Our Christmas Story

It's Christmas Day, a time when all those memories of past Christmas's come flooding back.

Growing up, Christmas Eve was spent with my Grandma and Grandpa Bowman, Aunt Betty and Uncle Ray, and their sons Jon and Robin. We'd eat our traditional Christmas Eve dinner which included a baked ham, twice-baked potatoes, my grandmother's cranberry ice, and a huge coconut layer cake for my grandfather whose birthday was Christmas Day. After dinner, we'd open Christmas gifts from family, and then read the Christmas story from the Bible. Later, when my brother and I were tucked in bed, my parents would have friends over for a drink and white elephant gifts. Then they'd assemble Santa's gifts when they were sure we were sound asleep.

I'm sure our Christmas now by comparison would seem anything but conventional.

We started the celebration yesterday morning by shedding some items that have been cluttering the garage for a few years. Michael donated his older Subaru Outback, no longer driven since he circles the country in his Ecco Golf company van, to a Vietnamese Southern Baptist Church to replace the pastor's 1970's era car that keeps breaking down. Craig and I added an overstuffed chair, television, and desktop computer to the pile that was carted away. You might say we all sent some of our baggage to a new home.

The Christmas celebration continued last night with a brandy soaked ham, potato casserole, and lemon carrots.




We opened gifts this morning while my mom's traditional recipe for sausage and egg casserole was baking in the oven. If only Saby would sit still for her Christmas photo!


Michael gave Craig a Flip video camera for Christmas, so I'm sure it won't be long before some action films start showing up on this blog! We can't wait to take some videos on Isla in January. Saby got a new bunny from Michael for Christmas. Here's Jack Rabbit hitching a ride around her neck. Want to take a bet on how long until she has every squeaker and poor Jack's appendages removed?


Today was one of those sterling weather days in Phoenix when people walk around chanting the standard cliche -- this is why we moved to Arizona! I'll admit to saying it when we emerged from our traditional Christmas movie this afternoon. (Little Fockers and it was a good laugh!)

The weather was so nice, I stripped down to a tank top and crop pants and ate my plate of Christmas dinner leftovers out on the patio!


This is the nicest Christmas Day since we've lived here. The temp's in the 70's and the sun is brilliant! I noticed that the grapefruits on the tree are getting ripe, so I picked one. Michael informed me that it's not quite done yet, so I'll wait to pick the rest of them until later in January.


I hope all of you, no matter what or where your Christmas traditions may be, had a wonderful Christmas Day!

Feliz Navidad and best wishes for a Happy 2011!