Christmas 2011

     Well, another Christmas has come and gone. Doesn't it seem every year that Christmas is here before you know it? I vow every year that I will not be a "last minute shopper," but I am--every year.

     Sometimes it seems as though the holiday goes on forever when you have an extended family. Craig and his family had their "Santa" Christmas that morning at their house. Sheri, the boys, Anna, and I did the same at my house. Then later that afternoon, everybody came to my house for dinner and, of course, there were more presents to open. The boys may not seem very happy in this picture, but believe me, they were. They are just going through this "no smiling" stage.  We had a wonderful time!
 

Uncle Bob said Landon is a pretty good shot.

      The following week-end is always the "Theriot Christmas." This year it fell on New Year's Eve. Landon and I went down to Gueydan on Thursday so his Uncle Bob could take him duck hunting. The party was not until Saturday. He had a ball. He hunted two mornings. I forget exactly how many ducks and geese he got altogether, but it was a lot! Uncle Chris and a couple of second cousins took him one time. He loved it. It's so nice that Russell's brothers have stepped up to fill this role, one of many that Russell would be enjoying right now. I don't doubt that by this time we would have either a camp or a house in Gueydan so we could go down whenever we wanted and always have a place to stay.

Nona and Russell's ONLY sister, Annette

     The Theriot extended family is very large. Russell is one of 8 children, each of whom have children and most of those children have children as well. In fact, this year, "almost" all of the 23 "then" great grandchildren were present. On Friday morning, I went with Nona to help her buy gifts for all 23 great grandchildren. The adults used to play "dirty Santa," but we stopped that a few years ago. However, we always try to make sure that every child there gets to open a present.

#23, Dawson, with Aunt Cynthia

     I said "then great grandchildren" because there have been 2 more within the last few weeks, neither of whom were at the party. One had just been born the week before, and the other one was not born until after the first of the year. There are also still a number of very young grandchildren who are not yet married who will, I know, continue to add to this wonderful family.

Megan in background;Lizzie in front

     I am including some random pictures. We can't get everybody together for one big family picture; that is just an impossible feat. Of course, I am not in any of these pictures because these are the pictures I am taking! I think all the kids loved their presents, except that for the most part it seemed that they would rather play with some balloons!

A few of the cousins

     What I really enjoy every year is watching the grandchildren (cousins) interact with each other, the ones in my children's generation. There are 22 of them, and I think I counted 17 of them there. Even though some of them only see each other this once a year, they get along like best friends--all of them. It is so rewarding to watch!

"Baby" brother Bart doing a taste test

     Several of the brothers get together and cook a big hen gumbo (with potato salad, of course); and potroasted ducks (lots of rice!!). Some of you may have never seen such big pots!

Too many cooks??

     The rest of us (usually only the children--my generation) bring appetizers to snack on before the big meal or desserts. Of course, there is always plenty to drink. It was a wonderful time. In fact, this is the first Theriot Christmas I have really enjoyed since I lost Russell. I felt he was there more this year than ever.

     I could go on and on about that week-end, but on to other matters--pecans! (I do  have some other "random" Theriot Christmas pictures at end of this blog.)

     Sheri suggested that I put an ad in the paper asking for pecan pickers to pick "on halves." Since I had nothing to lose (except pecans, of course!), I decided to try it. The ad ran Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting this past January 6. I was amazed at the response. I am still getting calls, even today (January 12).

     Landon, Craig, and I met some pickers (about 20) at the orchard Saturday morning around 11. They picked over 1,300 pounds of pecans. We did not stop until 5:00, and believe me, they picked non-stop! The weather was not supposed to be good the next day, but I was afraid that if we didn't take advantage of that day, it would be a while before we could pick again.

     The forecast was for scattered thunderstorms. It only sprinkled on us until about 12 (a few of us were there around 10:30 or 11:00). Since it was uncertain what the weather would do, I switched the schedule a bit. I had planned to let the pickers have the last two hours to pick and keep everything for themselves. Since I wasn't sure we would be there much longer, I gave them from 12+2 to pick all they wanted. They were all so sweet and had worked so hard, I felt that they should be rewarded. They were really appreciative. 

     I did weigh what they picked just so I would know for myself and because every year the Dept. of Agriculture calls for a report. I usually only guess, but this year I feel very confident that my report will be accurate. We have harvested almost 2,500 pounds this season, and we will have at least one more week-end to pick. I am so pleased about the whole crop this year, and I know Russell is, too. Even though this was his dream, we are living it for him and I think that would make him happy--I know it does me.

     Well, as usual, I got a bit winded so I will stop for now. I do hope this new year brings you all health and happiness. 

Other Theriot Christmas pictures:

"Chef Luke"

     Luke's Godmother, Aunt Alicia, got Luke this adorable chef's outfit. He thinks he may want to be a chef--he helps me cook at home.


     "Older" brother Wilton's grandson, Israel, celebrated his 4th birthday party with his extended family. That's Wilton at end of table.


     "Super Megan"!! Just  had to put this one in. She had so much fun playing with all of her "cousins."

"Super Megan"

The "matriarch," Russell's Mom, Momo Kathleen, getting a kiss from "baby" brother Chris.

      Craig and Bret (left) in deep conversation. Alicia is in background getting a drink for son Ryan (that's his really blonde hair). Bret's twin, Bart, is having a serious conversation with his son, Tabor.