Family Holiday Traditions

As I have written before, this holiday season isn't one of my favorites for a variety of reasons.   I think it is all of expectations, etc. that go along with the season.    However, we do have some family traditions that mean a lot to me.    Every Christmas Eve we spend with our Phoenix cousins at Yaya's house.   Every year there are more kids as the families grow.   Yaya makes her incredible enchiladas and I have always brought tamales from Douglas and I didn't this year.   Will make sure that changes for next year!  

We always do a white elephant exchange with the adults and it is fun!!   The little kids even enjoy it and the laughter.  I love spending time with my cousins as they are not only family, but friends!    I have a special bond with Cecilia and always have.  She is like my sister.

As Teresa continues to decline both physically and mentally, I wonder if this could be here last Christmas.   She is such a trouper and would never miss anything.  She works so hard to be "alert' at family get togethers.   It usually exhausts her.   I hate watching this decline, but I am so thankful to have her in my life still.    What a blessing for all of us!!!

Today we will be having prime rib here at my house with Judy and her family.  I just finished making beer bread--one red and one green!  I have been experimenting with using different kinds of beer and it is amazing the differences depending on the beer.  

This year baby Colton will be joining us.   Of course, I will miss Patrick, but he will be here in a few days.

I love fixing the prime rib dinner.  It has always been one of my favorites and it will be nice to spend quality time with just our families and one very close friend!

The best part for me is that I have now officially written more blog posts in 2015 than in any previous year.  My writer's block is gone!!!   And I am so happy to be back home in Gilbert with family and friends!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!