Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Our family sure did.
Just a few pretty desserts on our Thanksgiving table. We had so many desserts and as always lots of good food. With a family of over 50 in attendance you better have lots to eat huh?
My husband says every year that Thanksgiving is his most special time of the year. His reasoning; No one seems to be in a hurry. Everyone actually takes the time to visit. No one expects something from you. And....the food is GOOD!
We also celebrated this granddaughter's 10th birthday. She is now DOUBLE DIGITS!
We also celebrated with these two grands for harvesting two nice bucks. My granddaughter Mallory and grandson Conner showed up the adults with their deer hunting skills. In one of the pictures is their great-grandfather AKA 2-Pa and of course the other picture is with their Papa Marty. Memories made that day in the beautiful outdoors.
I went shopping on Black Friday. Let me go ahead and tell you that I am not your knock each other down, stab, poke and pull Black Friday shopper. NONE of that mess is worth the savings of $5. But, I enjoy the company of my girl's and of course the best part is eating out! LOL! I was one tired Nana time I got back home.
Most of my Christmas is up now with exception of a tree and I decided this year I wanted one of those pretty skinny tree's AKA as the pencil tree. It is being shipped to me and will be up soon. My oldest grandgirl Raygen spent a whole day with me and helped me with the Christmas decor. So glad because it seems that it takes me all day to do what it used to take me only a few hours to do! DANG getting old ain't for sissy's!
Just a touch of red added to my blue and white dishes and it works for me.
My new snowflake little plates are the cutest. I bought them after Christmas last year while on clearance. So glad I didn't forget I had them. LOL! Hoping to do a tablescape post next week maybe.
Don't you just love my new apron? A Christmas gift from my friend Vicky. I love me some Hallmark movies. Especially if I have a cup of coffee in one hand and a cookie in the other! LOL!
As the Christmas season has already begun in full swing may we remember to slow down and enjoy the moments. So many distractions are upon us it seems. Speaking of Hallmark movies I was watching one the other night and this one scene grabbed at my heart.
The Senior adult lady had her tiny little 2 foot table tree sitting in the middle of her dining table. The neighbor was visiting with her and over a cup of tea she says to the lady, "Where is your Christmas tree and your decorations? We must put you up some Christmas decoration". The older lady said as she looked at her tree on the dining room table, "This is my Christmas tree and decoration". There's pictures of my children, grandchildren, family and friends."
(not worded exactly like the movie but you get the message)
The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ and that my friends is reason to celebrate. But, the whole essence of the story was that our children, grandchildren, family and friends should not be put on the back burner while we get carried away with all the hoopdala of Christmas. We should remember what is most important and besides Jesus Christ, it is spending time with our loved ones and friends. Life is short. Life is precious. And let us not forget that the greatest gift did not come in a box, but a manger.
Have a sweet week.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Rolling laughter in the "double digits"😊Happy Birthday sweet girl. So many lovely things in this post, all those desserts, smiles. Thank you Cindy for the many, many smiles. You sure are the Epitome of joy.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for dropping by. Yes, that sweet girl is double digits.
DeleteThose desserts look so pretty, Cindy. I can tell you all had a great Thanksgiving celebration. Wow! You got a big family! My son will be jealous if he saw the buks your grands got.....Christine
ReplyDeleteI didn't make any of those desserts but I thought they were photo worthy. I am so proud of my grands on their harvest.
DeleteThose desserts for Thanksgiving are fancy, girl! Glad your family enjoyed the holiday and you granddaughter's birthday. I agree with your message that it's not only about the decorations but embracing our family members in love and remembering our Savior's birth. Looking forward to seeing that skinny tree! Love & hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet Mary. Those desserts are fancy indeed. Wish I could take the credit for making them. LOL! Yes, Christmas decor is so much more!
DeleteHi Cindy, Love this post. Great looking family. I know what you mean about that being your heart. :) I think your apron is perfect too. :) Blessings to all of you, xoxo, Susie
ReplyDeleteThank you Susie. I love my apron. Especially because a dear friend made it for me.
DeleteHello Sweet Friend,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to stop by here and do a bit of catching up...loved this post and the previous one! Your family is always a blessing to me as I see some of the fun times that you have. Happy Belated Birthday to your 10 year old granddaughter. And a high five to your 13 year old granddaughter who made that delicious looking pie!
I have to ask about the "rose" made from apple slices. Did you do that one? It is absolutely gorgeous!
Have a wonderful remainder to your week. xx
No I did not make the apple pie. One of my nieces did and she done an awesome job on it. It was so pretty I didn't want her to cut it!
DeleteWhat a beautiful family you have, Cindy. It kinds of gives you a little 'gulp' when they turn double digits, doesn't it? It looks like you all had a wonderful get-together. That is a sweet story about the lady and the little table top tree. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThank you Diana for coming by to visit. Yes, my heart is full and overwhelming with the grands and when that double digit arrives it makes you stop and think about how fast time is going.
DeleteWhat a precious post this is, Cindy. Family is so important. My tree is up... but not decorated. I just enjoy the lights. I'll get to it the next few days. Obviously, I've really slowed down. 😁 Glad you had a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb. I love the lights. I love to sit in the living room with only the lights and sip on coffee! LOL!
DeleteFamily and friends are the best thing ever! Glad you had a nice time with yours! Those snowflake plates are so unique. Having to eat gluten free kind of takes the joy out of baking for me. I love watching the Hallmark Movies, especially the Christmas ones! I am not a black friday shopper either but understand where you are coming from wanting to be with your girls! Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, the truth is I would rather stay home on Black Friday. LOL! But, I love spending time with the girls. Besides, they may need me to tell them what to buy me for Christmas! LOL!
DeleteThanks for sharing your memories with us! I'll be doing our Christmas decorations this weekend, looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Can't wait for my skinny tree to come in so I can get it decorated.
DeleteWhat a sweet post, Cindy! I loved seeing all your family pics, and then onto Christmas. I love your new apron! It looks adorable on you and so fitting for the season. I love me some Hallmark movies, too. Yes, we must remember the reason for the season....Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! "Life is short. Life is precious", are good reminders to make the most of our family and friends, in making memories. Love and hugs to you, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kitty. I love the apron too! Our pastor had an awesome message on Sunday about what is most important. I loved it! Family and friends make my holiday complete.
DeleteYou look fabulous! Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving! I agree with your hubby! That apron is awesome! Sounds good to me. We are mostly decorated. I just have to get one more bin down for my winter wonderland displays. :) I can't wait to see your skinny tree!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I figured you had everything done by now!LOL! You are so good at getting things done. I used to be! Just wait girl til you get a little age on ya! LOL!
DeleteOh, how true, sweet friend! He surely is the reason for the season, and the time we are blessed to spend with our family and loved ones is so precious. That sounds like a very sweet scene in the Hallmark movie. It looks like you had an amazing time with your dear family on Thanksgiving, and the food sure looked yummy! We got our Christmas decor all up, and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here, too! I am so thankful that God allowed us all to live to see another beautiful Christmas season! So thankful to visit with you today and to know you and walk this blogging journey with you! God bless you with much peace, joy, and health during this most wonderful time of the year!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, you are precious!
DeleteBeautiful family. Looks like all had a great time. Loving the apron. I never used one while in the kitchen until a few yrs ago when I got one from a friend that her sister made. I love them now. Yours is so cute! Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI used to never wear aprons either Pam. And truthfully I don't a whole lot. But if I am in the baking mood I put me an apron on and go with it. I love my new one. You are so sweet.
DeleteSo good to hear you had a great Thanksgiving, I agree with your hubby, it's a day when we all slow down and enjoy the company of family and friends. I love your apron....it says it all !!
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Mary. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Yes, my man loves Thanksgiving.
DeleteI sure do understand the putting up Christmas decorations, taking all day, now!
ReplyDeleteI giggled all through your post!
So glad you got a laugh Christine. I can't wait to see your decorations.
DeleteYour Thanksgiving desserts made me hungry. I'm glad that you had wonderful holiday celebration with your family. I don't do well in crowds so I tend to avoid the Black Friday and Boxing Day sales. Is your skinny tree one of those "pop-up" trees? It took me HOURS to put up my tree, but it was totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteBoxing day sales cracked me up Margie! This tree has three parts so the description says. It hasn't come in yet. I have been wanting a skinny tree for a couple of years and finally decided to get one. I will see how I like it for sure. If not, I'll grab my big one back out. Just gave one of my big ones to one of my daughters. Well, I told her I would loan it to her! LOL!
DeleteSo much love in all your posts! I love your apron....so cute!! Oh boy, I have to downsize my decorating. It takes me 2 weeks! I have to undecorate to decorate.
ReplyDeleteI love my apron too. It was an early Christmas present from a dear friend. I have downsized in decorating for Christmas over the years Ann Marie. When I have the time I have no energy and vise versa. LOL!
DeleteBeautiful post! Your family is precious, you are blessed.
ReplyDeleteThat dessert table is awesome! Look at that gorgeous pie, should be in a magazine.
So much to be thankful for and now as we head into the Christmas season may we continue in our days with a heart of gratitude for our Saviors birth.
Blessings~
Thanks Debbie. My niece Katie made that beautiful pie. It was picture worthy for sure. Yes, a heart of gratitude for sure for our Lord.
DeleteYour dear family and adorable you are a testimony to the goodness of God and the love of family!
ReplyDeleteBlessings dear lady,
Jemma
Thanks Jemma. I hope you have a wonderful day.
DeleteSuch a blessed Thanksgiving you had - 50 people, wow that is a lot of people to feed! Gorgeous desserts, love the banana cake, that looks over-the-top delicious! Such sweet pictures of all your grandkids, and love the handsome bucks your grands got! It is a lot of work to put up Christmas decor, glad you had a sweet helper! It is hard to believe December is just a day away! Where has November gone to? Many hugs to you today :)
ReplyDeleteTime seems to go by quickly. Here it is almost December! Yes, I did have a good helper and so thankful. The grands was excited about their bucks. The granddaughter actually made it in the Georgia Outdoors newsletter with her story and picture. We all pitch in with preparing the Thanksgiving meal and that is a blessings especially when have so many to eat. The more the merrier!
DeleteI showed Bob the kids pictures with the bucks. WOW was his exact words. LOL! Love that apron! It is so fitting for you since you love the Hallmark movies so much. Annie bought those same snowflake plates last year. Double digits, that's cute and she is a cutie.
ReplyDeleteConnie Royals
The kids was proud of their bucks for sure. I love the little snowflake plates. What I loved the most was catching them after Christmas last year on the clearance rack! LOL!
DeleteHi Cindy! You look so much like your girls, and you look so young too! (Love your boots :) ) There's just nothing like family, and what a blessing that yours wants to be together and gets along so well.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and daughter did the Black Friday thing. They've been doing that for years. My SIL and I stayed back with the four little ones, so I was a tired Nana too! Congrats on turning the corner to Christmas already. I haven't quite made the leap yet, but I did check out my Christmas Card stash, so I know I'll get there soon.
Have a restful Wednesday my friend,
Ceil
Awe thank you Ceil. Girl I started my family at age 20 so I was young then! LOL! I bet that you was one tired Nana. I know now why I had my children young. LOL!
DeleteAmen and amen! The desserts have me drooling. So many sweet pictures in this post...looks like you have some deer hunters! Cindy, it is really hard to pick out the mother in that picture with your daughters...your family is beautiful! Blessings~
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. You are too sweet!
DeleteWhat a sweet post, Cindy...your Thanksgiving sounded wonderful and I enjoyed your family photos...your girls are so beautiful, just like their mama! I wish I could say that I had my decorating done but that's what I'll be doing this weekend since NEXT weekend we are having Christmas with the TN bunch. I am sometimes guilty of letting the stress of it all overwhelm me so I have to deliberately get off with the Lord, take a deep breath and just as you said, remember why we're celebrating! Enjoy your Thursday and the rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteAwe, I know you are excited about having Christmas with your TN family. Debby, I don't nearly what I used to do when it comes to seasonal decorating. Mercy, I can remember my granny getting to s point that she really didn't care if a tree was put up as long as she had her little green ceramic tree. Of course we could not stand it so a tree always went up as long as she lived at home and the short 8 months that she lived in a nursing facility we still had her a little tree. I guess that is one decor I will always need along with my nativity set. Happy Day to you dear friend.
DeleteThe first thing I thought when I opened up your blog is, "That cake has cookies on it! Neat!" lol I live in such a bubble. Great job on the deer! My boys (and man) have all been out. My oldest got a squirrel and a rabbit so far, but no deer. I'm really ready for some back strap!
ReplyDeleteI just love seeing your family photos. Though I don't know any of you, the joy on your faces makes ME feel joy! Great post! :)
Thank you so much. I am ready for some good old back strap too if I can stay home long enough to cook it! LOL!
DeleteA lovely post and a lovely family! My goodness - was that an apple pie that looks like a giant flower? Love the hunting pics - I'm a HUGE fan of venison (although I personally could never kill one - I leave that to my dad and brother haha!)
ReplyDeleteWe love deer meat as well and I cook it every way you can imagine Lauren.
DeleteHi Cindy, what a joy to read this post. That is a very large family. The desserts look amazing. You look so cute in your apron. Happy holidays to you and yours. xo
ReplyDelete