It wouldn't be Christmas without this.......

Ok, so I can't get a picture of it to upload. BUT, what I received in the mail yesterday from my Mom was the "Alabama Christmas" cd. This album holds many memories for my family. I can't remember ever NOT listening to it on Christmas morning. Although, of course "back then" it wasn't a CD or a downloaded song on my Ipod, it was a record, maybe even an eight track? Us girls used to wake up in the morning, cuddle up in our jammies as close as possible to where any heat might be, and wait until everyone got up and ready to open some of our stocking stuff. The rest of our Santa goodies and gifts had to wait until after church.

I think I can speak for all of us that the most memorable and all time favorite song on the album is "ThistleHair the Christmas Bear." Many of you probably are thinking, "HUH?!" It goes a litte like this..."Oh ThistleHair the Christmas Bear spreading the good news everywhere, about Christmas time is what it means to all the children of the world, every little boy and girl out there, loves ThistleHair."

Well, I received this CD, totally unexpected in the mail yesterday - so as I drove to work this morning, I popped it in. I cried immediately! And it was 5 songs until "ThistleHair yet!" Again, I can speak for all of us in my family - it's a very memorable CD - and one that brings tears to all of us. I was so excited to find it in the mail. I'm listening to it as we speak and plan to listen to it tomorrow and of course Friday with the boys! Time to break them in!

Although my day started out in tears, and will probably end in a few here shortly, I had a wonderful day. A little nervous about the whole Christmas Eve/Day without the kids - it has turned out well. I worked for much of the day, then shopped (which was a blast let me tell you! Ha) and then made some Bacon Wrapped Smokies and Strawberry Pretzel Dessert - both successful - and headed off to a good friend of mine's house to enjoy the night with her family. It was so nice of them to invite me - I had two other good friends invite me tonight and tomorrow so I am keeping busy - and even better, they all thought I was such a wonderful cook. The smokies were a HUGE hit and the dessert got many rounds of seconds - little do they know, I DO NOT COOK OR BAKE, if and when I do, usually UNsuccessful! (One would think, or at least hope, that my children's father would have the decency to invite me over to at least SEE my children, hug and kiss them, you know - considering I have NO family here right now, but that is apparently too much to ask. I am all of 8 minutes away. Good thing I never counted on it. Amazing how fast one can learn!) I am very thankful for my thoughtful friends - it means a lot to me. Anyway.....I then headed to church at 9pm and now, here I sit...winding down the day.

Rest assured family, I will miss you tomorrow but I am just fine! I can celebrate this holiday ANY day with my kids! And have begun the 365 day countdown until I can celebrate it with my whole family next year :)

Merry Christmas Eve my friends!