100% Christmas

We have a rule on Christmas morning. The kids cannot come out of their room until we get them. I heard a lot of door slamming from a certain almost 3 year old checking on whether or not we were awake. Since mom and dad were not ready, they climbed into bed with Lola and Lolo and this was their conversation.

Lolo: Do you think Santa came last night?
Julia: Yes!
Lolo: How do you know? Were you good this year?
Julia: Yes!
Lolo: How sure are you?
Julia: Mmm...100%
Lolo: What about Cazin?
Julia: 100%
Lolo: And Ella?
Julia: 90%

Santa must have a more objective outlook since all the kids were pleased as punch with their gifts. Games, toys, books and treats galore. For myself I can't decided what was my favorite gift. A potty trained Ella or my new Canon Rebel.

It was another year of traditions and the first year that ALL of the big kids got it. Christmas Eve Mass was so beautiful it brought me to tears thinking of the humble family on that silent, holy night. John and Sam joined us at our annual Christmas Eve dinner at Milan. MFS and Julia baked cookies right before bedtime for Santa followed by Christmas stories. Having Lola and Lolo here made it even more special.

Today after gifts we ate ourselves into oblivion. At breakfast we devoured a cinnamon roll Christmas tree and continued to eat the rest of the day. Unknowingly, it has become a tradition that I make lasagna on Christmas. Add cornish hens, lumpia and red velvet birthday cake. We completely skipped dinner we were so full. The tired kids went to bed without a fight and poor Cazin despite two days of fevers, is still his sweet self. Julia is hoping that he doesn't have "scarlet fever. " Thank you, Velveteen Rabbit.

I do have a prayer request. As you are praying, I ask for a special intention for Cecil Scott, the husband of a friend and the most hilarious nurse, Patti. On Friday he fell 24 feet while repairing a roof. He is in critical condition and to my knowledge has not woken up yet. It has been heart wrenching and stressful past few days. Despite it all, Patti's faith remains strong and I hope that the whole community continues to lift Cecil and the Scott family in prayer.

Merry Christmas to all! May the peace of Christ fill your hearts and your homes!

It is always fun to see how are family photos turn out.

Reading a letter from Santa