Each year, on Christmas Eve, Russ's family celebrates with lunch and exchanges gifts. This year, Russ and I took his parents out for breakfast for his mom's birthday while the rest of the family set up a surprise gift - a new TV. They were so surprised, and we enjoyed our breakfast too! After returning from breakfast, we spent the rest of the day chatting, relaxing, watching Up, playing Scrabble, and munching all day. It was wonderful!

Sister-in-laws

The girls playing Scrabble (notice the cookie in my hand! Munch munch!)

When the movie was over, we began to open gifts. Now, remember there are eight children in Russ's family plus the eight adults. So, the children opened their gifts first while we watched and took pictures. They cleared out to play with their new toys, and the adults began opening their gifts. We still took pictures!

Russ, Jimmy, and Will watching the kids opening their gifts. Will moved up to the "adult" group this year.

Pop and Farley

Julie loved her new boots from Aunt Megan and Uncle Russ

Seth and Jenny

Leah and Grace looking at Leah's new Fancy Nancy doll

Olivia was so excited about her new scarf, gloves, and hat from us!

And, Sam wasted NO TIME getting into his Lightning McQueen sleeping bag we got for him!

It is such fun watching children open gifts! Now, it is time for the adults to open! I sat in the middle of the floor to open mine because I love watching everyone else open!

Russ took these pictures of letters, and we had it framed for Jenny and Jeff.

Sitting in the middle of the floor watching!

The sign I had made for Jimmy and Roan - the verse from their blog.

Jan teared up over this book we made with pictures from Russ's graduation.

Looks like Pop likes his rain jacket!

And, Russ's mom loves her new Uggs!

I also ordered these cute doormats for the Mansels and Johnsons complete with their family names and pictures on them. Super cute!

Russ loves his MacLife subscription from Jenny and Jeff.

After opening gifts and cleaning up wrapping paper, bows, boxes, and gift bags, we all sat around and visited. And munched some more! The kids were busy excitedly playing with their new gifts!

Clay

Russ and I had a great time with family! All the "sisters" love to Christmas shop, so we were very blessed this year! Such a generous and loving family! Thank you for all the wonderful goodies!

Johnson Christmas Party

Each year on Christmas Eve, Russ's grandmother would host the entire Johnson family for a Christmas gathering and gift exchange. Russ's family has grown so large (15+ grandchildren and even MORE great grandchildren) and his grandmother has gotten a little older, so that tradition retired. Jimmy and Roan continued this tradition by hosting a Christmas party for the Johnson family, extended relatives, and some family friends a week before Christmas. We had a great time this year visiting with Johnson family members! Everyone brought an appetizer or dessert, and we just enjoyed being together. There were people everywhere, so I know I don't have pictures of everyone. Sorry!

Roan, Season, me, and Stacee

Stacee and Mark's children - John Mark and Mary Kate

Russ, Jimmy, and Mark

Sam and Julie (Olivia was upstairs sick, so she missed the party.)

Season, Sam, Emily, and me

Emma, Grace, and Leah

Stephanie and Ryan

Annalise, Lana Kate, Joey, and Sam

Russ's Aunt Sherry and his mom

It didn't take long for all the Johnsons with iPhones began the addictive game of Words with Friends. So, several of us (I do not have an iPhone, but I sat there anyway!) sat around the kitchen table playing Scrabble with each other on the iPhones.

Roan started this whole thing, I think!

Stacee

Holly winding down with her twins - Emma and Will

We had a great time with our family! Thanks to Jimmy and Roan for always being such gracious hosts!

Merry Christmas to All...

...and to all a GOOD NIGHT!

A Corinth Christmas

First thing I've noticed about a Corinth Christmas is that my parents have the best postman! Mama chased him down the street so that I can show you just what I'm talking about. How many of you actually have Santa himself deliver your mail via United States Postal Service?! My point exactly!

Me and Santa

The other thing I love about a Corinth Christmas is meeting up with old friends. We all meet friends, good friends, and best friends along the way. But there is NOTHING like a good ole hometown friend who has grown up with you and knows all of your past. I love these girls! We always have a great time together! Each year, some of us aren't able to make it, but we try. This year we rounded up Lauren, Season, me, Prentiss, and Mary Elizabeth (and Callie of course!).

Lauren, Callie, me, Mary Elizabeth, Prentiss, and Season

After a short time of laughing and talking at Prentiss and Bo's, we enjoyed a nice supper at Pizza Grocery. I'm pretty sure we were noticed considering we were the loudest ones there. Mommy Mary E. and Lauren had to leave after supper. Season, Prentiss, and I continued the night a little longer continuing the laughter and catching up! Then we visited a group of guys from high school where Prentiss's husband just happened to be. Have I mentioned how much I love and miss these girls?! Very fun!

Season, Prentiss, and me at Andy's house

My Corinth Christmas just keeps getting better and better!

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Now...take a look at this!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The grandparents even got in on the fun!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Presenting the Smith brothers...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I also let the Johnson kids try it out!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Now, go elf yourself!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

...Amy's true love gave to her, his last name, Richey!

Saturday night Amy and Jeremy were married after over 7 years of dating. It was a beautiful wedding for such a sweet couple! I took lots of pictures for the mother of the groom. I won't share them all, but I will give you a few snapshots of the night.

The front doors of the church

Kristin and Charli catching up

Mama, Cynthia (mother of the groom), and Teri

The bride and groom during the garter toss

Mama and me

It was a beautiful wedding sure to be followed by a beautiful life! Congratulations Amy and Jeremy!