christmas

I can’t even begin to express how happy I was that this year was our year to spend Christmas in Orlando. Words can’t express how much we needed this trip. We’re always grateful for the chance to see our family - always - but this time was different. For me, anyway. I needed to rub elbows with them for a while. After such a trying few months - it was nice to get away. To break free from the insanity. We knew it would be precarious - Ammon had come down with an ear infection (his first) just the week before, and was still feeling under the weather. And of course, we were not idle - at all - as we never are. But it was a break, nonetheless. And to simply say ‘it was good for our souls’, would not be enough.

[ 12.17 ]

As is usually the case, we had a time getting there. We left on Friday the 17th - and, in all honestly, I began to have my doubts that we would make it. Truthfully, we very nearly didn’t make it to pick my mom up. Fitting everything in our car proved difficult. Fitting everything into my mom’s larger vehicle proved even more difficult. And, it was raining. Have I mentioned that I hate packing cars in the rain? Especially when it won’t all fit? As it turned out, we decided to send some stuff separately, and just get on the road. Later than we wanted - of course - but at least the end was in sight.

We knew before we left, that it was going to be a busy week. Busier than it usually is, even. Knowing that, had me panicky. I had quite a bit to finish up before Christmas. We had even more that we wanted to fit in fun-wise during that time. So ... whenever we pulled up on Balboa Drive, I made the point and took the time to calendar out our week. In hindsight - it saved my life.

[ 12.18 ]

Saturday morning, we took things slow. We had more or less just thrown everything down when we got in - so I took a minute and unpacked. After the day got going - we headed out to do some last minute Christmas shopping. We went to some of our more usual haunts, all of which made our hearts happy. That night, we enjoyed the company of my cousin, Amy, and her kids, Will and Bailey. They are so good with Ammon - and he loves them. We all made nests on the floor and settled in for Despicable Me. The start of Ammon’s love affair with ‘the chickens’ (also, and more correctly, known as ‘Minions’).

[ 12.19 ]

After a flippin’ huge debate - Brian and I decided to play hooky from church on Sunday. Shameful, I know. This gave me the opportunity to finish up a few things while the rest of the family was gone. Later in the afternoon, I had to go out and tie up a few more loose ends - like mail Christmas cards. Everyone needed to go to Mecca, and we finished the night with a nice dinner as a family. With an interesting waitress ... but that’s a story for another day.

Once we got home that night, Ammon and I sat down and wrote his letter to Santa. Even though our elf, Chester, had surely alerted him of what Ammon was asking for for Christmas ... Ammon still wanted to address The Big Man himself. He’s nothing if he’s not thorough.

[ 12.20 ]

Monday marked mine and Brian’s 7th anniversary. Where does the time go? I know you all get tired of me asking that question ... but seriously. Where is it?

That morning, all the kids came over. Sarah, Gracey, Will and Bailey stayed - while Brandon left - and worked on a gingerbread house. Ammon more or less watched, but did manage to sucker all his cousins into blowing bubbles with him. I should explain that Ammon’s idea of ‘bubbles’, is someone else blowing them - while he smacks them all with a bat. Frightening, I know.

Since Brian and I had so many willing babysitters - we decided to go out for our anniversary. We went for lunch at PF Chang’s (and we thank the Mitchell’s for that). It was nice to not be on a timeline and just enjoy each other’s company. And we must have been some kind of hungry ... we both licked our plates clean and had dessert. Something that’s never happened before, there.

Since we were already there - cough, cough - we spent a big chunk of the afternoon at Millenia Mall. I felt myself letting loose while we were there - it had started while we were eating lunch. The realization that I was free from the hectic, painful chaos that had been my life for so long. The weight began to lift from my shoulders - and it remained that way for the remainder of the week.

We roamed around Apple and Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel - where I made some small purchases for my kitchen. I resisted the urge to drool all over Jimmy Choo. I felt refreshed and I felt recharged. Which, in and of itself, is really saying something.

Our original plan, was to go to City Walk and maybe go see a movie. This was our consolation prize, since we had to cancel all of our previous plans (due to something you may (or may not) read about in a future post). Brian and I desperately needed a break from our reality, though. More than a very nice lunch. Yes ... our horizon looked that bleak. As we were walking to our car, I kept getting the nagging feeling that he and I needed to rethink our plans. That we really did need to stick to some of those things that we had cancelled. That it would be good for us. For he and I. And so I broached the subject. And he agreed.

We almost ran to the car. We thought things through, looked at our budget, and made some calls. We rescheduled the rest of our week - even postponing our trip to my cousin’s house for the Christmas weekend. We ended up not going to City Walk - we’d see it soon enough. We did end up at a favorite place for dinner, though, and picked up our ‘finishing touch’ Christmas gifts at Target on our way home. It was the best day - the best anniversary we’ve ever had in a lot of ways. And a day that left us giddy with excitement for the next few days.

[ 12.21 ]

Tuesday morning, was the time I had calendared off for Brian and I to attend the Temple. We wanted to go; however, judging by our hectic week - it was also on the If-We-Can-We-Can-If-We-Can’t-We-Can’t list. You know the one. I was sorely tempted to just skip it. The night before, when we were going over logistics with my mom, she voiced a comment that had already been silently floating around my mind: “You know, considering all you guys have been through lately ... maybe you need to go.” We wanted to go, yes - but we also needed to go. Something I’ve learned over the last year to be two different things.

And so, Brian and I got up that morning and went to the Temple first thing. It was early (very) in the morning - and cold and crisp and bright. The second we pulled into the parking lot, I knew we were supposed to be there. And what a wonderful few hours it was. One of our favorite places - and our favorite Temple. A needful thing for our souls, to spend some time there. In retrospect, I’ll never regret the choice to go.

We made it back to Balboa Drive while the day was still young. We hadn’t missed a thing - something I had been worrying about - and I had a silent reminder that, in this situation, we had done the right thing. When will I learn that - when following the promptings of the Spirit - that is always the case?

As the day progressed, we got things ready to take to my cousin, Amy’s, house. We gathered there with some other family and friends for their neighborhood Christmas parade. We had a yummy dinner and the kids played in the yard before Santa came round. Even though Ammon chose to watch the festivities from inside - I couldn’t deny the wonder and sparkle in his eyes. Now that he knows and understands who Santa is - Christmas has become just that much more magical. After the parade, we had a quiet gift exchange with Amy, Billy and Will and Bailey. Though we would miss seeing them on Christmas Day - we’re thankful that we could share that time with them. As always.

[ 12.22 ]

Wednesday morning, we had our photo shoot with my cousin’s wife, Jessica. How excited I was! It proved to be a perfect morning at the Portofino. We took our time strolling down cobblestoned-sidewalks and watching birds and counting boats and pretending we were in Venice. It marked the first time we have ever had our photos professionally taken - and Jess and her superior talent did not disappoint. I will admit to being a little nervous going in - but I cannot even begin to tell you what a marvelous experience it was. How relaxing it was, how fun it was, how easy it was for this control-loving lady to hand over the reigns. It made a big difference - and was as easy as breathing - completely trusting that lovely face on the other side of the lens. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jess work. Truthfully, the morning made me love her even more. Which is saying an awful lot. Yes. The whole thing made my heart sing.

After returning back home, we spent the rest of the day in a nice, lazy fashion. Jess and I had a nice long talk. My mom joined in. The boys took a nap. The perfect day. That night, we had a marvelous dinner - along with Jess, Brian and Brandon, Sarah and Gracey. Afterwards, we had our gift exchange. It was such a grand night. One I know I didn’t want to end. We saw Amy again for a bit that night - but sooner than later, we had to bid adieu to so many precious faces. My cousins Brian and Amy and their families wouldn’t be spending Christmas Day with us at my cousin, Kim’s. We would miss them, of course - but I just can’t express how grateful we were for the moments we shared. How thankful am I to call them ‘family’? Very much.

[ 12.23 ]

Thursday morning, as the rest of the family was packing to go to Kim’s - Brian and I were packing for another trip. He and I had a date with destiny, so to speak. And I we were beside ourselves with excitement.

As we made our way down Major Boulevard, and later weaved our way to the gate - I knew it had been too long. But I was amazed - as I usually am - at how much I felt at home.

Yes. We decided to go to Island’s after all. Not Universal, too - as we usually do. Just Island’s of Adventure. Our favorite. And we had to see Harry. My love, Harry. It was the perfect day - cold and bright. Perfect for a park day, as we say.

It was a different experience - being creatures of habit - to not go to Universal, too. Our normal routine, is to hit Universal first - as we do very little there - and then spend the rest of the day at Island’s. I found my feet automatically wanting to take me around the lake to my beloved Lucy store. And even once we got into Island’s - we went to the right first, to see Harry. We always go left first - and I was worried that it would throw off my groove like last time (because I haven’t forgotten that experience). 

We made it to Hogsmeade and my heart just melted. Right then and there, I was a complete puddle of goo. I was in heaven. The Harry-lover in me was drooling. The designer in me was absolutely in sensory overload. The park-er in me was beyond giddy. Recipe for success, Universal. Recipe for success.

It was rock-the-house crowded. More crowded than I like it - by far. I’ve said before that I’m a theme-park-snob and I’ll own up to it. I’m not ashamed. But this was one time when I seriously feared that my claustrophobia issues would act up. I come to expect lines. And delays. It comes with the territory - especially during that time of the year and with such an awesome, new attraction. Thankfully, we’ve been there so many times before, that we know what we want to do, we know how to work the park and know how to let the park work for us - so it wasn’t the end of the world for us ... like it was for so many others we met that day.

We made our way to the main attraction of the Harry park first - to the castle. The line was unbelievable, yet understandable. We made lots of fun friends while waiting - it’s always amazing to me how you become so attached. We do, at least ... and maybe it’s just the people we are surrounded by. You go into it strangers - and yet, by the time you make your way onto the ride itself, you would take a bullet for the folks. This being said - there is always that one person. The one that you want to hit with, “Stupefy!” ... a few times. We didn’t mind the line - or the hypothermia that set in because of the f.r.i.g.i.d temperatures and howling wind that funneled down from the turrets of Hogwarts castle - but that one woman? I have never in my life been as happy as I was to see the end of her. And then she had the nerve to cut me in line? Oh, no ma’am.

The very strong urge I felt to cause serious physical harm to said Muggle, passed as soon as we entered the castle. My heart, again, jumped into my throat and I was in awe. We slowly  made our way to the ride, itself - and I was all jitters. So excited was I, that I had a near mishap getting into my seat (which we will not delve into further). The ride itself, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, took me by surprise. I enjoyed it immensely - and knew I would be riding it again that day. I am a seasoned roller-coaster-enthusiast ... but I actually felt a little sick. Dizzy and disoriented and puke-ish. It was a little jerky and rough - which I didn’t think was right - and I tossed it all up to the problems that they had had with the coaster earlier. I still looked forward to what Round Two would bring.

We left the castle and slowly wormed our way through Hogsmeade and over to Dragon Challenge (i.e.: Dueling Dragons of old). How convenient that they were able to reuse that castle and those coasters. Very smart. Brian and I opted to ride our favorite of the two dragons, resisted the urge to utilize our cheating passageway in the castle to ride again via cutting in line - and made our way out of the Harry park. We made the decision to go hit everything else - foolishly thinking that the rest of the park would be less crowded (laughable) - and return to Harry later in the day.

Said ‘making our way out of the park’ proved fun. I can deal with the crowds with tolerance - I swear I can. But - that day. Every nut in the known world was on vacation. I have never seen so many people stop in the middle of the road and discuss at length when their next potty break should be, blocking hundreds of people from their destinations. I have never ever been stuck behind someone videotaping the litter on the street with their camcorder. Yada Yada ... I could go on ... it gets worse. Suffice it to say ... by the time we got to the head of the park, we needed a break. And it was lunch time. So we left the park and headed to our usual haunt for a cheeseburger. And fries. Because nothing is better on such a day. Especially if you’re at Hard Rock.

After lunch, we were recharged and rearing to go. We made our way left and tackled the rest of the park and had such fun doing so. We met new friends. And made new memories. And had a Cinnabon. Which speaks for itself. Let’s just say that we had more fun than I can possibly write about here. We spent several hours doing the things that we love - taking our time, and enjoying each other’s company. And when our return time to go back to Hogsmeade finally came ... we ran.

And we stayed there for the rest of the night. We roamed around and looked in the shops. I got a wand. And a scarf. Because I’m woman enough to admit that I’m a Harry-groupie. We toured Hogwarts and I took oh-so-many pictures. I didn’t want to leave Honeydukes. I guzzled some Butterbeer. We snuggled and held hands because we were freezing.

We rode Forbidden Forrest again - the line this time being marginally shorter. We, of course, met new friends - however this time we couldn’t stand to be too near them. Clearly honeymooners - they proved to be quite entertaining. To my horror, Brian announced - as inappropriately as ever - that they were going to have a baby before the ride was done. The romantic in me, just thought it sweet that they were so happy that they didn’t care who was around them. They probably didn’t notice the hoards making fun. I hope not.

The ride? Totally different the second time around. The way it was meant to be experienced, I have no doubt. Loved it? Yes. Sad to leave? More so.

The park was open late that night. It was bitter cold. I chuckled to myself as I heard the hoards of tourists preparing to leave. I muttered to myself, “Yes. Please do leave. And then we can have this place to ourselves! Muah-ha-ha!” Just like when it rains. Sure enough, we were able to hit all our other favorites with no wait. Multiple times, in fact. We road Dragon again in the back, because it goes wicked fast. We made our way over to Hulk and rode a few times in the front - because the effect is exhilarating. How crazy are we to ride roller coasters, through mist, outside, in 30 degree, windy weather? Over and over and over again? Quite a bit. Worth it? Ab.so.lutely.

Worth noting, is the fact that I faced one of my fears and lived to tell about it. My stuff got trapped in one of the ride lockers. Insert heart attack. Now I know what to do. Word of advice: Always be able to describe your stuff. In detail.

We opened the park ... and we closed it. And I can honestly say that we left changed people. I guess I can only speak for myself - but it’s safe to say that we were right to think that we needed that day. My heart was full. Full of thanks - for being able to have the experiences that I do. Full of gratitude - for all the things that worked out to make that day happen. Full of love - for the friend I was able to spend that day with. I love him.

As is always the case, we were sad to leave. Of course, we’ll be back. And soon. But it’s still a sad thing to leave such magic behind. Thankful am I, for my memories. And this day is one I will always hold dear. Harry ... and the lot of it.

We returned home and were eager to see my mom and Ammon, who had also stayed behind. We told them all about our incredible day and shared pictures and anecdotes. We were spent, to be sure - but I had quite a bit of work to tackle before I could hit the hay. Packing up all our suitcases and goodies in order to make the second leg of our journey, was first on the list. But after the day that I had had - I was high on life. And ready to tackle anything.

[ 12.24 ]

Friday morning came bright and early. We gathered up last minute things, did some straightening up and a little laundry - and then did our best to pack the car again. It wasn’t raining this time, but we did have more stuff. Somehow, someway, we made it all fit and said goodbye to Balboa Drive. We made a quick stop at Downtown Disney for some divine lunch at Earl of Sandwich, before jumping back on I4 - and making our way down to Myakka (Sarasota).

Apart from getting a hair lost ... it was an uneventful little drive. And yet I have never been so relieved to get out of a car. We were grateful to be there - happy to be reunited with our family - and excited for the relaxing few days we were going to have.

At my cousin, Kim’s - there is a different vibe. It is quiet. And refreshing. With wide open spaces to run and explore. Ammon loved being outside and the weather gave us every opportunity to enjoy it. It didn’t seem right to be indoors, in fact - and so we spent lots of hours swinging on rope swings and scooping up acorns and chasing each other and feeding the fish in the pond and talking to Guardian, the horse (from a distance, per Ammon’s request).

It was Christmas Eve, and you could certainly feel that Christmas spirit in the air. We had a lazy night after dinner - preparing food for the next day, watching The Bishop’s Wife on television, putting cookies out for Santa and saying our goodbyes to Chester. Slowly, one by one, we all went to bed. I guess I’m still a child at heart ... I still have a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve. This night was no different. I found myself thinking of Christmases past. All the special times I have had in my life. The special moments that I have shared with my own little family. My mind wandered to the smells of the season. To the sound of jingle bells. To the little joys that make Christmas what it is. And ... before I knew it ... it was Christmas morning.

[ 12.25 ]

Saturday had come - and what a morning is was. The morning belonged to Ammon. We all enjoyed watching him open his presents, relishing in the magic of Christmas. Kim’s father-in-law, Roy, said it best: “It just isn’t Christmas without a little one around.” I have to agree, and say that it adds such a special thing. Slowly, we all began to open our own gifts - and enjoy what we each had received, and the reactions that resulted from the gifts had given. Ammon enjoyed reading his letter from Santa, and his note from Chester. He even nabbed the Teddy Graham Santa had left behind. It was - without a doubt - a wonderful morning.

As things started to settle down and trash was picked up, I decided to take the opportunity to get a shower. I was quick, to be sure - I didn’t want to miss a thing on Christmas Day. As I was drying my hair, I heard a mess of commotion going on in the living room. I cracked the door and yelled for my mom - who told me what had happened. A call had been received, from Gracey, alerting us that Jessica was expecting a baby. What a wonderful surprise! And yes, I was quick to note that all the fun happens when I decide to take a shower ... this being why I am so fearful of missing things. The girls in my family have made a silent oath that no fun is to be had without one another. But in this case, because it is such a grand thing, I make an exception. And all is forgiven. The important thing: Our family will be gaining three new little members this year ... as Kim is also expecting twins. How very, very excited we are. I can’t think of more deserving people.

As the day drew on, each settled into doing their own thing - the boys made their way outside, the ladies tackled some last minute things for dinner, Brian and Ammon were elbow deep in train track out on the lanai. Later in the day, some of us watched an old Christmas special that the Tabernacle Choir had done ... and the spirit that it brought with it was perceptible.

Later in the evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner as a family. Just right. In every way. The perfect ending to a perfect Christmas Day. Calm and peaceful and full of the things that matter most. I found myself becoming increasingly grateful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me. For all the many things that I have to be thankful for. No wonder my heart was so full.

Over the course of the week - we all received many gifts. Ammon got his first set of Tinker Toys - which he adores. He got all of his trains - which have made his life complete. Brian got a stylus for his iPad - which he loves more than life itself, I think. I received a ‘Thomas Family’ sign - something I have been wanting for a very, very long time. But more important than all of these things - we had our family. Which is ever-so-dear. We are indebted to our Heavenly Father for blessing us in so many unbelievably treasured ways. Never could we repay Him - we can only live our lives in a way that honors Him. What a way to celebrate Christmas. 

[ 12.26 ]

The next morning, Sunday, we packed up and made our way home. We battled rain most of the way, making for a very long trip. And, of course, it was a bittersweet journey. We surely didn’t want to go home. Never do. 

And yet, reality was calling. Work and laundry and all those other necessary things. But however unwilling we were to say goodbye - we were exponentially grateful for the time away, even more. All in all, it was the perfect week. An impeccable blend of busy-fun and relaxation. More Steak & Shake chocolate shakes than I care to count - though my jeans keep screaming it at me. Time with my family that was fiercely needed. A reminder of the things that money cannot buy. The things that I hold within my grasp. And forever will.