A New Year Begins

OK, here it goes. I have decided to start off the New Year recording the happenings in our busy family life. My intent is first and foremost for this to be a way to record milestones in my children's lives and to have a way for them to read about how amazing I think they all are. Also, for my husband, who isn't recognized nearly enough, for all that he does. A writer, I am not...so with that warning, let the blogging begin!

I think I will start with the most recent and gradually write more about past happenings, but for now, I will begin with Christmas 2009. As always, the kids got much more than they needed. It is so hard to resist one more gift. I happen to think this is the most magical time of the year and a time for children. I love to see the delight in my children's eyes when they are surprised by their gifts. It is always precious to see their happiness. This Christmas we spent it at home, well, my childhood home, the home I grew up in. I have only spent 2 Christmas' away from my home in all my 40+ years of life. There is something so comforting about going "home". It is not the same, as my dear sweet saint of a mother is no longer with us. So there really seems to be a void. But there is something comforting about being there, surrounded by all the familiar decorations and traditions that my dad still carries on, knowing my mother would want us to continue. My sweet dad always sets the table with the Christmas China, the silver and the same centerpiece that he has made at the same florist, just the way my mom would want it. We have the same tasty dinner and a fire in the fireplace. The stockings that my mother knitted for my two brother's and myself hang on the mantle. All the Christmas ornaments are hung on our Christmas tree that my dad decorates, perfectly. Most of the ornaments were made by us as kids. Then there is a collection of angel ornaments. My parent's great friend, makes a new angel ornament every year. She gives them to friends and family. They are so special. She makes one for our family. My dad has been collecting them for over 20 years. It is a great tradition. My brother and his 4 kids were "home" too and they have the most special time with my 4 kids. They are all around the same age, so everyone has someone to hang out with. They all love being around each other. My sister-in-law is amazing and does most of the cooking, always with a smile. She is loved by all and so generous. My brother and s-i-l sang at mass on Christmas Eve. What an amazing treat that is. Their singing always brings tears to my eyes. Oh how my mother loved their singing. All of her friends come to that mass just to listen to the talent of my brother and s-i-l. How proud I am of him! He truly is my hero. But that is another post... My younger brother couldn't make it, which was too bad. But the weather was fine, the kids had a wonderful time. There is nothing better than being around the ones you love. How blessed I am to have my family!