Finally catching up

We had a wonderful Christmas. I hope all y'all did too. We have been going non stop since. Running here and there, spending a little Christmas money and just having a good ole time.

Christmas Eve was very nice. Around 5:30 or so we went to my Nannie's house for supper. Nannie is my Daddy's mama. We had a wonderful supper. The kids couldnt eat, because they knew that presents were waiting for them in the living room. After supper we opened gifts and chatted for a while. Then we headed home to get Wesley settled down. He was soooo excited.

We opened gifts here on Christmas Eve. I usually like to wait until Christmas morning, but the boys were just to excited. Wesley wasnt to excited about all the clothes he got, but I had to explain to him that Mama and Daddy dont do toys. The toys come in the morning.

I didnt take alot of pictures this year. I dont know what's wrong with me. But while we were waiting to open gifts here, Wesley got a BIG surprise. I suggested that he look out the window to see if maybe he could see Santa. Well what a shock he got when Santa was standing at the window watching him. That boy ran!!!! LOL, latched on to his daddy's leg and wouldnt let go.

Ever since Josh was about 6 years old, my brother has played Santa and sneaks around the house and peers into the windows. He has caught me off guard a few times, but I wont tell him that. Several times he has set out the toys and made sure Josh knew,,,, HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas!!!! Josh always said he never wanted to catch him beacuse he would leave'em coal. Giggle.

So here's a pic of Santa as he was running away from the house... Since Wesley was still up, he would have to come back...




Christmas Day was very busy. We ate breakfast at Nannie's and got Santa there. We came home and then at lunch we over to our church to have lunch with my mama's family. That was alot of fun. I havent seen some of my cousins in gosh,,, 5-6 years. We were all so close growing up, and now that we have our own families I guess we just dont make time.

Around 2 or so we went to Jay's mama and daddy's. We opened gifts there and nibbled on a few more things. Gosh the eating we did that day... Way to much. So around 5 or so we headed back to my mama and daddy's house to open gifts there. Wesley asked if we had to eat before we opened gifts. Did he catch on quick or what? Jay then took the boys down to my brothers house. He just lives behind us, not far at all. Of course none of us live that far apart. The boys got Santa down there and then well, I guess they were done for the night. Boy!!! Phew!!! All that running. I was ready for the bed and so were the kids.

So now that Christmas has come and gone, I guess it's time to start for next year. Im gonna try to do better about buying things. Only thing with that is, I'll probably forget what I did with them come Christmas time... giggle...

I hope everyone has a great evening... Hugs.

The Night Before Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Christmas Lights

We went Saturday night to see the lights. Well I say the lights... there is a man in Casville about 20 mins from us who puts these lights up every year. Yep, he takes them down and puts them up every year. What a job that must be. He has a circle driveway, and folks can either walk through or drive through. We like to walk through, because he has all these little cabins set up with holiday decorations inside each one. I love going over there. We had a great time and Wesley was sooo excited. Josh, not so much. But even though it drizzled on us a little we still ventured out into the cold. I hope you enjoy the slideshow.



Christmas Lights

Tonight's Christmas Party

I can not believe there are only 12 days until Christmas. Tonight we are having our Christmas party for the boys. I think I posted a little about this in an earlier post. I have busied myself with getting the house ready and the baking is done.

I made a cinnamon cake that is just yummy. All I have to do is put the icing on it. I also found this recipe for pecan bars. Well I dont know if they will get served or not. They dont have much taste to them and they turned out kinda flat. Nothing like the picture in the book. We'll have to see about putting those out.

I have my dip ready and I also have a block of cream cheese and chow chow ready to go. I asked my Mama to pick up a meat tray. I am afraid that I have to many sweet things and not enough meat.. You know stick to the rib type things.

Wesley is all excited. He got up this morning wanting to know when the party started. I told him he would have to eat breakfast and then lunch and then it would be just about time. He said he didnt want anything to eat, he was gonna wait til the party. Well, he ate a little breakfast.



This is how he has looked all morning. All eager to see what's goin on and being made. It's so wonderful to have little ones at Christmas. The excitement and curiosity they have. Makes me wish I were a kid again.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Until next time.

Decorate a Tree

I got this in an email this morning, so I thought I would share it with all my blog friends... Decorate a Tree. Just click the link.

http://llerrah.com/decoratetree.htm

and here's another one:

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ER13610552

Is It a Sign of Snow?????

Growing up I have always been told that when the birds gather like this, that means it's gonna snow. Well, I dont know about it snowin' but I do know it's supposed to rain. We are having some crazy weather. On Monday it was soooo coooold, I was all bundled up with my scarf and gloves. Today is different all together, we are at 66 degrees now. Gosh, might have to pull out the shorts... Just kiddin'!!

I know also when I was little my Papa use to say that it was gonna snow when he could here the train comin' through loud and clear.. Now we are at least a good 10 miles from the nearest train track. I heard it yesterday morning, soundin' like it was comin' through the house. Well, I dont know about that either. I guess we will have to wait and see. But I fear it's only gonna be rain.

What are some things y'all look for as a sign of snow?? I would like to know what others look for. I think this could be fun. Oh, and I forgot to mention the thunderstorms. They say if it we have thunderstorms during the winter months 10 days later it will snow.

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is my Daddy's birthday. I just want to wish him a happy day. My brother and mama all went in together and bought him a Kitchen Aid Mixer which we gave to him on Sunday. I took pictures, but I didnt have the disk in my camera and I dont know how to get the images from my camera to my computer. That stinks... He was happy with his gift though.

Happy Birthday Daddy, We love ya....

Passing It On!!

Just having some Holiday Fun

I hope this will work. You will need to scroll to the bottom and pause my playlist, so they are not playing at the same time. Thanks for peekin...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Still A Kid at Heart

As I scramble around this house doing this and that, I got to thinkin'! When I was younger it seemed that Christmas would never get here. Now the years just seem to fly by. I can remember the feelin of excitement knowing that Santa was on his way! Now it's just rush rush rush. I know how my parents must have felt.

The reason I am thinkin about all of this is because Josh and I were watching one of the many Christmas movies we have, and I asked him. "Josh in the back of your mind do you think that Maybe, just maybe there is a magical Santaland?" Being 14 his answer was NO, mama. That makes me sad. I know that he stopped believing a loooong time ago. I am still at kid at heart though. I think maybe, just maybe there is a magical place with little elves and a whole town of magical little folks that are happy and cheery all the time.




I am so lookin forward to Christmas. I still have Wesley who is 4 and there is still the magic of Christmas in his eyes. The waiting and waiting a whole year for Santa, thinking that it will never come. Then my mind will switch gears and think about all the cleaning and having the house look like a tornado hit. But that's what it's all about, Right?

It's funny how so much changes though. The Christmas plays at school and church. My kids just dont want to be part of those things. When I was growing up, that was all the excitement too. I guess little boys are different?

It is amazing how much things change. I can remember writing letters to Santa and waiting for him to send a letter back. I use to do that with Josh and still with Wesley. I will continue until he gets to the point that he dont believe.

We still have the rush rush at Christmas. Rushing from this house to that house. You know it kinda takes the fun out of Christmas, but the kids dont seem to mind. Why do the holidays have to be so rushed... All the hustle and bustle?

Whatever your plans are for this Chirstmas season, I wish you all safe travels. I hope that your Christmas is filled with all the magic of the holidays.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Holiday Movie Addict.....

Yes I admit it. My name is Tammy and I am a Holiday Movie addict. Giggle.

I just wanted to share some clips from a few of my favorite movies.




This one has a couple of words that some may not want to hear.









I know that most people cant stand A Christmas Story, but it is my all time favorite. Why I dont know! Giggle. Christmas Vacation coming in second. I love them all though. From Clark W. Griswold and his holiday lights right down to Zu Zu pedals. I cant help it.

So what are some of your favorite Holiday movies?

We're Home!!!

First I want to say that Friday was my Nannie's birthday. I didnt forget, I called her Friday morning before we left to wish her a Happy Birthday. She is 80 years old. I Love You Nannie...

Well as most of y'all know we left Friday morning for the beach. And not only was that the excitment for the morning, but we also woke up to a dusting of snow.. How cool is that. We hardly ever get snow and when we do this is about all we get.




So off we go to the beach. We had a very good day to travel. The sky was blue and the air was crisp. I love the drive down, so many little towns and interesting things to see. My most favorite thing to see is the cotton fields. Fields and fields of cotton.




We went through the big attraction of South of the Border. Lots of things to do there too, but it was too cold to stop and enjoy anything.



So Friday we made it down safe and sound. It was bone chillin' cold though. The wind would just rip right through ya. Here is the waterway there in Conway. Not much longer now..








After ariving at the hotel, Wesley would not take a nap. He was just too excited to sleep. We headed over to Broadway @ the Beach for a little store hopping, and some good eatin'! We shopped around for a little while then we headed over to Margaritaville for whatelse, but a Chesseburger in Paradise.






Here is my little parrot head.. Aint he a cutie?




Here's my other parrot head, but he wouldnt wear the mask.. I cant imagin why!!




The only thing I didnt have was the cold draft beer.. Giggle... I have somemore pics of the resturant in my slideshow. So be sure to check it out.

So while we were waiting for our food to come, we were entertained by It's 5 o'clock somewhere. The huge hurricane in the ceiling starts spinning and well, if you want you can just watch the video. I hope it will play for y'all.




Saturday was a little warmer and that was a day full of shopping and eating as well. Before we did all of that we took Wesley down to the beach to look for sea shells. He had a ball.



Mama and Daddy love to hit the resutrants. Which I dont mind that either. I love good food. We went to Tanger Outlet on 17 in Myrtle Beach and I got right much of my shoppin for Wesley done there. After we caught a nap we ate supper at Capt. Benjamin's Calabash resturant. Let me just say this..... There was no way I could eat $27.00 worth of food. That's how much the plates were. $26.95 a person. All you can eat buffet. It was good, but we filled up fast. After that we went over to Myrtle Beach Mall and I got a much needed haircut, and shopped at Bass Pro Shop. We tried to get Wesley to talk to Santa, but NO way he said...

Sunday was more shopping. We hit Tanger Outlet on 501, I didnt buy anything there. I was pretty much done on Saturday. We ate supper at Johnny Rockets. Its set as a 1950 diner with the jukeboxes there on the table. It was very good too.




We then headed back out into the cold to see the Christmas lights and enjoy some Christmas music. All in all we had a wonderful time. I sure did need the time away from home. But I am soooo glad to be back. There is NO place like home!!

We laughed while we were there. My mama is not one to have her picture taken. We talked abou how she is like that neighbor from that TV show Home Improvents. I think his name is Wilson. You know they never show his face, all you ever see is his eyes. So mama because you are not a "team player" - giggle this is for you... Daddy he plays right along. Thank you Daddy...



Thank you Mama and Daddy for letting us tag along with y'all. We had a wonderful time..

Ok, here's the slideshow.. Thanks for peekin'.

It's Monday!!

I guess I could say Monday is just about over. I have the day off tomorrow, Thank goodness. I am sooo tired. We had a very busy weekend.

As most of you know my brother got married on Saturday. Oh it was a beautiful wedding. Desiree was soooo beautiful and my brother Timmy was very handsome. Wesley and Josh were in the wedding as well and they were lookin very sharp as well.

The ceremony was a candlelit ceremony. They did the joining of the two families with sand. This is something I have never seen before. First the parents of both the bride and groom put sand in as a symbol of the two families joining together. Then Timmy and Desiree added sand as a symbol of the two of them becoming one. It was very interesting to see this being done.

Everyone was just beautiful. From the Bride all the way down to the ring barer. Which by the way was Wesley. Desiree had told me the night of the rehearsal to just let him do what he felt he needed to do. That way she knew that I was NOT stressing about he was behaving. I have to say that he did really good. Well until like the last five minutes of the ceremony. That is when he announced to the whole church that he had to go to the bathroom. OOOh, I could have died. The congergation got a giggle out of it. After returning from the bathroom, he went right back up there just like nothing had even happened. I guess you cant get too much more natural than that right?

Wesley James Clark

It was 4 years ago today that my sweet Wesely came into the world. It is sooo hard to believe that he is already 4 years and will start school in 2 years. Why does time have to go by so fast?

So today we got pancakes for breakfast. Then my Mama and Daddy came up, Daddy had baked Wes a cake. Sadly they tore into that cake before I could get a pic. Can you believe that? Cake before 9 am.

Jay (hubby) has taken him up to his parents for more cake and icecream. He will be so wired today it will be hard to do anything with him. Giggle.

Anyway, so our plans are to have supper at Rock Ola and then back home for more cake I guess. Y'all come on over and get some cake cause I know we will have it up to our eyeballs.

I thought I would share a pic of Wesley on the day he was born and then now. I hope y'all dont get tired of seein my kids. They mean the world to me.




This is big brother Josh and the nurse, she was such a good nurse.




Wasnt he a porker? Weighing in at a whoppin' 8 lbs 5.3 ozs.

Sorry the pic are the way they are. I had to scan them.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you my sweet Wesley. I Love You!!

One of the Handsome fellas in my life

As y'all know my brother is gettin' married. So we took Wesley to be fitted for his tux. He is the cutest little guy. He picked out what he wanted too. Desiree said it was ok for him to have his tux the way he wanted. So his tux will have the little hanky in the pocket and his flower on his lapel. Wesley wanted to look just like the display they had. I cant wait to see'em allll dressed up. Here are a few pics.













He is sooo cute, and just because he's mine either. LOL

Annual Harvest Festival

We had our annual Harvest Festival this weekend at our church. It has been one busy weekend. Our church has done this festival for over 50 years now. My Daddy remembers helping out when he was a kid. So we have been doing this for some time now.

I can remember waiting to turn 10 years old so I could stay and help with the stirring and serving the sodas and taking food orders. Now they just let them all in the kitchen, which I dont like cause little kids could really get hurt back there. Lots of HOT food and liquids. But oh well no one got hurt so that's a plus.

The cookin started on Thursday, with the cookin of the B-B-Q. Let me tell ya, this is the best B-B-Q you will ever eat. Thursday evening was time to chop. I dont really like this job, but you can get alot of your frustrations out on that poor pig. LOL.

Friday night we had lots to do that night. Peelin potatoes, onions. Not fun jobs either, but we made it through. People just dont know the work that goes into these kind of events. We made 300 gallons of stew. And Im not sure how many pounds of potatoes and onions there are, I just know that there are too many. LOL

Here are some of the potato peelers.


Here is Karen and Peggy washing and eyeing the potatoes




I stayed until about midnight on Saturday morning then had to be back at the church by 9 am to get things going there. I am the french fryer. LOL. Handed down from my Nannie. She made french fries for years. So she finally passed it on to her daugther and myself. Saturday was just a day of good fellowship and eating. I didnt get any pics of Saturday, I was gettin' my deep oil treatment and suntan from the hot lamps that we keep the fries warm with. LOL. But here a few pics I snapped on Friday night.


Ronnie and myself were on this pot. I snapped a pic of him and the other guy there is Jackie.



Here is my son Josh. He's workin hard. Can you tell what he's workin hard at??? TALKIN' LOL




This is my Nannie, she is busy workin' on the craft table.




Here are the money takers. That's my aunt Kay and Mr. Powell and Jack




We had a pretty good day. Thank y'all for takin a peek.