Yuletide

My family got together this year to enjoy the Yuletide Celebration at the ISO downtown.  I was especially excited because Sandi Patty was back this year as part of the entertainment.  If you've never seen her live, you've missed out.  She's such a great emcee, but when she sings, it's heavenly. 

It was especially fun too because we were all together.  Afterwards, we walked over to the South Bend Chocolate Company.  This is a tradition that goes back to when I worked Downtown.  Anytime someone would visit, we would have to walk down South Bend for a cup of hot chocolate in the colder months.  It's like drinking pure melted chocolate.  (but make sure you get it with the works! which includes whipped cream, chocolate drizzled on top and sprinkles.)

Spencer and Chase petting the reindeer outside ISO.  Chase pet the animal with his sleeve so he wouldn't get germs. :)

Mom and Cary before the show. Two lovely ladies!


Dad and Mom ...aren't they cute?


The tap dancing Santas. ...pretty much in the show every year.  I love this part of the show.


  This was near the end of the show. Sandi Patty standing in center.  At the end of the show, they reminded us that in a time when most shows have recorded music to save costs, this show was completely live... including every sound, bell and ring.  All of it was amazing... the orchestra, singing, dancing, magic act, organ playing and more.


  the fam!


  Josh and I in front of the "Christmas Tree" on the Circle.


  We actually got to sit in the Indiana Room at South Bend Chocolate Company. I was pretty excited that we all got a seat since the place was so crowded after the show.


  Cary, Shane and the boys.  Not sure if the thumbs up was for the show or the hot chocolate, but I say it was a two thumbs up night!

Ronald McDonald House

This year, our family (Mayes) decided to give back as part of our Christmas.  We finally settled on bringing a dinner for the Ronald McDonald House... a home away from home for people with loved ones in the hospital.  We were expecting to feed 60 people and wanted to make a comfort food for them... nothing says comfort like chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, veggies and Christmas sugar cookies!

  Grandpa Dan with the grandkids.  They had a play room right by the kitchen, which was great.

  Joel and Jeri who made awesome mashed potatoes.  and Joel was the man when it came to clean up! He stayed in there washing dishes til the end even though the heat for the kitchen water was out!

  Kevin and Connor looking at the trains.  Connor LOVES the trains.


  Grandma Libby with Riley


  Dan stirring the pot... er, I mean food! :)


  Getting the food ready for serving.


  David played some Christmas music on the piano while people came to eat.


  Jodi showing the flyer for the Mayes family dinner.


  Jeanie with one of the girls staying at RMH. Her sibling was at Riley. They were decorating sugar cookies. yum.


  Danny and Josh

Neighbors

I love baking (if you haven't noticed).  And Christmas time is the perfect excuse for getting out the sugar and flour.  Some friends came over this year to make a whole selection of yummy treats. We had such fun dipping and baking and decorating. 

But once it was finished, I had to decide who to share my spoils with. I wanted to give them to several neighbors, but I wasn't sure how they'd recieve it.  I was afraid they might think it was just more sugar at a time that we're all trying to avoid the treats.  And we have one couple who lives across the street that on first impression, I thought was a sort of odd couple. 

Well, after telling my hubby my worries, he kind of chuckled saying that no one's going to be upset about receiving treats. ...still, it took me over a week to share them. It wasn't until I realized that they won't know I thought of them if I don't give them away that I finally got the courage to go walking...

Not everyone was home as I delivered their goodies.  But one who was home was the couple across the street.  And amazingly, the lady came out of her house, smiling and gave me a big hug. It was so sweet.  She totally made my day and helped me realize my worries were a waste. 

Since then, she's talked to me a couple of times making me all the more glad that I shared.

winter white flakes.

It's snowed this weekend! Wasn't it beautiful?!  It truly feels like Christmastime. I love turning up the Christmas music, decorating the house and going to all of the events this season.  This weekend, we went to a Christmas concert at our church, which was just beautiful.  And the following night, we went to an ugly Christmas sweater party.  You know you have a good sweater when you dread putting it on. :)  I'm sure there will be pics on facebook, but I didn't take any this time.

This past week, my sister-in-law and I planned a Christmas craft time.  We had a good time together, and I'm excited that she invited me.  I've been wanting to do this for a while, and this gave me the initiative.


Our craft table.



I changed the ribbon on this wreath, added lights and replaced the ornaments. Doesn't it look great with the lights and garland on the mantle? You can view Jodi's wreath here as well as some of her other great Christmas ideas. 



One of the ornaments we made. ...We got the idea from another blog, and it very much resembles some of the ornaments available at Pottery Barn this year.



Jingle Bell Wreath to welcome visitors.

ho! ho! ho! Tis the season.  Writing this post has been a good reminder to me.  I want to enjoy each event as time with family and friends.  It's so easy to get overwelmed with planning, scheduling, cooking, shopping, that one could stress right through the season.  I'd rather take the time to enjoy some good Christmas movies!