Merry Christmas….

It hardly seems possible that Christmas is here already…it seems like just a short time ago we were enjoying some sunshine and summer warmth…what happened to the past six months? I must say, this time of year tends to sneak up on me, but oh, the joy of spending time with family and good friends during the holiday season is truly the highlight. Dinner with friends, baking of goodies, decorating, listening to Christmas music, watching some of the classic Christmas movies…oh, it doesn’t get much better than this!

One thing that is tough is getting together with everyone at the same time…with family spread around the area, it’s nearly impossible to be with all of them at the same time. I’m sure that most of you can relate to this dilemma. This year we celebrated Christmas a week early with our kids and their families – and what a wonderful evening it was, just hanging out, catching up on what’s been happening and sharing a great meal!! Of course, there were some gifts to exchange and unwrap…and I must say that our granddaughter, Jayden, made out quite well!! And next year…we will have two granddaughters as our daughter and her husband are expecting a girl in the spring…and let me tell you, we couldn’t be more excited – oh, we can’t wait!!!  Our meal…oh my, it was delicious…with the highlight being prime rib…and I must say, we cooked it nearly perfectly this year…yum!!  Dessert consisted of some homemade molasses cookies (family tradition) as well as some homemade caramels…another family favorite!

Here’s a highlight of our Christmas…I wish for all of you, a Christmas filled with love, joy and lots of wonderful memories to last a lifetime! My husband and I will be with my family and good friends over the weekend…how lucky am I that I get to spend more of the holiday with more family and friends!!

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Jess and Sean…both showing off their cocoas they got…I foresee some evenings enjoying hot cocoa in the next few weeks!undefined

Jayden sure loves her new pillow pet,which she quickly named “Pink!”

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Oh, we couldn’t resist…little “Miss Perry’s” first Carhartt outfit…almost as much as for her as her daddy!undefined

Josh got his girlfriend, Amanda, a new coffee mug, in honor of a Facebook page that she follows!undefined

When you are six years old…something like this is about the best thing in the world you can open!!undefined

Our daughter, Jessalyn, is a teacher…with a frog themed classroom….I couldn’t resist!!

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Okay, maybe the Justin Bieber doll is a tad step above the princess dolls!!!!! She LOVED this!

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My wonderful husband, Rick…some new clothes for a near year!undefinedundefined

Josh’s favorite wine…and a cheese tray made out of the bottle to serve when they have some of the wine!

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Is it Rudolph…or maybe Dasher…or maybe it’s just Sean…he’s looking pretty good with those antlers!

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Aren’t they a GREAT looking couple!!!undefined

And, here, is the newest member of our family…with an ETA of May 2012…we are all anxious to meet her!undefined

Oh, Jayden sure loves playing with her Uncle Sean…they have so much fun together! And, sweet Maddie loves her Jayden…they are pretty darn cute together!undefined

Josh, Amanda and Jayden…they look quite stylish and could work as models!!

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We couldn’t leave out Maddie…she loves being in family photos!!undefined

Oh, the LOVE of my life…can’t imagine how my life would have been without him…nearly 30 years of marriage!!undefinedundefined

Our beautiful children…all grown up…we are very proud and blessed!

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Merry Christmas…from all of us…to each and everyone one of you! I hope that Santa is good to you!

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Meagon Martindale | {Franklin Pierce 2012 Senior}

As the months turn, the end of the year nears and the life of a high school senior gets that much closer to the “big day” which is otherwise known as GRADUATION! This senior, Meagon, who attends Franklin Pierce High School also is going to school at BJ’s Beauty and Barber School…talk about ambitious!! On top of that, she will finish with ALL of her classes in February, a semester earlier than the rest of her graduating class…now that is impressive! So, for Meagon, the “big day” is much sooner, really just a few months away! It was a pleasure to meet her and her mom, Shiloh, on a rather blustery Sunday morning…and despite the cold weather, we were fortunate, as it didn’t rain!  I’d been watching the forecast all week, as I’m sure Meagon had been…and someone was definitely looking out for us with the dry weather! It’s always a delight to get to know these seniors, find out about their plans, dreams, goals and hear what they are doing and enjoying in their senior year…it’s such an exciting time in their lives and it’s great to hear the excitement and enthusiasm that these young people have.  Meagon was no different…she is ready to finish classes, but a bit nervous about what’s ahead after that. I asked if she planned on moving anywhere new and exciting to start her career….her mom instantly said, “she’s not allowed to leave the area!” I love that…her mom, like all moms, is holding on tight to her little girl and  just isn’t ready for her to go far…I can certainly relate to that. Poor Meagon was freezing when we started out, but I think (or at least acted like it) warmed up a bit as the session went on…she was a great sport and a lot of fun to photograph!! So, it’s now time for you to meet Meagon…a beautiful young woman!

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Beauty…this word is going to be part of Meagon’s career, but also is an adjective describing Meagon….inside and out! undefined

This beautiful tattoo is in memory of Meagon’s grandmother and what a wonderful way to honor and remember someone who obviously meant a lot to Meagon.

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M  M  –  Meagon Martindale…when we saw this in the Graffiti Garages, her mom said she had to get her photo by them…her initials and the print on her shirt nearly matches that of the lettering on the walls!undefined

Did I say beautiful…and she’s got incredible eyes…wow!undefined

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Meagon’s mom is obviously quite proud her daughter, as well she should be…she is obviously a confident and strong young woman!undefined

Oh, this is probably my favorite….BEAUTIFUL, Meagon!!!!undefined

A little attitude…we laughed about attitude because any young woman needs a bit of that to succeed in life!!undefined

The looks say it all, love, pride and joy….in her daughter’s success!undefined

Meagon…you are a wonderful young woman and I know you will be very successful…enjoy life, live it to the fullest, be proud of who you are and remember your family…that’s the key to success!