Paschal Family Christmas

Today we celebrated Christmas with all the Paschals at Mama and Daddy's house.  This is the first time we've ever had Christmas away from Lillington, but since Granny and Papa moved out of their house and into an apartment, there just isn't room for all of us there.  I missed being at their big, old house, but enjoyed watching them open presents as much as I always have.  There really is nothing sweeter than how they respond to every single gift they receive.  They genuinely act like it is the best thing they've ever gotten in their life.  And if you give them homemade sweets or fresh eggs and sausage?  Forget about it.  You'd think they'd been given a million dollars. They really are  happy with the simple things, which makes me love them even more.

Unfortunately, only six of their eight grandchildren could be there for the Christmas festivities this year. Thankfully, all eleven of their great grandchildren were there to share the day with them.

This year Granny was surprised with a cookbook full of her recipes.  Jane and Mama sorted through her boxes of recipes and Mama compiled it all into a book.  Jane wrote the sweetest letter about Granny for the beginning of the book and everyone received their own copy of the cookbook.  Needless to say, Granny was shocked when she opened her gift and realized what it was.

And then the tears came.  She was so touched, so honored, so appreciative.  Her reaction moved all of us to tears. I doubt she knows that we are just as grateful to receive the book as she must be to have such a labor of love performed in her honor.  Those books and every recipe is a true treasure.  Just like she is. Just like they both are.