The Bright Eyed Brunette

This was honestly one of the most laid back Christmases we have ever had (well, since having kids). We got up around 6:45 am and got cinnamon rolls in the oven, turned the fireplace and Christmas music channel on Netflix, and then got the kids up. I didn't wrap Makena and Trey's big things so they were able to see them as soon as they came in the living room. Carlie had to open hers up😉😉 They were so excited! Makena's bigger things were a drum, 21Pilots drumpad, and an irig. Trey's were an electric guitar, amp, and some Beats. Carlie's bigger items were a laptop and a furry stool she wanted for her room. They all got more, I'm just not going to list it all. Carl and I also exchanged presents, although he had already gotten most of his prior to Christmas. He ended up with a new grill, an outdoor heater, a grill set, and a Browning pullover he wanted. He kept telling me not to get him anything, so I thought we were going smaller this year. I think he just want...

Selfie before church  I love these three  I love him too! Carlie and Baby My mom and Papa Yummy! Grammy and George Strait  Playing the saran wrap game Trey loves Grammy's pie Makena and Daisy  Watching "Home Alone" before bed We had a great Christmas Eve! We celebrated by attending church on Sunday morning and going to Grammy and Papa's house on Sunday night.  I had been sick since the Monday before Christmas, but started feeling a little better by Sunday. Preteen and teenage kids aren't as exciting as little kids are but they still love to open presents. Much Love, Beth

I was going through some old pictures last week and came across this one. It was our first Christmas card as a family of 5. They were all so little and precious! Carlie was a little under the weather most of last week so she decided to put together and decorate our gingerbread nativity. Ya'll, the thing wouldn't even stay together so we hot glued the pieces! Nobody will be eating this one, lol! Because we didn't get enough of the Christmas light while we were in Branson, we headed to Pine Bluff to see some more :)] We weren't really dressed to go in anywhere but I needed to run in Dillard's to get something. Couldn't miss a photo opp 😁 It is supposed to say Christmas in Casscoe,  but Aunt Becky forgot her other "c". Trey had his piano Christmas party on Monday night.  He did a great job and we had lots of fun! He's so handsome, if I have to say so myself!! "For into us a child is born, unto us a s...

This year our church put on the program "Three Wisemen and A Baby". The kids have been working on it since November and really did a great job. Carlie played the narrerator or "Star" The rest of the main cast: Trey as Jamestonia, Noah as Elvistonia, Anna Grace as Garthstonia, Makena as the scribe, Ellie Kate played Lydia, and Elijah played King Herod. Joseph joined the group. Aubrey wasn't too fond of the sheep, lol! Three pretty angels And a cute little lamb  Good job kiddos! "Behold, A Virgin Shall Be With Child, And Shall Bring Forth A Son, And They Shall Call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23 Much Love, Beth

Well a year has come and gone since the Lord called Papaw home. Like I said in my Thanksgiving post, it is hard. Just because this was Christmas #2 without him, didn't make us miss him any less. Back in February when my Dad and his siblings were cleaning out the house and selling things I asked to have some of Papaw's shirts. I planned on making pillows for all of Papaw's kids. Spring, summer, and fall came and then the week before our Christmas party, I decided that I had better get on the ball. I had never intended making the pillows for Christmas gifts, but the more I thought about it, the more I figured it was a perfect idea. So on our shopping trip to Little Rock we picked up four pillow forms, some Heat and Bond (you didn't think I was sewing these did you?!), and a measuring tape. Mom and I started out doing these, but when we messed up Makena took over! Carlie tried to help (when Makena would let her)! Makena did end up having to stitch up the mistak...

The first Christmas activity of December was our Ladies Bible Study Christmas Party. My girls came this year and hung out with Anna Grace and little Shelby. Mom gave the devotion. We had a good time playing Dirty Santa Shelby thought that she needed a Christmas present too! Next on our Christmas list was Family Christmas card pictures.  We LOVED our neighbors old barn Then there was this one! Someone whose name begins with T-R-E-Y may or may not have passed gas at this very moment. Here is the finished product. Third on the list was the Stuttgart Christmas parade. Me with my crew and Noah. It ended up pouring for about 3 or 4 minutes but thankfully we found an awning.  I forgot this one. Makena wanted me to snap a picture of her while we were taking family pics. She looks so pretty! And Trey was ecstatic that he was up in the loft of the barn. We also attended my nephew, Elijah's Christmas progr...