I know, I know, everyone is so over Christmas. But I’m not. Our tree still reigns in the family room the stockings are still hung and my tired poinsettia has to live for just a few more days. I’m following the European pattern of Christmas where the 12th day falls on January 6th with Epiphany.
Or maybe we were just feeling too lazy and happy all weekend to take all the pretties down. 😉
Either way, it’s time to post the Christmas Day/Christmas Week photos. I didn’t take a lot. I was tired.
What will Lucy do with her days when the tree is gone?
and a toy.
Ben thought this was a more appropriate pose.
My dad made an incredible book about my mom as his Christmas gift to all of us. It was overwhelming. I sobbed and sobbed. My sister made a beautiful slideshow; I made a copy but I don’t know when I’ll feel strong enough to watch it again. I’m walking through the pain, I am, just one step at a time.
My adorable niece giving Ruth a manicure. Ruth’s back is still in a lot of pain.
Gabriel and Grandpa at Christmas dinner.
the giggle cousins
At night we met friends, went to wedding receptions and Mary and I snuck off to the Nutcracker with her friend Isabelle.
She’s wearing the same dress as last year. Is anyone impressed with my practicality?
No? I didn’t think so.
p.p.s. I usually turn photos b&w when I can’t get the color right. It’s an easy fix.
p.p.p.s. Ben’s goal for me was to be less sensitive this year. I told him that my ban from complaining is unrealistic enough.
p.p.p.p.s. Stefan’s goal is to become 10% nicer. Ben suggested that Stefan become less perfect.
p.p.p.p.p.s. Gabe just wants to develop a 6 pack.
Jeanelle
I think just looking at that picture of Erik & Mary and knowing what they’re watching will cheer you up on the extra sad days (boy, did it make me laugh.) I love Ticket to Ride too! The Europe version is my favorite…
La Yen
Whenever I get discouraged about the misery of my morning/evening/afternoon sickness, I just think about how much your kids seem to adore each other. I would go through ten more of these pregnancies if I could get a loving, strong group of kids like yours!
Blue
and all this time i just thought the light in your house was magic! 😀
thank goodness you’re so good at posting photos of your lives…makes me feel like i’m still part of it even though i haven’t seen you forever (trick or treating notwithstanding).
we must go for a walk. unless you’re just running like the wind these days. in that case i’d love to come fold laundry some morning. what do you say? ♥
Selwyn
You like P.S.’s too!???!??
Excellent!!!!!!!
Tracy
Esther got Kirsten too – I love her!!! When can we all meet up for an AG play date???
LOVE Erik watching barbie!!! OMG LOLOL.
Happy New Year!!!
xoxo, t
p.s. I knew it was the same dress and am very impressed. 😉
Christie
I think Stefan might be on to something. I could EASILY be only ten percent nicer…
seven smiles
Okay,
#1- that mysteriously wrapped gift is hilarious.
and #2- I am impressed with your practicality. With only one daughter myself, I often try to get a 2 year-occassion-outfit. There’s no little sister to hand it down to, and sometimes they’re just so darn cute it’s hard to say goodbye… 🙂
Sue
Your husband looks positively fascinated with the Barbie show.
=)
PS. Looks like you had the very best kind of Christmas.
Linn
I just got off the phone with your dad and I feel so bad Ruth’s back is not doing well at all. She is in our prayers.
I just loved this post. That book about your mom made me cry just looking at it.
Love you Michelle.
Alyson (New England Living)
Your photography is just pure art! It always makes me happy. I’m going to need to upgrade to your camera later this year. I only just started with a dslr a year and a half ago, so I got the entry level Canon Rebel. LOVE Canon, just need to get a step up soon. What is your’s?
I’m glad to see that you had a great Christmas. I know it must have been so hard for you since it’s your first one with your mom gone. I can’t imagine and my heart goes out to you.
sarah
hey you . . . just checking in to say hello ~ it’s been a long while. Looks like life keeps on plugging along everywhere. What a fabulous Christmas you had. Oh, and the pics are just perfect – need to get me one of those star filter thingy majigs. Would love to chat and catch up. HOpe all is good.
xoxo
Heather
I am glad that you revealed what the gun-shaped present was, I have been wondering about that, my best guess was a tri-pod with only one leg extended.
Annie
I love your happy brood.
We wait until after Epiphany as well…today the tree came down and I’m already missing the twinkling lights but not the pine needles.
xo
lawdy
can’t get over how cute, darling, nice your boys look. . .and your girl.