Christmas 2012

 Here is it the 27th of December and the festivities are just about over. Here are a few pictures of our two celebrations. The top picture was put together on the Sunday before Christmas...the 23th. We got together at Joe's kids house in our neighborhood. I think that I have everyone in this collage....except me...I am always the photographer.Joe is in one of these pictures. We had a turkey dinner that was catered by a restaurant in Rockford. Lots of presents to open and the center of attention was Drake. We all  had so much fun watching him open his gifts and seeing Christmas through a child's eyes.Their tree was so pretty with over 1000 clear lights.Charlie the cat was banned to the bedroom. He was very curious and wanted to check out the counter top in the kitchen.

On Christmas Eve afternoon, we traveled to Huntley and had a good time with my side of the family. A fun time was had by all. My kids love to laugh and tease each other. Several funny gifts. Wow...a couple of TV's were presents this year. How times have changed since I was a girl with one present and a stocking. Everyone contributed to the food all over the kitchen. Ham, mostaciolli,  appetizers, dips, spreads, and cookies galore. We ate till we groaned.We were all together except for Xoie, who moved to N. Carolina this year...it wasn't the same without her. Then Tyler had to work on Christmas Eve....bummer. We missed him too. John's tree was unusual...very funky with big bulbs on wires changing lights of different colors. There was a remote to play music from the tree. Cricket the cat was not to be seen...maybe the cat was afraid of the tree :) Joe took my picture at home, so I could be included.

We came home early that night and just collapsed in front of the TV. No need for a snack that night. Yesterday I started putting the gifts away and made turkey soup with the carcass. I wondered why I volunteered to make soup...it was a chore yesterday...I really wasn't into soup making. The house was a disaster with groceries all around, soup ingredients on the counter and stove, folded laundry on the kitchen table, presents on the dining room table and gifts under the tree in the living room, and containers of cookies too.I've said before...I can't work in a mess...so I was struggling :(  Well, by evening it all got done and I could just sit and do nothing.

We got several nice phone calls during the two days....connecting with people we don't see often.
Christmas day we woke early and went to Mass....came home and started making dinner. We had invited a friend, who was spending the holidays alone this year, over for a pot roast dinner. That went well and when he went home...we just spent the evening watching TV....and going to bed early.

We have one more thing planned...Joe's grandson Matt is a police officer and had to work...so he and his wife and baby are coming later on.

All in all it was a nice Christmas. I started so early with shopping and baking.... then wrapping and cards. I've already been thinking about next year. I think we might make a few changes...just thoughts going around in  my head.
Now things are slowly getting back to normal. Our normal that is.We are here...just waiting to see what Mother Nature has in store for us this winter. The birds had their Christmas treats and they are fat and happy. It's getting light out and the cardinal has been here already. I know that the scrabble game is in my email and daughter LuAnn is waiting for me to play a word. I gotta go and see if I can beat her at this game.
Balisha :)