Christmas Day 2008

Christmas Day 2008 started off like every Christmas day since Russell and I have been married. We have a tradition.....Russell cooks a big breakfast of bacon, sausage, pancakes and anything else you request. Each year the number of breakfast eaters is different. This year, we lost Russell's daddy and his mother is spending the holidays in North Carolina with Russell's sister. Two of our boys and a daughter in law are in Minnesota having a snowy Christmas! One son is in California along with our grandchildren. This year it was mama, son David and the two of us; a small crowd. The breakfast was wonderful and we were wondering how we would ever eat a huge lunch! But, we do love to eat.

Mama rested while David opened his presents.




I cooked my casseroles while Russell sliced smoked turkey. Then later in the afternoon, it was off to my brother's home where we all gather for our annual Christmas day celebration.



Some can be found in a corner reading.......


or playing electronics.......



My brother, the host, with two of his many grandchildren........



A little piano playing to set the mood...........



The matriarch and two grandchildren.........




Another brother and his wife who are particularly happy this Christmas because they are getting a daughter in law!

Lots and lots of cousins playing.......in the warm, humid Florida weather.......notice shorts and no shoes!

My sister in law, also the hostess, with two of her grandchildren and my sister.

ONE of the dessert tables.............did I mention our family can put down some chow!? .....

SOME of the food......I mentioned we love to eat didn't I??? .........

Brother in laws solving the problems of the world.......

Oh, it's gift time! Does the word chaos seem to fit here? ............................

My brother and sister in law's best Christmas present.....the fiance!..........she is such a great addition to our family!...............

I did say we like to eat didn't I???.........Cousins around the table.......

Sisters....................

Mama with all her children.........The younger brothers on the left aren't unhappy, they just don't smile much! The start of this big family!.......

Grandson and Grandma........................ there are many, many more grandchildren, I just couldn't put all the pictures here!!!

The best gift of all.......from Grandma to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please click on the picture to enlarge and read. The rocking horse mama is sitting on now sits under the carport at my brother's. It was a gift that year to a grandchild who is now all grown up.

A gift of love.