Winter Wonderland . . .

is just what this weekend felt like ~ all the beautiful lights E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E. you look at Winterfest in the Great Smoky Mountains; a cabin in the mountains complete with a warm fire; Christmas shopping with the thousands of other outlet mall shoppers (yes, in the freezing rain); a wonderful dinner show; and waking up to a world of white on Sunday morning . . . we even had a few snowball fights before we left.

Our Traditional Christmas Holiday Weekend Getaway

But unfortunately, Mimi has no pictures to share yet since I couldn't find my camera for most of the trip and Mande's computer isn't working so she can't send me her pictures. But I will add some later, I promise! Ya'll will definitely want to see pictures of your gingerbread houses we made as Friday's Advent surprise.

Normally, ya'll know we go to Dollywood for a visit with Santa; but this year we decided to stay inside for Santa's visit complete with dinner and a great show at

The Black Bear Christmas Spectacular

We have always talked about going there but never had; and since it's the last season for that show, it was a perfect time for making it the highlight of this year's trip. Granddaddy was probably the happiest about the change since he wasn't really looking forward to Dollywood again in the rain and cold. When asked your favorite part of the show, each of you gave a different response. One of Mimi's favorites was seeing you 5 little monkeys all dressed alike on stage singing and dancing around. With the video we bought of the show, ya'll will get to watch yourselves for years to come!

Now, it's beginning to feel alot like Christmas and Mimi's ready to do some decorating especially since ya'll already decorated the downstairs tree for me. When I finish with everything else, I'll post some pictures for you to see what will be waiting on you on Christmas Eve.

Thanks for a Wonderful Winter Weekend!

Hugs and Kisses ~ Mimi

Time for a Few Traditions on the Acre . . .

The Beginning ~

The day after Thanksgiving is usually filled with the first of our Christmas traditions . . . Mimi's bag of goodies which this year included your new Christmas gowns, a new Christmas outfit for you and your baby dolls, and a special "snowball" that Mimi had so much fun making . . . writing your letters to Santa & stuffing them in your stockings hanging on Mimi's mantle (so the elves can carry them back to Santa on their 1st trip back to the North Pole) . . . decorating Mimi's tree in the basement with all your Mommy's & Daddy's childhood ornaments . . . and the arrival of some very special little people . . .

Lidious and Kidious

Your Elves on the Shelf

Your special elves arrived just like clockwork at your new homes on the day after Thanksgiving! Normally, they come to Mimi's but since ya'll were leaving Mimi's that day, they decided to go straight there on their return trip from the North Pole after visiting Mimi's during the night to get your Santa Letters. Ya'll were a little worried they might not find you since you had or were moving. But because Santa knows everything, the elves knew just where to find you. You all have so much fun searching for the new spot Lidious and Kidious find to hide in each morning. Mimi's hoping that Lidious and Kidious get to report only GOOD news to Santa for each of you!!

Since Mimi has already given you your Christmas gowns so you can get enough wear out of them, I wonder what I can come up with for the Christmas Eve presents . . . hummmmmm, I think I just had an idea!!

Mimi can't wait until you find the special prize hidden deep inside the soap "snowball." Remember, you can't cheat . . . it just has to melt on its own ~ the elves are watching!!

Another Tradition ~

The Advent Calendars are filled and mailed ~ ready to begin the countdown to Christmas Eve by 5 very excited little monkeys.

Last year I fell in love with the Pottery Barn Kids Christmas Tree Advent Calendar but really didn't care very much for the price; so I did what any good copycat would do and hurried out to buy fabric to create my own. Of course, it isn't nearly as perfect as the original; but you girls love it just the same simply because "Mimi made it." It's so fun to hunt for those little goodies to surprise ya'll with during the year. But not all the surprises will fit into a pocket so Mimi includes little notes about where to find the surprise (usually your Mommies have them hidden for you).

A few of the other family traditions include family movie night, reading Christmas books, a ride on the Polar Express, Breakfast with Santa for the "A" girls and a visit from Santa for the "C" girls, and one that is coming up this weekend . . . visiting Dolly and Santa at Dollywood! Mimi can't wait ~ it seems the temperature will follow tradition as well . . . FREEZING!! Pack lots of warm clothes!!

Granny's Tradition ~

It was always expected that the entire family would help decorate the Christmas tree at Granny and Pop's house which was usually on the 2nd Saturday in December since they always had a real tree. Saturdays were for dating when your Mommy and Daddy were in high school but being old enough to date didn't get them out of decorating the tree or even your Mimi and Big Unc way back when we were in high school . . . Tree First, Date Second. But Granny always made up for causing late dates by having delicious Datenut Pinwheel Cookies to munch on while we decorated. When the family left Mimi's house on Thanksgiving night this year, they all left with a little box of Datenut Pinwheel Cookies to eat while they decorated their tree. No, they weren't as good as Granny's and haven't been since I've been making them for 16 years. But we still have the cookies made by Granny's recipe anyway and it's the thought that counts, right?

Thanksgiving 2010

While my fall header is still up and my playlist is still playing a Thanksgiving song, Mimi wants to say "Bye" for today with our group picture from Thanksgiving night. Scotty was missing for the picture because he was being a good son and helping his parents with Christmas lights ~ I did get a picture later of he and Josie but it wasn't very good of him so I was nice and didn't post it. Our day after Thanksgiving Breakfast guests this year were Aunt Lynn, David and Jessica; but no picture, sorry ~ is was really fun, though, so a new Thanksgiving tradition was born!

A Mommy's Birthday

"Mimi, do you know whose birthday is tomorrow?"

"Do you know how old she is?"

Nine years ago, we "adopted" the sweetest young lady into our family when Matt got married. She quickly became a very important and very much loved part of our family.

I remember being so excited to finally meet you after hearing all Matt had told us about you. You were everything we imagined and more! The first time we met your parents for dinner, I knew we were destined to all become family ~ it was just like we had known each other for years. Pop knew from the very beginning you were the one for Matt and was probably the most excited when ya'll became engaged . . . he always wanted the best for his boy! He certainly got that in you!

You're always up for whatever 'crafty' project I have planned and join in all of our 'wacky' traditions without missing a beat!

See, you can even be seen wearing a DAWG shirt on occasion (don't kill me!) And you were even all smiles when your Christmas Eve gift was an autographed picture of Vince Dooley. Isn't it ironic that his son is now YOUR coach? I think the biggest tribute to our relationship was when you asked me to stay with ya'll the first week after Campbell was born. I knew then that you did consider me a "mama" and I was really honored!

You and Matt have given us the gift of two beautiful granddaughters that we love dearly; but more than that, you have given them the gift of a Christian home with loving, caring parents.

You always go out of your way to make sure Danny and I are included in everything your family does. How I cherish the memories of experiencing Disney World for the 1st time through Campbell's eyes! The only thing that could make our relationship better is if ya'll just lived next door (like our neighbors behind us); but, I know that isn't possible and am very grateful you're only a few hours drive away with your family close by in case ya'll need something quickly.

You and Mande have always gotten along so well even from the very beginning. People often ask if ya'll are sisters or Matt and Jon the brothers when they're trying to figure out our family; it is a little funny that Jon and Matt looked so much alike in baby pictures and you and Mande look very similar now. She's even taken up your favorite hobby ~ running!

You and Matt have never seemed to have some of the problems alot of marriages face (or else I never knew about them); for that I am very grateful. I know things haven't always been perfect ~ no marriage ever is ~ but I do know that ya'll are both committed to each other and working at anything that arises. I think you might both just be stubborn enough to never accept defeat, do you reckon? Hope so anyway!!

Beth, we're so thankful for you and the joy you bring to this family.

Happy Birthday!!

We love you all the muches!!

Seven Candles

Well, Anna Grace, today you are SEVEN and Mimi can't believe it!! But your missing 2 front teeth and long legs do give me a little hint . . . only yesterday you were . . .

A beautiful bundle of joy born on a fabulous November Saturday. Granddaddy and I were raking leaves on the country acre when we got the call from your mommy who was Christmas shopping ~ she was on the way to the doctor's office just to be checked. Then the call that she was on the way to the hospital and your daddy was hurrying over. "Should we leave now?" "No, just wait." Another call, "You might ought to go ahead and leave now." Quick call to Danielle so she, Pop and Aunt Lynn could get ready to come. Then, the quickest shower Mimi ever took and believe it or not, when we got to the hospital, I even had on shoes and my hair fixed; of course, makeup was put on in the car on the 2 hr. drive to the hospital. Ready or not, you were on your way!

You were home a few days before Thanksgiving so the whole family celebrated at your home thankful you were finally here. Well, not the 'whole' family because Uncle Matt Matt and Aunt Beth had to stay at their house because Campbell had RSV ~ Mammaw K took dinner over to them, though. See in the picture, Mimi even took Granny's turkeys so it would truly be "our" Thanksgiving!

You were beautiful and perfect!!

at least for the first few weeks . . . and then . . . oh, honey, we thought we'd brought the wrong baby home from your first checkup!

Your mommy and daddy became such "computer" experts on babies with "colic" and tried sooooo many different "fixes" ~ a bed that swung from the ceiling, a vacumn cleaner that ran until it finally couldn't (leaving a bald spot in the carpet), tanks and tanks full of gasoline for those long "soothing" drives, a dryer that also ran constantly with a baby carrier on top, and a broken spring in the mattress from so much bouncing . . . any and every thing that they read about we tried . . . but you still continued to cry. Mimi spent alot of hours just walking the floor with you because you were only calm if your mommy or Mimi were holding you.

Unfortunately, you had a serious problem with acid reflux which was discovered after many trips to the pediatrician and finally a trip to Scottish Rite and a specialist. Mimi and your mommy have talked often in the past 6 years about what that "specialist" told us about the development of your personality ~ he might have known what medicine to prescribe but he sure didn't know about you and God's Amazing Grace! I wish that "specialist" could see you now!!

Pink, Frilly, Girly are words that come to mind when I think about you. At times I think you look just like your Mommy; then again, maybe it's only your actions that remind me so much of her.

You are probably the one most sensitive to the feelings of others and always are the peace maker during Cousins' Camp. You have always wanted to pick up anyone walking on the side of the street and would gladly give away your last bite of food or clothing to someone in need ~ such a big heart for such a young girl. Except . . . there was this one time . . .

Just look at the expressions on your Mommy's and Uncle Matt Matt's faces as you pulled Campbell's hair. She didn't seem to mind, though!

You've been a "Dawg" since birth, always dressing in your red and black during football season and this year even your Upwards cheerleading uniforms are red and black. YEA!!

In October during a Sunday night service, your gave your little heart to Jesus. Mimi and Granddaddy are so proud of you and know that you completely understand what you are doing. Your little letter to Campbell was so precious ". . . I gave my heart to Jesus, now we're sisters." With your kind heart and loving nature, Mimi knows God has great plans for you.

Happy 7th Birthday, Angel!

Mimi and Granddaddy love you all the muches!!!!

Babies, Birthdays, Basketball and Moving . . .

Whew!! It's been a wonderfully, wild weekend for the acre family. Here's just a little recap:

Babies . . .

Twenty something years ago, Granny started this tradition when she took Mande and Doodah (HopPop) to Babyland General to "adopt" their Cabbage Patch babies. Of course, Mimi had to continue this little tradition when she had fabulous granddaughters of her own. Mimi's rule is you have to be old enough to remember the adoption; so usually you get to go close to your 4th birthday. Until this weekend only Campbell and Anna Grace have become adoptive parents of beautiful baby girls who look just like them. But on Saturday . . .

Ailee Claire got to become a mommy, too!!

Here's Ailee with her hand raised reciting the adoption pledge in the "adoption room" with Dr. Josh before he had to dash out and make a delivery! Things were really hopping around there in their big, new beautiful hospital.

Making the trip to Babyland General with the A girls, their mama and Mimi was the mama's original Cabbage Patch headed back to "Bath Camp" for a little makeover. Anna Grace's little one had to go back to have surgery on her knee and foot. But she came through just fine and got to come home with us for Thanksgiving!!

Next summer Miss Cybie gets to adopt a little brown-eyed beauty and Campbell's "Cindy" will have to go back to "Bath Camp" for a little surgery and lots of clean up (She's been one loved baby!)

Congratulations, Ailee on your adoption of beautiful Alexandra born on your specially chosen day of September 1!

Birthdays . . .

After the long drive to Babyland General, we had a birthday party! Anna Grace will be 7 on November 22 and celebrated with all her friends at a special "baking" party. What fun but Mimi will post more about that on your special day so remember to look for the post!

We'll be celebrating another birthday over Thanksgiving since Beth has a birthday on November 23. Wow . . . birthday cake and Tom Turkey . . . what fun we have!! Granddaddy will be sporting his new "car" t-shirt the A girls surprised him with when we met them for dinner the week of his birthday as we blow out some candles for him with the "whole" family, too.

Basketball . . . Campbell's 2nd regular season game didn't quite turn out like the first one last week ~ sorry sweetie for the loss. Just keep working hard!! Moving . . . Now what's the chances that both sets of a parent's children would decide to sell their homes and buy new ones at the same time? Well, it happened on the acre . . .

Tonight the C girls and their mommy and daddy are sleeping in a brand new house that will quickly make the transition to "home." Mimi just can't wait to begin sewing new window treatments and anything else you girls might need. It's certainly beautiful and Mimi and Granddaddy are so proud for ya'll!!

Over Thanksgiving weekend, the A girls and their mommy and daddy will be packing their boxes for a move across town to a brand new home as well. It's also very beautiful, and Mimi knows she'll have fun helping with sewing and decorating there, too. We're so proud for ya'll, too!!

But . . . if, after Thanksgiving, you don't hear from Mimi for a while, you might ought to check in some of those boxes I'll be helping to unpack.

For now, I'm going to get busy on my baking . . . you know, Thanksgiving is this week!!

Playing Round Ball

Last weekend Mimi and Granddaddy traveled north to watch the beginning of a new sports season for Monkey #1 ~ Campbell's first "big" basketball adventure.

Sporting your daddy's football number as always!

For the past 2 years, your daddy coached you in Upwards Basketball at your church; but this year you wanted to tryout for the 4th grade squad through the recreation department. Of course, you made it even though you're only in 2nd grade. It was very exciting to watch you play with the 'big' kids and especially when you scored a basket!! Don't tell Granddaddy I told you, but he almost missed it trying to check the score on the dawgs game. Mimi just wanted to forget the dawgs were playing ~ I think they did forget during the 4th quarter!

Little Cybie was all dressed for the occasion showing everyone that she's your biggest fan.

When we got to your house on Friday night, ya'll surprised Granddaddy with a birthday cookie and some pictures you had made him. That cookie sure was good!!

Can you tell Granddaddy was still a little under the weather?

We're so proud of you, Campbell ~ you're going to be quite a basketball player!

Cybie, Mimi's sorry she's going to miss your first dance performance on Wednesday; but if I came, who'd cook Ole Tom Turkey? Make sure Mommy and Daddy tape it for me like they promised. Smile pretty for us!

XOXOXOXOXO ~ Mimi

Harvest Holiday

Before the busyness of baking, birthdays, and picking out the perfect Tom Turkey begins, Mimi wants to share a little of what the acre looks like for our Harvest Holiday ~ THANKSGIVING ~ when "all come home," and we're "blessed that they are able." When the house is filled to the brim with precious family, no one notices the decorations . . . we're all too busy talking, hugging, eating, and playing to care about anything except each other; although you all do notice the wonderful smell of Tom Turkey baking and Mimi's pumpkin spice candles as soon as you walk in the door. And that's just the way Mimi likes it!

Here's a little of what you'll see as you drive down the driveway . . .

Of course, the 2 most important Turkeys are in their spots just waiting on ya'll to come play with them.

These turkeys were once Granny's and now they adorn Mimi's home just like she would have liked. Granny made Mr. Tom on the table many years ago. Your mommy and daddy used to play with him just like ya'll do now. For 16 years Mimi has put these precious decorations out and held on just a little tighter to my memories of Granny and Pop and all the wonderful Thanksgivings at home. That's why Mimi likes to remind you each year where they came from and tell you special things about Thanksgivings then. Yes, you older ones can almost recite what I tell you and say it along with me but that's okay because I know you're remembering!

Basically, Mimi just puts away the Halloween and pulls out a few special things that make it Thanksgiving at Mimi and Granddaddy's ~ like Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim that Mande gave us one Thanksgiving when she was in college because she had seen them on a Hallmark commercial that made her cry.

Mande also made this small acron pillow when she was learning to use Mimi's embroidery machine . . . before long "The Monogram Monkey" was in business!! The first Thanksgiving after getting my machine, I embroidered the turkey napkins along with some pumpkin ones that I didn't bring out this year. The pumpkin tassel is the latest in Mimi's new addiction.

Our first Thanksgiving on the acre Aunt Lynn brought Mimi this beautiful little tray. Don't you love what it says?

"With grace surround us. With laughter bless us. With abundance fill us at this table of family and friends."

Mimi took this picture last week as I was driving back home (yes, I stopped the car and took it). I started thinking about the seasons changing, especially those seasons of our lives. Supposedly, the earth's seasons are equated to those of a person's life . . . if that's the case, Mimi's guessing she's in this most beautiful season ~ not the shiny, fresh, brand new season of spring or the hot, busy season of summer fun ~ but the season of glorious color when at every turn something takes your breath away. IT IS A WONDERFUL SEASON TO BE IN!! But Mimi's just hoping my life's season of color lasts a little longer than the color that WAS in my back yard ~ I'm never ready for the cold of winter.

Have a Happy, Blessed Weekend, Everyone!!

Mimi