Christmas Memories

Christmas with children is magical. The wonder in their eyes, the smiles on their faces, and the joy in their giggles makes not only my day, but the whole season. I remember the Christmas traditions of my childhood. I remember waiting for my cousin, DiAnne to arrive from Chicago. I remember watching Mama Gooch wrapping presents for all her grandchildren while I munched on rag bologna. I remember my older brother telling me I had better get to bed because Santa Claus might pass by our house if he looked in the window and I was still up. Since my mother and I lived with my grandparents, everyone came to our house. When my boys were little we started our own traditions. We opened our gifts on Christmas Eve, then Christmas morning there was Santa and all the gifts he brought. Those memories are precious to me. Now I have grandchildren and all the memories they are bringing. I feel so blessed to have all my family. My boys, their wives, and the three precious young ones.

Speaking of the young ones. I will hold these pictures in my mind and heart forever of this Christmas. Max saying when he opened one of my gifts, "I did not ask for this...(my heart sinking)... because it was so big, but, I really wanted it"(whew)
Lily seeing her quilt on her bed and loving all the colors and flowers on it. Forrest being so excited when he saw his astronaut suit and space helmet, so excited that he wore it for two days. I was also so excited, trying to make sure I got to see each one open their gifts that my neck was whiplashed.

The best was having Christmas eve supper with Kev, Amy, Lily and Forrest. The turkey, fresh green beans, and baked potato were yummy after working. The Christmas Dinner at Brian and Shannon's was so delicious. A moment I will remember forever, was seeing Brian's eyes when I told him how tasty the Brussel Sprouts were. I know this sounds strange, but I could tell he was glad I liked them. He will always be my wonderful little boy, and I am so proud of him. Then, another proud moment was Kev telling me he used my gift to him in preparing his part of the meal. Don't laugh at me, but I love my boys and they make me a happy mom all the time. Now that is a wonderful Christmas gift that they give me everyday.