Christmas 2009

Our first Christmas at home was all we hoped it would be! Christmas Eve was spent in Dayton with my family, but we tucked the girls in their own beds that night. Maggie and Jim left cookies and milk for Santa. Maggie made sure we left him a napkin to wipe his beard. The girls were up before the sun Christmas morning. Maggie came into our room, wiping the sleepy out of her eyes and said, "I want to see if Santa came." All four of us headed downstairs and opened the pocket doors for the big reveal! Maggie was thrilled Santa brought her a doll house saying, "This is the one I wanted!" Claire didn't let go of her new horses for at least an hour! After breakfast, we opened presents to each other. Claire really got into the opening this year and would say, "Another one!" each time she finished.

Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Beth, Uncle JJ, and Bixie came down after naps. A relaxing afternoon was spent opening even more presents, followed by a tasty dinner (if I do say so myself). Maggie and Bixie had a great time playing together and sharing new toys.

Our lovely holiday came to an abrupt end around 3 am on the 26th when Maggie woke up vomiting. Both girls got a 24 hour stomach virus which kept us busy through the weekend. I had my turn with it on the 28th. I took comfort in the fact that we were not alone. More than half of my extended family who attended the Christmas Eve festivities were stricken.

Luckily, we were all recovered in time for MawMaw and PawPaw's visit on the 31st. Our tree was mostly dead by then and we opened gifts to the sound of ornaments falling to the ground, but we were all in the spirit none-the-less. A relaxing New Year's weekend was had with chili in the crock-pot, football on TV and a fire in the fireplace. Jim and I were even able to sneak out for a lunch date!

In what has been a difficult year for so many, we are so fortunate to have gifts under the tree, a home that we love, steady employment for Jim, our health, and family to celebrate with! We are so blessed!