“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
It’s been said that today is tomorrow’s yesterday. Certainly a statement that uniquely reminds me of how fleeting life is and how important every moment of this day should be. Isn’t every moment part of the making of a memory? I’m always in a hurry and that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Let’s face it, a large part of our conversation as well as our thoughts are about the past. Memories are so precious and one of our greatest possessions. Memories can be sad and are often heartbreaking. And we are all aware of the fact that our ability to remember fades with age and even fails those who are young sometimes. This is a hard reality that affects many of our families. I will not overlook this fact, but instead simply choose not to dwell there.
Memories come in all shapes and sizes but the best ones are usually the simple, the small, the personal, and even a silly thing or two (or maybe 200). An occasion, a holiday, a funny, a friend, a story (possibly embellished over time), food, a photo, a hair-do, a song, a special item or memorabilia, and on and on we could go….! Maybe it was the time someone smiled when you needed a smile or someone called wanting nothing more than to say “I love you”.
We are sharing a few Christmas memories of our family that we cherish with you today. At the same time I am hoping to be more mindful of the fact that I am making memories as a part of my everyday living. We cannot control a lot of things, but as much as possible within me may I choose to make fond memories today and every day. Part of a lyric I remember says “all too soon the future becomes the past”.
-Butch
One of our favorite little get-aways was December 2011, when we made last minute plans to visit the Biltmore at Christmas. We stayed at the beautiful Inn on Biltmore Estate which was perfect. We booked the candlelight tour of the mansion and it was magical, and of course, we had to get a photo.
Every year as I unpack the ornaments, memories of family, friends, travel, and special times flood my mind.
My sweet and precious Daddy – Christmas 2014. He is a blessing…86 years young with a sharp mind and quick wit!
Our sweet Oreo loved his spot at the kitchen door. This was last Christmas…we miss him!
Meet Snuggles…a part of our family since 1987. He was a Christmas present from Santa to Seth. I hope Ella Mae will love him as much as her Daddy did.
In 2014, we made a family trip to The Historic Alabama Theatre to see “White Christmas” and dinner afterwards…we had such a great time together!
Christmas trees line the sidewalk in NYC! I have been to the Big Apple three times during Christmas…I love it!
Last year I asked my Daddy if I could bring Mrs. Clause to my house…one of many Santas my Mother made!
A sweet photo of my Mother and Daddy circa 1990.
Katy and I toured the Caroline House in Birmingham last year. You can see more here and here.
On December 13, 2014, my only niece, Hannah married her true love, Ryan at a beautiful barn wedding!
Butch and I were so excited in September of last year to find out that we would become grandparents. We met Seth and Allison in Birmingham on December 10, after her ultrasound to find out the good news that we were having a girl!! Ella Mae is our pride and joy!
Last year, we enjoyed “An Irish Christmas” with Keith & Kristen Getty. If you haven’t heard their music, be sure to listen here.
I have been making my Mother’s fruitcake recipe since 2007, the year she passed away. She was known for her fabulous fruitcakes and she made so many each year to give away and folks were excited to receive them! You couldn’t joke about fruitcake, once you tasted my Mother’s!
When Katy arrived on Christmas Eve of 2014 looking festive in her tartan plaid, I wanted a pic of us together…and what better place than in front of our life-sized nutcracker! We always like to have a little fun!
I took you on a beautiful house tour last year, and the Grinch Christmas tree was the cutest! You can see more here and here.
Every person in our family has seen The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at one time or another. Butch and I have seen it on four different occasions…twice in NYC, once at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and in 2008, my brother, sister-in-law, Butch and I all took my Daddy to Birmingham to see it! Seth surprised Allison with a trip to Nashville to see them, and Katy saw them last year at Radio City Music Hall! We’ve all seen the iconic toy soldier dance! It’s definitely a classic and something we all loved!
As you can see, Snickers enjoyed his first Christmas last year! Can you believe Katy’s tree survived? So far this year, he has only made it to the top once!
Our local campground, River Country, has a drive through light display that attracts many visitors!
My sweetheart in 2011 at the Inn at Biltmore!
I remember the first time I saw the iconic Rockefeller Tree. And yes, the tree was amazing, but I was in awe of the angels that lined that shrubbery in front! Gorgeous!
Last Christmas having fun with two of my great nephews…Nico (left) was adopted from the Congo, and Isaiah was adopted from Uganda. My nephew and his wife brought Isaiah home two days before Christmas in 2010. Their brother Benji was too busy for a picture.
Have you been able to visit all of the blogs that are participating in our Holiday Tablescape Blog Hop? Be sure to check them all out…the schedule is below!
Tuesday
Life and Linda | Rattlebridge Farm | Rosemary & Thyme | Living With Thanksgiving | Cozinest
Wednesday
Belle Bleu Interiors | My Kentucky Living | A Toile Tale |Bluesky Kitchen | Starfish Cottage
Dining Delight
Thursday
Citrine Living | B. Lovely Events | Ramblings of a Southern Girl | Panoply
Friday
Celebrate & Decorate | Farmhouse 40 | The Painted Apron | Sweet Sensations
And remember to stop by next week as I join with some very talented bloggers to bring you 20 Holiday Home Tours! The ideas will be endless! Be sure to hop on over!
Pam, What wonderful Christmas memories and experiences! It makes me think I need to make some new ones with my family! I enjoyed tablescaping with you this week. ♥
Thanks, Mary…I so enjoyed tablescaping with you, also!
Beautiful Christmas memories Pam – I loved reading them! We’re fans of the Gettys and their music as well. Love the picture of cute Oreo and your “Joy” mat too!
Joy, we thoroughly enjoyed the Getty’s in concert last year. Have a wonderful weekend!
I think we all have been going down memory lane this week as we decorate our trees. Every ornament floods my soul with fondness and cherished memories.
Love all your pictures. I was thinking of doing a similar blogpost just yesterday.
How, I would love a piece of your fruitcake! So pretty in the small molds. It is a labor of love!
Bonnie, I hope you will do a memory post. I am going to make fruit cakes next week…love making them. Have a wonderful weekend!
I love your Christmas memories. And love you family so much. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas this year. Love Boy
Thanks, Boy! We love you and all of your family…Merry Christmas!
I see Snickers is thoroughly enjoying relaxation in Katy’s tree. My cat Moses, that I adored, climbed to a spot in the middle of my Christmas tree one year because I had left the curtains open thereby giving him a perfect view of the front yard and all the goings on in our neighborhood. He was too heavy for that particular branch and so it broke but my husband was able to wire it back in place. I was terribly upset but got over it quickly and my husband could not stop laughing. What a sweet memory of my cat that I still miss even to this day.
Alice, I love your funny story about Moses. We sure miss our Oreo! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
This is a wonderful Christmas memories post! I enjoyed seeing all the places you’ve been at Christmas time. Lovely family pics, too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Hanks so much, Kim! Happy weekend to you!
A “heart warmer”. ???
Thanks so much, Jo Ann! Blessings
Pam, what a sweet and meaningful post. I seem to be flooded with my own memories this time of year. I so miss my loved ones who are no longer with me. Time goes by way too fast! I so enjoyed sharing all of your wonderful family memories. You have such a beautiful family. I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!!
Thanks Shannon…memories are precious for sure. Happy weekend!
Memories are such wonderful treasures, aren’t they? Making memories is discovering precious jewels. I have just a handful of the Shiny Brite ornaments we had when I was little and I treasure each and every one of them.
Thanks, Chloe! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
A beautiful trip down memory lane. Hope you’re enjoying this December just as much.
Amalia
xo
Thanks, Amalia…Happy Sunday!
These are fabulous! I love every single photo, every single description. Your family is beautiful and I can tell you love to have lots and lots of fun! You are inspiring me to perhaps make a Christmas past post in these weeks, if for nothing more than to revisit some old favorites. But oh, THESE! (And White Christmas is my very favorite!)
Jeanie, I hope you will write a post about Christmas past…I also love White Christmas. Happy Sunday!
Loved seeing your memories of Christmas past….oh how we treasure these….loved the photo of your mom and dad….and I too love the Biltmore and NYC at Christmas!!
Thanks so much, Shirley!
What beautiful Christmas memories you and your family have! Some of the best are still to come with your granddaughter! Merry Christmas!
Yes, loving every minute with Ella Mae!
Thank you so much for sharing these treasures!
Thanks, Sandra!
Querida Pam, han pasado muchos días desde que vi este post. En esos momentos estaba con asuntos que me recortaban mi tiempo libre, ahora quiero decir algo al respecto.
Este post es especialmente entrañable: el hoy será sin duda el pasado de mañana…y así vamos día a día recorriendo la vida. Pero recordar los días pasados es muy agradable, los recuerdos son muy agradables cuando se trata de seres queridos.
Te felicito por tener todavía un papá…y que papá!!! Dios mío es un muchacho bien apuesto!!! que suerte amiga mía tener todavía un papá…
Que buena pareja hacían tus padres, realmente agradable verlos tan guapos.
Todo lo que muestras es verdaderamente entrañable…gracias
Dolores
Dear Pam, many days have passed since I saw this post. In those moments I was with things that cut me off my free time, now I want to say something about it.
This post is especially endearing: today will undoubtedly be the past of tomorrow … and so we go day by day walking through life. But remembering the past days is very nice, the memories are very nice when it comes to loved ones.
I congratulate you for still having a dad … and that dad !!! My God, he’s a handsome boy !!! What a lucky friend of mine to have a dad yet
What a good couple your parents did, really nice to see them so handsome.
Everything you show is truly endearing … thanks
Dolores
Querida Dolores, muchas gracias, mi dulce amigo. Estoy tan agradecido de tener todavía a mi papá … él es una bendición maravillosa a nuestra familia! ¡Siempre permaneces en mis pensamientos y oraciones! “El que habita en el refugio del Altísimo habitará en la sombra del Todopoderoso. Diré al Señor: “Mi refugio y mi fortaleza, Dios mío, en quien confío.” ”
Salmos 91: 1-2
Dearest Dolores, thank you so much my sweet friend. I am so thankful to still have my Daddy…he is a wonderful blessing to our family! You always remain in my thoughts and prayers! “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
Psalms 91:1-2