Christmas 2007

For the first time since my niece and nephew were born in 2005, my entire extended family just spent Christmas together. We had 5 children, two dogs, two sisters and their husbands and our mom and dad all together under one roof.

It may not sound like such a big deal but distance and responsibilities keep us away more often than not so it is a major accomplishment for our family. It is definitely a memory maker for my children. My 9 year old daughter Jillian instinctively knows the value of extended family and clamors for it constantly so this was a wonderful Christmas for her.

My two sons enjoyed rolling on the floor with their cousins, listening to their Papa tell stories and jokes and learn from their Uncle Brian.

Despite the age differences the kids all just loved being together. The grandparents finally have their youngest grandchildren together and we all got the benefits of having a family instead of just a voice on the other end of the phone or someone to forward emails. It is tricky spending days with those whom you don't see everyday and trying to understand one another's differences. For instance, I am a total and go and do-er where as my sister is a homebody. Our two ways of life are very different but we each lead our family with our own style.

My memories of Christmas 2007 will include Emily repeating "Don't Worry, Be Happy, just one more time" so I could try to capture it on video. My dog being such a great sport and sticking close to me but all the while joining in the fun. My dad and mom cooking and cleaning in the kitchen and my brother in law and I both taking pictures of the events at hand.

We also watched The Polar Express together and listened to Nick exclaim "Oh NO!" when ever something on the TV looked interesting. Driving around looking at Christmas lights, seeing the full moon and Mars in the telescope, munching on cookies, and seeing all the kids just squeal with excitement about the whole experience. Phone calls to distant Uncles and our other sister in Pennsylvania and text messages wishing me Happy Holidays from my three best girlfriends on the planet.

We aren't finished with the holiday but I can say that this one has been one to enjoy despite the slow start that I've had the entire of month of December. We haven't done many of the typical family things we usually do such as look at Christmas lights, attend parties or be as festive as we've usually been but thankfully the past 48 hours have made up for that. It's been a Merry Christmas so far.