The End......

At the end of each blog year I say this is it...and then I blog some more.

Sadly, this is truly the end.  I have run out of time, humorous ideas, and just plain old desire.

I love going back and looking at old pictures...my grandparent, aunts and uncles and imagining what their lives were like.  What was their day like, their favorite meals, did they take trips, did they pray (well, I know that was part of their lives).

So my blog was meant to leave some thoughts for my family, both kids and grandkids.

Do they know I was born in Chicago? I grew up in a Catholic school, never knowing anything about public school until my junior year in high school.  I was not happy when my parents moved me to Dallas...I rebelled a bit.  I love the beach more than anything although my pilgrimages to France, the Holy Land, and Rome were pretty special. I don't especially like jewelry.  I don't go out of the house without big hair and makeup.  Diet coke is my favorite drink and anything with sugar makes me happy.

So very many thoughts as I close the door on this blog.

I have left behind about eight years of memories.

The rest will just live in my heart.

Family.....

 It is Christmas Eve.  That means rising to put on matching pajamas and gathering to celebrate all day.  

 Christmas Eve is special.  We anticipate the birth of our Savior and simply enjoy family time.

On Christmas Day I love to relax, listen to the last of the month long Christmas carols and eat!

 Games!

 Food!

 Too many pictures, because next year these kids will look entirely different.

 Presents!

 Plastic tubs and memories.  That is what I collect in my heart.

Goodbye to Christmas 2017.

It has been wonderful!

A Lot Of Christmas Cheer!......

Our extended family is growing...a lot!!  I am not sure of the exact count but it is nearing 35 or so.

That makes for chaos, confusion, noise, and fun when we find time to gather for holidays.

This year we were only minus one when we landed with food, gifts, and bottles of cheer at Aunt Pam's house.

God bless Aunt Pam!

We were making a vain attempt to get the kids together for a picture.  VAIN is the keyword here!

You will just have to take my word when I tell you they are an adorable bunch when they all look at the camera.

Uncle Bergy is reciting our annual favorite "The Night Before Christmas".  I think the adults enjoy it more than the kids.  

Unwrapping our three foot tall stockings!

And on this very day Mandy turned the big 40!!  

Another reason to PARTY!!!

Always the ringleader, Finley is directing the Christmas gift exchange!

Love this girl!

Until next year, Merry Christmas to All!