Christmas Memories

On Christmas Eve, we went to an early (4:00) Mass. We arrived a little bit late, but lucky for us, they were just opening an upstairs room so we were able to get seats and also had a wonderful view. Christmas masses are so crowded that our church opens up the hall. So for a few Mass times, Mass goes on in the church as well as the hall.


Upon arriving home, we made some gingerbread cookies for Santa. We watched a little of White Christmas and did the last minute wrapping. The kids were so excited that it wasn't so hard to get them to sleep. We reminded them that Santa doesn't come unless every one's asleep!



Christmas morning, we were awakened bright and early by the little ones. They were ready to see what Santa brought them. Before we started opening gifts, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Here are a few things the kids got. Please don't look too closely at the iron and ironing board in the background - Hee Hee!

Emily and her My Little Pony Fashion Boutique

Ryan and some cars from Cars (the movie)

Kathryn and her "professional" Bingo kit

I didn't have my picture taken ( I didn't look too great), but I got some warm PJ's, two Christmas CD's (Josh Groban & Martina McBride), and a book (Clarence Thomas's new one).

After opening presents at home, we got ready to go to my mom's house for our get together with extended family. It was a full house with my brother and his wife, my sister, her husband, their kids and grandkids, spouses, etc, etc, and of course, the matriarch of the family, my mother. It was a crazy house, but we had lots of fun and food! Every year, my mother serves tamales, a traditional Mexican dish. We so look forward to eating this each year and she did not disappoint us! They were so good, I can taste them right now as I'm typing this. I say this every year, but I really do need her to teach me how to make them. I can always find them in the stores, but it's just not the same as eating homemade ones! My mother is getting along in years and no one else in the family knows how to make them. She adds her special touch!

Next up was to visit Steve's mom. Due to illness and advancing years, she's living in a private residential guest home. She enjoyed opening her gifts and visiting with all of us. She especially enjoys seeing the kids.

After all that, we were pooped and made it back home. But then there was more work to do! Time to untie all those twisters that come with children's toys! I don't know how many we untied but it was a lot! We played with moonsand and played a game of Mousetrap. By then, I needed to relax and it was time for bed.

So, that was it! It was an enjoyable day. I'm trying to remind the kids that even though Christmas Day is over, the Christmas season continues for a little while longer. We need to continue to ponder the wonderful gift that God bestowed on us in sending us His son.