Christmas Number Two

Now this is what I'm talking about.  Stopping for pictures with your new gifts.  Laughing & laughing about reactions and reasons for getting certain things. 

This is Marcus and his son with matching hats my mom made for them.  Very fitting too, considering the recent hunting trip.  Stepson can't wait to go with his daddy when he is ten. 

We drove down to Houston on Monday afternoon.  I promised I would drive, but then Marcus was a sweetie pie and drove the whole way there & back.

We asked my stepson when he thought we should open presents, that night or the next morning?  Tonight, tonight, tonight!

My sister & her hubby cooked us some delicious steaks, and then presents were opened. 

It was a great year for us.  We have had lots of what we call broke Christmases.  But this year, even though personally, I didn't spend as much on gifts as I normally do, I was very pleased with the results.  I think a lot had to do with my decision to shop online this year.  More family members were able to participate in the giving part.  And Marcus wasn't expecting anything, but he kept getting stuff that he loved.  So I think everyone felt like it was a very generous gift portion of Christmas. 

Thanks family! 

That was a hat from my brother. 

We had so much fun!  Lots of movies & game playing as usual. 

The only thing that was missing was our other little brother who couldn't get off work until next week.  So we shall see pictures of him & his family later. 

In this post are only pictures of the first night.  I have tons more which I will either post in the photo gallery or elsewhere.  I just wanted to get something out there as I believe I'm quite behind on anything that could be considered productive.  I might get behind even more because it's Marcus's 30th today, New Year's Eve!  Then the brother is coming to visit.  I don't think I've hung out with family this much in years! 

And as for the New Year...  I don't really believe in resolutions because I think I should constantly be evaluating my goals rather than setting them once a year. 

I do believe in reflecting a little.  I think I'll always be disappointed in my career progress regardless of how far I am.  But this year, I took a very interesting and large step in my career and love that I did so.  And also this year I started dating my friend of 3 years and then got pregnant with his baby.  That was a pretty big deal.  I have a feeling 2010 will be even bigger.  Cheers to my baby! 

I also believe in toasts...  So to all the families & families to be out there -- may your journey towards & through parenthood be a life-changing & beautiful one.  Happy New Year!!! 

Christmas Number One

After all the presents were opened.  All the gifts were given.  The room seemed empty & lifeless.   A wedding reception after the bride & groom and the guests leave abruptly, and all that's left is the mess and the caterers. 

I always I get a little sad at this moment on Christmas.  All that anticipation... 

I'm pretty good at gifts, and every year I hope someone will challenge my skills, but they never do.  I know it's selfish to think such things, so after that moment of sadness, I tell myself it's not about me, it's not about me.  Then the sadness goes away.  We eat and watch movies and all go on with our lives. 

Not this year though.  It wasn't a gift that changed things.  I think it had something to do with whom I was spending my Christmas.  And I'm not sure if I've ever felt that way before. 

First Marcus came & picked me up during some bad weather because I was afraid to drive. 

Over the course of two days, he cooked for the entire family several times.  He wouldn't let me lift a finger. 

Whenever he walked by, he kissed my forehead. 

He talked to our baby. 

I lay my head on a pillow on the couch, and he put my feet on the couch & covered me with a blanket.   

Maybe he was trying to impress his mom.  Whatever his motivation, I don't care.  He made me feel loved.  

I guess it was a gift that deterred the recurring moment of sadness.  Just an intangible one.