Christmas 2008

This was our second year staying in GA for the Holidays. Last year I was sad to not be with my family and I missed them again this year. But I am so thankful that we stayed here for Christmas. Marlee was really into Santa and the idea of presents. We made Christmas cookies on Tuesday and talked about how it would come down the chimney. We watched every holiday movie I own (which is A LOT) and read so many Christmas books. Plus, we did not have a TV downstairs in the living room for the last two weeks. So Marlee and I sang every Christmas song that came on 98.5. And trust me, there are not really that many different songs, just different versions. She's still singing Jingle Bells and Rudolph!


Marlee and Cooper had a bath and got decked out in their matching xmas pj's. It is a goal of mine to find matching pj's for as long as they will let me dress them the same. :) Marlee helped me set the cookies and milk out for Santa. She was pretty wired up when we put her to bed. My parents came in Christmas Eve and helped finish up the last minute wrapping and off to bed we all went.

Marlee was beside herself with excitement. She didn't know which presents to open first. She of course wanted to open and play with all of her toys. Cooper had woke up extra early and was asleep, so she really had the floor.

Once Coop woke up, Marlee was just as excited to help him open his presents. She loved his toys as much as he did. We had a wonderful breakfast and lounged the rest of the day. Unfortunately, my parents had to leave in the early afternoon. They both had to work the next day.

Friday, Chad's dad came down to visit. Marlee and Cooper were excited and thankful for his visit. Mimi also came down that Friday night. They had Christmas all over again. Kelly, Chad's cousin, had sent some hand me down toys from her little boy Koen. Marlee and Cooper liked those toys as much as the new toys they got for Christmas.

Saturday was my 28th birthday. It was uneventful, but relaxing. Overall, I really enjoyed the low-key and low-stress holiday with family. Sometimes it is easy to get all caught up in the hoopla of Christmas. People thinking they have to spend tons of money on presents for the holiday to have any meaning. I learned the opposite. I learned that spending no money at all can really show you what this time if year is all about. This year will always stand out in my mind as showing me the true meaning of the season. Thank you to all of you wonderful people at Farragut Primary. I pledge to give unto others from here on out. I hope you will pledge to do the same and feel that warmth in your hearts that I felt this year.