Four young men

Once more I had the distinct pleasure of capturing these four young men in my camera, on CHRISTmas Eve, at the candlelight service. From left are Mark N., Robbie D. (a.k.a. The Maestro), David S., and Justin. It took about four tries to get them being unsilly and I think this attempt captures their best sides! The four of them, plus David's older brother, all chummed around before graduating from high school, often times having sleep overs and such at our house. I miss those days sometimes.........

Preserving memories and sharing them as well!

If I was patient, I could sneak up and snap a picture of my tree! And I did it! Not all the presents are under it yet but for the most part, it was ready to go!

Our family friend, Olivia, had this lovely center-piece delivered to me on CHRISTmas Eve, only moments before we were to leave for church. The nice delivery man placed it on the counter in the kitchen and then asked if he could give me a hug....of course he can! I wore his aftershave all night...

The dining room table is dressed for the big feast. Lori went in to lie down for a bit and came out to find the table ready to go. Now that I have no cats to mess with things, I can work ahead and pace myself for later...slow but steady get the food made and table ready to hold the dishes!

Everyone----smile for the camera! Even those of us with our knees around the table leg could get into the shot. Sandy and I had to lean back and twist to be in the photo. On the far end is Lori, her hubby, David with the carving tools; their son Dustin; Joanne and her dad, Clyde; me and Sandy with daughter Olivia and hubby, Owen. Justin is taking the photo so missed being captured himself.

Dustin is smiling at Alayna as he opens his present from Justin and me, a black and white small checked shirt with narrow black tie. He said he "enjoyed" his gift....Is that the same as, "I really love this shirt and tie!!"??

Justin is leafing through a book given to him by me, by author Vince Flynn. Justin asked for some of Vince's books by name on the list sent to his family in WI but I had to omit these two as I had already gotten them for him! Bingo!

David presented me with an awesome present----a little stand-up cutout of Maurice Jones-Drew, #32 of the Jaguars. Earlier today on the way to church, I commented that I could marry this guy, MJD, because he is just my size and has big thighs. Something I admire in a person! And here, David had this gift all ready to go for me, from his company in Winona!!! Another Bingo!!!

David is opening one his presents from Justin and me, some GA Red Rub for meat, applied before it is barbecued. David is the king of the grille at his house and hopefully will "enjoy" having something like this for his next preparation.