Christmas is Almost Here!

I'd like to start out by saying thank you to anyone who made a donation (especially one particular person, who is awesome), and also to anyone who simply said a prayer or sent some mental good thoughts and cheer to the Laceys. I know they appreciate it.

Secondly, KJR and Corky both wrote very enjoyable posts about past Christmas Eves, so check them out if you'd like.

Last night my friends Jen, Dave, and Laura came over for dinner. I hadn't seen them in a while so it was great to have them over, and we had a really nice night. I drank a little too much wine, but hey, I'm entitled every now and then. They got to see Justin for a few minutes before he went to bed, and he high-5'd all of them!

I think Justin will be walking by the new year...he takes a step here and there if he has a close, specific destination in mind. Not that I want to rush it, because once he starts walking, I'm sure I'll be running all around after him!

Tonight we are heading over to a family friend's house for a little bit for their annual holiday open house. No plans for tomorrow.

Christmas Eve we are heading down to Red Bank to my uncle's house to celebrate the holidays with most of my extended family on my mom's side. We used to go into Brooklyn every year, and then go to midnight mass there. Only a few family members still live there though, and the past few years we have gone to a different family member's house each year. Last year, we had Christmas Eve at our house. I was 9 months pregnant and as big as a house, but we pulled it off! I didn't want to travel at all last year in case I went into labor. This year it will be nice to be at someone else's house. Dinner will be pasta with seafood, cooked by Aunt Janet & Uncle Greg, and I'm bringing 10 dozen baked clams oreganata. But regardless of wherever we are, with good food, drinks, presents, and family, it's sure to be a good time.

Christmas morning we'll wake up and open presents with Justin and Pudge (yes, she gets a stocking full of goodies from the pet store). Then we'll head over to my parents house where the present-opening extravaganza will begin just as soon as my brother Chris gets back from RI, where he is spending Christmas Eve with his girlfriend's family. The past few years I have made bacon, egg, & cheese quiches for breakfast, and I suppose I'll continue that tradition. My in-laws are driving down later that afternoon. We'll go back to our house to change and open presents with them, and then we'll all head back to my parents for Christmas dinner. We'll start out with shrimp, scallops, and lobster scampi (made by moi) and a nice filet mignon for dinner. It's a really laid-back, relaxing day. It's perfect. Thanks again to my mom and dad, who have always made Christmas so special for all of us.