Monday, December 29, 2008

Our Christmas

Paige finished up dancing in the Nutcracker on the 21st, so we had a few days of relaxation prior to Christmas. On Christmas eve we went over to some of our friend's house. The kids played and got lots of energy out, the women snacked on appetizers and drank a little wine, and the men...well, they just tolerated us all : )

Olivia, Paige and Caroline on Christmas eve

Christmas morning was SO nice...honestly, probably one of THE most relaxing we have ever had. I dreaded Christmas, as I thought I would be so sad, but surprisingly enough I was at peace. I knew that the day was about celebrating all of our blessings and I have so many that I cannot even begin to count them all. Paige received an abundant amount of toys from Santa...she must have been an especially good girl this year : ) Pictured below is Paige with her two American Girl dolls. She received a doctor's kit for them and has been playing hospital tons. We also have been rockin' out to Rock Band for the Wii and have been playing a lot of Mariokart!
On Christmas night, my brother's girlfriend and my mom came up with a big surprise for my brother. My brother is an E.X.A. with Walgreens and they always have to work either Christmas eve or Christmas day. Greg had to work on Christmas day. He was SO bummed. We drove out to his place and met his girlfriend. We all parked our cars where he couldn't see them. We decorated his apartment with some festive lights and stockings (he lives with a fraternity brother...two guys equal no decorations : ), we cooked him dinner and when he walked in yelled, "Surprise". The look on his face was priceless. Prior to him coming in the door, he had text messaged me (while driving...I don't advise this), that he was so sad that he couldn't be with us on Christmas. It was really a great night...very small and intimate and I think it was just perfect. Here we are on Christmas night.
This is a picture of Greg, Laurie and Paige. Aren't Greg and Laurie precious? They have been dating for two years now and we are just crazy about her. Paige just adores her.
I haven't really felt much like blogging, as I have been having so much fun hanging out with my family. I never realized how much I enjoy hanging out and living in the moment. I always have that darn camera attached at my hip and I feel like sometimes I live my life while looking through a lens. While I adore taking pics and have no intentions of stopping, I do intend to live life more fully and in the moment. We'll see how long that resolution lasts : ) What do you guys give me, say...a week ??? : )
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24 comments:

Kate said...

Looks like a wonderful Christmas...I am so glad you enjoyed it and were at peace. Sounds like it was just about perfect.

Like you, I hve forced myself to put down the camera or get in front of it a bit more this week. So Jim and I had a little day away to Amish country today...and I didn't take my camera. Missy...I was just about sick as I saw one opportunity after another disappear before my eyes. It must be a sickness. It's probably a sickness right??? You would know because I think you have it just as bad....

Keep. the. camera. with. you. At least....just keep it in reach.

Happy New Year and bachitsh to you!!! :-)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Your holiday looks like it was just perfect....what a wonderful surprise for your brother.....he and Laurie make such a cute couple!

I stayed away from blogland for a couple of days and really, I needed the break, but after the family left, I am back here doing what I do.......it is nice to just relax, but as Kate said when you leave the camera, the perfect opportunity always presents itself.....it is an illness I guess....the way I look at it, there are far worse things we could be addicted to!!

Hope you have a Happy New Year:)

Sherri said...

Hi Missy!
I'm glad you had a nice, peaceful Christmas. I had been thinking about you and hoping that it wasn't going to be a sad day for you.
What a nice surprise for your brother!!

Jodee said...

It looks like you had a great Christmas. I am so glad that you got to surprise your brother this year! I bet this is a Christmas he will never forget! The pictures of all of you are just precious.

Hope you have a Happy New Year!

Gail said...

I'm so happy your Christmas was a peaceful and relaxing one Missy. You've been on my mind and I so wanted it to be a good one for you.

Yes, I seem to have the camera sickness disease too and am trying to step back a bit...but it is hard to do. LOL

I hope the New Year brings you much happiness!

Rhonda said...

GORGEOUS DAUGHTERS!!!!!!!!

~Rhonda

Sylvia said...

Hi Missy,

I can only imagine how challenging this Christmas was for you and your family.

How wonderful that you were able to make it special! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time.

Wishing you a great '09!

Marla said...

Glad you had a great Christmas! What a sweet surprise for your brother. Love the pics, as always, Paige looks so sweet with her AG Dolls. ;)

Jboo said...

What a great Christmas!! How fun that you were able to surprise your brother!! His girlfriend is adorable and so are you, Paige and your Mom. Am so glad that you felt at peace at Christmas though I am sure you missed your Dad. He was with you, right!

Best wishes for 2009!!

Janet

Unknown said...

Sounds like a perfect Christmas, relaxing and spending it with those that you love. So glad you had a good one :0)

a Tonggu Momma said...

I forced myself to walk away last week, but after just 12 hours I found myself so glad to just be IN the moment. I did miss writing, but not the time it takes away. Glad y'all had a blessed Christmas. And happy new year!

Super Mommy said...

Peace is an astounding thing! Sounds like a lovely Christmas Missy - Miss. Paige looks so happy with her friends and of course with you all.

Happy New Year!

kerri said...

Nice relaxing Christmas, just perfect!!
I love what you all did for your brother, what a wonderful surprise!
I too have been avoiding the blogerland, the kids are home until the 5th of January, so we are just having a blast!!

Michelle R Photography said...

Oh Missy,
I am so glad to hear you had a great Christmas, being able to enjoy time with your family and making wonderful memories. Those memories are something you will always have to cherish, just as you have such special memories of your father. I am sure your brother enjoyed his surprise waiting for him after a long day at work. He and his girlfriend make a cute couple.

You're making my heart smile that Paige is still interested in dolls. I hope I still have a few years of childhood with "D".

Happy New Year, Missy!!

rgshrs said...

Sounds like a wonderful Christmas! I know Greg must have loved his surprise! He and Laurie do make a very cute couple! So glad to hear you were at peace and don't blame you a bit for taking a break from blogger land! While blogging and pictures are wonderful (and oh so addictive)don't forget to live at the same time! There has to be a way to balance it right? right??! LOL

Much love to you and wishing you the absolute best and blessings in the New Year!!

Heather said...

Thank you so much for the well wishes!! Have you ever checked out the Jilin/Changchun/Siping yahoo group? (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Changchun_and_Jilin_Families/)

Happy New Year!!

Colleen said...

Ohhhh I am so happy you had such a blessed Christmas with wonderful memories. What a wonderful thing to do for your brother! I am sure it meant so much to him.
Paige looks adorable as always!!!!

Rydley said...

Glad you had a peaceful, relaxing, wonderful day!

Deb said...

Sounds like you guys did have a great Christmas! I think you and my husband need to join a support group for camera-a-holics! LOL! You do catch the best shots though Missy! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Steffie B. said...

Looks like a wonderful Christmas and what an awesome thing to do for your brother.....that is family love.....Happy New Year to you and your sweet family...

Hugs,
Steffie

Deb said...

Looks like your totally enjoying your family this Christmas!
Best wishes in 2009!

Green Family said...

Hi Missy...your Christmas card is on the way :) Don't laugh...whilst having the flu my beloved was given a number of errands including mailing out cards...many of which I found today lodged in car door. Ah...but he tries. He's errand-challenged.

Okay...have to say I love Mariokart. We also got the Fit (one of many 2009 Resolutions). I am SORE.

I'm so glad your holiday was relaxing. I have so much fun reading about family love!! Ms. Paige looks quite content too.

Happy New Year!!!
Kelly & The Gang

mommy24treasures said...

oh I love Paige's dolls. I keep thinking I will get the girls some and never have. I am glad Christmas was a joyful time and you made some wonderful memories.

Jennifer said...

Sounds like a perfect Christmas. I am finally catching up in blogland.

What a nice suprise for your brother!

Jen