Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas, Christmas and More Christmas

Our Christmas was great! It was such a blessing being able to spend time with family. Like many of you, we've had so much going on this holiday season.

We were able to attend two beautiful Christmas Eve services at our church. Jae's class performed (sang) in both services. It was real cute. Jae's not like her Momma in any way when it comes to getting in front of a crowd. Meaning, she likes it....I don't.

The girls opened up one gift on Christmas Eve. I get them pj's each year. I'm not sure why I even bother to wrap these two gifts as the girls already know what the gift is before they even open it. Maybe next year, I'll just lay them out under the tree unwrapped on Christmas Eve. It's getting harder and harder to buy a pair of cool pj's for a teenager, ya know? Picking out Jae's pj's is a piece of cake, though. She still thinks I'm a cool Mom no matter what they look like. lol!

Our Christmas morning started about 7am. The girls were so excited. They got one big gift each and a few small gifts. It seems like they were both happy with their gifts.

We were able to stay home until almost noon before heading out to Dirk's Dad's house. It's about an hour away from our home. We had a fabulous lunch and later opened up gifts from each other there. As usual, we had a lot of fun just sitting and enjoying each other's company.

Then on Saturday (yesterday), we had Christmas at our house with my family. If you read my last post, I had mentioned that I would be inviting my Dad this year. Well, I did invite him, but he was not able to make it. As I was sharing with another friend today, I feel that my Dad carries a lot of guilt and shame for not being around when we were younger. He knows that we have all forgiven him, but it's just something that he's still having to deal with after all these years. It's a long story that maybe I'll share one day. Anyhow, we had a wonderful time together.

Friends, I must admit that, although Christmas was truly wonderful...I am glad to see it come to an end. I was also sharing with a friend today that it seems like I've been in a bad mood the entire month of December. It's totally not my character. I have felt totally unorganized the entire month. This is one area of my life (personality) that I wish I could change. In fact, my prayer during service today was that for 2009 that I would not be so bound to a to-do list and a schedule ALL THE TIME. It's good to have both as long as they are under your control and not controlling you. Not sure if this makes sense to you. lol! Simply stating that I just need to relax more with these two things this next year.

I hope that you all had a safe and joyous Christmas. I am REALLY looking forward to reading your blogs to see what you've been up to.

And you know that I can't end mine without showing you a few pictures of the Christmases that we had. Several of you e-mailed me to ask how Gucci was fitting into our Christmas. He fit in just fine. In fact, he was included in everything we did. Our family members were very happy and excited to meet him. You'll definitely see him in the pictures I'm posting. Sorry....there are a lot of pictures, but keep in mind that we celebrated Christmas a total of four different times. One in the previous post and three more below. So, without further ado...

The girls and I sporting our new Christmas pj's. Since I buy the girls pj's each year, Dirk has started a traditional of his own in making sure that I get a pair too. He's so sweet, huh?




Here's Gucci sporting his pj's. lol!
Isnt' he soooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!?!?!?!
Morgan and Jae are reading their Christmas letter from Santa. No, Morgan does not still believe in Santa, but she plays along with it very well for Jae. Santa Dirk takes a lot of time preparing a Christmas letter each year for the girls to read on Christmas morning. The girls have a good time reading it and at the end of the letter, Santa Dirk always reminds them what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. It's really sweet.


Can you tell that I am happy to receive this gift? I look a bit retarded, but oh well! lol!

Jae and Gucci are watching Morgan open her next gift.
Morgan is smiling proudly as she's examining her new phone.
The next set of pictures are taken at my in-laws' house. Sitting on the couch is Dirk's brother, James, and his wife, Shannon.





This is Dirk's dad and his wonderful step-mom, Karen.




Dirk's brother, James, his wife, Shannon and their two girls, Patricia and Katrina.

Okay and finally....the last set of pictures are at our house yesterday ending our Christmas holiday.

This is my sister, Vickie and her husband, Bill and their youngest daughter, Madison.


We had a VERY CASUAL setting yesterday. The adults ate in the living room and the kiddos ate at the table. So, you will see our plates and cups sitting around in some of the pictures.

My sister and her precious family.



God is good! We are truly a blessed family and there's not a day that goes by that we're not reminded of it in some way.

I enjoyed sharing a little bit (okay...maybe a whole lot) of our Christmas holiday with you all.

Now off I go to see what you all have been up to.


47 comments:

Lorrie said...

Daphine--welcome back! It's so fun to hear and see about all your Christmas celebrations. I just love the family photos. You and your sister look so much alike. I'm sorry your dad didn't join you, but he knows he was welcome. Gucci looks right at home in the midst of all the celebrations.

LisaShaw said...

Daphine,

I found your blog through visiting with someone else. You have a beautiful family! I see we have a few things in common, we love the Lord, have awesome husbands for over 18 years, have two daughters (although one of mine is an adult and the other a teen and we're grandparents of two baby girls under two from our adult daughter), and we both seem to love to read the Word and books and scrapbooking. AND....I love that cross you received for a gift. Reminds me of one I had long ago.

Oh and we have the love of dogs in common! I have two male Maltese brothers 11 months old.

I'm glad to see that you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. Jesus is always the reason for every season and it's nice to celebrate Him all the time and of course during Christmas.

I look forward to returning my sister in Christ and I pray the absolute favor of our LORD upon your life and that of your beautiful family.

God bless you!

April said...

Hey Daphine,

I've missed you, girl! Wow...sure looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas! Your pictures are always so great...makes me feel like I'm right there, too! :)

You and your daughters look so cute in your pajamas. Then, of course, Gucci, is a puddin' pie! I told you he'd become a part of your family in no time at all!

We had a great Christmas and I'll post all about it soon. I need to recuperate and catch up from our trip. I'll be in touch soon...Stella will be on her way tomorrow!!! Have lots of fun with her!

Angela said...

Daphine...your photos are all so very beautiful. You have a beautiful family!! Thanks for sharing your holiday with us. :) I love Gucci...he's a cutie!!

Debra Kaye said...

Daphine,

Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with us. You have such a beautiful spirit and it shines through my friend. Don't you ever let me hear you say you look anything other than the radiant child of God you are!

Your sister's family is just beautiful too. Honestly, you can see how much all of you love one another. And we do the PJ thing too...I was thinking to myself this year...why do I wrap the PJ's? So when you said that I busted out laughing!!

I love you sweet friend! Hope you have a happy new year!! Blessings to you!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

Hey Daphine! It looks like you guys had a great time! Your daughters are so beautiful...just like their mama! I'm glad Gucci is settling in well in his new home.

My dad is the same way. I think he feels guilty too. I don't want him to feel that way. But I just keep praying and I keep making an effort. I am leaving the rest up to God.

Thanks for sharing my friend!
I hope you have a great week!

Robin @ The Rendered Nest said...

Hey Girl! So glad your Christmas was a good one. I always give my girls P.J.s on Christmas Eve too! This year they got some from Aeropastale! We didn't take any pictures though. I am hoping to do some posts on home organization in January...don't know if any of it would help you, but check in and see anyway!! Take care!

He & Me + 3 said...

Wow, you were busy, but it sounded like everything was just perfect. The pictures were so great & you have such a beautiful family. God is good. I love the Christmas letter from Santa and how it ends with the true meaning. That is awesome. Gucci looked adorable in her outfit too!

Melissa said...

great pictures! The girls and you looked so cute in your Christmas pj's! and Gucci is the most adorable puppy ever!

I too am glad that Christmas is over. Now life can get back to normal.

Thanks for sharing all the great pics!

Denise said...

I love all the pictures sweetie, you all look so cute in your Christmas pajamas. I am glad you enjoyed your Christmas, love you.

Heather said...

yay! i'm so happy you are back with us! your Christmas celebrations looked so wonderful. Makes me feel like I was there taking the pictures, lol! Gucci sure is cute! I've been really busy and haven't had much time to blog lately, but once this week ends I should be back to normal too! See ya soon!

Brenda Heisler said...

Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. What pretty photos. The girls in their pjs was wonderful. They look like models. Have a Happy New Year and I know you can look forward to another blessed year.

Jennifer said...

Cute cute pictures! You all look so sweet in your Christmas pj's. And Gucci, what an adorable little fella. Your family is precious.

Thanks for sharing all of your pictures.

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year.

Neabear said...

Hi! I had to come and meet you after hearing that Stella will be coming to your house next. It has been fun following what Stella is doing. You have such a pretty blog with a gorgeous family. Loved the Pj's too! Sounds like you had a very Merry Christmas. I will add you to my favorites so I can keep up with Stella's adventures.

Anonymous said...

Hey Sis- We had such a wonderful time yesterday. Pat, likes you guys a lot. Thanks, for letting her be apart of our special day. I miss Jim and Karen! It has been a minute since we have all been together. Maybe, we can work on that this summer!? Please send me some of the photos!! I love the one of you and the girls in your pj's.

Vickie

Anonymous said...

Daphine,

I am so glad that you had a wonderful Christmas. I love all of the pictures. You have a very beautiful family. I am so sorry that your Dad was unable to come. I just love little Gucci! He is the cutest puppy!

Speaking from the Heart said...

Daphine,

What a beautiful memory of Christmas 2008. I like the idea of getting new PJs on Christmas Eve. Minnie and I will have to start that tradition next year.

Jean

Beth E. said...

What a beautiful family you have! Looks like a wonderful time was had by all.

I, too, have had a very unorganized holiday season. Bill's back injury and surgery threw me off my schedule BIG TIME. I didn't even finish shopping or begin to wrap presents until the 23rd! Totally unlike me! It felt almost surreal.

I have to get a birthday out of the way this week (mine), then Billy's on the 20th, and Bo's on Feb. 12. Shew! Maybe things will calm down after that. :o)

Blessings to you...

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I just found your sweet blog. What a beautiful family you have. Wonderful pictures!

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Daphine,

What a beautiful family gathering full of love. How wonderful!

Once again little Gucci is stealing the show with his cuteness. ~A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!

Warmly, Melissa :)

Brandi said...

Daphine,
I love the idea of new PJ's on Christmas Eve! I'm going to do that for Kaeden next year.
And I LOVE the cross! I started collecting crosses but somehow got sidetracked after I had Kaeden - that cross is beautiful and it makes me want to go shopping now!
I hope you have a very STRESSFREE day tomorrow - with a very short to do list (or none at all!)

Everyday Mom Designs said...

I love the pictures. I am glad you all had such a great time. I, too, need to lighten up a bit about schedules and plans.. :)

Jenn said...

How great to see pictures from all of your Christmas celebrations. It looks like ya'll had some very beautiful, meaningful celebrations!

michele said...

It is so fun to hear about your Christmas celebrations!!
Your dog is soo cute!
December is a wonderful,but sometimes difficult month for me. I feel I am a big oversensitive and overwhelmed. I tried really hard to remember the REASON for the SEASON this Christmas and also prayed a lot about feelings I was struggling with. I can understand you being ready to have a break. You have been BUSY! Lots of people to see, lots of get togethers... you have been conquering your fear of dogs and have become a pet owner! I hope you have a few quiet days ahead... you deserve them. Love, Michele PS I would love to send you a little gift -- a few of my handmade cards! I will check again to see if your email is on your blog, if not I will put my email on mine so you can send me your address if you are willing.

Linda said...

So glad to see that your holiday was such a nice one. It looks like you had a wonderful time with family...and that's what it's all about isn't it!

Even though I truly enjoyed Christmas and all of the festivities, I'm also glad it's over. It was a very trying year for alot of reasons and I'm ready to move on to 2009!

Gucci looks like he had a ball this Christmas!

More Than Words said...

Daphine! I was so excited to see a post up from you! Wow..you have been busy, girl! I don't blame you for wanting December over! We have one more "Christmas" to finish, and that is with my sister next week! We just had my mom's tonight!

Those were great pictures, and I had to laugh when you made the comment about seeing cups and plates in different pictures!! I can tell you are super organized!! Well, I pray that 2009 will be a less rigid year for you! I'm the complete opposite. I'm too laxy dazy and need to be more on top of my game!

Anywho..you guys look beautiful, as well as your extended families! I love looking at other peoples pictures, so I don't mind at all!!

Oh..and I'm pretty sure my dad feels alot of guilt for not being around as much. I know he can only do so much, but it still can be hard at times....sigh.

HUGS my friend!
Alicia

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Daphine
Your Christmas family celebrations look amazing. I would love a big family like yours. I love all the beautiful pictures especially the ones in your new red pj's and the super cute pictures of Gucci.
I am delighted to hear Stella will be coming to stay. I hope she arrives safely and you have fun I did.
Enjoy the remainder of your holiday.
Lindsay

Davisix said...

Daphine ~ I so enjoyed this post. I love all the pics and seeing your beautiful family!!

Our Christma decor came down on Christmas day. I know what you mean about being a bit grumpy. I love Christmas...it's actually my favorite holiday aside from Easter but having the tree up for a month is long enough. Back to normal now...whatever that is. :)

So glad your Christmas was bright. xo Ang

MamaHen said...

Wow! Sounds like ya'll had a great time! We did too, but now back to business!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Wow..what wonderful pictures!!! I love the pj's on the puppy dog..so cute and fun! Looks like your holiday was bright and merry!
-sandy toes

Darlene said...

Hi Daphine,

All your pictures are so GREAT! LOVE the PJ's you all got and Gucci is just too cute! You and your sister look alike! Looks like a great time was had by everyone!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i'm back today to see more of ur cute little fam life! ok, i have an admission....i love matching fam pj's. this year, we did a set...and the teenager was not happy, but did play along. and, ur doggie pie with t he jammies too is just oo much!!! fun!

Katie said...

The pictures are great!! Do you have some hidden talent that I don't know about. Looks like loads of fun. I love your hair too, it is so pretty down. Love the girls too, so pretty! That dog is adorable!

4 Lettre Words said...

WOW!! As usual, your pics are beautiful. I really love that one of the 4 of you in front of the tree!

The girls are too cute "posing" in their new PJs. And, by the way you look like their sister, not mom!

I'm so glad that you guys had such a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for sharing the memories! :o)

Nicolle said...

Hi Daphine! I love all of your pictures. Your family is truly blessed and full of love, I can tell! You look SO young!!!

I can relate about sort of wanting the holidays to be over, and things back in order. I am like you a lot in that respect. It drives me nuts when things are out of place, etc. I am a big "to-do" list person. In fact, between my husband and mom, I got 8 new notepads for Christmas! :)

Anyway, I hope you have a Happy New Year and I look forward to getting to know you better! You are such a wonderful person!

Lee said...

It looks like you had a great Christmas! You really are blessed with a beautiful fmaily. And they always look happy.
If you don't post again before, Have a Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful Christmas. I really enjoy looking at pictures of the family.

Tonya

Laura said...

So sorry that your Dad didnt make it. But it looks like you all had a great weekend celebrating Christmas. Loved looking at your pictures. Beautiful family!!!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi precious Daphine!

Loved seeing these pictures of your family. Wonderful, all of them! :-)

I don't know if you saw it or not, but you got tagged at my blog. It's in a post about things I value. I hope you're up to the challenge. It's not hard, but I thought it would be fun to hear your answers.

Sending much love to you and yours...

XO,

Sheila :-)

P.S. Loved your pajamas, and it is a hoot that Gucci has some, too!

Susan said...

Hey Daphine!

Oh that was fun reading this post and looking at all the pictures. What a beautiful family you have!

Looks like you had a great Christmas.

Loved the PJ's! You looked so cute in yours mom, you could be a big sister to your girls! You look great.

Thanks for stopping by the other day.

I'm still thinking about my new year thoughts.

Blessings to you my sweet friend♥

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

What a happy Christmas!

Now for a new year with a fresh start and a bright new mood! {But, really, it's hard for me to imagine you being in a bad mood!}

Anonymous said...

Wonderful pictures. You are right! God is good and the pictures just proves it more and more.

That dog... cracks me up! :)
Thanks for sharing!

Jessica and Matt said...

Looks wonderful, of course. Only one question--why do you feel it's necessary to put a disclaimer about "VERY CASUAL" and that we may see some cups, etc. in the pictures. You are a mess, girl!

And one more thing--I'm thrilled to see you talk about Gucci being sooooo cute! He is cute! And I am still so proud of you - that you have this puppy dog in your house!!! You have made such amazing progress already!!!

Jennifer said...

I so enjoyed your post - and all your photos. Thanks for letting us look back on all the fun with you! All of you look terrific in your new pjs :)

Gucci is too cute!!

Florida Girl said...

Hello Daphine! I saw your picture on Laura's blog & decided to visit. In your profile you mentioned that you were a dreamer- me too!- only for me it is a blessing & a curse. I struggle with the whole organizing & getting things done part- you know, the putting my dreams into action part. That half of my brain seems to have a serious malfunction. AAAHHH! Anyway I enjoyed your blog. You & your girls are beautiful, but I know that cannot be you standing next to them in your jammies- you look young enough to be their sister! I will visit again soon! Jessica

Lorrie said...

Hi Daphine--I'm excited to see what your family comes up with for Stella-I can't wait!

Grace said...

Great pictures, Daphine. Traces of a happy Christmas. Gucci is so cute on her attire.
Have a prosperous and blessed New Year to you and to the family. :)