What a wonderful Christmas!!! My Christmas season started out by being a part of "The Misfit Elves". It is a group of friends who wanted to bring cheer to everyone this year. We were in the Gardendale and Centerpoint parades. Then it was time for 'elfing'. We would ring doorbells and sing a couple of Christmas carols. It was awesome to see every one's face while we were singing. We even 'elffed' Cracker Barrel, Krispy Kreme, Outback and a church in Leeds. So much fun!!!
The next part of my Christmas season was being a part of the Gardendale First Baptist Church Christmas program. Being in the orchestra, it was my first year to be in the program. We had two services on Saturday. My friend Christie, her husband Craig, their daughter Presley and her mom, Carolyn came to the first service. My mom was happy to know that I had someone in the audience who loved me. :) The next service, several of my friends came to see us. Pete, Rhiannon, Bart, Kate, Bradley and Lisa (from work) were there to see the amazing service. Sunday was a busy day. It started with our normal two Sunday services at GFBC. Then, I met the family at Jim N Nicks for Nana's birthday. After that most of the family came to the last Christmas service. I was so glad to have mom, dad, Nana, Uncle Larry, Linda, Richard, Lindsay, Casey, Cameron, Rochelle, Dustin, Donna and Breagan there to support me. I am truly blessed!
The next weekend was busy too! We started our Friday night by going to Jacksonville State University - "The Friendliest Campus in the South" to see Rochelle graduate. Ahem...I must say she graduated with a marketing degree - like yours truly :) I am so PROUD of her! Saturday was spent getting ready for Family Christmas. I went to church Sunday morning and then made a bee line back to mom and dad's. We had the best time at Family Christmas! There is always a ton of food, but it is so good! Santa made a visit and then we had a surprise visit by "The Misfit Elves". It was a huge hit!
Mom and dad attended a "Highlands Christmas" and they talked about how gorgeous and moving it was. So, mom and I went the night before Christmas Eve. It was beautiful and brought me to tears. We sang "Silent Night" by candlelight. AMAZING! Christmas Eve was pretty laid back. Mom, dad, me, Nana, Linda, Richard and Rochelle went to GFBC Christmas Eve service. We all said it was so wonderful to be able to attend a Christmas service on Christmas Eve. I hope to make this a yearly tradition!
Linda, Richard and Rochelle spent the night with us at mom and dads. Santa came for everyone ~ even Uncle Larry and Nana! We enjoyed our traditional breakfast casserole, biscuits and bacon. I LOVE that meal! After everyone left to head towards McCalla - mom, dad and I opened presents. SHOCKED doesn't describe my 1st present. A Yamaha Silver 875 EX custom saxophone. It is gorgeous! Yes, I cried!! I received a beautiful John Hardy bracelet that matches moms - we are twins :) I also received a lovely pearlized elephant pendant to wear on game days! ROLL TIDE! My presents also consisted of Alien perfume, Crocs house shoes, Pyrex dishes, new window treatments, saxophone accessories and many more. I was excited to see mom and dad open their custom calendars that I had designed but more excited to see mom open her Pandora bracelet and dad open his Alabama Fossil watch. It is nice to be able to give back to such giving parents. I love you mom and dad !!!!!
Then we were off to McCalla to spend the afternoon with family. Cameron understood Christmas better this year and it was awesome to see her face. To see Christmas through the eyes of a child = PRICELESS! She received a bike from Santa and kept telling me "Bonda push Cameron". And of course -- I did :) We also saw my cousin/Goddaughter Kaylee. It was her 1st Christmas and she was a doll. We all opened our gifts and received many nice things. But, we were all waiting for Nana to open her gift. A laptop that the family went in together and purchased for her. It was wonderful to see her face, she even cried. Again, it was wonderful to give back to such a sweet lady like Nana!
After returning from McCalla, we relaxed. The next two days were spent putting decorations away until next year. I came back to Fultondale and put away my inside decorations minus my tree. My neighbor, Sue, is bringing her son home from Ethiopia and asked me to leave my tree up until he arrives. I can't wait to see his face light up when he sees all the twinkle lights :)
I hope everyone enjoys the last few days of 2010 - be careful out there and let's all have a great New Year!
Love you all ~
LaVonda
