The stockings were hung. Well, actually they were propped.
The stocking loot has always been very important in this family. There's some good stuff in those socks. And, no one is forgotten. Everyone has a stocking. Pictured here from left to right are stockings for Annie, the kitty cats, Ashley, and Taylor. Taylor and Brian have stockings that I knit back in the 1980's. They love them because they stretch and can hold a ton of surprises.
The tree and presents were ready.
The kitchen was clean (truly a miracle) and decorated. The candle holder is from Pier One -- four little wire nests that hold tea light candles. I love anything with nests or birds. I filled in around the bottom with boxwood, magnolia, and Nadina. Again, I love all the greenery that grows in my yard and will really miss it all if/when we move.
The family was all here --- Taylor and Ashley, Brian and Eryn arrived late Christmas Eve, and Mom and Dad joined us Christmas morning. There were also four dogs - Taylor's Gracie pup, Brian and Eryn's Darby and Bailey, and Mom and Dad's Lily. My kitties were SO glad when the canines left later in the day.
Everyone was dressed in his/her holiday finery. Darby (right) and Bailey (left) showed off their Christmas T-shirts. And, Lily was such a doggie diva in her red sweater.
After a brunch of breakfast casserole, grits, mixed fruit, cranberry and zucchini breads, the present opening began.
There were gift cards, a smoker, a Bodom
French press, suet cakes, a hooked rug, a fishing rod, earrings, music CDs, books, more gift cards, a set of pots and pans, etc. It was great fun and over quickly.
The bulk of the gifts I gave were gift cards. I love me some gift cards! I was the lucky recipient of ones from The Yarn Lounge in Richmond and Knit Picks. Can hardly wait to shop with them!! Andy and I will also enjoy free meals out at Red Lobster, Cracker Barrell, and Subway courtesy of one of our neighbors and Taylor.
Eryn and Brian are pictured here showing the rug Mom hooked for them. It is based on a Fraktur design and shows their wedding date.
The festivities ended and a calm settled over the house. There was even some holiday snoozing.
It was great having everyone here. It was also great having the bathroom finished upstairs for the kids to use. They all pronounced it "awesome".
It was a thoughtful day - wondering where we'll be next Christmas. Here or in a new home in Ohio? We'll have to wait and see how it all shakes out. In the picture to the left -- Brian, Eyrn, Taylor, Ashley, Mom, and Daddy.
I realized that I haven't pictured knitting on the blog for the past several posts. I have been working on two Christmas gifts - socks and a scarf. I didn't finish either project. I'm still working on them and hopefully will finish them soon. Here are the socks - in progress out of Reynold's Swizzle.
The boys had a blast - Taylor, especially - going through all their toys and games. Now, Andy and I are left with the task to sort what's left into keepable piles and Goodwill piles. We need to repack the stuff Taylor wants to keep and what we want to keep. Even though we have a lot more to do, I believe we've made a dent.
Throughout everything, the snowmen maintain their smiling faces. I love them for it! They're always so cheery and make me smile no matter how harried life gets.
Hope each of you had a fantastic yesterday.
Now, sit back and relax!
Happy holidays to you!
Posted by: tiennie | December 29, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Wishing you a very happy New Year with lots of joy and surprises and good things. You look like you had a wonderful Christmas :)
Posted by: mrspao | December 29, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Looks like a fun time was had by all. I'm with Chan...the snoozin' shots are great.
Posted by: Timmie B | December 29, 2008 at 09:06 AM
What a wonderful Christmas you had with all your family around both two legged and 4!
Gee, I hate to think of you moving!
Posted by: KSee | December 27, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Such a lovely Christmas you had. We put nice things in our stocking, too. And I love the knit ones I made because they do, indeed, hold a lot!
Posted by: Jane | December 27, 2008 at 11:51 AM
See, I knew it would be a memorable Christmas!
Posted by: Issy | December 27, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Sounds like you had a wonderful day - and we had some holiday snoozing here as well - just part of the day!
Posted by: Jeanne | December 27, 2008 at 07:34 AM
If there's holiday snoozing, then you know it's been a good Christmas. It looks like it was a fun Christmas.
Posted by: Sydney | December 26, 2008 at 11:09 PM
My favorite picture hands down was "holiday snoozing." It just spoke to me. I have loved the stories of your house - it's what everyone dreams of living in and it's yours! Next year you will live someone different but your family will be the same wonderful people they were this year. Since you have limited choices, celebrate the good part - family. It's the richest thing that we cannot buy.
Posted by: Sharon | December 26, 2008 at 08:15 PM
You had simply a BEAUTIFUL Christmas!
Posted by: Robin in VA | December 26, 2008 at 05:41 PM
What a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for sharing a glimpse with us. Of course, the snoozin' shots are my favorites...
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Chan | December 26, 2008 at 01:58 PM