I would also like to take this oppurtunity to wish all my fellow bloggers a Merry Christmas. And a safe happy New Year. May we all have a great 2010. My wish for all is the start of a new era come April!

Christmas is a bittersweet time for my family. I lost my father in February and I can tell  you I dread Christmas morning. He alway was first to call and wish us a Merry Christmas. I can remember so many mindnight masses with my father and the drive home singing Christmas songs. For those of you who have lost loved ones, you know what I mean.

On the other hand, we have been blessed in this time of economic hardships and I am thankful we can give back to those who need it the most. It is the time giving!!!!

Having my son up here for college has also brought much happiness to the entire family! I missed him so much and we have truly enjoyed playing guitars and just sitting and sharing!

My oldest daughter is coming to town and bringing along her "boyfriend". She is the happiest I have ever seen her and I can't wait to meet this young man that brings that much sparkle to my daughter's life! He is scared to death to meet "Daddy", but he has already scored major points with me because he makes her happy! Still, I plan to mess with him! :) It's my job!

I'm thankful for my Gnome and my youngest daughter! She keeps me on my toes and can't imagine anyone more blessed and loved!

Last, to all my friends, old and new. The extended family grows and it warms my heart! I have already started planning for the big May Cookout. It's going to be bigger than ever!

Merry Christmas to all and a blessed New Year!!!!

Cara,
First, welcome home from Mickey Land! You need a mickey and minnie tattoo!

I appreciate your story. I am still not sure how Christmas morning will go. But I am also sure I will feel better watching Portia open her gifts! Children have no idea how powerful their smiles are!

YOu have to give the Tin Foil Hat club credit. They did give to the needy. But like an poor alcoholic, they just gave the fool a fix for his bad habit.

Billw, that cured my blues for the day.  What do I have to whine about.

One of my favorite Christmas stories is while we were living in Germany. I was 12 (I think) at the time. When we were driving home from midnight mass, it started to snow. By the time we made it to our house, it was coming down hard!  When I woke up on Christmas Day, we had 2 foot of snow!  After our traditional Christmas breakfast, I went outside and watched the horse drawn sleigh go by! We lived in a small town called Worfelden. They had celebrated their 750th anniverary while we lived over there and part of the original castle wall still stood outside the main part of town. It was like a picture postcard. You could hear the bells jingle as the horse pulled the sleigh down the street. People were out shoveling snow and waving. later in the day, we headed down to the pond and skated.

Ahhh, to be young!

Frohe Weinachten!