Christmas...a little early

Ava and Avarie with the nativity set that Nana gave us a few years ago - a Christmas favorite



The preview - in case it's hard to see - that's 3 bikes, 5 hand tied fleece blankets, 7 stockings, 1 giant Kitchenaid Mixer, and countless other items of joy!


The beginning of the morning - notice me with my coffee and two boys wrapped in fleece



Westin got a Redskins jersey, probably his favorite gift


The boys got the very coveted Skylanders which I thought Todd went a little overboard on, but then stores haven't been able to keep them in stock for more than 10 minutes since then. So, I stand corrected.


Nana and Papa got roller skates for the girls because we have the perfect air hockey table in the basement for them to practice around!

2011 was not our year for big Christmas morning because all the children were to be at their other parents' house for the morning of the 25th. We decided that it would be best to just do the whole thing a day early, so we went to sleep on December 23 after Christmas at the McCarty's and woke up to Christmas joy on Christmas Eve. It was perfect! Santa did not visit our house but that was ok because Harrison the Elf had already brought us so much Christmas magic. The kids slept in until 7 and then enjoyed every last bit of what they opened. These kids are truly the happiest bunch you'll ever meet and were so appreciative of everything Todd and I put into planning presents for them. I think they each got a few things they asked for, and they each got a few surprises that they didn't even know they wanted. Todd and I enjoyed watching them and opening a few things for them to play with. The girls were thrilled with their little white puppies that walk on a leash, closest thing we will have to a real dog for now. Todd and I got to enjoy some coffee and quiet time opening gifts together too...a new professional mixer for all these birthday cakes we make, some spectacular new jewelry, fancy headphones for my drummer, and most of all, the compete and utter joy that a happy family can bring you!
It was a quick morning because we had to get packed up, get Todd's kids to their mom and get my kids to the train to go to their dad. Next up, train ride to Philly and then NYC for Todd and I.

Christmas at the McCartys and Gavin's Birthday

This is one big fun FAMILY! I never in my wildest dreams thought that Christmas could be this much fun. We celebrated Christmas with the cousins and Todd's parents and Bridgette and Gavin on December 23 since our kids were going to be at their other home on Christmas morning. We had a blast - Bridgette made a delicious pasta bolognese for dinner and a wonderful cake for Gavin's birthday. We opened gifts with each other and let the kids be wild, but when are kids not wild two days before Christmas with all their cousins, all 8 of them? They were darling and so excited!


Ava & Avarie opening presents



The cousins with Nana Phoebe




The cousins - Enzo, Dylan, Morgan, Westin, Tate, Ava, Lexie and Avarie



TM & Co

It was a great kick off to the Christmas festivities!

Love

"Life is all about timing...the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable...attainable. Have the patience, wait it out."
-Stacy Charter

Two and a half years ago today, I reached out for help. My basket full of life had just been dumped out and I was left shocked, scared, and confused. I had no idea where to start but knew I needed someone who could understand what I was going through, give me some sage advice, and not let me wallow in my sadness. I called my dad and Kay, but just couldn't get the words out. I called my best and dearest friends, but just didn't have the courage to admit what had happened. I finally reached out to the brother of a friend. He was just a few months further along than me and I knew he would have the words of wisdom I needed, but also the tender approach I needed as I sorted it all out.

Enter Todd Fudala. He was at the time merely an acquaintance, the brother of my good friend Bridgette, and someone who was trudging through the hurt that comes when life doesn't quite work out the way you thought. I had spent countless hours on the phone with Bridgette, trying to help her understand what he was feeling, trying to help her so she could help him. I had carefully considered what calling him would mean, but felt that I needed someone who didn't know me as well, didn't know my ex as well, and would be able to give advice with less anger and resentment than any other friend or family member could give at that time. Everyone else was so mad, and so was I, but I needed action and a plan.

Todd tells a great story of logging into work that morning, and mindlessly checking his Facebook and jumping out of his chair when he saw my message telling him what had happened. He jumped up, sprang into action, and has been doing that for me and next to me, and making my heart jump, ever since.

I said "Yes" last night...Yes to a life with a partner, Yes to someone who cares for me and cares about me, Yes to someone who brushes my hair out of my face when my hands are full, when I'm crying, or when I'm just washing the dishes, Yes to loving that man in the same way that he loves me - endlessly, Yes to a step father for my children, Yes to becoming a step mother to his children, Yes to a big family of big smiles, big fun, big grocery trips, big vacations and sometimes big tears, Yes to making it work for the sake of love and a marriage and the commitment of life together.

These lyrics are from one of our favorite musicians, Keith Urban...

You know I can't read your mind my love
But it seems to me
That your heart and mine tonight are
Defying gravity
There's something so familiar
And still so unknown
The closer that we get I swear it feels like coming home
And I'm ready to be brave
Oh yea then you look at me and say baby
If ever I could love I think it could be with you
If ever I thought I found somebody so true
I wonder if you feel
The same way that I do
If ever I could love
I think it could be with you