Grammy and Grandma's Visit to Jackson

Last Wednesday, my Mom worked her FINAL day EVER and walked away from her job of 30 years with the State of Florida.  We are all so happy for her, as no one could possibly be more deserving.  So how did she celebrate??  By jumping in the car and coming to Tennessee, of course!  She retired at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, and by 5:00 pm on Thursday she was sitting in our living room!  =)  

She brought my Grandma with her, and it was Grandma's very first visit to Jackson.  I was so happy that she agreed to come along for the road trip.  They came for a very special and specific reason, but I'll get to that later.  

Thursday morning as Grammy and Grandma were driving up to Tennessee, Kyndall had her Christmas program at school.  I really wish they could've been here for it, but there was just no way.  Thankfully I got plenty of pictures and I even ordered a video.  

Matthew and I got there early to get a good seat, but it still wasn't great.  Guess all the Mamas had the same bright idea.  The kids came marching in one class at a time and first up was Caroline's class.  Caroline had the very important job of playing Mary and she took her duty VERY seriously.  She was adorable!

I have no clue who this kid is, but I just LOVED his enthusiasm for his role the star!  He was precious!!

Finally, Kyndall's class came marching in.  She spotted me and gave me a big ole cheezy grin.....

Since I couldn't see very well from where we were sitting, I snuck out of my chair and practically army crawled on all fours down the aisle to hunker down paparazzi style and get ready to snap away as my precious angel prepared to sing sweet songs about Jesus and charm the audience with her irresistible personality.  We had practiced and practiced and I knew the songs as well as she did by this point.  This was going to be GREAT.  So, all of that considered, you can imagine my shock when she stood front and center on stage and did THIS through about 85% of the program........

Really, Kyndall???  REALLLLLYYY??

But wait, it gets better.  When I finally caught her attention and gave her the stank eye and mouthed out a few life-threatening warnings, she flashed this charming face for all of the audience to see.......

Finally, once she satisfied her need to thoroughly embarrass me, she went on being her cute little self, singing and doing her hand motions just like we had practiced

Somehow, my friend Glory snagged one of the coveted "Reserved" seats on the front row and she graciously snapped a few shots of Kyndall for me.  I'm still trying to figure out how she got that reserved seat.  I guess being the Mother of Mary has its perks!  =)

Thanks, Glory for this one.  I plan to have it enlarged and put on display at her wedding in about 20 years.  Payback, baby girl.

And now I give you, the many faces of Kyndall Anne Hughes.......

After the program was over, all of the parents were invited back to the classrooms for cookies and milk.  FUN!

Christmas card that she made for Mommy and Daddy

Later that afternoon, Grammy and Grandma finally arrived!  YAY!!  We took it easy that night and just hung out at home.  

Grandma showed Kyndall how to play Candy Crush and Jelly Splash on the iPad and this is how they spent much of the weekend.  Never thought my Grandmother and my toddler would bond over something like an iPad, but they certainly did!  I love these pictures of the two of them off in their own little world......

Friday morning we woke up to COLD temps outside so we took advantage and spent the day indoors doing crafts and just spending quality time together.  I'm pretty sure the only one who actually got out of their PJs that day was Kyndall!

Grammy got all "Pinteresty" and brought with her the supplies to make this adorable craft with Kyndall.  It was super easy and really fun!

I know you'll hate this one, Mom. But you're retired now so people fully expect to see you in your PJs with no make up on!  =)

The finished masterpiece!  This styrofoam tree shall serve as our family's Christmas tree this year since I am a lazy, unmotivated Mama and couldn't find the time, energy or logic in putting up a tree when we won't even be here to enjoy it.  (Not to mention, I doubt I could even FIND my decorations in these stacks of boxes!)  So, thank you Kyndall and Grammy for ensuring that we have a Christmas tree of some sort this year!  

Several people sent gifts for Kyndall by way of my Mom, so we dug into those Friday morning as well.  Aunt Kelly and Uncle Michael just returned from a trip to Disney and brought back some goodies for the princess.....

Gifts from sweet Miss Abigail.....

And from Mrs. Teresa, who has been so good about sending Kyndall packages ever since I had my surgery in July.  Each time we get a delivery (even if it's not for her), Kyndall says "Mommy, I got a package!"  Mrs. Teresa has certainly spoiled her with thoughtful goodies over the past few months!

She sent me some sweet gifts too, but this one was my favorite, of course!  

The main reason for Mom and Grandma's visit was so they could join me and Kyndall for a special Mother/Daughter/Grandmother Christmas brunch at our church on Saturday morning.  I told them about it months ago and purchased the tickets as soon as they went on sale.  I had SO been looking forward to this!!  

The definition of SASS!!

Several of my friends were also at the brunch with their mothers and daughters, including these four cutie pies.  They're dance class buddies and simply adorable together!  I hope they stay friends forever!  

Micah, Riley, Caroline and Kyndall

Sweetness!!!!!!!

(I'm loving the matching shoes!  Fashionable mommies think alike, I suppose!)

Four Generations

I will treasure these next few pictures always!!

Kyndall Anne, Ashleigh-Anne, Vera Mae and Phyllis Anne

Three Generations

Glory, Caroline and Nana B

After the brunch we came back home and changed into our "tomfy" (comfy) clothes, as Kyndall says.  It was SO COLD outside so once Matthew returned home from hunting I convinced him to turn on our fireplace for the very first time!  I love a fire!

Matthew was tired from getting up super early to go hunting (bless his poor heart) and he passed out on the couch by the fire.  Kyndall climbed up next to him and pretended to sleep too.  It was sweet!

Later that night we ventured out into our new little town of Medina and tried out Rhodes Diner, which everyone has been raving about.  It was SO good and we will definitely be going back!  I love that we've found a new favorite place and we don't have to travel all the way back into Jackson to enjoy it!  

Kyndall wore her new ballet PJs that night and wanted me to take her picture.  Anytime, sweet girl....anytime!  One thing's for sure---You will never have to worry about your Mama growing tired of taking your picture! =)

Sunday was another bitterly cold day, so yet again we stayed indoors and found plenty of fun things to do, like bake cookies!

And hang mistletoe!  Thanks, Mrs. Karrie for making and sending this to us!  

Monday morning my Mom and Grandma packed up and headed back to Florida.  I was very sad to see them go, but the best part was......THEY TOOK KYNDALL WITH THEM!!!  

Maybe that came out wrong.....??  Don't misunderstand me, I LOVE my girl and I've missed her this week, but you have no idea how much it helped me out to have this week to myself to finish Christmas shopping, continue unpacking the house, run errands, pack for our 12 day trip home, catch up on housework and just have some time for ME!  I'm amazed at how much I've gotten accomplished this week!  Thank you, Mom for the help!!  Now that you're retired you have my blessings and permission to come get her anytime you'd like!  I'll even meet you halfway in Birmingham!! =)

I have a few more blog posts I'm hoping to get finished before we head out of town.  A lot of you have been asking for another update on my health, since I had a pretty important appointment last week where I received some daunting news.  Hopefully I'll get that done tonight, along with a million other things I still need to do!  =)