Sunday, December 27, 2009


Favorite Moments from Christmas 2009

The Christmas trees are still decorated and lit-up and in their places (I pretty much let them stay up through Epiphany; I hate to take them down so quickly after Christmas); the cinnamon candles are still burning; boxes of Christmas candy and cookies are still out on the tabletops for anyone to indulge in (although I'm indulging in them a bit too much!); and my gifts are still out and being enjoyed (new books, new pajamas, new bubble bath, new movies, new music).

I want to savor the season a little bit longer, so I'm trying to let things linger for a while.
So, then, I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments and feelings of the season with all of you. Really in no particular order, here are some of my favorite moments/memories/ impressions from the last couple of days.

* We spent the night at my parents' house on the 23rd, which made getting up the next morning for our annual Christmas Eve brunch so much easier. It almost felt like waking up on Christmas morning as a child, and it made the day go by much slower and relaxed. Those extra hours of not driving just continued on throughout the festivities, and things seemed much more easy-going. I just loved not feeling like I was rush-rushing to every event and activity.

* Opening a big gift bag and pulling out an Alabama t-shirt, and then another Alabama t-shirt, and then another, and then another...until I got to a signed Nick Saban football at the bottom. (My parents bought it at a charity auction and had been excited about it for months!)

* Gingerbread cookies, decorated sugar cookies, croissants, fried turkey, cheese straws, sweet potato pie.


* Experiencing Sydney's fascination with Santa Claus all over again. (And seeing Delaney totally get into with her!) They tracked Santa's voyage at the Norad website, and then Sydney threw out "reindeer" food on the lawn and wrote him a last-minute Christmas Eve note ("Santa, I love you. Love, Sydney").

* Watching Sydney ride her new bike on Christmas Day.

* Glee t-shirt, Martha Stewart cupcake book, houndstooth jacket, an original painting by McKenna, The Beatles' "Revolver," The Pioneer Woman Cookbook, "Star Trek" on dvd. Just some of the wonderful things I received from my wonderful family and friends!

* Having McKenna tell me on Christmas night how much she loved her painting gifts. She received a standing easel, a lot of canvases and paints and supplies, a book on acrylic techniques, and a sketchbook (all from "Santa"); when she told me with gratitude how much she loved them, it gave me such a nice little "mother thrill."

* Celebrating the last night of Advent--and lighting the final candle--with Gary and the girls.

* Enjoying the day after Christmas with a movie marathon. Delaney and I went to see "Avatar" (visually stunning! and so fun to see with one of my girls by ourselves!), and then that night all the girls headed out to see "The Princess and the Frog."

The last week or so was filled with many wonderful moments, and I tried to stop and enjoy them all as I was experiencing them.


If you'll remember my story several posts back about Sydney teaching me about mirth...I tried to embrace mirth and joy and contentment this holiday season. I wanted to sit back and enjoy the moments; and I feel like I really did this year.













I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday season as well. I think of you all often, and pray that you will have a blessed rest of 2009. I will "see" you again soon!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

awwwww love all the pics!

Adrienne said...

Awww I know you about had a fit over that football! LOL

Glad you all had a great Christmas!

Nina Diane said...

sounds like a wonderful Christmas Cheryl. I know you loved the t-shirts and football. I also recv'd the Pioneer Woman cookbook. I can't wait to sit down and read it. Happy New Year my friend...

Laura said...

Okay. I originally wrote an epistle, but somehow I lost it. So all I'll say now is that I got an SEC t-shirt, too, and I'm LOVING your houndstooth coat!!

camport said...

GREAT coat & how cool that your parents got you such a perfect gift that is totally you!

:)

Edleen said...

Beautiful photos!!!
Merry Christmas Cheryl & Family :)

Linda said...

Love this post. My favorite moment from Christmas day was putting my little granddaughter under the kick and play that I bought her for Christmas. The look on her face as her little feet kicked a rattle, and staring at herself in the mirror and all the bright colors, got a tear in my eye and caught it on camera. Best Christmas Ever!

hippo chick said...

Enjoyed catching up with the Wray's. Sounds like a really fun Christmas holiday.

~special hippo hugs~

CrAzY Working Mom said...

It looks like you guys had a wonderful holiday! I cannot believe how those girls are growing. They are all so beautiful. :)

Happy New Year, Cheryl. I hope 2010 is full of blessings for you and your beautiful family.

Gin said...

Looks like it was a wonderful holiday, Cheryl. I just loved seeing all the pictures. (My favorite was of S on her bike. To cute!)

Leah said...

Happy New Year Cheryl!! Great recap!
Wishing you many blessings for 2010!

Cheryl Wray said...

Dana--Thanks!
Adrienne-yeah, I was a little bit excited. Ha!
Nina--I'[m making two things from the PW Cookbook for New Year's Day tomorrow!
Laura--I LOVE my houndstooth jacket. I've pretty much worn it nonstop since Christmas. LOL

Cheryl Wray said...

Camport--Alabama stuff pretty much makes me happy, so they did great!
Ed--Thanks!! Merry (late) Christmas to you too!
Linda--I'm so happy that you had such a wonderful Christmas. You deserve it SO much!!

Cheryl Wray said...

Hippo--It was a GREAT holiday!! I hope yours was too! (Eventually, I'm going to get by everyone's blog so I can see for myself. LOL)
Crazy--Thanks for the new year wishes! i hope yours is wonderful too!
Gin--Yeah, Sydney was pretty cute on her bike!
Leah--Thanks!! I hope yours is great too!