A Quick Christmas Photo Shoot.

Not much time was spent behind the camera this year. I guess I was just to busy enjoying the festivities with my family. I hope yours was as special and memorable as mine was. A few things that come to mind are.

Christmas Eve mass. It always makes me happy and sappy at the same time. Being told how good little Q was during the mass.

Leaving the reindeer food outside after mass. Something that has become a tradition for us.

Falling asleep on the couch while waiting for the kiddlets to fall asleep and waking two hours later to realize we had many gifts to still wrap and spending the time with my hubby wrapping and placing everything under the tree.

The excitement Christmas morning before going downstairs.

The time it took to open our stockings and gifts one by one and the happiness shared.

The look on each of the kids faces/the sound they made when they received something they really wanted. D's sweet smile and quiet appreciation. C's shrieking silly smile. Q's laughing rough "Ha I wanted that!"

My hubby's new hairdo.

My family arriving.

Our 5 minute photo shoot.









Spending time enjoying each other. Nothings better than having my family, my mom, and sister's family all together.

Dinner. and the attack of the pickle stealer.

My sister telling me that it was the best Christmas ever and that I'm the best sister she could ever have.

I'm pretty sure that I was blessed with the best family ever.

Special moments that made me smile today as I turned another year older.

I was touched beyond word when my daughter presented me with a handmade gift this morning. A charm necklace that she told me she would add a new charm to every year on my birthday.



My husband leaping out of bed at the crack of dawn to let the puppy out so I could finally sleep in even though we attended his Christmas staff party last night and he was just as sleepy ummmmmm heavy headed as I was.



The kids playing nicely together in Drake's room building a fort in his bunk beds and hiding when they heard me get up so they could all jump out and scream Happy Birthday Mom/Mommy!

My mom working hard with the kids last night making handmade ornament gifts. While we enjoyed a night out.



The big smile I always get from my littlest nephew when he see's me.

The tiara my sister wore during dinner, gift giving, and cake, and the comments it evoked. lol.



The cake my mom made me. and the preview I got. heeeeeeee.

My sister's newest post. The fact that she has a personal label just for me.

My husband's new FB profile picture.



My nephew calling me Samantha instead of Auntie Sammy. Super cute.

The surprise goodies I received from a bloggy friend even though I know she had no idea it was my birthday.



All the wishes I received on FB.

All the great food that was made for us to share and having nothing to do with the prep or clean-up. I. Am. Stuffed.

All the lovely handmade cards I received.

The way my mom always tries to conceal her gift so it's not what you expected, or to make you think your not getting what you wanted.

Knowing that I am getting better/wiser with age and not being scared of turning another year older.

Having those I love the most surround me on my birthday.