Christmas Morning

My one wish Christmas morning was to have all of my kids under the same roof one last time!! I got that wish and then some! Let's just say I was a very happy mama!! 

Christmas Activities

Over the last few weeks I've been in full Christmas mode!! Attending Christmas parties!

Supporting friends at Christmas programs! 

Touring Christmas Townes!! 

Christmas caroling at malls! 

Enjoying some great food with my hubby at local restuarants!

Even busted out a few meals myself!! 

Even managing to get up two Christmas trees this year, finishing my shopping early and wrapping the gifts.

I was determined this year to enjoy the season, not stress out and get in as much time with family as possible!! Somehow I've managed to do all of that and more! My secret??? Nothing big or earth shattering. I started decorating a bit early. We limited gifts to one per child with a few stocking stuffers, I took time out to spend with family even if it meant leaving a house that wasn't spotless and I made family time and time with friends a top priority. As we go in to a new year I'm constantly reminded just how short life is. How important it is to embrace the good times and not let the bad times steal my joy!! I've declared 2016 a year of new beginnings. I have lots to look forward to including one daughters graduation with her masters degree, one daughters wedding and so many more first to numerous to list. And I'm determined to take it all in and enjoy every moment!! What will you do in 2016 to make life just a little bit sweeter?? It's really in your hands. We can't always change our circumstances but we can most definitely change our attitudes!! 

Cozy Familyroom!!

It may not qualify for a decorating magazine cover but my Familyroom all decked out for Chridtmas just makes me happy!! 

Decking the Halls.

 

I'm busy decking the halls!! You can get a better glimpse over at my Treasured Creations blog!

Thanksgiving 2015

 

We had a pretty laid back Thanksgiving. Did most of my shopping Wednesday morning before all of the crazy crowds hit the stores.

 

Wednesday night we were in church celebrating Thanksgiving blessings. WABC celebrates on Thanksgiving Eve with three other churches and the pastors rotate each year. This year Marc did Thanksgiving service. I December we will fellowship again Christmas morning.

 

Thursday morning I got up bright and early to start preparing for the trek over to Quisha's new apartment. She offered to host this year. Maybe next year it will be Nicki's turn since she will be married next year.

 

I cooked collard greens, mac and cheese, string beans. corn and stuffing. Nicki and Byron provide dessert while mom and Quisha took care of the turkey (it was her first and she got a lesson from mom on how to dress one.

 

 

My only plate of food that night. Everything was good but usually after I do a big cook I just don't have much of an appetite. And that's not from taste testing. LOL

Marc discussing something (not sure what, but something lol) with Byron.

 

Mom and Quisha chilling on the sofa. LOL

 

Nicki was in her phone. LOL

 

This was probably the first year I did not do any major Black Friday shopping. As a matter of fact at one point Marc and Quisha braved the crowds  at Walmart while I stayed back at the apartment.

Cancer Walk



Yesterday I got to participate in the Susan G Komen Cancer Breast cancer walk. My grandmother died from cancer when I was a child and I have had many friends effected by this disease. Including a very good friend named Sonia.

 

 

 

 

Sonia and I have known each other over 20 yrs. She is my youngest daughters Godmother. She has become very active in the organization since she was diagnosed a few yrs ago. Thankfully she is in remission. 

 

Last year when I participated I realized just how out of shape I was so I began "training" this time around. One of my church members Mazie agreed to walk with me on a regular basis. And honestly if it wasn't for her I don't think I would have continued. Unfortunately I had been having really bad pains in my arms and legs since helping our oldest to move and had been on muscle relaxants so I was not sure I could even make it around the track one time let alone the two that would equal three miles.

 

 

I had so much support on this day from my hubby, to my youngest daughter Nicki, and two of my cousins.

 

I have been participating for many yrs in this walk and I was determined I was not going to let anything stop me from going (the walk had even been postponed a month because of bad weather).

 

And guess what?? I didn't! I made it around the course both laps!!!! Granted I will probably pay with pain the rest of the week but it was worth it.

 

This man is always telling me I can do anything if I just try and I appreciate so much just how supportive he is. I don't know what I would do without him in my life. 

 

 

Of course these three are pretty fantastic themselves. I have said it time and again that I have been blessed with an amazing family and I thank God for them daily!!!

 

We celebrated after the event with lunch at Panera's and I'm telling you my broccoli and cheese soup had never tasted soo good.

 

 

 

It was so much fun hanging with this group of ladies yesterday! I love each of them to the moon and back!!!

Moving on up!!

They say you children move back home at least once. I think Quisha is on her own now after having to stay with us for a year when her and her room mate gave up their place and the job she had almost since the end of college unexpectedly ended. I'm very proud of her though because once she makes up her mind she's going to do something she does (I especially saw that this summer when she traveled cross country and back, all while studying to get her Masters degree..she graduates next May). This weekend we helped her move into her own apartment but I guarantee in a few yrs we will be moving her into her first house (it's at the top of her list).

As much fun as I've had planning the decorating portion the actual moving part was not as much fun and my body is still feeling the effects nearly one week later!! But she's in and that is all that matters!!

I took this picture last Friday when she went to pick up her keys. 

Keys in hand!! 

We did a quick run through and then started bringing in the stuff we had in the car. 

Her dad had already collected her stuff from storage early that morning but he had to work that day and did not get to her place until 10:30 pm. Needless to say it was nearly 2 an before we got home! 

I did get her bathroom done that night and our cousin Gee came over to help clean and we shared the first meal in the new place with her! 

Saturday morning Nicki and I met my mom over there again and knocked out a bit more of the decorating. Q is determined to host Thanksgiving on next Thursday so there was a bit if urgency!! 

Not bad if I do say so myself!! I know the goal is for your children to grow up and be on their own, so I'm very grateful I've had them around as long as I have but if I'm being honest my home won't be the same without my girls in it. With the wedding next year and TJ even talking a out finding his own place I'm not going to be as excited about the holidays come 2016 because it will be the first time I've not had all my babies under one roof. Guess it's really time to start planning those family holiday vacations!