Bitter Sweet...

*Christmas 2010*

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As so many families prepare for this special day and everything it represents, looking forward to spending time with family and friends, our family did the same. This year, it was a bit different though. As much as we were looking forward to being together, our thoughts were... this will be the last Christmas where it's just OUR family as we've always known it to be.. for in just a few short weeks, another will be added to the family. Don't take me wrong, we will welcome him, it's just that life has reached that phase for our family where the youngest will be married. It still seems sooo weird at times, but all so true still !

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We've attempted to take many, many pictures, while capturing moments that we will hold dearly in the years to come.

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Ash and I were also scheduled to work this Christmas holiday and were both priviledged to get clearance from having to go in. This meant the world to me, as we were able to be present for the "Myers" side Christmas in the evening.

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Love You both.. and thanks so much for all the hard work

that is put into making Christmas what it is for our family.

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My dearest sisters.. and Rumple :)

Thanks for ALL the wonderful gifts this year, and for being 2 very special people in my life that I can call... "My Sisters."

And.. Rumple.. He always enjoys opening his gifts too..:)

Here's just a few snapshots of family with one of their gifts from me this year...

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This year, Mom was in charge of hosting Christmas dinner for the Myers' clan:) and what a delicious meal that she prepared... I love Mom's home cooking and baking..

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And then... some gift giving and games.

It truly was a Merry Christmas....:)

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CDCF Christmas Party 2010

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This represents our 3rd Christmas party with the group.

Lots of food, fun times, and a Christmas movie, is usually in order, which we did. :)

We also added in a mini "Chinese Grab bag" of gift cards for whoever wanted to participate! We had 5 participants and gift cards from Starbucks, Sears/Kmart, Friendlys, Panera Bread and Golden Coralle were brought. I was actually impressed that we had no duplicates!!!

:)

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Preperations

Christmas preperations ...

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I hesitated putting this first shot up, as I know it's quite silly, but ya have to know I was extrememly excited to have bought my very own FIRST tree!!

I went with the mindset of looking for a 5-6 footer, and came home with a 7 1/2 footer :)

Since set up, I think its just the perfect size..

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Every year, by anything Ive heard, my apartment complex donates toys for children to some sort of organization. This year it happens to be for the Children at Albany Medical Hospital. I thought it was a great idea myself, and jumped on the banwaggon:) I also bought for the City Mission locally as our CDCF group did last year. It's been a real pleasure to buy, even a few things that will hopefully help make someones Christmas a bit brighter, by eleviating the financial pressure for those that truly are unable to provide for their families. Mind you, I could go on a little speal about people that technically could afford things, but rely on others for stability... Anyways, I trust they can help make a difference.



This past Tuesday, I attended a Christmas party where we each were to bring an ornament to exchange, at the minimum of 10.00, through a Chinese Grab bag. These are the 2 VERY CUTE ornaments that I recieved in return. They are "Gingerbread " ornaments..

As we continue to prepare for the holidays... lets always remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas!