I can’t believe Christmas is here already. This is the alternate year where we have the little girls Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. It is such a blast to see all the excitement. It is also the first time in about five years that Sydney is home for Christmas. Normally, she goes to her Dad’s in Mississippi. But guess what? Her Dad moved back to Texas. Squeee!

This year, we are doing the Christmas tradition that I grew up with. That is the one where you open ALL the presents under the tree on Christmas EVE (today!). Then, Christmas morning Santa brings the “big” gift with more presents. The girls seem a little concerned. I think it must feel a little like cheating to open the presents Christmas Eve. But this is how I grew up and Sydney grew up, and honestly, it makes the most sense. The girls will be going to their Mom’s at Noon Christmas Day until the New Year’s Eve. This way gives them a little more time to play.

I have tons of photos and Christmas(y) things to post about, but I simply ran out of time this month. Too busy going, doing, and working.

So, I have decided to post my favorite photos in a slide show for you.

(Click on any image to enlarge and display)

Christmas visit with my mom and her Chihuahua Tiny.

Our four furry festive pets.

Our Christmas 2012 Family photo.

My three girls.

Sydney – my daughter from my 1st marriage.

My oldest step-daughter.

My youngest step-daughter.

Christmas photo shoot. -by Angelia

This is my favorite photo. My wonderful husband and precious girls!

Another family shot by tripod remote.

Rudolph decoration in my house.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. Youngest step-daughter lost both front teeth just in time for Christmas.

My beautiful and sweet Mom-in-law with the Church Santa.

My niece with one of the Church pups at St. Matthews.

Molly at the Church program.

Bridget at the Church program.

Christmas pup Candy at the Church program.

The St. Matthews reindeer sing at Church.

St. Matthews United Methodist Church.

Snowman taking a bath. This was in a window display in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Window display for a jewelry store in Hot Springs.

If you ask any of my kids, they would agree! This was tricky as these lights were blinking to music.

Part of a fountain display in downtown Hot Springs with the wreaths in the background.

Tree lights with green fountain in the background in Hot Springs.

Tree lights blurred with fountain.

Statue in downtown Hot Springs with star in the background.

Star on one of the buildings in downtown Hot Springs.

These are from our Christmas card shoot, St. Matthews children’s program, visit with my Mom in Oklahoma, and Hot Springs, Arkansas. All taken this month.

I’ve been busy!

Now, I need to clear a few memory cards to prepare for Christmas.

I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. I know I don’t do well with the awards, links, and ping-backs. But I promise, I am deeply grateful for every one. I hope you know how much I appreciate you all. This year hasn’t been easy for me, and you have brightened it in more ways than you know.

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.