All I Want For Christmas....

Friends, Merry Christmas Eve!  I read this on one of my favorite blogs, Preppy Empty Nester.  I think it says it all:

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My children each year ask me the same question.  After thinking about it, I decided I'd give them my real answer.  What do I want for Christmas?  I want you.  I want you to keep coming around.  I want you to bring your friends around.  I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help.  I want you to come over and rant about your problems, rant about your life, whatever.  Tell me about your job, your worries, your spouse, your kids, your fur babies.  I want you to continue sharing your life with me.  Come over and laugh with me,  or laugh at me.  I don't care.  Hearing you laugh is like music to me.

I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way I knew how, and I am not bragging, but I did a pretty darn good job.  Now give me time to sit back and admire my work.  I am pretty proud of it.

Raid my refrigerator, help yourself, I really don't mind.  In fact, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I want you to spend your money making a better life for you and your family.  I have the things I need.  I want you to be happy and healthy.

 When you ask me that I want for Christmas, I say "nothing" because you've already been giving me my gift all year. 

I WANT YOU!

-Anonymous

Winter Solace

Friends, I hope you all had a happy winter solstice!  Up on the peninsula we are ready for the days to start getting longer.

We are hunkered down in high hygge season...

 but B and I have ventured out for two of our favorite things:  books and tea.  

And I ventured out  again to see two of my favorite people.  We finished our Christmas shopping in the dark...and then shared a delicious meal at Georgina's in Traverse City.

I have known that beauty on the left my entire life...and that darling on the right since the first grade.   Who needs the sun when they are around?

The beach has its own special beauty in the winter.  The snow steps in to provide the brightness missing from the hidden sun.

And sooner or later we will get to see this....

Christmas Card 2016

I started sending out a family Christmas card when T was born in 1990.  This was 2012--Greetings from the Arctic Circle.  As you can see, they haven't always been great shots...but they have always gone out...even the year I went through treatment (and had surgery in New York in December), or maybe especially that year, so everyone would know that the big C had not won.  But friends, this year the cards are not going out.  This year I do not have a single photo of everyone together, which means my entire family was never actually all together in 2016.  Guess what my first New Year's Resolution for 2017 is....

Away in a Manger

Friends, M and I are picking up B and heading North for the holidays.  Last night, all was calm and bright at ND...at least for me since I wasn't studying for finals, thank God.  Every Christmas, ND puts nativity scenes from all over the world on display all over campus. So, in the spirit of the season....

Hostess with the Mostest

Friends, this KC Christmas Season has been busy and fun for us.... and we have received some really great hostess gifts....here's the loot:

 from M's girlfriend....love her

Anyone who knows me, knows I love candles

toffee:  the ultimate Christmas candy

festive Laurie Gates pottery--with chocolate

baby it's cold outside

Homemade Irish Cream...Big T's favorite

These homemade scones are my favorite....perfect for breakfast after a big night!

Three Years Clean

Friends, this weekend we hosted our traditional Santa party for  Big T's side of the family.  Our niece, a fabulous florist in Chicago, worked her magic on the tables.

She made it look so easy.

These two darlings were a wonderful help too.  I love having my girls home.

Have I mentioned that this is the Santa Party?

We had lots of caroling....

... eating, drinking and  merriment.   I am so thankful for my family and all the fun we have together. 

Today I am celebrating again....because today I am three years clean.  I am so thankful for my doctors, my friends, my family  and everyone who prayed for me.  On this, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, prayers up in thanksgiving for healing.  If you are battling now, hang in there.  Your efforts will be worth it.  And prayers up for you too.

Hope Fight Win

Big T and I hosted his work team's Christmas party last night.  Sitting next to me, was a valued friend...a survivor with an indomitable spirit.  

She and her husband had a baby boy five years ago.  Before he learned to crawl, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

Their little guy loves Big T's train room.  He also loves that his mama is expecting another baby soon.  He wants to name his new brother KC Southern.