I told you I would keep you updated. So here it is! I have FINALLY begun the "de-decorating" process. I understand that I am among the last 5 people in America to take down my Christmas decorations, but I admit it. I really wasn't that worried about it! I did see that MckMama still has her tree up. However, she does have four kids running around and I have absolutely no excuse except that I've been terribly unproductive and played all week and weekend! It was fun! Now, it's time to tackle the decorations before my neighbors start calling!

As you know, Russ and I will be moving this summer. The longer I stared at my decorations, the more I thought about how I would pack them up. I wanted to pack them up to move. Organized! Not in the random duct taped cardboard and gift boxes. Russ and I stopped by Bed, Bath, and Beyond to pick up a shower gift when I saw this:


These ornament organizers are fantastic! And, if it wasn't so cold outside, I'd drive over there right now and buy 10 more! The dividers are made of a thick foam and the red wrap is a thin foam. Very attractive to the eyes. And, we all know that the key to organization is having a nice look!

Doesn't it look nice? And, the best part is that it fits perfectly inside a 60 quart Rubbermaid container.


I also purchased another ornament organizer. This piece was used for the random ornaments on my tree. The dividers are adjustable in size.

The three layers snap together to form one solid carrier.

Once all my ornaments were off the tree and garland, I neatly labeled the boxes for future use. Now, my sweet hubby has placed these organized ornaments all together in the back of the attic.

Next Christmas, they are sure to be easily accessible and neatly organized!

Next step, pack and box my Christmas dishes and other random decor in a neatly organized way. Who knows when that will be!

Yaya New Year's Party

Well, Russ had to head back home so that he could work on New Year's Eve. (Boo!) I stayed in town and celebrated the new year with the Yayas! Actually, Mama, Daddy, and I drove north to peruse some neighborhoods for our upcoming move. After driving through several areas, we decided to eat supper at Stix in Memphis. Yummy! After supper, we drove over to Hernando to check out The Square Cupboard, a gift shop Jamie opened last year. It was so cute! On our way home, Yaya Sherra began texting me about fireworks. Apparently no one knows what to do in order to get fireworks. They said that Daddy was the "connection." I guided them through the "incognito haggling" involved in getting fireworks at a good price - the good ones. I also told them exactly what to get. Well...this proved to be unsuccessful. So, Daddy stopped on our way into town and was able to get a good deal on the fireworks we desired. Once the Yaya's knew this it was "on like a hambone" as they would say. Ha! We all headed over to Sherra's for a Yaya New Year's celebration.

Me and Yaya Teri

The Yaya hubbies

Landon and Marcee

The girls

After visiting and laughing our heads off, it was time to watch "Boomville," missiles, and "One Bad Mother-in-law" do their stuff. Disclaimer: I am not responsible for the names associated with these explosives. But, they are great to watch!

The whole "official" Yaya crew

So, it's 2010! Happy New Year!

"Sweet" Celebration

The Tuesday after Christmas, Aunt Julie invited us over for dessert with her children and grandchildren. Russ and I were so happy to see everyone. We only see some of these family members once a year at Christmas, and it's always fun to see how all the children have grown. Aunt Julie had their house beautifully decorated and the smell wassail filled the house. I just love their home!

Sisters - Aunt Julie and Russ's mom

The Johnson sister-in-laws

Julie and Joy (Kent's wife)

Russ's mom and Seth

Joy's son and wife

Roan, Vivien, Katie, Olivia, and Julie

The little ones had a grand time!

Russ, his mom, and Kent

Katie, Hannah, and Brett

Doug, Missy, Ty, and Julie

We had a great time, and I wish we could get together more often! Thanks Aunt Julie and Uncle Bill for such a "sweet" celebration!

Guesstures

One of the many fun things about being home for the holidays is playing games with the family. I admit that I am a "Family Game Night" kinda girl. I love board games, card games, or anything with a group of people. Some of the games we went through the last couple of weeks are Scrabble, Buzz Word, The Game of Things, and Guesstures. Although they were all fun, one of the funniest nights was Guesstures night. Hi-lar-i-us! If you have not played this before, please do! Perfect for kids! Even great for adults, as you can see! Ha!

I don't think Daddy was particularly fond of this game because there wasn't much strategy involved. Also because the girls dominated this game!

Kristin looks like she is singing a praise song here, but I think she is becoming a flower.

I was proud to have won the Best Performance Award.

I'm not used to seeing Lee quite so animated!

I must say that everyone did a great job! But, there is just one thing you must see. Take a second - 33 to be exact - and watch my mother (bless her heart!) complete one round of Guesstures. OMG!

Plan your family game night today! You'll be glad you did!

Christmas Day with the Coons

The Smithites (and son-in-laws) were so happy that Santa was so good to us this year! We all put our fun new goodies away and prepared, packed, showered, and dressed for a four hour trip to Jackson. We always spend Christmas Day with my mom's parents. Now that they have gotten older and are not able to make the long trip to Corinth, we travel to spend Christmas Day with them. Kristin and Lee did not make the trip this year. They headed to Jackson, TN to spend Christmas Day with Lee's mom and family.

Farley and Mama posed for a Christmas shot.

Our little family on Christmas

We took two cars because Dustin stayed in Jackson to hunt with my uncle and cousin. I rode with Mama and Daddy, and Russ rode with Dustin. I don't know what Russ and Dustin did, but our vehicle had it's interesting moments.

Mama rode in the back with the food and gifts.

Farley and I rode shotgun.

Daddy drove wearing his new sunglasses bought at the gas station!

We arrived at the Coon residence just in time for an awesome supper! My aunt's sister and family came as well. Between the three families, we had crunchy Romaine salad, hashbrown casserole, green bean bundles, deer wraps, and steaks. I stuffed myself silly!

Aunt Patsy and her dog, Roxie

Clancy and Jack

Daddy, Jack, and the Pickle family finding a spot to eat. Just like Thanksgiving at my house, we are creative on seating arrangements! I love being so close! Nothing like it!

Mama and I found a spot in front of the fireplace.

Cousins

After supper, it was time for more gifts! We all passed out gifts and ripped the paper off! Everyone loved thier gifts!

Cute Southern Belle t-shirt

Mama helped Pops with all his gifts

Uncle Howard, Clancy, and Dustin are ready for the woods!

The guys taking a rest from the madness.

Daddy and Bobby escaping the crowd

Christmas night, Russ couldn't wait to hook up his new TV and Wii. So, Daddy and Russ pulled and tugged and plugged cords for a while before they got it just right!

Great job!

Russ immediately started the Wii...bowling.

I, after learning that my Wii Fit age was 30, began some major workouts! My husband's Wii Fit age is 24, so he married an older woman apparently!

The next morning, before heading back to Corinth, we went by the nursing home to visit Nonnie. Mama helped her open her gifts, labeled them, and put them away for her. Nonnie will be stylin' and profilin'! The cutest one on the hall for sure!

Mama and Nonnie with some of her gifts

Such a wonderful Christmas in Jackson!