Christmas 2013

This year our Artificial tree that I have had for more years that I probably realize lost some sections of lights.  So because of that plus the fact that I waited much later than I normally do to put a tree up, I decided to use the artificial one for Cornerstone Kids to decorate and get us a real tree this year.  So we headed out to Maries Trees and chose one I liked and brought it home.  

 I decorated it up and was pretty pleased.

While the boys were both in one weekend we took advantage of it and had them help us get outside lights up.  They were so great to help.   (OH how my house needs painting)

Christmas Eve we did a little Cajun Christmas thing.  It was just little presents.  I bought them all and the whole thing was a surprise to all involved.  It was a hit though and we plan on doing this again next year too.  We had gifts like a razor.  Todd stole that from Mickey and he hasn’t let anyone forget it.  There was a box of chocolates.  Charlie ended up with that.  There was a bag of Rolos and a few other things like that.  There was a canister of mixed nuts which Avery ended up with.  That happened to be the “surprise” Grand Prize because there was a $5 bill hidden underneath the lid!  Turns out though that the prize Josh ended with was more of the Grand Prize.  It was UNO cards!  We played UNO I don’t know how many times after Christmas until he went back to school yesterday.  I was joking the other day that with the cool weather we have turned our outdoor activities from croquet to indoor UNO!  We even got Todd to play a good bit.  He hates games! :(       But he has fun once he lets himself play.  :)

We still have Christmas all together on Christmas morning.  Yes, Casey hauls all of their stuff from Monroe to our house. The boys bunk in together and we have a blow up mattress too.   My little living room needs to be stretched for sure.  But it is fun.  This year Mawmaw was with us.  You know, the more the merrier! 

 
 I was pretty excited about this gift I got for Mawmaw.  I asked her to give me a couple of Pawpaws shirts.  She never asked why.  I was glad she didnt.  She gave me two T-shirts.  I had them made into these memory bears.  The lady who did them did an AWESOME job.  They had a "B" for Bill on the chest and a sweet little poem attached that made us cry.  The red one was for her and in this picture she is looking at the one we had done for Avery.  These bears are so great.  If you need one, contact Southern Designs.

Todd is opening his Tool Chest here.  Mawmaw is in the background still holding on to that bear.      :)

 Mark liked his watch.  He asked for a watch.  However it was on a LONG list of tons of other things he asked for.  Funny thing about this is that one evening Paige sent me a text telling me that she had gotten Mark a watch and hoped I hadnt, or something like that.  I texted her back "Too Late!"  Yes I already had gotten him a watch.  Funny thing is...  She sent me a picture of the watch she had gotten him.  ---  The EXACT SAME WATCH.  Not kidding.  Out of all the things he asked for, Not only did we get him the same thing, it was the exact same watch!  Craaazy!  She ended up returning hers and getting him something else which I was thankful for.  He loved his watch, AND what she got him too! :)

Todd got me this beautiful and sooooooooooooo comfortable chair.  Mawmaw is enjoying its comfort here. Todd did GOOD!  AND he completely surprised me.  He picked it out himself.  That was pretty brave!  It is perfect! I had no idea!  So neat to be totally surprised. 

This is Averys bear made of Pawpaws LSU T-shirt.

 Here Avery is trying out her new skates!

 Todd got right to work on getting his tool box all put together and in place!

Oh I love his smile!

He was smiling, and so were the rest of us.  It was a great Christmas.