First Christmas!

This is a doll from my first Christmas. My mom still had it in the box with her writing on it from 1982. Super special!


Our family! I love these two so much!


"Santa, Is that beard real?"

It was definitely a Christmas like none other I have ever had. It was one of the best and probably one of the worst. I guess it started Christmas Eve with the snow storm. We got a record amount of snow. I went over to my parents before it got really bad and ended up getting stuck there. I really thought at one point we would not be home Christmas morning. THe explorer was a champ and got us home safely. But we had to cancel Christmas Eve at my grandparents. I was pretty bummed about that. I think I had a pretty good idea when I talked to Jayson late that night that Lana's first Christmas was not going to be how I had envisioned it.

Along with Jayson working, I was worried about my brother getting down here for Christmas morning. He was pretty rude to me that night and said he would figure out how to get here in the morning. I was going to see if Jayson could pick him up on his way home, but we decided that was not a good option when I talked to Jayson at 11:30. So after taking to Jayson, I try to get a hold of my parents to let them know that they will either have to go get Jeff or he will have to drive the PT. Since I could not get my parents to let them know of the plan change I set my alarm for 7 to call them. Jayson gets home with no problem around 7:40, then we try to go back to sleep. Well that was not too successful and Lana finally wakes up at 9:15. She is in a great mood! So, I feed her then Jayson gets up and my parents come over. Up until this point Christmas is pretty awesome.

After doing our presents for Lana here, we go to Jayson's parents where we have a great breakfast and do more presents there. It is still pretty awesome at this point too! So, after we get done there we go to my parents for another round of presents. It is about 2:00 and Lana had not slept all morning. So when we get there she is down for a good long nap. I finally wake her up around 4:00 to eat and do her presents from my parents, grandma and Uncle Jeff. We are still having a really good Christmas, then it takes a dramatic turn. At 4:00, we find out that they are doing Christmas dinner at my grandparents. We said from that morning, that we were not going to go any where else. The two house with a 6 month old on icy streets Christmas morning was enough! So, my mom starts to try to get us to go over to my grandparents. Well, Jayson put his foot down and said we were not going. After several tears due to frustration and the realization that we were not going to have a good dinner as planned, Jayson, Jeff, Lana and I sit down at my parents for dinner with just the four of us. It is so not how I had seen Christmas dinner going. I was really sad and I think I pretty much cried all dinner.

On our way home Jayson and I were talking about the day. I am pretty much sure that this was one of the worst as far as the dinner and stuff, but one of the best as our first with our new family and Lana. She brings so much joy to us and can really put things in perspective. We did get to see both sets of parents, my grandma and brother.

I know lots of my extended family are REALLY mad at me for not going over there especially my Grandma Teletha. Sure I would have liked to see them, but it just did not make sense for us to get out again on the icy roads for someplace that far after the day Jayson had before. We also wanted to be at our home with Lana relax with just us on her first Christmas. I really wish some of my family would realize that. I guess some of them are upset that they have not seen Lana, but I really don't feel bad. It is not like any of them had made a point to call us or come by. We are always willing for anyone to come over, but I am not going to take her everywhere. I just don't have the time. If they really wanted to see her, they would show more of an effort and interest in her. Aunt Annette has seen her a lot because she really wants to see her. You can't tell me you really want to see her when you have not called or showed any interest. My feelings are not hurt that you haven't made an effort. So, if they get their feelings hurt for not seeing her, I hate to say it, but it is their own fault. I have all I need and could possible want when I look at her. I am so happy with her words cant even explain the joy I feel. So, I know this has ended up much longer than planned, but it sure feels good to get it out in some words. I will continue to the best I can and always try to keep Lana and Jayson as my first priority.