Christmas 2009

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~ Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

I find that quote particularly appropriate this Christmas since I feel young at heart even though my children are growing up and when so many friends and family are not in the area to celebrate with us on this Christmas Day. I thank God for all who are within reach at this time and also for those in our hearts!

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~Author Unknown

Another busy year at work with another new territory to explore, and I expect the same to be true in 2010 as well. Last January, I traveled to sunny San Diego and plan to go to Orlando next month for a couple of days. These work trips are inside conference rooms without any time for fun out and about. Last Spring though, I was lucky enough to travel to Punta Cana with my Sister and some great people from work for an all-fun trip! Too many great activities to list, but Michelle is a great zip-liner, and I am a great beach-lounger!

Hannah has jumped right into 9th grade…high school! Busy, busy. She’s joined the workforce with a couple of great babysitting gigs. She babysat last night, spent the night at a friend’s, went to the bakery to listen to my friends sing Christmas songs this morning, went skating with friends at the ice rink in the afternoon, attended Mass with Grandma, and will babysit again later tonight. Hannah plans to play soccer in the Spring, and looks forward to some pre-season coaching from a friend of mine. So far, she has taken a different art class each term and is thinking of a career in the art field. Maybe she’ll attend Siena like her Mom & Aunt? Whatever she decides to do, she’ll be amazing!

Sophie is loving 6th grade. Some mornings, she pulls me along, while she runs down the sidewalk and across the street to the school. She swims 4 days a school-week when possible and loves the water. Still no words on a regular basis, but in November, Sophie said "Love Mama." Hannah heard it too! Who knows if Sophie will ever say it again, but it was truly music to my ears and in my heart. Sophie’s current favorite movie is The Little Mermaid. I think because of all the swimming and singing and that Ariel gets her voice back! She plays that part over and over again.

Happy, happy Christmas! May Christmas bring you spirit of peace, gladness of hope, and warmth of love that lasts through the New Year!

Love, Mary, Hannah, Sophie, and Rascal too!