The Holidays In Review

This year, the holidays have had a little bit of a different feel. Not necessarily in a negative way, just slower perhaps, quite the opposite from the lighting speed we are more accustomed to during this season. Don't get me wrong though, we certainly have been busy with all the preparations, parties and more preparations that I don't think any of us will ever be able to escape.

But let me rewind just a bit, to Thanksgiving, when my sister, Gib and I ran our first 5K together in the Gobble Hobble. Now that was a great experience.



And better, yet, Gib placed third in his age group!!!



Then, in early December, we reflected on the true meaning of Christmas as we toured the town of Bethlehem. Central Presbyterian Church of Waxahachie offers this re-enactment of the night when "there was no room at the inn" every year, free to all. It was so moving. A sure tradition for years to come.



We also had the opportunity to see the First Annual Tree Lighting at Watters Creek. I love this European feeling shopping center. So very elegant.



Speaking of elegant, just look at those girls. From left to right; Brooke, Taylor, Maren, Zoe and Anna. Yes, I do think there might be a couple of extra's in there but I really don't remember who anymore! :)



Here, Gib is laughing about something that probably shouldn't be repeated, and Blake is pretending not to hear.



Anna, along with Maren and Collin, was invited to perform at Santa's Village this year. Pardon the blurry photo, but if you squint, you might be able to see her dancing in the middle front in the red choir robe. Oh, and I'll also take this moment to mention that she made the drillteam for the 2009-2010 school year! She is sooo excited.



And then the day finally arrived. Oh the magic of Christmas morning. Ryan had almost as much fun as we did watching him. Later that night, as I was tucking him into bed, his eyes were barely open but he muttered,

"Mommy, I had such a great Christmas, and I loved opening all the presents, but why do you think Santa didn't bring me the red robot?

My heart sank. How could I have missed the one present he asked me about nearly every day? So, on the 26th, we (Anna, Maren, Brooke and I) braved the mall and quickly found the store where the red robots were sold. YES! They still had a few left and they were half price! I wasn't sure how to give it to him, though, then Maren had a very clever idea...

After we got home we noticed some large sticks on the roof, so Maren climbed up to toss them down, but low and behold what did she find, but a lonesome present, lying by the chimney! She called for Ryan and he came running outside.

"Ryan, Ryan, there is a present up here on the roof. It must have fallen out of Santa's sleigh!"

(Ryan was literally jumping up and down.)

"What is it? What is it!!!???

"I think it might be a red robot!"

"For me? WOW!"

Oh, the smile he had on his face! Pure joy! And, as you can imagine, that sweet boy hasn't stopped playing with it since. He even commented about how next year, when he mails his letter to Santa, he needs to include a thank you note for all that he received this year. I nearly cried. OK, I did cry a little. But how do you not after all of that?



It was a different kind of holiday season, slower in a sense. Maybe the economy dictated most of that, but slow can be good. And with it all we were reminded, once again, that good things come to those who wait.

Blessings to you all!