If you are in a cold and cloudy clime, let me just apologize ahead of time if I mention the fact that it is sunny and 73 degrees here in Florida.
Even though Christmas is a few days behind us, I just had to share these photos of our grandkids and their cousins depicting the Nativity. Definitely guaranteed to make you smile!
We were so glad to have Nathan land in Charlotte last Friday night so that he could spend a day with family members whom he rarely gets to see. We are especially grateful for Meagan who sees how important it is to her husband and gladly sent him on his way even though three small children and limited finances kept her from joining us.
It meant the world to Ken and Vernie to have everyone there and the goodbyes on Sunday morning were just a little tearful. Steve asked Nathan to pray over us all as we joined hands in a circle and I was a sniffling mess by the time he was done.
Beautiful moment, runny nose, wonderful family.
It always makes my mama heart happy to turn around and see this sight.
Nathan and Steve did all the driving and I had to do none. Happy day.
Eleven hours after leaving Charlotte, there was a happy homecoming in Florida.
Our three days here in Florida are going to be chock full of good stuff. Steve just left with Frank (Meagan’s dad) for breakfast, I am leaving in an hour to meet Sheri (Meagan’s mom) for lunch, Sarah is going to make a Goodwill run with Meagan and the kids this afternoon, we’re going to see an ice exhibit in Orlando, grab some meals out (and in), open presents and mainly enjoy spending a few precious hours with some precious people.
So in light of the aforementioned schedule, today I will just leave you with a few pictures and add some stories (and of course, more pictures) in future posts.
Here’s Aunt Sarah this morning, enjoying two nephews and a niece.
Steve read some stories to the kids last night. Steve’s dad read Green Eggs and Ham to him, he read it to Nathan, and now he’s reading it to Nathan’s children.
Grandchildren, books, and love. Happy days.
On this last day of the year, my hope and prayer for all of you amazing Smithellaneous friends is that peace will pave your path into 2019 and that same peace will walk with you through each step of the new year.
What about you? What are your plans on this last day of the year?
Are you a person who stays up till midnight or calls it in early?
I stayed up until MN and watched the ball drop, and then I was still wide awake at 1am 🙁 I was in Disney Springs on Wednesday the 2nd, so somewhat in the vicinity of your family. Hope your family is well. My granddaughter has a bladder infection and her temp is 104! Her baby sister is due in just a few weeks.
Marlea,
That’s late to stay up. But at least you got to see that famous ball drop!
I hope your granddaughter is doing better; it’s scary when a temp goes that high. Congrats on the new granddaughter on the way!
Best Wishes for continued peace and happiness in the new year! Fred & Lucy 🙂
Fred,
Sending new year’s happy thoughts to you and Lucy, as well!
I decided to give my husband a hug about 10:00, just in case I didn’t make it to midnight. Got us both a Welches Sparkling White Grape juice (2018) and I went to bed to watch Carol Burnett andthen Perry Mason. Did make it to midnight so gave him a kiss, aren’t we romantic!. The family pictures are so precious. 72 hmm, does sound wonderful. A little chilly today, about 9 degrees, but think we will have our heatwave on Thurs., 32 degrees. Whew!
Sharyn,
Very good idea to have a New Year’s Eve pre-hug, just in case! 🙂 Nathan and Meagan stayed up till midnight but the elder Smiths turned in early.
Enjoy your heatwave!
Happy New Year to the whole Smithellaneous Family. Have a wonderful visit. The grandkiddos are adorable.
Lesley,
Happy New Year to you and YOUR family!
And I have to agree–the grandkids are pretty cute. 🙂
Love the pictures of the grandchildren and their cousin in the Nativity scene.
I counted offering this morning at church, my last day on this year’s rotation. My rotation is September – December. Other than that, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things then came home and take a nap as I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m just staying in tonight – will watch some things I have recorded.
I hope to be in Florida by the 15th or so of next month. It will be a two day drive for me. Hopefully the weather cooperates and I can leave on the 14th. Will probably be back or start back by the 28th.
Happy New Year!
Phyllis,
Staying in on NYE sounds like a happy plan to me!
Enjoy your Florida trip. We will be headed back to NC tomorrow; planning on making the 14-15 hour drive in one day. But of course, having 2 drivers helps. Could never do it on my own!
You just can’t beat time with family and it looks like you’re getting some quality time in with yours. 🙂
(Feeling envious of the warm weather…it’s bitter cold here. Expecting a low of 3 degrees tonight with wind chills in the negative 20’s 🙁 )
We have always stayed up til midnight (and after) on New Year’s eve. Tonight we will get together with 10 of our friends at a local hotel where we all have rooms. We will all take snacks, etc. There is an indoor pool and plenty to do and we’ll ring in the new year there. It is always fun with this group! Then on Tuesday we will head to my mother-in-law’s house for a couple of hours….it’s her 89th birthday.
Wishing you and your sweet family peace, health and happiness in 2019.
Happy new year!!!
LeeAnne,
I love the idea of getting together with friends at a hotel. No one has to drive on dangerous roads to get home and everything is right there on site for you to do. Plus, you (hopefully) get to sleep late the next morning!
Happy New Year’s Day birthday to your mother-in-law. Sounds like a fun time all around!
So glad you are having a wonderful time with your family!
Today our dear friends from Calgary (about a 4 hour drive away) are making their annual trek up to visit. Hapoy day! And I’ll finish the night by writing in my New Years Journal, a notebook I write in once a year on New Years with all my hopes and goals for the coming year as well as a summary of the prior year. I’ve written in this journal yearly since high school. We may go to the city’s fireworks display as well tonight- it’s minus 12 now with a low of minus 15 today so that’s not too bad temperature wise. Although plus 73 and sunny Florida does sound appealing.
Happy new year!
Jenna,
I love the idea of a New Years journal. The fact that you have kept it so long means you get the joy of going back over past years and reviewing and remembering all that has taken place, all that you learned, and all the ways you have changed and grown. What a treasure!
Enjoy time with your Calgary friends. So special to have friends like that who will drive 8 hours round trip to spend time with you.
I am so glad you got to spend the holidays with family. I do stay up until midnight, when I was younger, we always had or went to New Year’s Eve parties and having grown up in NJ, went to Times Square one year (one year was enough, that place is crazy on New Year’s Eve)! And now, while I still watch the ball drop, I usually nod off around 10 and then wake up at 11:59! We are having friends over tonight and are grilling steaks and lobster tail in rainy Raleigh…..Happy Year to all!!
Dale,
Steak and lobster tail? We’ll be right over! 🙂
You are are one of the few people I know who has been to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I imagine once is plenty; I can’t imagine how absolutely insane that place must be. Don’t think I’d ever want to do it but think it would be quite the adventure if you’re brave!
Happy year to you and your family!
I will stay up til midnight which is normal for me on most nights. Today I started back on the treadmill. Had not done so in December due to full schedule. Also washing clothes and bedsheets to be clean for the new year. May even vacuum—maybe not. Have to go to Walmart for an optical cord for the TV sound bar Connor gave us for Christmas. Hope to rest some but we’ll see. Plan to go eat seafood tonight locally. Happy New Year to all. ??
Ann,
It sounds like a productive day for you! I’m amazed you like to stay up till midnight. Enjoy!
And congrats for getting back on the treadmill. I imagine ALL of us have a few Christmas calories to burn. 🙂