one, then called and told me he wasn't going to be able to make his trip after all.

Now I want you to know that I taught my kids that lying is wrong, wrong, wrong but Son actually LIED to his own mother! Well, I guess it's what one would call a white lie. He did make that trip, bought me - and him too, of course - copies of the book and had Jen sign them.

What fun Christmas gifts. So, in this case, it was pretty darn good to receive!

One Last Celebration

Last Sunday we celebrated Christmas one last time. We traveled to OKC for a late Christmas with Son's family.

G4 likes to cook with his dad. Among his other gifts were 2 children's cookbooks by Paula Deen, which G4 recognized on sight. I also personalized an apron for him although G4 wasn't quite sure what it was.

G3 likes science so AD and I thought a rock tumbler would make a good Christmas gift. Son told G3 he'd always wanted one when he was a kid but he never got one.

I don't really remember Son having a rock tumbler on his wish list but then, I've slept a few times since then. I'll bet G3 will share with his dad.


Daughter's family was also there. G1 and G2 didn't want their pictures taken. Can you tell?


This is part of the aftermath of the gift opening frenzy.


G3 and G4 had fun during a short wrestling match with G2.

Tomorrow I'll share the gifts I received.

An Old Fashioned Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and out on the ranch
The pond was froze over and so was the branch.

The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule.

The kids were all home on vacation from school,

And happier young folks you never did see-

Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV.

Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock,

There came a surprise that gave them a shock!

The power went off, the TV went dead!

When Grandpa came in from out in the shed

With an armload of wood, the house was all dark.

"Just what I expected," they heard him remark.

"Them power line wires must be down from the snow.

Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago."

"I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light,

And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right."

The teenagers all seemed enveloped in gloom.

Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room,

Uncased his old fiddle & started to play

That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh.

Mom started to sing, and first thing they knew

Both Pop and the kids were all singing it, too.

They sang Christmas carols, they sang Holy Night,"

Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight.

They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth,

And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth.

They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe,

The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve.

Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn;

And when the kids wakened, the power was on.

"The power company sure got the line repaired quick,"

Said Grandpa - and no one suspected his trick.

Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun,

He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun!

- Anonymous

Until recently I'd not read this version of The Night Before Christmas. I'd love to give the writer credit if anyone knows who he/she is.

According to our local weatherman we have snow flurries in the forecast for Christmas. Since we're in Oklahoma and the weather can change on a dime, we'll see what happens. I'd love to have a White Christmas!

A Favorite Christmas Tradition

One of the traditions all of our grandsons look forward to each year started back when G1 and G2 were little. These pictures were taken last year - the 1st year in our new house. All of the boys came to me at one time or the other to ask if this particular tradition was going to continue at the new house. They wanted to make sure it was still in tact.

Here's G3 and G4. Can you tell what they're all doing? They're looking for something on the tree. Do you know what it might be?

It's this - a pickle ornament. Whoever has the sharpest eyes and is the first to spy the pickle in the branches of the tree on Christmas morning gets the "pickle prize" and bragging rights for the year.

We started this tradition back when G1 and G2 were little. And let me tell you - they keep track from year to year of who the winner was the year before.

Since G1 and G2 are so much older (and bigger) than G3 and G4, I've made the executive decision that the pickle has to be hidden twice. Not necessarily because G1 and G2 are faster at finding the pickle but because they are very competitive by nature and I'm afraid in all the excitement G3 and/or G4 could get hurt.

It's not so much about the small extra treat the winner gets - it's more about the bragging rights. That seems to be very important to the male of the species - at least in our family.

I had already planned to post about this particular tradition today when I came across a pickle giveaway yesterday over at Olivia and Me. Click on over there and read more about the tradition and how it may have originated.

Have a wonderful weekend and if you have shopping to do, I hope the crowds aren't too bad where you are.

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Twenty years ago I took these pictures using a tri-pod and my Nikon 35mm camera.

When the photos were developed they looked like something right out of "Back to the Future". Remember how Marty McFly's family was disappearing out of family photos?

See the ghostly image of AD there - right behind Daughter? Son's head looks like it's just starting to disappear and Daughter's hair seems to be fading as well.



At first I thought maybe I'd moved the camera but I'm in the second shot so that wasn't it. Now Son appears ghostly and you can see the tree lights right through my sweat shirt and jeans.

We must have changed positions again and now Daughter appeared ghostly.

I'm glad we kept taking pictures because we finally got one where we were all fully in the photo.

Over the years I've shown this series of pictures to lots of amateur photographers asking if they might have an explanation for the fading in and out appearances. One of the suggestions was that the film was double exposed. That would have been a reasonable explanation except that there wasn't anyway that the film could have been rewound in the camera.

Anyone out there have an idea?

Farewell, Thanksgiving. . .Greetings, Christmas!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Son and his family were here. Daughter's family came over. AD's mother and two sisters were also here.

AD took the last of the jalapeno peanut brittle and most of the left over cinnamon hard candy to work today. The rest of the desserts are long gone.

Did I tell you that we were having 2 turkeys for Thanksgiving this year? G1 won 6 Turkey Shoots and G2 won 4 this year. They didn't have to get all turkeys. They got a ham and some pork chops and some bacon but they brought 2 turkeys to my house. They were on the small side so I fixed both of them.

I made a batch of turkey salad the day after Thanksgiving. It's the Thanksgiving leftover that Daughter looks forward to the most and it's the main reason we always buy a big turkey. That turkey salad is gone.

Last night I made Chicken Spaghetti and substituted turkey for the chicken. It was yummy good.

This morning I'm boiling eggs to make turkey salad. That will use up the last of the turkey. I'm sure Daughter will come by after work to get some.


I put all the Fall decorations away on Saturday. Today I'm busy decorating for Christmas. Elliott has staked out his viewing spot from the blanket I keep on the couch. Smoke is standing watch above him. Dani is just busy sniffing everything.


I love poinsettias but I'm not the best at keeping them alive through the holidays. I must have gotten a really good one last year because it lasted all the way through spring and into the summer. Although it did look pretty sad at the end.

This year one of AD's sisters brought one to us. I'm going to try my best to keep this one alive for as long as I can.



My main objective today is to set up the Christmas tree and find a good place for it. There's now a love seat sitting in the place we had it last year.

I do apologize to those of you who are real tree enthusiasts. I love the smell of real Christmas trees but a real one just isn't the best choice for our house.

Another thing I really want to start today is gift wrapping. I am notorious for waiting until Christmas Eve to get that done. Don't know why but it just always works out that way for me.

When do you wrap your gifts?