It's beginning to look a lot like....and then it's all over :(

Christmas always goes too fast! It is funny how no matter how old you are, the anticipation for Christmas seems like forever and then before you know it, it's all over. We had a wonderful little holiday here in Maryland, quiet to say the least. We began our holiday by celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on the 21st. I made a traditional Hanukkah dinner and we lit a candle on our menorah. The word Hanukkah means "re-dedication" so every night when we lit a candle, Ryan, Lily, and I would rededicate something to each other. Yes, Lily really did participate!

We loved being home in Maryland this year and started the week off with a baking day! Lily and Daddy made sugar cookie dough, and Mom frosted and decorated them. We started a tradition this year of delivering cookies kind of, wherever the wind takes us. It was so fun to surprise our friends with a plate of cookies! Christmas Eve began with a brunch with friends, then a nap for Lily, dinner, a visit to the DC Temple to see the lights and hear the sister missionaries sing, then it was time to open our special Christmas Eve presents! New PJ's for all of us and a darling Curious George stuffed animal and book for Lily (thanks G & G Roberts!). We set out an apple for Rudolph and a cookie for Santa and we were off to bed.

Ryan and I are grateful Lily is still somewhat unaware of this holiday, and somewhat confined to her bedroom and we actually slept in to 7:30 am! Yes people, that is sleeping in, those with kids will understand! Santa came! Rudolph ate his apple, and surprises abounded! Lily's bright red retro kitchen was a hit. Her grin said it all "Is this mine? Can I touch it? Oh boy the doors open and close like Mommy's cabinet doors!" So precious. We unwrapped more presents and watched as our living room slowly resembled the post Christmas morning scene in the classic "A Christmas Story." For the very neat and tidy type A person inside of me I had to take many deep breaths and tell myself "It's Christmas...let it go" over and over again.

Grandma Nielsen's tasty scones and cheese souffle were next! We even had hot chocolate in her old Santa mugs. I still remember going to Grandma's house every Christmas morning and seeing her little tree all lit up, candy dishes full of chocolate dipped cashews (hand dipped), home made shortbread star cookies, and this corn puff treat that was sweeter than a tablespoon of pure sugar, her kitchen a mess with yummy food, and her dining room table full of delicious food she has made all by herself! I really miss my Grandma at this time of year, but I feel her all around me as I make her shortbread, and fry those yummy scones!


Our Christmas holiday was capped off with a huge surprise for me! Tickets to the broadway musical, "West Side Story." Ryan completely threw me a curve ball with that one. We went to the matinee yesterday, and the best part is that right before the show began, we were moved to sit in the front row! It was so incredible. We could see the sweat, and the spit I might add, and hear them breathe, and also hear some not so kind language as the Jets and Sharks were talking smack to one another! It was so wonderful though, and I was reminded of why the arts are so important. They take you to another place. For 3 hours you are transported into another time, and are surrounded by music and dancing - how bad can that be? Plus, there is always a moral to the story that can be applied to your life. It was so terrific. Bravo to the whole cast, and thanks to a wonderful husband who takes note of my comments in passing such as...."Oh West Side Story is in DC! I love that show!" I love you sweetie!

Happy New Year, and thanks to those of you who took the time to read this, my longest post yet!