Howell Christmas

Yesterday was designated the day for Howell Family Christmas in Magee. We have recently experienced the loss Mrs. Lou. Right after Thanksgiving, we suddenly lost her. Our hearts were broken to lose that infectious laughter that she brought. It was just 2 1/2 years ago that we had to walk through our first Christmas with out Maw-Maw. Our hearts were still heavy from that loss and Mrs. Lou had brought a sense of joy back into the house. She and Maw-Maw were dear friends so Mrs. Lou kept much of the "Mary-ness" about the house.

Our visit began with the Mealins and our family spending the night with Paw-Paw. The kids played card games, listened to Evan jam on his electric guitar, and laugh so hard they almost cried. There was some story about "nuggets" that had Evan and Wynn in stitches. The kids got to camp out in the "art house".

Julie and I finished cooking and crawled in the bed to catch up! I am so blessed to have a sister-in-law (and family) that we can just pick up where we left off the last visit. Julie is more like a sister to me, and I am very blessed!

I woke on Thursday to the smell of Philip cooking bacon for everyone. It wouldn't be a trip to Paw-Paws if Philip wasn't making his famous breakfast. (bacon, eggs & biscuits). Julie and I got gumbo and fixings (Paw-Paws potato salad) ready for the masses. We have many great memories sitting in that kitchen while Philip cooks and enjoying our coffee and storeis. We laugh, we remember, we cry, we eat...it doesn't get much better. Kids trickle into the kitchen one by one. We take turns getting ready and regulating the hot water.

Finally, more cousins and in-laws.

There are 12 Howell Grands that range in age from 17-8. Lou brought with her a daughter, son-in-law, three grands and a son. Our house is full, but fun. The Friend kids always gather the Howell kids for a board game or cards.

Trippe hooked up with some Star Wars legos. The girls got make-up bags from the Greg Howells. Paw-Paw gave the parents a number game in receiving our gifts. Items he had picked up on one of his many mission trips. (A new bread basket and candle holder).I think one of my favorite memories was watching Wynn be Paw-Paws helper to pass out gifts. (until it was time to stop and open her own). .

She picked right back up with her duties once her excitement over her Zhu-Zhu pets was past. (thanks Evan). She gave Paw-Paw the biggest hug when she saw the large bill placed inside her envelope from him.

That baby just loves her Paw-Paw

This was a hard Christmas without Mothers and Grandmothers. It was hardest most of all for Paw-Paw.

He took time to write the Grans a special note to express his love for them.

Even through the tears and heartache, we found some laughter and new memories.

Christmas Parade

It wouldn't be Christmas without the Tupelo Christmas Parade. We have only missed this event once since moving here 10 years ago. We look forward to the morning each year. We gather at the same spot with some of the same friends each year. This year was a little different because Trippe and Philip walked in the Parade. They joined the TPSD music teachers and students as Grand Marshalls. They were some of the first people we saw.

Trippe & Dad passing by in the parade



Being some of the first in line, the boys and their tired legs headed home once their route was finished. The girls enjoyed watching friends pass by. Some of our parade favorites are always the Partlow Drummers. We were glad this year that parade organizers saved all of the horse groups for the end.  We headed home post Santa and the boys had heated our pot of  Crawfish Bisque!

Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here

It has been a while since I sat down to think about our daily happenings. Sarah was given a CD by her sweet small group leader, Chloe. It is by Straight No Chaser. The first song is very fast and they seem a little like they have ADD (so MK says) and they sing Christmas, Christmas time is here...shopping, shopping, etc. I have felt that speediness of this December. The rush of the song, the pressure of the "to do list", the activities on the calendar. I must say this year has been less filled than in the past, but still I feel we got a late start.

We started our Christmas season off as normal...tagging a tree at Gray's Christmas Tree Farm. We were sad to see the newspaper listing that this was their last year  of owning the farm. We traveled to Hatley to pick the "perfect" tree. We were greeted by the new family who will open a farm a few miles down the road. We were relieved with that news. Next it was down to business and y'all it only took 5 whole minutes to meet this grand 10 footer.

Gray's Christmas Tree Farm 2010



Daddy made certain  that we got our full tree farm experience. We rode the train through the farm one last time. Thanks Philip for helping us make memories no matter how old we get!

We waited a week or so before Daddy went back to the farm to retrieve our tree. It is an annual tradition that we decorate our tree together. With Christmas music playing & spiced tea cooking, we began the process or sorting through ornaments and adding our favorites to the tree.

Our ornaments are wooden ones that Granny gave me when I was younger and I've given each of you. They are handmade by a lady named Gay from Jackson. Granny met her at the Canton Flea Market years ago. We have ornaments that tell stories of our family too. Ones from vacations, made at school, from our friends, etc. I love to hear the stories you tell as I pull them out of the box. I've always loved to hear you retell the stories. I think we always say this, but "our tree is the most beautiful one we have ever had".




the finished product



ChristmasCard2010

Snowflakes And Wishes Christmas

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.