January 6, 2022

From December Into January

The week between Christmas and New Year's is my favorite week of the year. This year was as special and cozy as I had hoped. One afternoon, Madison invited me, Flynn, and Peyton to her home for a holiday tea. She served tea party sandwiches, fruit, banana bread, cake, and cranberry orange scones. Delicious! With Christmas music playing in the background, we visited and then played a game of Christmas Scrabble. It was a wonderful day.

We were also happy to be able to resume our traditional visit to my sister Margie's house this year after last year's Covid cancellation. We began our annual Christmas week visit to Margie and Chris's house years ago when the kids were young. They were sad when Christmas Day was over, and going to Margie's gave them something to look forward to. Her house is the Christmas House! We always have pizza, wings, and cookies. And she and Chris spoil my kids with love and gifts. This year all of us could go, and we had a blast. 

All too soon, it was New Year's Eve, and while we had a smaller celebration than in past years, I was okay with that because I was having a hard time staying awake! We made homemade pizza and then played some games until it was time to ring in a brand new year!

This is the only photo I have of New Year's Day, but I love it! Steve cooked the traditional pork, sauerkraut, and kielbasa. I snuggled on the couch and watched the annual Twilight Zone Marathon. Later, everyone came for dinner and games, and dessert. And that was a wrap on our 2021-22 Christmas season. Insert sad face.



Monday night, Steve and Rhett and Chris and Steve's brother-in-law Barry braved the cold in Pittsburgh to watch our quarterback Ben Roethlisberger play his last game at home. I cannot believe he has been the Steeler's quarterback for eighteen years! It was a special night, and while I was happy they could be there, I was even happier I could watch from the comfort of my cozy couch.

Well, that is about it, my friends.
Have a lovely weekend in your part of the world.
Stay safe, healthy, and cozy!

Billie Jo

18 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your home with us, Billie Jo. Families are everything and I must commend you and yours for celebrating together. There is obvious love all around!

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  2. Sounds like a lovely way to end 2021 and to start 2022! My brother went to that Steelers game on Monday with friends of his who live in Pittsburgh. He said it was pretty special. He is a huge Steelers fan. Have a great weekend.

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  3. Hi Billie Jo. Looks like you had a really nice week, and made some great memories with your family. So glad that things are going well as you begin the new year. Have a good weekend and I will see you again soon!

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  4. Billie Jo - it sounds like you had SUCH a nice Christmas and New Year's!!! I'm so glad. I love all your pictures. I've never heard of Christmas Scrabble - I'll have to look for that because our family would love that! What wonderful celebrations with your family (and what a good looking family too!). : ) Have a great upcoming weekend!!!
    Blessings to you,
    Mary

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  5. Big smiles...thank you Billie Jo. I hope you have a beautiful day, friend.

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  6. Looks like your family had a wonderful time saying goodbye to 2021 & ringing in the New Year! All the family pictures look so cozy. I'm definitely going to have to look into Christmas Scrabble. I love Scrabble but sometimes it's hard to talk them into playing it with me, I think Christmas Scrabble could give me an edge ;) Happy Friday!

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  7. Everything looks and sounds so cozy! What a great week in between the two big holidays. Glad your new year is off to a great start! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  8. Happy New year, Billie Jo! I've never heard of a Christmas Scrabble game. What a great idea!

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  9. Sounds like a wonderful time. So glad the boys got to see the game and I have to say I'm with you on finding enjoyment just being on the couch in my own home. I'm just too much of a homebody. I can't believe Christmas season is over.

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  10. The week between Christmas and New Years is my favorite also. It's just a magical time of year for me. Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday. I too am always a little sad when it all ends.
    We love playing Scrabble. I will have to try to find the Christmas edition for us next Christmas. How fun.

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  11. Such a nice time with family,love all the pictures.

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  12. This is great! I had never heard of Christmas Scrabble but I am definitely looking for it now. I was also at the Steelers game for Ben's last home game. It was super emotional for us but maybe not for the men in your family? Although I did see tears in many mens eyes. HA! It was great to be there but you were definitely much warmer than us!!!

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  13. Lovely family photos! Pittsburgh Steelers was my husband's favorite football team, when he did watch it years ago. I am glad the men had a good time at the game!!! I went to a queincenra party this evening for a sweet daughter of our associate pastor at church. They are from Nicaragua. I remember when Laura was a baby! So good to know the family ever since they came here years ago! It was fun to be there and talk with people and have the ceremony that was about being a young woman and faith in God!! I am working tomorrow and we didn't get much rain today. Blue sky and sunshine for awhile! Yeah!!! God bless...Becky

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  14. Looks like you had a wonderful week between Christmas and New year's day. And glad you got to do your traditional day at your sister's house. I'm sure she was happy everyone could come. Happy New Year to you!

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  15. I love traditions and yours are special! We watched the game and BIG BEN is an awesome QB, always! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

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  16. Happy New Year to you and your family! Such wonderful celebrations that you enjoyed! Having your sister's home to go to must have been so very special this year. I loved that picture of everyone! And also hearing about how you celebrated the new year in, so fun to play games together and eat, the best kind of times! I hope you continue to have a blessed and very special new year, wishing you God's greatest blessings in your life! With love and hugs from Idaho :)

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  17. Happy New Year my friend! I love all that you shared. You create such a beautiful life for your family. Hugs to you. ~Juli

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  18. Girl you know how to celebrate life! I need to learn from you!

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo