I Believe in Santa!!!

A most wonderful Christmas was had here in Olde Towne.  There is just so much to talk about that I feel somewhat overwhelmed...where do I start?

After the holidays began with me getting the flu and then being slow to recover, I felt like things would never get finished...I was fighting with stress taking over and the anxiety the holiday's cause grabbing me by the neck, strangling the last breath from my body, but then...

I had a couple of glasses of wine and things calmed down.  I was able to relax and then...

Santa came and he definitely made up for any mishaps caused along the way.

Russia and I went to his mother's home for Christmas Eve Dinner and to hang out with that side of the family.  We had a lovely dinner and enjoyed the company of many.  Momma Santa gave me new Ugg boots, white chocolate, and not just one Starbucks gift card, but two!!!  She adored her holiday table runner and other surprises.  Russia received the most yummy blanket that I have been trying to steal for a snuggle.  He also got winter clothes, sweet treats, and gift cards to go shopping with.  Exhausted and with tummy's full we went home and passed out.  It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, smiles, and love.

When we woke up on Christmas morning, Santa came!  (No, really...HE DID)  Someone got a new camera, 4 GB memory card, camera bag, and tripod.  Someone is beyond excited and has spent the past two days playing with said camera with amazing results.  I just keep on telling everyone how much I am in love with this camera.  It is a brand new one out on the market and even though it is a "point and shoot", I am beyond thrilled with the results.  My camera (that Santa brought me) has something called Smart Camera Technology.  It actually scans the area being photographed and sets up the right solution for the best photographic quality.  I think it was the best way for me to continue to strive towards excellence in this art form.  I really love it.  I really do.

The men and myself got ready for Christmas Day Mass (which I had never been to) and we were out the door early to get good seats.  Mass was beautiful and heartfelt.  It was such a special time to reflect and remember the true reason for this holiday.  It made me feel close to my Daddy, whom I miss dearly and deeply this time of year.  It was a present I had not even expected and those are often the best ones, don't you think?

After mass, we left for Grandma's house.  Along with a huge Christmas Day feast, we enjoyed yet more surprises that Santa had left for us all.

Russia and I played outside by the river, where there were Canadian Snow Geese honking their news that Santa might have brought us "something very special" but we would have to wait until the latter part of the evening for his surprise gift.

Naps filled the late afternoon and then we all piled into the car for a trip out to "the country" where we celebrated a birthday with cousins until late into the evening.  There was home-made egg nog that was extra noggy with Kentucky bourbon, buttery pound cake, Smoked Smithfield ham biscuits, and the most beautiful outside decorations.

As we were leaving, Santa gave us his last gift.  Yes, Virginia got a White Christmas and I must say he certainly out did himself.  I could not  have asked for more.

I am still just stuck in the awe of it all...

This is Home Girl and I do believe.