A Little Bit of Christmas in January!

Wow!  After all the groaning and moaning that I would NEVER complete everything that needed done before Christmas, I was proved wrong.  Thanks to Amazon and several other on-line sites, shopping has become much easier.  Now, if I could only learn to take one day at a time, holidays wouldn't be such a chore  -  they would be filled with angels, gumdrops and child-like wonder!.  So....my New Year's resolution is to slow down and enjoy the day......one moment at a time!  (Seems like I made that same resolution last year - but this time I am determined to stick to it!!) Below you will find pictures of several December "happenings" here at the farm/ranch -- everything from Birthdays to Christmas magic.  I hope your Christmas was as blessed as ours was....

PRE-CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

 At Preschool, the "Little Caboose" lent his foot print to a plate designed especially for Santa's cookies!

 Our fireplace glowed with color....This year was dedicated to the traditional red and green colors.  Next year it might be purple...or pink....or blue.  I have boxes and boxes of different colored Christmas decorations!  Perhaps that  is one reason the Christmas season confuses me so.  Not only do I have to put up the decorations, I have to decide what color to use!  Maybe I need to start all over again and do a white angel tree!  No color confussion there!

Talking about angels, the "Little Caboose" was an angel in a Christmas play at his Preschool.  I have no idea how the teachers managed to keep the two-year-old children from pulling off their "halos"!

 Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a parade.  This year there were tons of lights on the many floats.  

 Children of all ages were mesmerized by the colors and sounds..."The Little Caboose" was no exception.  

 He was even more mesmerized by the candy thrown from the floats.  Whoa!  Come back here!!

 It's always nice to have "help" decorating the tree!  That's the "Little Caboose" hanging up a green train engine.

 According to this two-year-old, a Christmas Tree has to have a star!  So, in keeping with the Christmas star tradition, a glittering gold star was added beneath the bow.
 "Hooray!  I see the star now!"

 A visit from Santa was a must!

Even if Santa did sneak up on the little guy!

 The smells of Christmas filled the house as the "young folks" decorated freshly baked gingerbread cookies.  Yummy!!

Sprinkles were in high demand that day.  

 Licking fingers only added to the pleasure!  Double Yummy!  

THEN CAME DECEMBER 21 - BIG A's 15 BIRTHDAY!!

 At the farm, we gathered to eat cake and celebrate a milestone birthday.  Big A turned 15 years old on Dec. 21 and would be getting his driver's permit the next day!

 Pooh, Meme T and Big A

 Awwww.  Sibling love!

That's me on the right pondering if there would be any leftovers -- hoping there would be but knowing, in my heart of hearts, that not a crumb would remain.   It's just amazing how fast cake and ice cream vanish around here!

 Here we are again in a less blurry picture.  That's JR's feet you see on the left.  That's Papa's G's coffee cup on the left and Meme T's coffee cup on the right.  That's Big A's ice tea in the middle. Since they were so predominantly in this picture, I felt like an explanation was in order.  That beautiful poinsettia on the end table was a gift from a neighbor. The paper on the coffee table needs to be thrown in the trash!!  

For his birthday, "Big A" was allowed to choose a rifle from JR's coveted collection. Drum roll please.......

"Big sister" wanted him to choose the shotgun that had fancy scroll work on it.

 "Little brother" made up his own mind!  Once he makes a decision there is no changing it.

CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE FARM

 Time to distribute gifts......

 It didn't take long for this little guy to get the hang of unwrapping presents.  One, two, three...RIP!

 "Oh wow!  I've been wanting Paw Patrol for at least ten years or more!"

And, so as not to feel left out, and because it was a Christmas wish, Pooh received her very own deer hunting rifle!  JR even had it engraved!!  

After eating way to much in the way of goodies, it was time for some "zumba"!  Time to work off those extra calories......" Ready guys?  Let's GO! One, two, three, KICK!"

 "Look, out the window....it's bird, its a plane, it's Santa Clause!"

LATE CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT- BACK AT MEME T'S AND PAPA G'S HOUSE........

 Sitting around playing cards while waiting on Santa....(Someone should have told them Santa doesn't come until everyone is asleep!)

 "Huh!  That's gonna cost you big time, sis!"  
Tiny "Sugar" had to get in on the action too.  She was waiting to see the flying reindeer.  She's a skeptic when it comes to flying reindeer! 

 Before long, it was time to put on PJ's and prepare the house for Santa's visit.

 But first, there was work to be done outside.......

......like throwing out the "Magic Reindeer Food" for Rudolph and his friends...

 Then it was snuggle up time so Meme T could try out her new camera!

Rolling around on the floor is much better than going to bed! Who needs to sleep anyway?

 Eventually, it was time to get serious and set out cookies and milk for Santa.  HO, HO, HO!

CHRISTMAS MORNING AT MEME T's AND PAPA G's.

 Here we go - opening more presents!

 "Yea!  Cranky the Crane!  

 "Now I can fix all my engines using Cranky the Crane!  Thank You Santa!!"

 Pooh opened presents.....

 Big A opened presents.....

 ....with a little help from "The Little Caboose!"
"You're to slow Uncle A, let me do it!"

 Big A is all set for hunting.  A new rifle, a new gun cabinet, and new camouflage coveralls.  With all the deer Big A and Pooh plan to bring home,  Meme T won't have to buy meat for at least 120 years!!

As we roll into January 2015, I wish everyone a safe, blessed, and Happy New Year!  

My advice for 2015.... A new year means a fresh start, start it right by keeping "God" on your "to do" list everyday!

Dee Dee

A Little Bit of Normal

One warm day a week or two ago, despite all the holiday hustle and bustle, we had a relaxing Sunday afternoon with the "Little Cowboy", Big A, and Little A  (which is a friend of Big A's with the same name and dubbed Little A because he is about a foot shorter than Big A).  Big A took Little A on a tour of the farm and all the best hunting hang outs.  Then Big A decided he wanted Little A to see the old house at the Longhollow Pasture.  Being that they would have to cross a paved road, and being that the "Little Caboose" ( a new nickname for the "Little Cowboy") wanted to go, we all decided to tag along.  Fortunately, the Mule can hold four "adults" and one pint sized person easily.

First, but most important, we had to stock up on drinks, snacks, wipes, diapers and a few ears of corn for Gizmo.  Then we climbed aboard and were ready to go.

Naturally all the "young folks" sat in the back as we headed to the Longhollow pasture.

Gizmo, the donkey, trotted right on over.  The "Little Caboose" grabbed an ear of corn and prepared to throw it to Gizmo.

"There you go, Gizmo!  Eat Up!"

Soon we arrived at the "old homestead", which was once a two story home before the ravages of time took its toll.  JR actually knows a few of the kids, now grown, who grew up in this old cabin.  

Getting ready to explore.  

The "Little Caboose" grabbed JR's "piker-upper" stick and got to work.

There were lots of old bottles and cans just waiting to be found.

JR dug deep and found an old green glass Coca-Cola bottle.  

This is the remains of an old storm cellar that was dug into the side of a hill. To the far left of the picture is where the family gained entrance to the pit during times of severe weather.  Looks a bit to "snaky" for my taste.    

Big A and Little A wandered off for awhile and returned with an old pan full of "treasures".

Having satisfied their curiosity for an hour or more, the guys were ready to head back to the farm and examine in detail all the old bottles, cans, pieces of metal, etc. that they found. The "Little Caboose" was still going strong grabbing everything in sight with his "picker-upper" stick.  

When we arrived back at the farm, Big A showed Little A the new "Man Cave".  This little space brings new meaning to the world of "man caves".  JR says it has all the necessities - a TV, heater, table, and chair.  Really?  All the necessities?  Enough said about that!  

However, I do like the fact that there is a broom standing in the corner of the "man cave".  I am sure it will be swept out on a regular basis - Genies are good about things like that!

I think this little guy prefers the "farm office"  that houses toys and ice cream.  

ME TOO!!

Dee, Dee

Where Did The Turkey Go?

Thanksgiving has come and gone and so has all the leftover turkey and ham!  But it sure was yummy!  Papa G's daughter and her daughter (that would be my step granddaughter and step great granddaughter) joined us which made Thanksgiving extra special this year. I really love when I get in the cooking mood that people come to eat. The next best thing to eating with family is "pigging" out on all the left overs. Here are a few pics from "gain a pound" day.  Actually, it was more like "gain 5 pounds" day!  

 A few of the family sitting around waiting for the turkey and ham to finish baking.  That's the "little cowboy's" security blanket slung over the back of the couch.  Awwww.  One day he will grow up and no longer care about his soft, cuddly blanket (sniff).   

 Those three bandits on the left would NOT stay out of my kitchen!  They kept coming back looking for a handout.  "Shoo!"

 So sweet...brothers and sisters sitting by the fire enjoying a chat......

 ......checking out the latest gossip on the i-phone......

 .....reminiscing about their childhood....(Their childhood?  Aren't they still 1, 7, and 9?  Where has the time gone??)

 .......and fussing at me for taking so many pictures!! "STOP ALREADY!"

Love this picture of Tosh and Pooh!

 Meanwhile, back on the floor......a pre-dinner mess was in the making.....

 "Mess?....What mess?"

 The "young-uns" ate picnic style.  

The men retired to the living room to watch TV.  And the woman folks just kept on eating - seconds, thirds, fourths..!!

Wow...look at all the leftovers!  After sending plates home piled high with dressing, turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pecan pie, banana pudding, etc. there was still plenty left to feed JR and me for several days.  And the best part?  Not having to think about "What's for supper?" 

Love, Dee Dee

  

A Little Bit of Everything.....

Gosh, as I write this I realize it's nearly December. Correction, it IS December.  Here's a little bit of what's been happening on our farm.  It's not in any particular order because November did not present itself in order.  As a matter of fact, November was just one crazy month filled with new calves, doctor visits, basketball start-up, hunting season opening, and Christmas wishes.  Take it from me, be very careful what you wish for .....a "cabin" to me is a get-a-way filled with rustic furniture, downy soft beds, and a refrigerator stocked with pre-made meals.  However, I have learned that a "cabin" can have a whole different meaning when men rule........

I really love to hop on the Mule and ride with JR across the pastures looking for newborn calves.

Here comes a newborn with his mama.  So sweet!

Remember the cabin I was wishing for?  Well......here is a hunter's version of the perfect get-a-way.

There goes Big A up the steps to the "cabin" to wile away the hours looking for deer.  As for me - I am still waiting for a cabin worthy of being in "Southern Living"!  But, to give the "cabin" credit, the view from the top is terrific.  Not that I have made the trek up those creaky steps yet, but somehow I just know the view is terrific!  And one brave morning I will see for myself!! 

Some November days were warm and sunny.  Time for the "little cowboy" to head to the sand pile, kick off his shoes and socks, and dig in the dirt!

Building "sand castles" reminds me of summer.  I really, really wish it was summer time!!

The end of October brought lots of HALLOWEEN FUN ...... painting pumpkins...

......scooping out the seeds.....

.......and bowling at a school carnival!

Big A, on the left, coached a Kindergarten basketball team during a fund raiser to kick off the basketball season...

There they go...ready to do battle with the opposing team...

"Wait!  Turn around! Dribble the ball that-a-way guys!"

So much fun for the little kids!!

Then the real competition started.  That's Big A getting ready to make a free shot.

Up Up and Away!...and it's in!....

Of course, the little cowboy had to have a shot at the goal too!

More fall carnival fun at Meme T's school.......the "little cowboy" painting a "lamb" with shaving cream...

....then visited the baby animals with Pooh.

Back at my elementary school, we had a contest to see which class could bring in the most BoxTop coupons.

The class bringing in the most BoxTops got to throw water balloons at two brave teachers.  These two teachers are just awesome and such good sports!!

Of course, there was still work to do around the farm.  Here you see JR and Big A repairing a fence and running cable wire to the "MAN CAVE".  (More on that another day.)

On another sunny, warm day, I took the "little cowboy" to the playground.

It wasn't long before he made friends with a cute three-year-old girl.  Look at the difference in their height!  And the "little cowboy" is only two-years-old. I have a feeling he will be six feet tall in no time!   Just like his Uncle A.

The kids had fun going up and down the slides.......

........and crawling through the tunnel!

In keeping with the Leader-in-Me theme at school, I decorated my door in, none other, than Thomas the Tank Engine.....The Helpful Engine!!  So what if it took me since September to complete it? Actually, it's not completed as I am planning on adding smoke coming from the smoke stack, a sun, and maybe some seasonal odds and ends.  I also plan on adding train signals and various signs.  And if I am lucky I will complete it all by Easter!!  I seem to have a short supply of "time"!!

Well, that was October and November in a "nutshell".  Thanksgiving has come and gone (hopefully I will post those pics soon), and we are all gearing up for Christmas!  Love, love, love to celebrate the Birth of Christ!  Let's all slow down and enjoy the meaning of the season!

Dee Dee