Christmas & New Year 2011

The Hartsell Home was happy and busy for the holidays this year. Things are starting to wind down now and we are getting back to the normal routine. Aside from the Christmas tree that is still standing and all the decorations on the selves that are begging to be put away again until next year. Anna, however, will miss the Christmas tree dearly when it is gone. So, it still stands for a little while longer. We really did have a lovely holiday. My parents arrived on Christmas Eve and we enjoyed a week of togetherness, great food, new books and toys for Anna, Skype with my in-laws in Florida, and late night games and drinks (non-alcoholic for me!).

The only thing missing this Christmas was my brother. Scott actually didn't really like Christmas. He was a self-proclaimed Grinch and even had a t-shirt one year that said so. But, that doesn't make it any easier for us. I remember so fondly my own childhood Christmases on Parkovash Avenue, waking up in the morning to stockings and new snow sleds. And I would always check Scott's room first to see if he was awake before heading to the living room to check out what Santa brought. If he was awake, we would stay in his room until my parents woke up. I wish I could go back and re-live those moments. This Christmas we remembered Scott with memories, some stories, and some words left unsaid. My dear friend Abby gave me a crystal angel ornament this year and it hangs on the tree for Scott.

Christmas is certainly special for Anna. She enjoyed every bit of Christmas and all its trimmings.

Anna on Christmas Eve.

Reading "The Night Before Christmas" with Daddy on Christmas Eve.

Picking out cookies for Santa.
And carrots for Rudolph!
So excited on Christmas morning!
Checking out her new goodies from Santa.
Christmas beauty.
All pretty and ready for Christmas mass.
More presents after church.
New books were one of her favorite gifts this year.

We rang in the New Year, here we go 2011. Come June we will have a new baby. Our little family of three will become a family of four. It is exciting and frightening all at the same time! Big sister Anna will turn 3 years old this year. What else? Maybe a little healing for my family. Maybe at least I will be shown the path to start healing because I am not sure I have even started yet. Through it all, I know that 2011 will bring blessings. The blessings of our two (two!) children. Their little smiles, amazing milestones, and simple joys. This year is sure to bring excitement and challenges for Brent and me as parents and as a couple, all while bringing us closer together. It will bring the happiness and awesomeness of sharing our children and our home with our families and loved ones. These blessings alone are enough for me to wholeheartedly give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus for all that He graciously provides for us. And if there is more? Well, we are up for it. I think. :)