We closed the store at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, to catch our breath for a few minutes, before going to Brinkley for our Christmas Eve Tradition at Nana and Pa's house. Tonight, the crowd was slim (see previous post about where everyone was) but hearty. We always have a good time there, and Lee Ann provides comic relief everywhere she goes -- love you, Lee Lee!
When I married into the Stinson family 32 years ago, we always went to Midnight Mass, then to their house to open gifts after mass, then home to bed, only to get up and be in Stuttgart by noon for lunch with my family, then about mid-afternoon at Grandpa Stinson's house, then late afternoon at Grandma Stinson-Ponder's house. Lots of travel, lots of eating, lots of love...
As the babies entered the picture, we tried the midnight thing the way it was but it just didn't work for any of us. SO, we started gathering earlier in the evening (as soon as Jim could get the store closed). The boys had gone to Nana and Pa's house much earlier in the day, leaving me at home to do some last-minute wrapping, cooking, and helping out at the store. They would be driving everyone crazy until we got there, because no gifts could be opened until everyone was there! Then, all bets were off. There was lots of paper flying, ooohing and aahing, and loads and loads of fun. There were Little Tyke cars, and desks and tables and chairs, trucks and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,then every video gaming system known to man, every year, as the new ones came out with games and accessories of all kinds. In their later years, it was great clothes, and always money, for whatever trip that might be coming up. It was fabulous! And a great time for everyone, from young to old. Oh,and did I mention lots and lots of food -- rare roast beef, smoked pork, turkey, and many, many custard pies. We won't mention any names here but "some" have even been known to hiding pie in the bedroom, heh, Sharon :)
We've had some rough years over the last four -- our family is smaller and more spread out. It is hard to have everyone home at the same time due to jobs, and babies, etc. but the LOVE is always there. This is an incredible family that I married in to 32 years ago, and I realize it more and more every day. So, again, thanks to Nana and Pa for showing us what 57 years of love and family looks like -- we appreciate all that you do for ALL of us and we love you, everyone!
When I married into the Stinson family 32 years ago, we always went to Midnight Mass, then to their house to open gifts after mass, then home to bed, only to get up and be in Stuttgart by noon for lunch with my family, then about mid-afternoon at Grandpa Stinson's house, then late afternoon at Grandma Stinson-Ponder's house. Lots of travel, lots of eating, lots of love...
As the babies entered the picture, we tried the midnight thing the way it was but it just didn't work for any of us. SO, we started gathering earlier in the evening (as soon as Jim could get the store closed). The boys had gone to Nana and Pa's house much earlier in the day, leaving me at home to do some last-minute wrapping, cooking, and helping out at the store. They would be driving everyone crazy until we got there, because no gifts could be opened until everyone was there! Then, all bets were off. There was lots of paper flying, ooohing and aahing, and loads and loads of fun. There were Little Tyke cars, and desks and tables and chairs, trucks and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,then every video gaming system known to man, every year, as the new ones came out with games and accessories of all kinds. In their later years, it was great clothes, and always money, for whatever trip that might be coming up. It was fabulous! And a great time for everyone, from young to old. Oh,and did I mention lots and lots of food -- rare roast beef, smoked pork, turkey, and many, many custard pies. We won't mention any names here but "some" have even been known to hiding pie in the bedroom, heh, Sharon :)
We've had some rough years over the last four -- our family is smaller and more spread out. It is hard to have everyone home at the same time due to jobs, and babies, etc. but the LOVE is always there. This is an incredible family that I married in to 32 years ago, and I realize it more and more every day. So, again, thanks to Nana and Pa for showing us what 57 years of love and family looks like -- we appreciate all that you do for ALL of us and we love you, everyone!
2 comments:
I'm so glad to see your family enjoying Christmas. Love you lots!
Merry Christmas,
Susan
The "webfoot" (as in Louisiana pelican) branch of the Stinson clan missed being with ya'll so much this year!!! Yes, it was a different sort of Christmas wasn't it? Thrilled that you posted the pics and such (coulda left out the part about your pie-stealing sister-in-law - ha!) I sure hope as many of us as possible can be together next year. Meanwhile, yes, thank goodness for modern technology - and LOVE AND SUPPORT that crosses the miles (even 7000 of them to Frank and up to the heavens to Whit) Big hugs, S
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