Christmas 2008

What a wonderful Christmas we've had. I've had wonderful Christmases in the past, but I think this year - by far - has been the best. December passed by way too quickly for my liking. My goal was to relish and take time to enjoy the traditions of Christmas - most ones from our childhood, some new ones - and teach Grace the game of Santa and the true meaning of the day - as much as she can understand. I believe we accomplished my goal. Christmas Eve found Clint and I putting Grace to bed around 11:45, after setting out Christmas cookies, milk and a carrot for Santa. Then, we began to set out the stockings and wrap her Christmas presents. We were all pretty exhausted from the very busy day and wonderful evening we spent over at Mom & Dad's, but Clint and I always get revived when it's just us and we are getting things ready. I think that is one of my favorite times. 12:30, with a Christmas movie or music on, quietly humming around our little house getting things ready for the girls. Sure - it's REALLY hard to get up in the morning, but I love that feeling of preparing something special for Grace & Annie - knowing that she was excited before she went to bed. I crept in and hung a candy cane on her bed frame, hoping she'd see it and think that Santa was looking in on her (She didn't get it). All day long she kept talking about how "I'm going to see him putting presents under the tree, then she was going to say "Hi!" and he'd say "Ho! Ho! Ho!" - she said that scenario over and over all day long - it was so cute.

This is the first Christmas that Grace has been old enough to truly appreciate and understand the excitement of everything, and - although she is going through an incredibly contrary phase right now, (It IS a phase!) we had some tender and wonderful moments. I loved stroking her hair, talking to her about Christmas as she lay in my lap after a huge fun filled gift-giving extravaganza and Grandma and Grandpa's. She never lays in my lap, she's too busy, but there she was in her new princess dress-up clothes, tiara, slippers and all and cuddling.

Today, Grace & Annie played all day long with her new toys, and we stayed home and relaxed - no time frame, no stress to get anywhere, no worries for today, no thoughts about bills or even coupons! - we just relaxed and enjoyed being a family. I will say that my one shining moment today was that all my cooking endeavors turned out! i.e. homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast and homemade egg rolls and cashew chicken along with birthday cake for dinner. Side note: perhaps the key to good cooking is to be relaxed?? (hmmm....) We watched movies, we played games and we just generally enjoyed being home. Grace was fairly cooperative all day, we had some moments, but when we sat down to dinner at the end of the day, she stole my heart - simply by looking at me with her big blues and saying "Merry Christmas to you, Mom!" and then gave me a hug. I almost cried - it was so simple and sweet. Loved it.

Annie was so precious today. Yesterday and today she has really tried hard to start crawling. Up on all fours and starting to rock - adorable. She's 9 months today. She was sweet playing with her new stacker and turtle. I can't believe how big she's getting and that 1 year is only 3 months away. She was cracking herself up this evening, making faces, blowing bubbles, drumming her lips with her hand (this is new today!) and generally being my sweet, cuddly lovable Annie-cakes.

Two little girls and a husband who thinks I am the world, a loving family and parents - I have much to be thankful for this Christmas. I am truly blessed.