Monday, December 19, 2022

Shall I Play For You, Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Long post today.

I just got back from So Cal to visit my family for Christmas.  I wasn't sure if I'd make it to the airport because it was snowing and the roads were icy and slushy.  But my driver got me there, and my plane flight was on time.  While I was waiting to depart, I looked outside the airport window, and it was a cloudy day.



Jess said that I would surely get my fill of the grandkids, as I was there for a week!  And I did.  I spent the first part of the week at Nel's house.  She was such a good hostess, and made her mama feel so comfortable.

















My mom made these fabric ornaments many years ago, and Nel still has one of them.



I watched lots of Hallmark shows during the week, and animated shows with the kids.



Nel always wraps her presents so pretty using festive bows and ribbons and tags.  I've been wondering what's inside this one.



The other part of the week I spent at Jess' house.  She was also a good hostess, and went out of her way to make my time there memorable.









Jess always puts these lovely red poinsettias all around her tree.   It looks elegant and very nice.



Francesca's room.











This is the cup I used every day while I stayed at her house.



It's been a long time since I braided a child's hair.



We went to the mall and did some shopping and went to Olive Garden and also a really cool New Orleans restaurant.



We had some wine and chocolate while we watched my favorite Christmas show, White Christmas.



This is Jess' favorite nutcracker.  I bought it for her years ago.



We went to see the production of The Nutcracker one night at the theatre in Jess' town.  It was magical, and it was the first time the kids saw a live show.  Their dresses were so cute and Christmassy.






When I was by myself at one part of the day, I sat down to watch a Christmas show, and The Little Drummer Boy came on.  It's always been a favorite of mine, and I get emotional every time I watch it.   While I sat there still, the real meaning of Christmas filled my heart with peace.







My week was over, and it was time to fly back home.  My brother-in-law picked me up at the airport, and while it was in the 60's in So Cal, I came home to this.  He went a different route, and we drove through Mt. Lassen, which is a well-known mountain with the elevation of 10,457 feet.









I wish all of my dear blog friends a Merry Christmas.  May joy fill your hearts on this very special day.



~Sheri

29 comments:

Marilyn Miller said...

What a lovely adventure. I loved seeing all the pictures.
Your granddaughters were so cute in their matching outfits.
And what a beautiful picture of you with your daughters.
So happy you could enjoy a week with your girls.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm so glad you got to spend the week with family. You'll have lots of good feelings for the holiday week ahead. Stay warm and enjoy the mountains! Hugs, Diane

Debbie Nolan said...

Oh I bet you enjoyed your visit with your daughters and grandchildren. Everyone looked like they were having a great time. Glad you got home safely through the snow. It certainly looks like we are to be white and very cold!!
Hope you dear friend have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Hugs! (P.S.- so glad I discovered your blog and the blogging friendship we have enjoyed. Looking forward to many more visits) - God Bless!!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Y'all made loving memories for a life time! Your trip sounds totally perfect, the trees, decorations, dresses, driving, and smiles are all beautiful.
Merry Christmas!

Pilar said...

Sheri I'm so glad you got to spend time with your girls and granddaughters! It looks you had a wonderful time! This year I haven't been in a birthday/Christmas spirit, but your posts puts my heart in a warm holiday place. Thank you my friend for sharing your memories and holiday! Wishing you a Merry Christmas 🎄

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

What a wonderful post, dear Sheri! I love that you were able to spend quality time with your sweet girls and their daughters. Their homes are decorated so beautifully. I love their trees! Your granddaughters look so beautiful dressed for The Nutcracker. They will always remember this first time viewing this amazing ballet. I love the photo of all of you at the restaurant. You all look so happy! The Little Drummer Boy is favorite of mine as well. It speaks to the real meaning of Christmas. Have a wonderful Merry Christmas day in your winter wonderland, dear friend.

R's Rue said...

Your adventure looks magical.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

NanaDiana said...

I missed your previous post but happy to see this one. I am so very glad you could spend time with both your girls and your sweet grandgirls. They are all adorable, by the way. You look like you could be a sister to your girls-rather than their mom.

What a gorgeous ride home! I hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas, Sheri. I am blessed to have you as a sweet blogging friend. Love to you- Diana

Sandi said...

Such lovely photos!

Have a very merry Christmas, Sheri.

It's me said...

What a gft that you can go to your daughters and grandchildren….beautiful pictures…and you have made beautiful memories….🍀🙏🍀 have the most wonderful Christmas…enjoy it …love love love from me and Leaf 🍀❤️🎄🙏🐾🍀

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello dear Sheri! Wow, you had a marvelous reunion a week early in the sunshine! Now, it's back to the Alpine feel of the season. Our community looks like your mountainous area with pine trees heavy with such beautiful snow. Happy holidays my dear Sheri!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so glad you had such a wonderful time. And their decorations are so wonderful! I love how the lantern is filled with ornaments, and the big silver bowl of various pinecones. I have to copy them! What a shock to come home to this weather! The girl's dresses are divine!!

Billie Jo said...

Hello, my lovely friend. What a lovely, festive, cozy week! I am so happy you could enjoy that special time with your beautiful family! I so enjoyed seeing their homes all ready for Christmas. And we love The Little Drummer Boy in this house. Have you seen Nestor, The Long Eared Donkey? Another beautiful one. Have a cozy week. And Merry Christmas!

Susan said...

Oh Sheri, looks like you had a wonderful time. Great photos. And those two darling dolls who went to the Nutcracker both looked like a million bucks. What precious petunias.
Everything looked wonderful, dear Sheri. SOOOOO happy you could go. Hugs. Susan

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Merry Christmas Sheri!
I am so glad you were able to see your family for Christmas. It looks like you had a wonderful visit! I love your pictures!!!

Anne Hagman-Niilola said...

Merry Christmas!

Patricia said...

What a lovely post, Sheri. I loved all your pictures, spending time with both your daughters and grandies. The little girls must have loved the Nutcracker, and they look splendid in their pretty dresses. I love the snowy mountains at the end, you live in such a beautiful area. Wishing you all the Blessings of Christmas on this special day, from your Australian friend, Patricia.

Sandi said...

Just heard about the quake there! You ok?

Donna said...

Love all the photos! Glad you enjoyed your time away...
Merry Christmas Sheri!
hughugs
Donna

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness I am late to the party! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
You made it safe there and back - praise God. Although you came back to a ton of snow - you will have a White Christmas - which I too love and have watched. It is going to be cold this weekend for you - we are going down to a high of 19 degrees. COLD.
Both Nel and Jess have beautiful homes. It was cute for me to see that they both have a little bit different decorating styles.
I love the checked reindeer. I also like the way the presents were wrapped.
Francesca has her own tree. Love the tea party. What were the Santa suits all about?
Then the girls dressed as twins - but styled their hair different. How nice they have each other.
You had a great time! I am so glad.
Love, sandie

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Sheri,
What a 'short' but lovely week spent!
You sure had a very special time and came home with new, memories!
Lovely moments of braiding hair and sipping coffee — indulging in the true spirit of Christmas.
Sunday I lend my humble soprano voice to the chancel choir and together with organist, pianist and orchestra we performed for the people in the pews.
Pieter so much enjoyed it and I was grateful for having him with me one more Christmas!
Pieter is dropping off the magazine at the Post Office so it will be your way.
Big hugs,
Mariette

Louca por porcelana said...

Wonderful Christmas vignettes!!! Precious time with your adorable family. Amazing post. Merry Christmas my dear friend.

Sandi said...

Glad to hear you are okay! 🤗

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
I enjoyed your Christmas post Sheri. I love your family and how you all make family an important part of your daily life.
Merry Christmas my dear friend.
Love, Carla

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Love sharing your week with your precious girls and grand-girls, Sheri! The family photos and the girls in their Christmas dresses are just so sweet. Your daughters' homes are lovely all decorated for the holidays. I especially love Francesca's bedroom. xx It's so nice that you got to share this time together - sweet memories in the making. Your trip back home through the mountains must have been magical (and a bit scary at the same time - haha!) The photos are gorgeous. Wishing you peace and blessings for Christmas and the New Year ahead, dear Sheri. Hugs xo K

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Veronica Lee said...

So glad you got to spend time with your girls and grandkiddos, Sheri.

Love the beautiful photos.

Wishing you and yours a blessed and joyous Christmas.

DeniseinVA said...

How great is that, you got to spend time with your family? Super photos, enjoyed each and every one. Gosh, all that snow??? Stay safe and warm Sheri, and wishing you a very Blessed and Happy Christmas xox