The Nativity Scene

And it came to pass...

in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And behold one of the shepherds was exceedingly bored and pondered where the wise men put the gifts.

 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
   

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,

 keeping watch over their flock by night. 

 And all manner of animals attended...even pooches named Izzy...

and a baby named Olivia.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

 and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 

And the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and meat.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 And there was exceedingly great joy throughout the land.

 And behold the wise men began to wrestle with the audience.

And so it was that Mary left the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes alone in the manger so she could play with Darth Vader.

And Steven Spielberg was there to document the nativity scene.

Alta is for Christmas Eve Skiers

Alta...the spiritual epicenter of skiing. It's where the Garlick Press traditionally spends Christmas Eve day.

With fluffy white powder skiing, incredible terrain and unmatched views...there is no better way to spend the day before Christmas.

Lawyer Girl left sunny California with her sea level lung capacity and worried about being out of shape from spending the last 3 months studying in the law library. Let's just say she has had no problem keeping up with the rest of us.

The Zen Master of skiing points out where he is going to take us on the next run.

It's lunch time...and look who appears! As usual, Olivia dressed in her pink alpine sweater is the center of attention in the lodge.

This is the best part of the day...my favorite peeps gathered around the table together...Dione is taking the pic.  Who would have guessed a year ago that we would have a new family member. It seems simply perfect to have Olivia with us.

Taking a break from 8 hour law exams has been a welcome respite...but Dione does not hesitate to educate the family on all the law stuff she has been learning.

Pretty Momma Cass, thanks for bringing up Miss Olivia to have lunch with us.

Back on the slopes...we make the trek over to Catherine's Area for some more powder runs.

Dear Chet...make sure you don't eat the yellow snow...that is all!

Everyone knows that the Zen Master rarely falls...that's what makes this so hilarious.  Skiing along on a trail he catches some air off a rock and suddenly finds himself with a double binding release and his head planted in the snow.

It was an epic fall. And yes...we laughed for quite some time! 

Jr Pie Ninja

Meet Junior Pie Ninja...she's amazing and gorgeous. Although not related directly, she has always called me Auntie Lisa. I've known Junior Pie Ninja since she was about 6 years old. She and her little sis Missy would skip down Canterbury Lane to my house. With 2 adorable little ones now, her life is crazy busy. Last weekend she and her cute hubby threw their own version of my Pie Night party! 

I brought her a White Chocolate Vanilla Bean Banana Cream pie because I was so excited she was having her own Pie Night. 

 But did you see this little yummy thing? If you were lucky then you got an invitation to her party and got a slice of this.

Junior Pie Ninja...I hope you had a great time at your Pie Night. 

Christmas Present

Brightly colored wrap, matching ribbons and bows, perfectly chosen tags...each Christmas present arrives just the same. The anticipation of what the Christmas present will bring...will it be something you hoped for? Will it be something you adore? Will it warm your heart and tingle your toes?

As my Christmas present arrived this season I had high expectations. I was certain that the joy I had felt through the year, would make this one different...different than the past 2 and more like the presents before.  Day after day as the season began to unwrap I felt my mind flood with Christmas past...overflowing with powerful memories. The Christmas stocking, year after year holding candy and oranges and one of those little animals...was it a monkey or an ostrich last time? The Santa Quilt magically jingling as my little people slept dreamily under it for so many Christmas presents.  The handmade quilted advent calendar...now which item is the last one to be hung on top?  The ornaments, the decorations, the meals, the melodies, (I'll be Home For Christmas has such a haunting melody when you are missing someone you love) all of these deeply embedded holiday traditions were all the same. And for a few days I became overwhelmed with it all, I had to abandon my Christmas present.

I am certainly no stranger to fighting through battles, and I knew I would somehow be able to conquer this one, I just didn't know how long it would take. Relief came unexpectedly during a phone call from Momma Cass. While we chatted about upcoming family parties and white elephant gifts...I heard tiny Olivia cooing to her momma on the other end of the phone and in that soft delicate voice my heart opened up my Christmas present again. 

The Christmas present for me will always be packed with memories...memories both delicious and difficult at the same time. I know I'm not alone. There are so many who have Christmas presents that will be at times overwhelming.  Today a little family we know laid their husband/father to rest.  I pray for them and would like to give them hope for their Christmas present.

His First Dance

Ah...8th grade...his last year of middle school...the Christmas Dance.

Dean and I happened to be in the big city a couple of days before Chet's 8th grade dance, when the Teenager sent me this exact text.

"Hey, I had an awesome idea. Could you pick up for me at like Nordstroms, a black button up shirt with like a silver tie to go with it??? I would look fresh!"

How cute is he?  After some quick shopping, I was able to find a very "fresh" black button down shirt with a tiny red pin stripe. I opted for the red tie instead of silver to coordinate with the shirt. I'm his Momma, but even still...you'll have to admit he looked pretty handsome.  He was all smiles, and very eager to dance with the hot chicks. 

A little shot of cologne from Abercrombie couldn't hurt either.

And then it was time for the tying of the tie.  Will that be a half Windsor knot or a Double Windsor with a dimple?

Say what?

After what seemed like hours, the tie tying business is finally complete and he looks like a complete gentleman in his new clothes...

a very "fresh" looking complete gentleman.

Oh yes...but he still acts like an 8th grade boy!