Alyssa is home! And she brought her roommate with her. What a treat it has been to have both girls home for the holidays. Haley works at The Patriot Center and she was unable to go home until after her pay period ended, so she joined our family for a few days while she traveled back and forth from the campus of GMU to our house. It was so much fun seeing these girls together - they truly are like sisters. They spent the first few days of their winter break playing with my scrapbook supplies, watching movies, and sleeping... these girls know how to sleep!
And so with Alyssa home, our house has become a whirlwind of activity before the holiday. We've had Haley coming and going, Alyssa working the overnight shifts at Hollister, John trying to keep up with his tutors, nurses and social life, and me trying to finish up last minute Christmas preparations. At one point, we had Haley packing to go home while another friend moved into the guest room just three hours later - barely time to change the sheets and wash the towels! That same night, we had one of John's friends crashed out on our downstairs sofa while John and his girlfriend watched a movie in the upstairs family room... five teenagers all at once! The front door just kept revolving, leaving my head spinning and my pantry emptying faster than I could keep up. Note that this activity occurred at 2:30 in the morning and I was left to wonder exactly what sort of hours these college girls keep while living on campus with no rules at all.
It's been fun, but I just can't keep up with the teenagers.
Through it all, I managed to finish the final holiday sewing project:
This is a child's size 8 apron that I made as an anonymous donation to a family our neighborhood sponsored this Christmas (Simplicity Pattern # 4286). I had so much fun sewing something for a little girl - it brought back many memories of years gone by when I used to make Alyssa's Christmas dresses each year. I had forgotten how cute those little girl projects can be (and now I want grand babies, but I'm going to keep that wish to myself for a few more years!).
Speaking of neighbors: one of my neighbors had the wonderful idea that we all work together this holiday season and sponsor a family from a local church. She organized the project like a pro and we began gathering gifts in early November. Yesterday she hosted a wrapping party -
Participating in this project has been my greatest reward of the season. I was overwhelmed seeing the generosity of my friends and neighbors, and I was honored to have been asked to make the apron for a deserving little girl. In addition to the apron, Alyssa and I shopped for the mother. We had fun selecting items that we thought would make her life easier (jumbo sized bath towels), and more relaxing (a new coffee maker). As I spent the afternoon with my neighbors, I was reminded that when everyone gives a little, the result turns out to be a lot. It is my sincere desire that we make this an annual holiday tradition because this is really what Christmas is all about.
While at the wrapping party, Alyssa was able to spend time with our very favorite six year old friend. I almost stared to cry as we walked in the door and Little Miss B ran across the room and threw herself into Alyssa's arms. She held on very tightly and didn't want to stop hugging Alyssa - the look on her face was pure love and adoration. Afterwords, Alyssa told me that seeing Miss B was what she had been looking forward to more than anything else this holiday season.
When I take a minute to stop and soak it all in, I realize that this is what Christmas feels like: family, friends, love, laughter, and joy - and I am thankful to be blessed with these gifts - because I know that each moment is a memory and each memory is a treasure.
From my house to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas as you gather treasured memories of your own this holiday season.
That is so neat that your daughter and her roomie are so close. You know, my BF is my college roomie and we've been friends since the 60's and have remained close all these years. You can't put a price tag on a relationship like that and I wish the same for Alyssa.
Posted by: Kip | December 31, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Okay, it's been a long, long time since I checked your blog, apparently! Darned blackberry! I'm loving this apron, and love that the neighborhood got together to do such a wonderful thing! And those bath towels -- hoping she loves them as much as I love the huge ones I have here! {grin}
Hugs to you, my friend.
Posted by: Heather Gunn | December 31, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Ooh... I love your quilts and crochet work. So pretty... and that apron is adorable!!
One of the things on my to do-list for next year is to sew more and learn to knit... and likely polish up my crochet skills. I only know how to chain stitch and add to it. :(
Also on the list is read more books. Looks like you have quite a few great reads listed here.
Hope you get things all worked out with your son's medical situation. I can only imagine how hard that is for you. You're a strong lady, Kelly!
Will you be going to CHA?
HUGS!
Dana
Posted by: Dana | December 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Merry Christmas! Kelly, I enjoy popping in to read your blog. Best wishes for you and your family in 2009 - Happy New Year.
Posted by: tracy whitney | December 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Helena | December 25, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Merry Christmas Kelly! Savor this time with your friends and family.
Sounds like we are not the only ones with too much snow. We have about 14" on the deck right now and it is still snowing, although now it is starting to be mixed with rain. Hopefully it is not to dangerous for everyone trying to make it to Grandma's house.
Posted by: Nancy G. | December 24, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
P.S. Want some snow?!?!? LOL!
Posted by: slammie | December 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM
merry christmas to you all!!!!! here is to a wonderful 2009 - may it bring you peace and joy!
Posted by: pcsmart | December 24, 2008 at 09:51 AM
What a wonderful neighhood project. One that all neighhoods should do. We have been snowed in for 5 days now. Tomarrow will be my first day back to work. We have to go 2 miles before we get to plowed roads, all the way to 112th (by where Jimbo's use to be - it is now a Shell gas station). The roads past that are either slushy or bear and wet. My boss called today to see if I can make it there tomarrow. My job is the one that makes the work for the rest of the plant - I don't know what the are going to do when I'm gone for a week in Jan for cateract(sp) surgery let alone when I'm gone on our cruise in March. The guy that did the work last year is now gone and the new person helps in bindery more that in my area - I don't even know if she knows everything about the department. Well thats the bosses problem - not mine. Did you get the pictures of our yard. There is now 4 more inches of snow and we are expecting another 3 inches tomarrow (Christmas Eve). It is suppose to rain this weekend and all the snow should be gone by Monday. Have a Merry Christmas Love Randi
Posted by: Randi | December 23, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Merry Christmas Kelly
Your house sounds like what you'd want at Christmas time. Enjoy
Posted by: becky | December 23, 2008 at 06:40 PM