Christmas 2009

The big thing this Christmas was that it was Nora’s first! Even though she is too young to enjoy or have any idea what is going on, her parents sure had fun. We started the Christms cheer with going to the Mall to see Santa a few days before Christmas. Again, it was more for us than her. We dressed her in the outfit we had searched for and purchased the day before. The picture with her in the outfit on Santa’s lap will always make me smile. To me it is just about the sweetest thing ever.

It was a little hard this year as we did not get to go home for the holidays to be with family. We know her grandparents and especially her great grand mother Nanny were very disappointed. But this Christmas was financially a struggle for us. And without a miracle of sorts, brought on by someone looking down on us, it was going to impossible to buy gifts, in fact to be honest, having food to eat through the holidays was going to be difficult. But thankfully, we had some things go our way and money somehow found us. (Thanks Noah and merry Christmas :) :)

Speaking of Noah, we were so heartbroken when we noticed we did not include him in our Christmas cards this year. We have made excuses in heads such as we were so busy, the cards were spur-of-the-moment, we were consumed with financial concerns, and a few others, but really we have no excuse and we are so sorry and will NEVER forget again!

Another great thing that helped us through the holidays psychologically was getting invited by our friend Heather to spend Xmas Eve with Rowan and her, her mom and step-father, along with another friend of hers. It was so nice and we had a fantastic time. I could not believe the spread of food, most of all, the baked goods! The highlight was the main course, a homemade seafood gumbo that Heather slaves over for 6+ hours. It was amazing! We also feasted on various exotic cheeses and oysters Rockafeller. The night was decadent *LOL* I think we may have to make that a tradition. Thanks guys for making us feel at home and part of the family, it was just what we needed to get into the holiday spirit.

Christmas morning finally arrived, we opened our presents sent to us from afar and a few from friends in town. It made for a nice Christmas. The dogs tore through there stockings and fell into a chewing ecstasy. Nora was in a great mood, she was as cute as could be. Smiling and laughing when we showed her the toys she got. One of the funniest gifts were the matching Publix shirts and bib. We got to open the traditional Po bags that Rachie sent us and always enjoy seeing what see comes up with. I think the headlamp I got is going to get more use than she envisioned.

Overall it was as good of a Christmas as could be without our families to share it with. We ate green bean casserole, corn casserole, and broiled grouper topped with crab imperial. And I got the only thing I asked for. I told Sharon that all I wanted for Christmas was to lie on the couch with Nora and watch Christmas movies, and we did just that. We watched A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation and Bad Santa. It was the best gift I have ever gotten :)