Christmas Eve

I remember when I was a little kid anxiously anticipating Santa's arrival, I was laying in my bed, unsuccessfully trying to sleep. I finally dropped off, only to be awakened by the sound of jingle bells outside. I stood up on my bed and looked out the high window, and honest to goodness, I saw reindeer and an empty sleigh on the snow-covered grass (we had no fireplace, so we knew Santa came in through the front door). Somebody want to explain that vision to me? The power of suggestion is indeed strong, especially in those who have "the sleep genes" which are legendary in our family. (Someday soon I will have to do a post about the sleep genes. We have some hilarious stories.)

The gifts are wrapped, (miraculous...I often wrap everything on Christmas Eve after the kids go to bed), the jammies and ornaments are opened, the living room is vacuumed (now there is an exercise in futility), the stockings are ready to fill, and the luminarias are flickering up and down the street. I heart Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a goodnight.

Merry Christmas to Me

I got a wonderful early gift on November 30, 2007. My newest grandson, Gavin Drew Bartle arrived a little early but weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and measuring 22.25 inches long! Healthy baby, healthy mom, cuter than all get out and lots of blond hair. What more could we ask? I got to spend a few (too few) days in Oregon with him and feel beyond blessed. How lucky can one granny be?

Welcome Home!

I'm really slow getting this posted, but yes, folks, he is home! He is just the same only better, and we love, love, love having him here. We feel so blessed. Well done, ED... you set the bar so high and soared over it. Welcome Home!