Sunday, December 27, 2009

Hot Time In The Cold Town Last Night!

I'm sure y'all have all heard about the snow we got in Dallas Christmas Eve...the first white Christmas in the DFW area in 80 years...although I beg to differ. In 1975 there was snow on the ground. I remember because Cat Daddy was working in Wichita, Kansas and drove in a blizzard to get home in time. It was Jenny's first Christmas (which is kind of cool since this was Bella's first) and we waited till he got home to celebrate. I suppose the fact our area wasn't annexed into Dallas at that time might be the reason for their error, but whatever...I'm right and they are wrong!

I'd also like to add that our idea of snow here in Dallas and real snow are two different things. Y'all further north get real snow...here, we get Texas snow. For those of y'all who don't live in these parts, let me explain. Texas snow is one part white, one part dirt, one part sticks and one part leaves....get the picture? We don't build Frosty...we build Twiggy! When it comes to snow angels, one swoop and you're in a mud pie! That doesn't keep us from getting excited when it starts coming down. The hush and the peacefulness are still the same.
I must warn you, these are all family photos and are meant for just me so if you'd like to click off now, I totally understand. If you continue, please just feign interest and ooh and ahh about how beautiful my family is. That would make me so happy! Brandon held Bella like she was a piece of glass and had to be dragged into the photo. He's fourteen...what do you expect? Graycie on the other hand runs into the camera...never away from it! (Can you believe she is only seven? Another year and she'll be taller than her Nana!) I got her stuff for Warrenton in the spring. I'm guilting her daddy into coming down and she's got to be ready for the Junk Gypsy's Prom, right? I just love it when kids put on everything they got at one time...that just screams Christmas to me.
Jenn took Bella off her oxygen line during the evening. She monitored her off and on and the stats never fell below 97! She is so close to coming off of it and although I don't even notice the line anymore, it was nice being able to pass her around like a little sack of potatoes. The tank can be quite a pain the the patootie when trying to carry it and our little chunk of love!
Do I look supremely content? You betcha! I didn't do the "big meal" thing this year. Just a ham, dressing and appetizers....oh, and lots of desserts! We didn't worry about sitting down together...just ate haphazardly and enjoyed being together! It was wonderful and almost stress free! Misty was a little freaked out by the fact that I was ready when they arrived...down to even having underwear on.
Ol' Santy Clause was very generous with the girls! God has been very generous with me. Thank you Lord.
I'd like to introduce you to Misty, the Oldest Melon Head's better half and the mother of Grayzilla! I gotta come up with a name for her. "Misty" sounds way too normal for my bunch! Any suggestions?
No introduction needed...Bella Mama and the baby Kitten!
She totally got the idea of unwrapping the gifts. She was just so slo-o-ow!
Even missing teeth, the princess Kitten is still gorgeous!

I walked into the bedroom where Bella was with her Pop and the light reflecting off the wrapping paper made her tiny face glow. I wasn't able to catch it as beautiful as it looked, but the radiance was enough to make me catch my breath at the wonder of her.
OK, no more photos. I appreciate y'all bearing with me and giving these at least a perfunctory glance. Like I said, this post was more for me than y'all as a reminder of how blessed I am.

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas filled with love, laughter and peace.

Now on to 2010!

24 comments:

Pam @ Frippery said...

Gorgeous family. Yes you do look content. What a lovely Christmas. We did the buffet style this year too, with a ham and everyone grabbing a plate and sitting where ever. A first for us, but definitely more relaxed and probably a new tradition!. Love Bella's glowing face and yours as well. Hugs, Pam PS THANKS SO MUCH! I LOVE my CD Coozie! I will be using it on New Years Eve for sure!

summersundays-jw said...

I love the pictures of your family -- there were even a few oohs & aahsI Bet those kids were excited to see snow on Christmas Eve. We had about an inch. Isn't it nice to have those calm Christmases? Jan

Margo said...

How sweet, I love the pics of your family. And you stress free Christmas meal sounds like it should be my plan for next year.

As for snow, I don't know why folks think a white Christmas is a good thing. We got stuck in N Richland Hills and had to stay in a hotel.

Glad you had a peaceful and wonderful family christmas.

Blessings.
Margo

FILIGREE MOON said...

No feigning oohs and aahs here. Real, genuine appreciation for the beauty and joy and blessings graciously portrayed. Thank you for sharing the love! Have a beautiful new year! ~ Angela

Malisa said...

I loved all the photos! The picture of Graycie and Bella just made me catch my breath! How beautiful! You are one lucky woman and I know I don't have to tell you that! I am also one lucky woman to have become Aunt Malisa in your family! Thanks for being such a great friend!

sharron said...

bella is growing like a weed.. lil sweetie and graycie what a doll.. yall sure make pretty babies...brandon too handsome boy he reminds me of my 14 year old right now.
I am so happy that you had your Family all around you and really just enjoyed the moment!!! and had your underwear on too..shucks it musta been Christmas..:))). i am really gonna have to get down there and meet you this next year for some junkin' and bondin'!!!
we had almost 15 inches of snow here.... this Florida girl did not know what had hit her....we are loving it before the slush hits!!!
xo
oh that photo of you below is stunning!!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

ooooooooh.
aaaaaaaah.
wait. let me do it again.
OOOOOOOOHHHHHH.
AAAAAAAAAHHHHH.
Sincerity~can you read it? Your family is precious Deb and what's precious to you is precious to all of us!!!!
I could see the total contentment in your smile and in your eyes...you are such a proud Nana with every reason to be.
As for the little toothless princess in her tou-tou...she's going to Broadway...mark my word!
Your 14 year old grand doesn't look a day over 10! He's going to be a heartbreaker!
Bella? oh dear...I'm speechless. Everyday is a blessing when I read a post about her! I'm not too sure that was a glow from the wrapping paper...I really do think she's an angel!!!!!
everything vintage

Sue said...

Sometimes I think, "should I post all my family photos, do people care". Then I see yours, and I study them, I smile, I feel my heart become so warm as I look at all your baby's smiles, and know we all need to share those baby's smiles. Thanks for sharing Debbie, I feel good having another proud "Gramma" by my side in being SO proud! Take care.

Anonymous said...

You have a beautiful family and I LOVE your pictures! You look VERY happy. I'm so glad you all enjoyed the day and even got a white Christmas. What fun!

-FringeGirl

Laura said...

My oohs and aahs are real!
What a wonderful family celebration.

We ate 'party' food Christmas Eve and Christmas day and it was great.

It is almost 2010! Yikes!

Laura

Faded Charm said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time spent with family. Here's to another great year!

Kathleen

unique unique design said...

Your family is beautiful Debbie. Glad you had such a great day with all. God is so good!
marcie

Sandy said...

I'm spending a cold, snowy morning surfing blogs and I came across yours. I so enjoyed the pictures of your family Christmas. It was just me and the old man for most of the day here. Our family is too scattered. Thanks to Skype we were able to at least see our Grandson open his presents from us. Lucky you - you got to hold and touch and cuddle!

Sandy

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

You are blessed indeed my friend. What a lovely family! Thanks for the giggle about the Texas twiggy snow....so true! ~LA

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Your family looked just lovely. And the smile on your face, priceless!

Cassie said...

I loved seeing your family pics! The expressions of joy and happiness on those faces is priceless! Thanks for sharing....many blessings to you in this coming year!

debi lynn mattingly said...

Hi sweetie!

LOVE the pics...looks like you are definitely "in Heaven on Earth"! :) Hope to see you again soon!!! xo...deb

Lanette of Cottage Elements said...

Debbie, your pictures are priceless! You have a lot to be thankful for this year. Your grandchildren are beautiful. Oooh, ahhh .... I'm sure there's a lot of that going on. As to the snow, we received 12.5 inches. Talk about a white Christmas! But it is quite beautiful. Enjoy yours while it lasts (or is it already gone). Happy New Year!

Lanette

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Beautiful photos of a beautiful family! So glad you were all together AND had snow to boot!! I thought of you when I heard snow was heading your way!

Only the best to you....

Lou Cinda :)

red.neck chic said...

I'm sorry...what? where was I? I got lost in your family photos... everyone is so gorgeous!!! And that Bella! And Gracie!!! Oh me, oh my...

I'm STILL washing the mud off from Snow Angel...

;-) Sounds to me like you had the PURRRRRRRRRRFECT Christmas!!! Full of Love and Family!!!

xoxo
Robelyn

DEBBIE BELL said...

I've read your blog for a long time..but never comment...I dont have a blog ...but am so glad I found yours Deb! Your faimly is gorgeous And I have followed sweet Bella's progress from day one! Your blog makes me laugh..smile & sometimes cry!I always look forward to reading after a long hard day at work! Whew... all I really wanted to say was....God Bless Your gorgeous family!
Hugs..
another....Deb:)

The Green Pea said...

Debbie, your family is just lovely. Gracie is a beauty and little Bella, what a blessing. A name for Misty (Mistaluv). Happy New Year. sandi

Dixie said...

yes... blesed you are dear friend...

blessings. Dixie

Bonnie said...

Debbie, I loved looking at your Christmas pictures. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

I can see you had a Merry one! All the best to you in the New Year! Bonnie