Christmas Oh!9

Much to my very own surprise, I survived Christmas this year - not only with my family, but with my in-laws as well.

I've never been a fan of this season. I've felt this way for years, but I promised I would put forth an effort to have a good time for my new family's sake.
I actually had a really great time.
Christmas Eve at Barbara and Pete's house was absolutely wonderful. I got really anxious and wanted to run at one point because of all of the people, but I had a hand to hold, and those feelings were quickly put to rest.
I probably couldn't have hand-picked a better family to become a part of.
Words cannot describe how truly happy I have felt for the past few days.
(Barbara's ham gets 10 thumbs up, by the way.)

Christmas morning, Crisco and I had to wake Kyra up. It was probably the only day she's ever slept in on. Seeing her face when she realized Santa and his reindeer had eaten the snacks she left out for them AND written a personal note was priceless.
Honestly, I had to hold in tears countless times watching Kyra open her gifts.
I'm not quite sure if I have ever seen her that happy before, and Crisco's reactions to her surprise tugged at my heart, too. =)

All I keep re-thinking to myself is how truly blessed I am - not only for my beautiful daughter, but for my husband - who tried SO hard to show me what Christmas is really about, and who has loved Kyra and I through everything we've gone through together.
(It hasn't all been easy, and I haven't always had the best positive attitude.)
..and also for Crisco's family. They have been nothing but unconditional love and acceptance from the beginning, and that alone means more to me than I'll ever be able to share.

My own family was wonderful, too, and I am SO glad I got to see people I rarely see anymore. One of my favorite things was getting to spend time with my sister, and having her spend the night with Crisco and I.
Sorry about waking you up an hour late, by the way, Celeste. =)

Food, games, tons of laughs, and pictures to remember it all!..

I really couldn't have wished for what once used to be the most dreaded holiday for me, to go any better than it did. I can honestly say that I am truly happy, and that I will never take the time I get to spend with all of you for granted - it means far too much to me.
Thank you to everyone I have been around this season, every one of you helped make it everything I've ever thought it should be.

I am blessed to have two wonderful families that I absolutely adore and I, of all people, cannot WAIT for next Christmas. =)

*LZ