We Believe: Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas, Patrick and Tommy! Patrick, we had to wake you at 8:00 so we could open some presents before mass, but you jumped right in. Immediately you started in on Santa's gifts looking for your garbage truck, and your eyes literally lit up when you opened it up. Tommy, you lasted only 30 minutes before it was nap time, and your brother quickly tried to make claim to all your presents in your absence. Sharing is going to be an issue in the coming weeks. Patrick wants to play with all of Tommy's toys, but doesn't want Tommy even looking at his.

Happiness = A boy and his garbage truck

Pap Pap loved his hawaiian shirt with old fighter planes from by brother and sister-in-law.

Even Ollie, Alligator (already off playing with his), and Teddy received presents from Santa.

After church, my mom stopped by and P received another garbage truck! the two garbage trucks were by far his favorites-he has not stopped playing with them. Bonus: Neither make any noise.

For dinner we drove the 2 miles to Tom's parents house. Baba opened our gift - 42 pages of her two favorite little guys.

Tommy received his first pair of walking shoes (we are gearing up) from my mom. The velcro straps are Earnie's hands. Cutest shoes ever, except for...

...these new boots P received from Baba and Grampy. Can't wait to start this boy on riding lessons.

Bliss.

Office Space

Christmas Eve found our family at Tom's work to pick up some papers that needed to get in the mail, so Patrick was able to able to help re-decorate Daddy's office.

Best Pencil Holder. Ever.

Oh, One More Thing

Guess who started crawling Friday?

Christmas Eve 2011

Once again we made the short trip to Tom's Aunt Ellen and Uncle Tippy's house for a Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange. Things started off a little rocky when Patrick spotted Uncle Tippy (see post below) and burst into uncontrollable tears all over again. The only thing that got him settled down was this huge chocolate cookie.
On the positive side, P actually had fun playing with the dogs, which is great news since I plan on getting a dog sometime in the future. Patrick has always been a little stand-offish with pooches, particularly when they let out a high pitched bark.

Once we were home, Patrick carefully counted out carrots for each of the reindeer. He tried to put out all the carrots in the bag because he told me Cupid liked a lot, but we settled on nine. Then upstairs (I would say to get tucked in, but P refuses to ever get under the covers) for our last Advent chain reading and bedtime hugs and kisses.

Dear Santa,

Please Bring Patrick a garbage truck

(and one for Tommy, too).

Mommy would like a mop.

We returned to our house Christmas Eve greeted by lighted streets, a neighborhood tradition since the 70's. One day I hope to be able to photograph it where the full beauty of the luminaries comes across.

Other things to be thankful for - my dad's wife has been eating a little each day and even became more talkative over the past few days. My dad was able to have this Christmas with her and I am grateful for that gift.

Happy #34!

On top of all the Christmas excitement that had been building, our family celebrated Tom's 34th birthday Friday evening. Lots of take-out from our favorite Chinese restaurant, aunts, uncles, mom, dad, siblings and two cute kids in tow made for a great night.

The only glitch? Uncle Tippy (quite by accident) scared the crap out of Patrick to the point where he would cry hysterically if he saw Tippy or even heard his voice. Tom and I spent the remainder of the night either holding or distracting P.
The grand finale: P made Daddy a new pen holder for his office. In the future I will rethink letting a two-year-old use acrylic paints.

I love you. Happy birthday from your fan club!

A Beginning, an End

While we are ever more looking forward to celebrating the birth of Christ, sadness is also part of our Christmas season. My Dad's wife, who was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's at age 63, had been hospitalized with an infection two weeks ago and was just moved to hospice care yesterday. It was a difficult decision for my dad and her daughter, and I hate that while everyone around them is bustling preparing for Christmas, they are saying their goodbyes. My dad has been to the nursing home every day for the past two years to feed her, hold her hand, and carefully monitor the care she was receiving (which had been less than what one hopes for their loved one). I am grateful I live so close and can be by his side, but I worry for my dad and the road he has ahead.

To anyone going through tough times, may God's peace find you and strengthen you.

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

We are still gearing up for Christmas here-cards still need addressed, lots of presents need wrapped, and Christmas decoration bins are still littering my downstairs. At least my shopping is done. To add a little extra challenge to our timeline, Friday is Tom's birthday and he has opted to have his family come here for dinner rather than just going out to eat. And not just immediate family, aunts and uncles too. And does he want a store bought cake? Nope, he has requested his mom's pineapple-upside-down cake recipe. I don't even have a bundt pan, so I have to go buy one today. It is a good thing I love him so much!

But the kids are at least healthy and semi-cooperative in letting me getting a little done. I can't believe the fun I have been having this Christmas with Patrick-what a difference one year makes in their understanding.