Christmas Eve

Growing up I always loved Christmas Eve. In a way, it meant more to me than Christmas day. That feeling of fullness. Of brimming over. I was so blessed. We are so blessed.

Sag made an Ugly Doll advent calendar.

I couldn't quite capture the loveliness of this Japanese Christmas stamp in this photo, but here it is anyway. Thank you Auntie Yoshiko.

Wall o'cards.

The lamp Sandy and Mike no longer needed, the lamp we desperately needed for just this spot.
Thanks, guys.

Our upstairs neighbor, Julia, has discovered a new passion: decorating cupcakes. How lucky are we?

Kung Fu Panda on dvd.

This year, when I cast the idea of handmade gifts to the kids, they not only nibbled, they went with it. Sag made Gem a lego kit. Gem was moved by the inclusion of an apparently very valuable piece.


Sag made Cap and me a holiday themed drawing and mazes.
Gem made Sag a stocking and me an Ugly named Frostbite. The handmade gifts from my children moved me to tears. Now, those who know me well, know that this is not that hard to do. But, truly, I am in love with these gifts.

We always give each of them a book for Christmas. This year's picks.


We also gave each of them a Playmobil set.

Gem really wants a small blue Wedgehead. I searched high and low, but he has been discontinued, so when I saw the big one, I got it for him with some trepidation. I needn't have worried. He was very happy.



They really do love their Uglies.

We opened gifts tonight because we are planning on leaving early tomorrow for Massachusetts. The kids are now in bed, Gem is hoping for a backrub to soothe away the excitement. Cap is taking a break from grading to eat a little something, hoping his tummy is past its revolting.

Me, I am happy. The candied pecans are cooling in the kitchen, there's a warm and wonderful glow in our home, it's Christmas Eve. Off to go rub my boy's back.