Merry Memories

We had an especially nice Christmas this year. What with our crazy move on the first of December, I had my doubts, but it all worked out to one of the best Christmases I can remember in a while.

 

Christmas always stresses me out. It's hard for me to spend tons of money when all year I struggle to get by. Thankfully my dad was able to help me out, and with the blessing of getting work cleaning a couple houses, it all worked out.

 

The one thing that always gets me in the mood for Christmas is when we are visiting Grandpa, we go out and see the neighborhoods that go all out with lights. It is one of my favorite traditions.

This year at our family celebration, Cam whipped out his trumpet and treated us to Christmas carols. It's been a long time since I've heard him play. What a treat!

 

I was so impressed by how thoughtful my older kids were with providing gifts for everyone. I never expect them to get me anything and then they surpise me with the nicest stuff! It really touches me!

 

This year it was just me and the two youngest on Christmas morning and I thought that might be weird, but it was really nice. Here is what our livingroom looked like on Christmas Eve:

 

 Then on Christmas morning with Christmas loot and Christmas wrapping mess:

 This is the only time I don't mind having my house trashed. I think there is something fun and festive about having wrappings everywhere. It's kind of the measure of Christmas somehow.

Later Carley arrived and helped Shelby learn a little bit about makeup:

 Then Cam and Cassie arrived and we ate turkey dinner...that I cooked...and it was good...not only that it wasn't a big hassle. Of course I did canned gravy and boxed stuffing, but still, I was kinda proud of myself. I've always been intimidated by the whole "turkey dinner" thing. But maybe I'm getting the hang of this!

 The next day was rainy and Cam, Cassie and I spent five hours doing this:

 It's been way too long since I did a puzzle! And you see that missing piece up near Cam's hand? Yeah, we couldn't find that piece anywhere! We were convinced the puzzle was faulty and missing that piece. In the end, there it was amongst the others! Hiding in plain sight! It had us worried and frustrated for quite a while!

Then there is this picture of me taken by Cam in September when we went to Point Reyes Lighthouse. I came across it and it just struck me as reflecting who I am right now.

I'm alone, but happy.