Christmas Eve 2007

It is so good to be home. For years I have longed to host Christmas Eve surrounded by our family. This Christmas Eve we had 15 here in our new home. We feasted on seafood stew (Aunt Syl's recipe and a true labor of love), celebrated new beginnings, enjoyed the company of our most cherished and felt the absence of those not with us. Thank you, Father, for all of our family and all of our blessings.

Blan, Poppie and Mimi

Blan loves his Aunt Steele.

You could feel Blan's excitement that night and it was contagious. It brought back memories of anticipation from the Christmas Eves of my own childhood. What wonderful things are in store for him. I can't wait to watch it all!

All Aboard the Polar Express!

This is by far our best Christmas season yet. I am seeing daily the magic of this holiday through the eyes of a four year old and it is awe-inspiring and filled with wonder. We just took a much anticipated trip to Bryson City to board the Polar Express for the North Pole. To say that Blan was excited is the understatement of the year. He didn't even mind the car ride to the far western part of NC. In fact, he kept us entertained during the long drive with his puzzling Christmas riddles, such as "When you need sumpin', then you get sumpin'. If you ask for it, then you might get it. Santa rides in it and he brings the toys in it. Can you guess what it is?" He had us in stitches for the better part of the drive. If you've never been to Bryson City, it is a charming little town that comes alive at Christmas. There is a large model train museum there that is pretty impressive and, of course, there is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

We browsed around enjoying the museum. Blan donned his pajamas and we waited outside patiently in the cold mountain mist to board our passenger car. Blan was a bit disappointed when he realized that the Polar Express was misrepresented by a diesel engine and wasn't an actual steam engine. But, he quickly got over it once we were on board. We were served hot chocolate and chocolate covered Santas as we read together the story and sang Christmas carols and watched the lights of the "North Pole" go by. The highlight was Santa boarding the train. My child has a good, healthy fear of the big man, but we had taken the time to write out a letter to Santa and nothing, not even a possible nightmare spurred by his close proximity, was going to keep Blan from giving him that letter with his wish list. We even got a picture, albeit a blurry one, of them with their arms around each other! Santa autographed Blan's copy of The Polar Express and then went on his merry way. It was truly magical and an experience I know we will all remember.

"Could that be Santa boarding???"

Blan watched intently as Santa made his way to our seats.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!!!

No more pictures, please.

Tis the season for Momma and her camera. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many pictures I took tonight trying to get just the right one for the Christmas card. I'm happy to say I think I got it. Finally. Poor Blan will be ready if ever he decides to date a celebrity. The paparazzi ain't got nothin' on me.

Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in His Head

There is little that is sweeter...

Oh Christmas Tree...

Aaron, Blan and I took a road trip with Grammie and Pop up the mountain to West Jefferson to choose and cut our Christmas tree - a very big deal (I hear some of you snickering at me now). As most of you know, I am notoriously Christmas tree obsessed. Every year Rick and Jackie go choose their tree and cut it fresh. We have always wanted to go, but we haven't seen the sense in driving a tree an hour down the mountain and 2 hours down I-40 to Raleigh. I must tell you the trip did not let me down - 1 big, gorgeous tree, 2 large wreaths, 105 feet of fresh white pine garland, 2 cups of hot, homemade cider on a blissfully cold and Christmasy day. It doesn't get much better. Thanks for the ride, Grammie and Pop! A new tradition begins.

One little, two little, three little indians....

We were treated to a thoroughly entertaining Thanksgiving program at St. John's Preschool today. The indians did not disappoint. It is so hard to believe this will be our last preschool program with Blan. How quickly he has grown. I am so thankful for the time God has given me to share unforgettable moments like these.

Even Papa Tom got to come to the performance.

Both Grammie and Mimi were there, too!

Parker and Blan...

Falling into Fall.

Blan and Daddy spent some time in the leaves on this wonderful fall day

- a perfect photo op for this Momma.