Hi Everyone! I’m back from my Christmas travels to my daughter Julie’s house….and what a wonderful time we had. From the time Jory and Jesse picked Jenna and I up from the airport until Julie packed the kids in the car to take us back to the airport on Monday…..we truly had some great fun and family time together; a time I think we ALL needed and appreciated. We didn’t do anything outrageous….just spent time together and relaxed. We played games and watched movies….had some delicious food and talked, hugged and laughed a lot. We had no agenda, and I really like that. We kind of just flowed with each day as it came.
Jen and I babysat the night after we got in so that Julie and Chris, and Jory and Jesse could go out for a special dinner together. It was kind of a Christmas present to each other. They went into
Christmas Eve day was slotted for Aunt Jory’s traditional Gingerbread Cookie baking day with Bella; and this year Bastian wanted to be added to the mix (so to speak)….and what loyal and 'mostly' attentive helpers they were. I have been witness to several of Jory’s Gingerbread cookie days with Bella in the past, and I am always amazed at how beautifully she handles everything….especially the kids. This time was a joy to behold. She explained everything in detail, let the kids smell and sample everything, and was patient and loving throughout the whole event. And it WAS an event! One that Bella looks forward to with great excitement and anticipation. We all took pictures…even me with my new digital camera that Jenna got me for Xmas. I could wait to see what shots everyone else got, but I wouldn’t be able to post them now; so here’s a few that I took. (I’m still learning how to use my new toy.) Click on photos to enlarge.
Christmas morning was fun….and busy, with Bella and Bastian in the center of everything and making out like bandits…again. Alternating from the presents under the tree and the ones left by Santa by the fireplace, Bella and Bastian didn't know where to look first. Santa was very good to those two little ones. I only hope the cookies HE ate from the plate left by the fireplace helped him get through that very long and busy night. After ‘OOOing’ and ‘AHHing’ over all the gifts to everyone, we sat back to enjoy the day and have a wonderful dinner prepared by Julie, Chris, Jory and Jesse. I didn’t do a thing except reap the rewards. Delicious!! Of course there were things to put together, games to play, little bodies to hug and faces to kiss; so I was kept quite busy. Here’s a few more photos……
Considering there were several computers around….and in use most of the time; I’m amazed I didn’t touch a computer during my whole visit. Well, okay....I did manage to sneak a peek on my very last day there when I finally decided to check out my e-mail and my blog site, plus a few others. In the four+ years that I’ve been blogging, I don’t think I’ve EVER been away from a computer for that many days. It felt weird….but strangely good too. I knew things weren’t falling apart and piling up for me regarding work thanks to Denise, the Community Manager for BlogHer. She had my back and always does. Thank you Denise for some very relaxing and enjoyable family time.
All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas and great to be with my kids and truly enjoy each other. We all missed Joe, who had to work at the Police Department over the holidays. He always adds his own personal brand of humor to family get-togethers…he’s outrageous, but he sure knows how to make everyone laugh. Jen and I celebrated with Joe when we got back and exchanged presents. We even had his Xmas stocking hanging by the fireplace filled with goodies. Joe is such a traditionalist when it comes to those kind of things…..he loved it. Besides, he IS my baby boy.
So now…back to reality. I’m okay with that….I need my dose of daily structure. Here we are....looking at a New Year. I’m going with one of my oldest friends to her daughter’s house for New Year’s Eve for a night of games, goodies and goofing around. (Oh my poor diet has gone out the window. Hello New Year's resolution.) This will be my last hurrah! We’re having a good ‘ol sleepover. What a hoot!
I hope every one of you have a wonderful New Year…however you spend it. May 2010 be very good to all of you and bless you with health, love and happiness. Happy New Year dear friends and family….. Joy ~xo
Welcome back to reality Joy. Those pictures you took of the Gingerbread cookie caper are delightful. Your little grandson's footie PJ's tugged at my heart strings. It seems like only yesterday.....
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Janet
Posted by: chancy | December 30, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Welcome back, Joy!!!!! I missed you!!!!!!
Posted by: Kay Dennison | December 30, 2009 at 10:37 PM
It looks like you had great fun with your new camera. I can't believe how your grandkids have grown, must make the season that much more enjoyable.
Hoping you'll have a great 2010!
See ya around..
Posted by: janeywan | December 31, 2009 at 09:27 AM
I love your post and your photos. Love that red hair!!! Sarah and I spent a couple of days with Ella the Bella in Virginia. We went up for a wedding in which Ella was flower girl. I have some of her photos on my blog. You probably saw them when you came by to visit.
Have a wonderful beginning to 2010! Hugs to you.
Posted by: Beverly | December 31, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Sounds and looks like the holidays were wonderful for you. Glad your trip was a safe one....that Detroit airport incident was surely scary...and thank God for the angels among us. Glad you're staying put for the night too....this is the most dangerous night of the year. I always hated dispatching on New Year's Eve...you could count on at least ONE horrific accident. Hope the New Year brings you all you wish for, plus health and happiness. I feel honored to have you for a friend, Joy. The best to you and yours!! Much love and hugs. xo
Posted by: Val | December 31, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I love the photos! xoxox!
Posted by: Denise | December 31, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Hattie | December 31, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Joy, you had lots of well deserved family time! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Steve Sherlock | December 31, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Happy New Year dear Joy - may the year ahead be nothing but joy and blessings for you. Love and hugs.
Posted by: Suzann | December 31, 2009 at 07:37 PM
What wonderful family photos from your 2009 Christmas! Amazing how the grand kids have grown. They're adorable and your visit sounds perfect. I've not seen UP but will watch for an opportunity ... just because ;-)
May the new decade bring you and yours joyful opportunities and experiences!
Hugs and blessings,
Posted by: storyteller | January 01, 2010 at 10:57 AM
So we can look forward to seeing lots more photos from you Joy. Sounds like Christmas was excellent. Glad you enjoyed. JJ and I enjoyed UP also.
Posted by: jen | January 02, 2010 at 12:29 AM
Dear Joy ~~ I am so glad that you had such a wonderful Christmas with your family. I was so afraid that the severe snow falls before Christmas would stop you going and
was quite worried. But it all sounded like fun for all of you. I
also had a lovely Christmas with Kathy and family which we all very
much enjoyed. I see you have been blogging a bit longer than me, and I feel so blessed to have you as a dear friend. Blogging brings us so much joy doesn't it? I just
love it and my wonderful friends all around the world. I hope that 2010 will be a good year for all of us. Much Love Joy, Merle.
Posted by: Merle | January 02, 2010 at 03:57 AM
Welcome back, Joy, and have a great 2010!
Posted by: Cop Car | January 02, 2010 at 09:44 AM
I'm so glad you had such a wonderful family Christmas and New Year celebration.
The gingerbread day looks like everyone had great fun. Love the aprons!
You all are creating amazing memories for the children. That is what it's all about... the love of family and good friends.
Posted by: Tara R. | January 02, 2010 at 10:46 PM
What beautiful pictures. Really gives a feel for the wonderful holiday spirit in your family. Happy New Year, Joy!
Posted by: tamarika | January 04, 2010 at 04:50 AM
Mom I owe you the movies from little B's pageant. I'll get on that. Glad someone was taking pics!
Posted by: Jory Des Jardins | January 04, 2010 at 06:16 PM
What a wonderful Christmas you had, Joy. There is nothing better than being with family during the holidays.
I loved the cookie baking photos. What great kids and grandkids you have; but then look who they came from. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
May 2010 be your best year yet filled with more happy gatherings.
Posted by: Darlene | January 06, 2010 at 11:44 AM
I loved the photos and enjoyed hearing about all your adventures. I think this was my best Christmas for a long time since I had everone home. Now I feel the need to do nothing for another week or two.
Posted by: Maria | January 06, 2010 at 09:36 PM
ahhh,Joy!
What a great time you had...It comes through loud and clear in your words and pictures!...Those kiddies are cute as ever-the little ones and the big ones too!
Happy New Year. dear Joy!
Your friend,
Junie Rose
Posted by: Junie Rose | January 07, 2010 at 06:12 PM