Christmas in a nutshell

Our Christmas was filled with many blessings.....
We missed Dad's presence, but made some new memories together, laughed a lot, and talked a lot about Dad to keep him alive for the kids. We were lucky to have such a great holiday filled with so many amazing people. Here it is....in a nutshell.

One year ago, this was Ellie ringing the bell for Salvation Army.

It's a tradition that I love, and I wanted to keep it going. So, here she is this year helping by ringing the bell. I want her to know, understand, and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. I would have taken Reid with me, but I was pretty sure that it would be a nightmare. Maybe next year????

Uncle Doug and Aunt Holly sent some very special gifts in the mail for the kids. Reid wouldn't let me grab him for a picture....he was too busy. Ellie was proud to show off her bling here.

Ellie excited for Christmas.

Look at that face of Reid's. Who knows what Ellie was saying.....but Reid thought it was something quite funny by the looks of it.

Merry Christmas 2009!!!!!

Figuring out how this top works. I am sure he will have it taken apart and put back together before he is 5.

Reid got this top from my mom that he is seriously intrigued with.

Reid and Uncle Kevin sporting the same haircut!

Ellie and Grandma with a very special horse from Grandma.

I guess I have to admit it....that's my brother. : ) (and I'll admit anyday that this is my sister in law)

My brother and sister in law. Hilarious. We just laugh when we get together.

Yep, this is the man I married.....

The girls....my sister in law, Carol, Ellie, me, and mom.

Daddy and Ellie leaving out cookies and milk for Santa. So exciting!!!!

Sorry, this picture would not cooperate with me....just turn your head slightly to the right to read. Santa left Ellie and Reid a nice note.

Ellie playing with the play-doh machine she got from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Carol. Fun times! You should have seen the f loor after she was done. Oh, my!

Ellie and Reid enjoying some of their gifts at Grandma and Pappy's house on Christmas Day. Oh, and by the way....the finger paint stayed at Grandma's!!!! **I am sorry Pappy, Pap Pap, and Grandma Wilson....where are the pics of you????? Don't worry, I will make up for this!

Ellie and Uncle Aaron...oh, and Ellie's baby that swims. She was so excited to get this doll. This was number 1 on her list this year.

Grandma and Reid with the annual calendar gift that never seems to get old.

Uncle Aaron...and believe it or not, Reid took this photo. I kid you not! The child loves buttons and has most electronics figured out already.

Reid and my uncle Dave (my dad's brother). We really enjoyed being able to go spend time with my dad's side of the family as well as the other family gatherings we had. It was a Christmas with many good memories in it, which is what we wanted.

These are the great-grandkids on my dad's side of the family posing with Santa who made a surprise visit.

And of course, no Christmas is complete without the "funny family pose". We are blessed, no doubt. The memories of Dad and Christmas' past were all alive and with us throughout the whole month of December, and we intend to always keep it this way. We did make some new memories together, but always promising to bring back the memories of Christmas' past as well. As I put on my necklace from Brian each day, I vow to read it, recite it, and believe it.....for it states something so simple, yet so true....Yes, "I am blessed." We hope your Christmas celebrations were blessings to you as well.