Christmas 2006

This Christmas is definitely going to be a different one for Ivan and me. It's our first Christmas with Preston! Granted, Preston won't understand anything about it this year, except that there are lots of people around, but it will still be an exciting time. These are just a few of the things I'm looking forward to about this Christmas:

1. Waking up with Ivan on Christmas morning....hopefully to the sounds of cooing over the monitor and not crying!

2. Lots of food favorites - Tanya's ham biscuits, Mom's Dreamsicle fudge, Bacon Tomato Cups that are good (but not as good as when Debbie McDonald makes them for me), sweet potato casserole, Louise's stuffing, cranberry sauce, I could go on and on.

3. Watching my Dad as he ponders how perfect Preston is.

4. Being 30 years old and still being able to share Christmas with three grandparents who are in great health.

5. In-laws who will welcome me into their home as if I am their own child.

6. Catlin's excitement and Hannah's sweet smile.

7. Knowing that when Preston gets me a little stressed, Mom can still make everything all better.

8. Sarah Hancock's sweet smile.

9. Michael making me laugh uncontrollably, especially if he performs "Mary, Did You Know."

10. A husband who is every wife's Christmas dream and so much more than I deserve.

11. A mother-in-law who opens her home to everyone who wants to be there and never complains or talks about how much work it is.

12. A father-in-law who wants to hug me on Christmas even though he won't admit it.

13. A sister-in-law who will let me steal sweet Christmas moments with her girls.

14. Shopping with Caroline in Princeton the day after Christmas.

15. Taking pictures of Nan'-na while she is mad at us.

16. Watching Preston put on a show for everyone.

17. Holding Preston as he goes to sleep after he is worn out from the Christmas festivities.

18. John Mark can wrestle with Karen this year and not me!

19. Bonding with Doug over the fact that we're the only "normal Americans" at the Birrell family Christmas.

20. Awaiting Sharilyn's hilarious Christmas stories after returning to work on Wednesday and making her say, "Owen."

21. Listening to Gramps pray before Christmas dinner.

22. Laughing during prayer.

23. Hoping that Seth tells a story that makes Grandma think he's even crazier than previous Christmas stories.

24. Preston's adorable Christmas clothes!

25. Watching the Disney Christmas parade on TV Christmas morning.

26. Apple cider, peppermint hot chocolate

27. Ivan will chop tomatoes and onions for me so I don't have to spend hours trying to do it.