Christmasy thoughts

I was going through my Christmas books today and found the recording book of Twas the Night Before Christmas.  It has Mom and Dad's voices on it reading the story.  Of course, it made me cry, but it was so good to hear my mom's animated beautiful voice.  Such a treasure.  I'm so glad I had them do this for Laila so many years ago.

Wrapped packages yesterday and thought of mom again.  She is everywhere during this holiday.   Mom was the perfect gift wrapper.  Square corners, pretty paper with folded creases and always bows on every present.  My presents aren't as nice.

Christmas music is more meaningful this year as well.... We've been hauling out the Holly with the Ray Coniff singers and belting the Hallelujah with the Tab choir.   And...every time I sing I can hear my mom's low alto harmony.

Laila had her first piano recital.  She played 3 songs, one was a duet of Carol of the Bells with her friend, Olivia Campbell.  Laila doesn't like piano and most of our mom and daughter disagreements happen  over practicing the piano.   Well...she was blessed at the recital.  The Christmas angel came down and touched her fingers and she played all 3 songs better than she ever has sitting in our living room.  We were all impressed.  Grandpa Lyle, Grandma Welch, Holly, Wayne and I were in attendance.

Laila and duet partner Olivia Campbell

Laila has her 6th grade dance today.  This is the dance with dance cards and waltzing.  She got up early to shower and get in her dress because she made a hair appt. with Emilee Dahl so she could have special hair today.   Laila got a side braid into  a curly side sweep with added hair extensions.  Looks more like wedding hair than a 6th grade dance.  Laila also wore my long drop rhinestone earrings for some glamour.

Ugly Sweater day at school....Laila word Grandma Butters old poinsettia sweater and earrings circa 1950...

We have Holly's friend to friend Christmas program today.  It's an absolute act of love that Shelly Davies does with a bunch of Special needs kids.  It's all volunteer at Center Point Theatre.  Holly is in heaven singing and dancing through the Christmas songs.  It's a true angel-fest....talk about feeling the Christmas spirit....just love it and look forward to it every year.