Holidays...Holi Jays.....

Wow, with Thanksgiving ending this weekend, I can't believe I have not climbed up, in the attic to grab my box. Ok, boxes of...OK.....truck load of Holiday cartons, boxes and bins. I am loaded with decor. Why?? because I LOOOOOve CHRISTmas!!!! The best time of the year, as far as I am concerned. Mom and Dad always made it so exciting as a child. Fabulous surprises, family, friends, endless church hours.

The most memorable Christmas as a child was when I was 8, mom and dad told me to pack a few of my jackets, dress up clothes and shoes, to hand off to a family in need. Christmas Eve Church Service was different that year. We did not attend our regular Presbyterian Church, we went to a hard part of town. We were the only "caucasian" family in the congregation of this run down old church, full of smiling faces. The pastor was a friend of my dads, the people that surrounded me that night could SING!!! and my goodness they could DANCE!!! It was OUT of this world with spirit and love for the Lord. At 8 years old, I was enjoying every moment of that service. As it ended, I turned to walk out the back of the church. I spotted a sweet little gal, with the brightest of smiles, walking out the door. She looked at me, I gazed at her and together...we exchanged a wordless look of love and understanding. This girl, from the hard part of town, completely different upbringing...was wearing all my clothes. At 8 years old I was thrilled and have not forgotten that moment 30 years later. I encourage all my friends, family and fellow bloggers to give this season, with no expectations, this beautiful Christmas season.

Oh, if you are wondering what Holi Jays might be in reference to. Our family has renamed the holidays, for this season. Our cousin "Jay" has turned 30 (with a fabulous party in the City), announced his engagement, announced a pregnancy, wedding within 5 weeks, which includes all my family members. With that said, every weekend from here on out is dedicated to "Jay"...Hence , Happy Holi Jays!!!!

The Happy Couple

and the season begins....

It is amazing to me how quickly this Holiday season has come. I love the Holidays!!! The weather, food, shopping, cards, tree's in the house, decor throughout, travel and such. I love the smell of the first time I turn on the heater for the season. It is just busy fun :)

I have been off my blog for a few days as we have lost 2 family members. One was 37, full of life and an an amazing father of a 10 year old, beautiful daughter. The other, a 97 year old man. He was strong, handsome and the great grandfather to my 3 babies. As we get ready for the Holiday season, we also say goodbye to 2 amazing men in our family. We thank our Lord that we had time with them....we are deeply blessed.

My blog to be updated and filled with my latest gatherings soon.....

OUT with Fall IN with Winter

This Halloween came and went faster than a blink! I can hardly believe it....do I say that every Fall? All in one weekend :

1 Halloween parade, 5 Halloween parties, 1 birthday party, 1 School Carnival, 2 semi-homemade cakes for the cake walk, 1 soccer game (can't take credit...didn't go), 1 trip to my booth, trick or treating, pumpkin carving and family for chili AND the topper... 1 AmAzInG World Series!!! Go Giants :) We did it!!!!!!!!

We all are exhausted!!!!! But the important element is we all had fun!!!

I look forward to sharing my Winter decor...my favorite decor of all. For now, I leave you with just a few weekend pics. Do you want the good news or bad news?? Too bad, your getting it anyway. Bad news out of the way, we had 2 cameras. The big daddy was stolen from my class reunion, the little purse camera went bike riding in the Northwest and dove into the sand never to be turned on again. GOOD news...Mama (me) bought Daddy (hubby) a new Canon tonight. Happy 6 a.m photo shoot to him... and Happy white barn photos for me.

Actually, let me figure out the new camera before I post any pics...Have a fabulous Tuesday.