Favorite Christmas Memories~2011

Life moves right on past us so quickly, doesn't it?
It seems like we just put up our tree, and that we had weeks to get ready.
And then....
Whoosh
Here it is.
And there....... it goes.
And over the last few days I have been thinking.
What were some of my favorite things about this Christmas?
And thought that I would put them down....before I forget.

This year, we had a bit of snow right before Christmas.
And if you are like me. There is just something so beautiful about waking up to a gloriously clear morning, when the world is hushed, and the sun is just coming over the tops of a frozen winter wonderland.
We loved having a real tree again this year.
And one of our favorite evening rituals was turning off all of the lights except for the twinkles on the garland and the tree, scooping up big bowls of ice cream, and sitting by the roaring fire.
So quiet.
And so beautifully peaceful.
We celebrate our Christmas on Christmas Eve.
We attended a candlelight service at our church.
And this year, my entire family was with me.
Two rows of us.....all singing, praying, worshiping and thanking.
Together.
Then we head back to the Country House.
We have lots of yummy snacks and appetizers.
Make the littlest people wait....
And wait a little longer.
Then we open presents.

This year we cut back on gift giving in favor of simplicity.
Next year.
I think we will cut even deeper.

We also had an unexpected guest.
When our daughter, (on the right) called on her way home from the city. She asked if it would be OK, to include her best friend and room mate, in our family celebration.
I, of course said yes!

So we scrambled to find some fun stuff to wrap up for her as well.
I didn't want her to feel the least bit uncomfortable while we had our gifting time.

As luck would have it.....
I have a few things on hand for times such as these.
But, I also had homemade goodies to give her as well.

She arrived in the afternoon, bringing her famous sugar cookies in the shape of giant snow flakes.
She had a cookie for each of us the size of a dinner plate.
With each one decorated completely different.
Because as you know.....no two are ever alike.

They were beautiful and delicious!

She also came toting her special bag of "tricks."

You see, she is enrolled in a culinary arts program in the city.

And considering I had been sick.
Was running extremely far behind in my hosting duties.
I turned the kitchen over to these two extremely capable girls.
They did a fantastic job.
I was so proud of them.

I have watched these girls growing into these young adult women.
I have watched them transition into city girls.
I have watched them grow up together.
And.....
They made me so proud this Christmas.
They are such good, good girls. And they were just so.....
Perfect.

In fact, city best-friend, hugged me when she left.
Which if you know her.
It was a huge gesture.
The biggest.
And told our daughter that this was one of the best Christmases that she had ever had.

Made me a little teary to hear that.
I'm not gonna lie.
Truly.
Then on Christmas day. We take it easy, easy, easy.
And the day after......
Clearance shopping at Target!
Oh, yes.
LOVE IT!
Where this sweet bird pillow kept chirping and chirping at me from across the store. I couldn't stand it! I had to have him. Ran back at the last minute and swiped him, much to my girlies chagrin.

The only problem was....we had agreed ahead of time that we were not going to be indulgent.
Just necessities.

I promised.....he was necessary to my well being.

And.....

He was half price.

That counts for something.
Right?

Then I promised I would get rid of a big bunch of stuff when I got home.
Crafting.....
Another favorite memory.

Yummy hot drinks while comparing all of the different bible translations at our local book store.
It's a good day for a mama, when she can discuss Bibles with her knowledgeable daughter, whilst sipping peppermint mocha's.

Very good indeed.

Followed by fabric shopping and ruffled market tote making.
And.
Lotion bars.
Homemade.
Late into the evening....
And smelling delish.

Snowflakes again.
I think I am detecting a theme.
And finally.
Sweet Baby E.
My sister's daughter.
Finally, after all of these long months of waiting to see her.
We did.
The last time I saw baby girl, was in the NICU in L.A., last February.
And she is absolutely precious.

The only problem was.
I had been sick.
Too sick.
Way too sick to hold her much, or compromise her health if I could help it.
So, I kept my distance until the end of the visit.
Then on the last day.
I snapped some of these shots.
Of the country mice and the city mouse.
And then did this.
Grabbed up baby girl, leaned back against the foot rest, rocked, swayed, snuggled and cuddled her tiny little self.

She is a keeper, for sure.

And to round out all of my Sweet Country memories.

Moments that I want to sear into my heart.

*A sweet boy of mine, who was ever so much more excited to give, than receive. Spending days coming up with homemade gifts for everyone he loves. It was so important to him, to find or make the perfect gift.

*A grown daughter and almost grown son, camped out on my bedroom floor, telling old stories, laughing until we about peed our pants, wrapping presents with me, late, on the night before Christmas.

*Hot tea and movies with my daughter.

*Having my whole family, everybody I love at church with me, on Christmas Eve. I know I mentioned it already. But....It's a big deal to me.

*Going down to our daughter's room and seeing all of her stuff spread out, seeing her snuggled into her favorite chair, with her laptop. Like time had stood still.

Caught my breath, and the lump rose in my throat, on that one.

I miss my baby girl every.single.day.

*Catching my husband's eye....and knowing. Just knowing that this is our gift to each other.
Our children. How did the two of us, all of those long years ago, end up here, in this place and this time with 4 of the best....that we could have ever hoped for?

It's all because of....

God

God has given us....me....so much.
I never, ever, want to forget that as long as I live.

XO