Christmas, Part I

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays (okay, I love all holidays), and every year, when December the 25th comes, I find myself thinking, "Surely, my life can't get better than this?" Of course, with every year, it does get better.

This year, as with the last four years, Tim was away working for Christmas. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. The week leading up to Christmas was hard for me -- With Maile understanding more of the Christmas season, it just isn't the same without her Dada home. On Christmas Eve, I felt pretty darn sorry for myself, but that night, I was determined to have a wonderful Christmas Day with Maile!

My friend Sara, whose boyfriend also had to work, came over to spend the day with me and Maile. In the morning, I had Maile open the gifts sent by my mom and dad ... her Marmee and Papa. For the rest of the day, we ate cookies, colored, and read storybooks. After Maile went to bed, Sara and I made apricot-smothered pork chops, and watched The Holiday and Horton Hears a Who. It wasn't a particularly extraordinary day, but it was a good day, full of friendship and warmth. 

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas, surrounded by your loved ones. I know this probably sounds cheesy, but I look at my life: my amazing provider of a husband, my baby girl, all that the Lord has blessed us with, and I think, "What could possibly fulfill me more than this? Certainly not material presents." My life is really something wonderful.

... beautiful handmade rocker, with her name burned and painted into it ...

... traditional gift of new pajamas (not pictured) ...

... books are the best presents of all -- especially Llama books ...

... I'm looking forward to sharing our "real" Christmas with you, early in the New Year!

With Maile, it's guaranteed to be cute.