Christmas Eve at the Jordan's

Every Christmas for as long as I can remember, my family has spent Christmas Eve in Jackson.  It used to be at Nana and Papa's house, but when that was no longer possible my Aunt Carolyn took up the tradition...and it is one that is very dear to me.  Now that we are all older, Christmas Eve is the only time that my whole family gets together.  My brother and his wife come in from Texas.  My sister and her husband along with my Mom, Dad and grandma make the trip up from Meadville.  And my Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Benny prepare a feast for us along with their children--Adam, Allison, Brett and their kids Ben and Caroline.  And we can't forget Mrs. Emmy (Uncle Benny's mom) and Mrs. Patty, Mr. Richard and Beth!  Aunt Carolyn's house is always prepped like it is ready for a magazine..the food is perfect and placed.  It's perfect and peaceful--until the annual boys VS girls game.  That's when things get rough.  Too much competition in our family for Christmas always leads to a raucous!  Last year was the first year that Jay and I have lived in the Brandon area and in a house big enough to have any company...Last year was also the first year that we hosted the Christmas Eve tradition at our house.  It was difficult because Jay wasn't home at the time, but it was worth it.  This year, our second year, he was home and we were able to completely enjoy in all of the fun.  Prior to going to Aunt Carolyn's house, we hosted the First Annual Ross Family Talent Showcase.  I had emailed everyone earlier in the year and advised them to be prepared to share a talent on Christmas Eve and to come to the Jordan house early for a SPOONS tournament.  Jay had NEVER played a Ross at SPOONS.  He quickly saw how cutthroat it can be.

Dealing...and Allan.

One side of the table.  Don't let the smiles fool ya.

She means serious SPOONS business.

Thankfully, our first SPOONS tournament ended with no lost limbs, blood, eye balls out or broken windows.  Only the table has scars from this wicked game.  We were all too hungry to continue the tournament, but next year we will resume.

Quick break for a pizza lunch!

Background music on the new piano!

And next was the long awaited First Annual Ross Family Talent Showcase!!  First up, Jamie demonstrates his mastery of the art of barbequeing by providing us all with instructions on how to make his famous BBQ sauce and a cute little jar for sampling!

This is Winnie demonstrating while Jamie explains the process.

Next up was Lori, our couponing queen in the family!  She is such a coupon queen that she and her sister in Pennsylvania mail each other coupons when they find good ones!  We all learned alot.

Lori flipping through her magic coupon binder with Allan helping to explain and answer questions.

Next was our snake-charmin, oboe playin Mama!  She soaked her reeds and had me, Winn and Lori sing along with a beautiful rendition of "Greensleeves". 

The musician and her backup vocals.

Jay and I practiced for weeks...and then it was like we forgot most of the words to "Baby, It's Cold Outside"...well, I forgot the words.  :)  But it was fun and it was our first duet to perform!  We also played an extended introduction version of "Christmas in Dixie" as well as a crowd pleasing "Blue Christmas".

Jay on guitar/vocals and Amy on vocals/smiles.

And last, but not least....the Yo-Yo Champion of Jackson, MS 1957--Allan Semmes Ross Jr.!  What a treat!

Walkin the dog, goin Around the world and Rockin the baby!!!

I will try to post videos of these talents, but in case they don't come up, I needed these pictures to document!  Here are some more highlights of the afternoon:

Mom, Gma and Lilly

Photobomb by Allan



Photobomb by Amy

Winn, Allan and Lori



Jay and Amy

Jay and Winnie

Serious family run-in



Wacky family photo run-in

So, overall, this year's early Christmas Eve event was a success! Hope everyone is preparing for the Second Annual Ross Family Talent Showcase in 2013!

Next blog will try to attach videos, and also will update on the goingson of Christmas Eve night including Aunt Carolyn's house and the boys VS girls showdown.