Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A different celebration

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow........Michigan has plenty of it so a White Christmas is not something anyone will be dreaming of or wishing for...as we got it. We will officially have a White Christmas. (Mom wouldn't want it any other way.....Dad would have huffed due to the shoveling involved at both his house and his Dad's)..

So I've gotten into the spirit as best as possible. I've shopped (a lot), wrapped presents, listened to Christmas music and even decorated Christmas cookies. All while still feeling the absence of my parents around or to call or to visit....

It's just not the same. The second I think I am having a really nice time, all I do is think of them and the hurt and sadness comes instantly.

Ted's 30th surprise birthday went off without a hitch on Saturday. He walked into his parents house to a kitchen filled with his friends, food, cake and a champagne toast read by Josh. We took off in a 20 person party bus with a 225 picture slide show of Ted, family and friends. I of course had a bunch of him with Mom or Dad that were included. I played it to some special music and everyone seemed to enjoy the photos. It's amazing the photos Ted and I have from all of our adventures since being married.

Tomorrow, my Sister is hosting a Christmas Eve brunch with Ted and I along with Ted's parents and his brother Tom. I cannot wait to spoil Christina and Aydan with gifts even though we said this would be a light Christmas. I just want to see the smiles on their faces so it's worth it to me.
I know gifts are not what Christmas is about at all, especially in a year such as this. But I have to say, my Sister and I have inherited the love for giving (and receiving-haha) from my Mother. So that is all we know....

In the evening, we will go to 5 o'clock mass and then back to the Close's with his immediate family, Aunt Mary, Melissa and Nick. We'll enjoy a fabulous dinner cooked by Cindy; Filet and Lobster Tail and then we'll settle by the fire and tree for some of the gift exchanging. Christmas day we'll wake up to Monkey Bread and a living room so filled with gifts that you can barely walk. I would normally head out to Mom and Dad's to help them get ready for the Christmas dinner and party, but this year Ted and I will head to Grandpa's like I did growing up. A different schedule, different traditions....a different Christmas...

I hope everyone enjoys Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with their families and friends.

Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for my Mom, Dad, brother an our entire family.

Merry Christmas Mom, Dad and Justin. I love you all and miss you more then you will ever know........

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