Merry Christmas!

We have an Elf on The Shelf, but he's not staying on his shelf! Elfis (cute, right?) is very mischievous! Here's what the little guy's been up to since he moved in.

He got into the Skittles!

Mistook my ceramic turkey for a horse!

Found him swinging on the light fixture!

Obviously, he's one of the Elf designers on the DS.

And today, we found a flour angel in the middle of the stove top!

Elfis has been really fun to have around for sure, and Jake cannot wait to see what he's been up to while we've been away all day.

I'm enjoying preparing for Christmas this year much more than last. My tree is up and decorated, and I've actually finished with Santa Claus already. Still have other gifts to get, but I feel good knowing Jake's all taken care of.

I found these snowflakes at Publix really cheap. I think they look cute in the window.

Our tree and mantle. My friend, Lisa, gave me the Santa portrait. I just love it! And hey, is that neck and those ears not the sweetest stuff?

I have always wanted some apothecary jars and found these for half off at Joann's. I love my grandmother's ornaments displayed in them.

My other grandmother will turn 90 in April. This past Sunday she hosted her traditional Christmas dinner for our extended family. There's usually anywhere from 25 to 40 people depending on who makes it. This year I think I counted 37. She cooks all of the food herself still, but does let my step-mom bring a couple of dishes and desserts. Everything was delish as usual, but dang it, that tradition of letting the men prepare their plates first has got to go! Most of the piggers are back in line for seconds before us gals get kids' plates prepared and then our own! Seriously, I believe her mother did dinners this way and she's kept that tradition. I'd like to think it's to get them out of the way and hush them up! Ha!

My dad. I'm so thankful he's done so well since his prostate cancer and radiation.

This is the lovely Carson D. I kind of like her a little.

And you know Rudolph.

Green beans, potatoes, corn, turkey, sweet potato souffle, dressing, gravy, nom nom nom!

In my opinion, you have never tasted a German chocolate cake as good as my step-mom's. About 2 minutes after I took this picture, the plate was completely empty.

My cousin, Hope, has connections with the big guy from the North Pole. He made an appearance at my grandmother's! The kids were very excited!

Carson had NEVER sat to talk with Santa before!! We were all very proud of her!

Will was NOT afraid to talk to Santa!

Carson's "brudder" Jackson. I kind of like him, too!

My boy letting Santa know what to bring.

Hope, who made Santa possible, with her hubby Curtis. Thanks, Hopie!


All the kids with Santa.

Another good time at my grandmother's and we're all hoping next year is just as nice!

It's only going to get busier from here. I have to finish cleaning the house for this weekend when us girls get together for my great aunt's birthday. We're all meeting here, and I'm very excited for some of them who will see my new place for the first time. I also have Christmas dinner at my dad's Saturday evening. Jake's out of school after this week and then it will be Christmas Eve before you know it! We'll go to my mom's and then Christmas morning to my grandmother's again. Hmmm...I feel the need to make a list. I have way too much to do!

Merry Christmas, everyone!