Bird House Ornament

Bird House Ornament
Originally uploaded by linfrye

The festivities have begun! My dear husband did our pre-Christmas Eve Dinner for my daughter and Taylor ... this was a special time with for my mom to enjoy Taylor and Michelle without the competition of other grands -- a quiet reconnecting before today's 'Santa at Nonna's." Charles fixed Citrus Chicken and Chestnuts (a recipe we received from our dinner at CapriFlavors and absolutely out of this world), penne with shrimp and salmon in a white sauce -- scrumptious ---! And mom and I cooked cheesecake -- our typical New York style and a holiday tradition for us.

We watched Taylor play with Emily and Nick's toys --- at 18 months, she's playing mom and store and cook, and is hilarious to watch. She even fit into one of the doll's strollers! LOL

Today, we'll celebrate Santa for the grands. The entire crew arrives around 2:00 pm for our traditional dinner of baked pasta (this year Manicotti) and meatsauce, more cheesecake ... and then we'll all open gifts. I've changed the batteries in my camera, had a bit more sleep, and will probably heavily rely on coffee to get us all through a fun-filled, hectic, paper-ripping time! Can't wait!!! It'll be the first time all three grandchildren, now old enough to recognize 'presents,' will be spending this special holiday together!

The grands will head back to my son's for an early bedtime so they can get ready for Santa at their own home Christmas morning. We'll recuperate a bit, and then head to Mike's tomorrow morning to watch the FUN there!

In the quiet tonight, we'll remember those who can't share this holiday with us -- my sisters in New York whom we'll chat with tomorrow; and my son-in-law serving overseas; my father whom I hope is watching from above with other members of our family and friends who have left this good earth.

I had a bit of time yesterday to sketch one of my favorite ornaments -- a snowy birdhouse. I have several of these 8" houses that I use decorate with to coordinate with the red cardinals, bird nests and apples I've decorated our wee fireplace mantle tree. I omitted many of our typical decorations this year since the grands' toys will be 'ornamenting' our small living room!!

Since this is first of our 'Christmas' days, I wish everyone a most joyous, safe, love-filled holiday! And wish to add my deepest thanksgiving to you, especially, for the support, encouragement, and most of all, friendship you have generously given me through these pages.

May the blessing of the holiday fill your heart and your soul .... and may you be with those you cherish. There is no greater gift than this and the time spent with those we love ...