Pictures of Christmas 2006

Warning! Lots of graphics loading on this page!

Christmas Cookies
As we do every year, as much of the gang as possible shows up to handle the double batch of iced cut-out cookies. The only rule is that you have to decorate a dozen cookies before you can test-taste one; and it has to be a broken. It's amazing how everyone's favorite creation is that one to break.
Richard is always on time for the next round of baking - the orange drop cookies.
Because I moved houses, I missed out on helping with the Chocolate Buried Cherry cookies, and the peanut butter and chocolate fudges. I was able to stop over long enough to lick the chocolate fudge bowl, and pulled chocolate chip cookies out of the over for about an hour one afternoon. I'm hoping to get a taste of the Date Nut Pinwheels tomorrow before moving the dryer out of the house.

I received several photo Christmas cards from my family and friends this year. The one thing noticeable in all the pictures is how much all the kids are growing up! It won't be much longer until they are all driving.
From the middle brother in my family, I received this wonderful Christmas letter updating me on some of the happenings in their lives this past year. Donny and Angie are sure raising two pretty little girls, Allison and Kayla.
My youngest brother's family sent me this card with the kids. Jon and Lisa must be doing something right to get this picture of sibling love out of Jackson, Jonathan, and Jenny.
Of course, since I've been receiving a picture card of Ella nearly every month since she was born, it was only natural for Tara to send this photo card. Not only has Ella grown quite a bit in her first year, but Austin is turning into quite a little man now.

As I have for many, many Christmas Eves in Ohio, I spent this night up at DO's house celebrating with friends and all of my Ohio "family". I've now lived with the Joyce's family for as long as my real family and I'm so lucky to have both! Although I don't get to spend the time we all would like with my real family in NC/SC, my Ohioan family fills in nicely.
Linda isn't just showing off one of her gifts, she's trying to hide behind it so I can't take her picture. ROFL Ah, but I have a boyfriend to help me! Jim crept up behind and we almost caught Linda in a photo smiling.
DO shows off a her new collection of tea pots to Pam
	Cliff was playing Grinch and stayed down in the basement during nearly all of the Christmas Eve Party.
Angie stayed on her cell phone most of the night; but still got to munch on the crackers and Jezebel Sauce that we brought.
	Somehow, I only get pictures of the side of Sean's face; but even though this isn't the best picture, you can see that he's smiling and having a good time with friends.
Upstairs, everyone gathered around the table filled with cookies, candies, cheeses, meats and snacks. I almost got a good picture of Linda this time; but she saw the first flash from the camera and ducked.
	Finally, the man of the hour, Mr. Mike Poland. This is the great guy that has helped me so much through the Christmas season and the move out of my house. Without his help, I'd still be there, hoping to rent a U-Haul. Everyone, please give him a BIG hand for all his help to me.

Silly me , I took my camera; but forgot to ever pull it out of my pocket on Christmas morning while Jim and I were visiting with Carolynn. Carolynn was looking just as well as when we saw her a short time ago when we stopped by to see her working at Trent's Dairy Queen (Jim was having a job interview over in their neck of the woods. ) Although I was only about to give her a small desktop water fountain as a gift, she got Jim and I several nice gifts including a great set of pots and pans. Goody! Now I can get rid of the crappy pans I brought over from 14th St. She also got me this beautiful set of stoneware dishes and a mug that is just screaming to be filled with hot tomato soup! As an added bonus, Carolynn got us two sets of EDIBLE shot glasses. Yeppers, edible. They are made from peppermint. I'm trying to figure out what kind of liquor would be best to get to try these out.

Christmas Gifts

Along with the pots and pans, hoodies, cookies, car towing, car repairs, and the help with moving, I also got another new mask from Mary. I can't wait to hang all the masks in my new house. They'll be on the wall behind me in my webcam picture, so everyone will be able to see them now.

December, 2006