Christmas Gathering with Family - 2009

Ed and his family gathered for a happy Christmas Celebration the Saturday evening before Christmas. My youngest brother hosted our holiday party again this year, and it was a grand time for us all!

Upon Ed's arrival at B2's house, my brothers got our dad out of the car, into his wheelchair, and then hoisted him, chair and all, up the (rather steep) steps that lead up to the porch and into the front door. I know Ed must have been nervous about his 'flight' up the stairs, perhaps worrying he may be dumped out on the ground, but the boys did a good job and not a even a hair was lost going up those stairs!

(Picture 1: Ed enjoying Christmas Dinner.)

The house was full of brothers, sister-in-laws, an aunt, an uncle, moms and dads, kids and grandkids, and of course, Ed and Mama. There was even two cats and a pup in the midst at one time or another.

(Pic 2. Ed and Momma)

The aroma of both deep fried and roast turkey met us in the kitchen/dining area, along with dressing, greenbeans, potato salad, squash casserole, mashed potatos, sweet potato souffle, creamed corn, and apple-cheese bake. We all dug in after Courage's husband (SOL) blessed the food. After the meal, there was 9-layer chocolate iced caked and pecan pie for dessert. Everything was delicious and there were few left overs to be saved and taken home.

(Pic 3. With the grandkids.)

After partaking of the meal we all gathered in a circle with a pile of gifts in the center. The game of 'Dirty Santa' commenced and the gift most often stolen was an IPOD station thingy that you place your IPOD in and have the music play over speakers...and a bag of assorted whiskeys. Hmmm. The assortment of Dirty Santa gifts ranged from dishes to bath and body products to clocks and giftcards, and the aforementioned music machines and spirits.

Ed ended up with a $20.00 gift card to Walmart and Mama a set of colorful, vintage glass cooking bowls. I think both were satisfied with the results.

After all this excitement, Ed looked tired and both he and Mama seemed ready to go home. After a round of pictures were taken of different groups and then a whole group, Ed was bundled back up into his chair and carried back down the steps and tucked into the car.

(Pic 4. Me, Hubby and Ed.)

Back home, they both got ready for bed and waited for us to leave so they could lock up the house and crawl in bed. Me, I am driving home and thanking God above for another Christmas with them. Who knows when it will be the last?

(Pic 5. Dirty Santa Gift Pile)


(Pic 6. Ed, Mama and Children)