NANA NOTES

CHRISTMAS TOUR [better late than never!]

   

Welcome to the front door! I decided to go with traditional red and green this year-my favorite!  The "JOY" mat was in honor of my friend Charlotte.

 

 

   

This cute little snowman greeted you as you came up the walk. Can't leave him out!!

As you turned to the right into the library you saw the portrait of our children over the mantle.  Over the baby grand piano hung this beautiful Christmas tree made from antique costume jewelry by my mother almost 50 years ago. It's displayed on red velvet and something I had always wanted.  I had it framed for her when she moved to Meadville.

  Both dining tables were set alike.  Of course, they didn't stay like this the whole time. :)  The cake dome was something I saw in a magazine. Cute!  Coming into the den you see the "little gold trees" with the stockings.   

Over the mantle in the den hangs the beautiful new portrait of our "grands". We finally got one--everyone has hair because the youngest is five years old. They are all gorgeous.  The mantle is covered in funky Santas and Snowmen with candles and greenery and "Merry Christmas" letters given to me by HGC employees a long time ago. I still love them.

 

"My" tree has always been "my" tree and I say that with a smile! :)  The ornaments have been being collected since Hallmark formed the Ornament Club and I am a charter member.  This year was a first-I let the children decorate the tree.  I usually hang each one and relive the memory of why I bought it as I do.  My enjoyment this year was watching them (and praying that none got broken!).  One day I'm going to stop buying them--I don't have room for a bigger tree and we already put up three!  [two I forgot to take pictures of!!]

 

 

 

 

Next to the mantle in the den is a bookcase where some Santas, my "Moni" angels, the Fontanini manger scene and some village pieces sit.  They stay out all year. I never tire of looking at them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Santa Cabinet" is running over!  I started collecting Santas when the children were young.  Some were gifts and one was even especially made just for me [Ed had it done!]. No one will ever love them like I do!

 

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a poinsettia!  There were several around the house to brighten the corners.

The next best thing to Santas is Snowmen and we put them right where they are the center of attention!  Some of them sing and dance.  The grandchildren love them! They especially love the reindeer that plays "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"! 

The side door looks pretty much like the front door except that it has a lighted grapevine cross on it.  This picture isn't very good but you get the idea.  Out the door, down the driveway to the barn--  

I love driving up at night and seeing the lights on the barn (although this picture is made in the daytime). It reminds me of the manger with all the animals watching over Baby Jesus. 

 

 

  Brother David did a children's sermon one Sunday in Advent and gave out buttons and car stickers that said, "It's OK to say Merry Christmas!"  You know I've never been shy about saying what I believe and I decided we should make a statement.  A couple of friends helped me with this 4' by 8' sign that we lite at night.  Since we live on a major highway I think we got our point across!  I love it!! 

Well, it's finally done--Christmas Home Tour--late but none the less done. Thanks to my two dear, sweet friends who urged me to do it anyway. I hope you enjoy it.  Happy New Year!!

WE CELEBRATED HANUKKAH

Because Ed's sister's husband is Jewish we consider his religion on holidays just as we do ours.  At Thanksgiving Barry and Hillary said a Jewish blessing for our meal.  Hillary and Becky attended our Christmas Eve Communion Service and when we got home we celebrated Hannukkah with Barry and Hillary.  Barry read prayers from the book he used in Hebrew class as we all lit the candles of the menorrah.

 

Hillary really likes celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah because you get a gift each night and she loves presents!  That night she got the recently re-released "Thriller" DVD and you should see her dance to it.

Thanks, Barry, for sharing with us.  It doesn't get any better than that!

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT

I woke up at 5:00 AM on Christmas Eve--because I wanted to get the day started (and the first part finished!). That day was my last radiation treatment and believe me I was ready for it to be over.  Debra and Libby were there when the diagnosis was given to me; they were there for my first chemo treatment and they were there for the last radiation.  They've been there for me through the whole journey.  Everyone has, but especially those two.

Of course we had to make it a photo op. Thanks, sisters, for everything. When we got home this is what we saw as we drove up to the drive way.

Now I know why Jennifer wouldn't let us in her driveway the night before.  She and the boys were working on this sign that was hung on the fence for all to see. What a great surprise.  The family support I received was tremendous.

I look forward to NOT getting up before 6:00 AM tomorrow and the days ahead and the drive to Natchez.  I look forward to good check ups and great reports.  I have a few weeks off and then have to have scans again.  I'll keep you updated but for now I'm looking forward to a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

THE CHRISTMAS COMPETITION

The Jolly Elders at MUMC had their annual Christmas production on Sunday night.  If you weren't there, you missed a delightful [and hilarious] evening.  If you've seen the movie-Deck the Halls-that should give you some idea of what the play was about.  The scenery was well appointed with furniture and Christmas lighting. The stage hands did a great job!!  [Inez Manning and Delores Martin]

This is the full cast [almost]; aren't they wonderful looking?

  This is "Inflate-a-Santa" 2008 version, better known as Katherine Jones. Doc even had to blow her up!!

Bernie, Flora and Marcy (their teenage daughter) are better known to us as Ed Youngblood, Nancy Corley and Beverly Gabbert.  They were the party hosts and were in the lighting "competition".

Harriet, Arthur, Rob and Junior were the neighbors who were competing in the lighting. To us they are Madelene Carter, Doc Gabbert, Betty Wilkinson and Jean Peterson.  You should see Rob and Junior play video games ! :)

Evelyn, Walter and Gerry Matthews were played by Margaret Chatham, Bill Manning and Sarah Halford. They did a great job too.

The "elderly" neighbors were Mr. Carson (Quent Peterson) and Ms. Phillips (Doris Jean Hollinger.  Doc begrudgingly blew the snow from their driveways in a loving way!   :)

 

 

I missed Delores Martin, Betty Youngblood, Esther Spring and Joddie Spring and I'm sorry. Ms Inez Manning was in the group picture.  Joddie Spring is the "proud stage Mom" to this group and does a wonderful job as their faithful leader.  She's like the Energizer Rabbit: always moving, always helping, always giving.  Thanks, Joddie, for a wonderful production.

 

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

Don't get in front of a "Smitherring" with a gun!  They get what they go after--at least it seems like they do these days!  Here is Bryden with his first buck. I was at church so this photo is from Jody's Blackberry.  I wish I could have seen him. Thanks, Jody for sending me the picture. 

EXTENDED HERRING FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Ed's cousin Melody invited us to the Herring Christmas at Ridge Point on Saturday.  Bret and Vista have recently moved into Aunt Pauline's side of the house and have it beautifully decorated with their furnishings. A house full of Herring's is loaded with food and laughter.  After eating a delicious lunch we gathered in Melody's "side" of the house and had "Pirate Christmas".  Did I mention that the Herring's can get rowdy too? :)  Here are some random pictures from the day.

The mantle is beautifully decorated with gold angels and greenery.

     

Merry Pickenpaugh and Esther Herring say "hello".

 

Chuck, Mark and Tommy are patiently waiting for lunch to be called.  Having some interesting conversation-you know it!

 

 

 

 

Peyton Anna sent a video of the Herring siblings when they were young. Everyone gathered around to watch. Aunt Pauline especially enjoyed it. There were some tears along with the smiles.

 

Look at sweet, pregnant Vista! We can't wait to see that precious baby boy.

Everyone was into the tasting before lunch!

 

Ed and Karen were "hamming it up" for the camera!

 

 

 

 

  Chase, Jody, Dixie and Tommy watching the video.

 

 

 

 

Cynthia and Andrew are taking it all in.  Andrew is the sweetest little boy--just like his brother Jack.

 

 

 

 

 

Did McRae really like those tools? [As Bryden, Hayden and Jody look on!]

Melody supervises the toy table.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know who ended up with it but the Pickenpaugh spoon holder and spoons were a much sought after and stolen item during the package swap.  Here's John guarding it!  [Jett and Esther are behind him.]

I missed a lot of folks but we all had a great time.  Thanks, Melody for including us in the Merry Christmas Day!

SCORE FOUR FOR THE "SMITHERRING'S"

I'm a little late with this post but since I may be the only one with pictures it's ok.  Tiffany "got her a nice one" on Sunday afternoon late.  Of course they called out "Dooley the wonder dog" to trail it.  Everyone is trying to make him a deer dog but ME!!  Nice job, Tiff.  It WAS a nice nine point.

 

Dooley did a great job of tracking the deer.  He found the trail and went straight to it. He barked and sat there by it until Jody got there.  Good job, Dool!!  Everyone was happy.

HERRING GAS COMPANY OPEN HOUSE

We woke up today with a beautiful snow "storm".  What a way to begin the day for our official "Open House" for the new Herring Gas Company Corporate Headquarters building!!  You would have thought God opened the heavens just for us and let the snow fall!!   The offices were spic and span and the tree was ready.  The file room served as the refreshment room with coffee, punch, toasted pecans (shelled by Papa) and Janie's petit fours.  The beautiful table arrangements were done with Christmas greenery with browns and gold--our theme colors. Lots of our friends came--even one from Hattiesburg and two from Brookhaven.  We have the best friends and employees ever.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the Open House a success. 

Of course I couldn't let the opportunity get away to have a picture made with my favorite guy. I'm always the one making the pictures. Thanks, Melanie for getting this one.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS MISSISSIPPI??

This is what we woke up to this morning!!  I have been jealous of my "twitter" friends talking about snow in the north.  Now I can brag too! 

 

  

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas---and all my dreams have come true!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!! 

HGC Christmas Tree

My good fortune--shopping for the HGC Christmas tree and ornaments!!  We're having an Open House on Thursday, December 11 and the tree we had been using got lost in the move to the new building.  Spending OPM [other people's money] is always fun for me and this was no exception!!  Two of my good friends and I went shopping and we had a blast looking for the tree and spreading out boxes of ornaments all over the floor matching coordinating colors.  The girls at the office put up the tree and decorated it.  This picture may not do it justice but it's done in brown and gold with cream.  Not exactly my Christmas colors but wonderful for the office.  Come by to see us between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on Thursday.

QUICK UPDATE FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

I haven't posted an update lately on the "health" situation so I guess I should.  I'm not good at calling or writing and most of my cousins are electronic!  I have had 15 radiation treatments with 13 left to go. The way I counted it--IF the doctor is open on Christmas Eve [and I pray he is] that will be my last day! What a gift that would be!  Other than the first reaction to the marking pen [permanent cross on my left side!-not bad to be marked with a cross!] and a little nausea every now and then I am doing well.  Radiation is not a "friendship bonding" place. I get there at 7:45 AM, change into a gown, get zapped, and am usually out by 8:10 AM at the latest. At least with chemotherapy, I made friendships and had conversations.  But I'm not complaining.  I have used the drive back and forth to Natchez to memorize the Christmas contata for church [I've been out of choir since February] and have some quiet time with God.  These are trying times and this is a learning experience, right? I'm looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with the children and grandchildren.  And---2009---we're praying for a wonderful year!