Santa Sighting....

My husband thinks it is funny that I carry around a camera in my car. He admits that it is pretty cool you can catch random moments like this! How cool is it that Santa was hanging out two cars ahead of me in traffic. The poor man must have been tired from all the waving. You gotta love it!

I was in charge of center pieces for my dad's party. It happens at the same time as my inlaws big Christmas celebration. My Mom and Dad always had all the neighborhood people over after early evening mass. If you were not going out of town you went over to their house. I was always jealous because I was stuck at the inlaws. I'd try to look like I didn't want to leave, but I always knew the good party was across town at my Mom and Dad's! One year my mother inlaw was in the hospital so we went to my parents party. It was great as expected. I think it made it harder to miss in the years that followed.

Last year I got a pass on going to the inlaws. My Mom had passed and my Dad needed help hosting the party. It was WONDERFUL to spend time with family friends. Hubby and the kids came over around 9pm and I was thrilled. A year with friends and family - and no inlaws!

This year I'm hoping that by going to the inlaws at 3:30 today we can escape and hit my Dad's party before midnight mass. It would be nice to see everyone.

Here are some more of the flowers I put together -- you have got to love Costco's fresh flowers! A close friend suggested using the cranberries and limes. I like how they turned out.

Gifts are purchased and wrapped! The house is kind of trashed, but recoverable in the next few hours. The diet is still going well. I was able to drop flowers off at the cemetery this morning. Cookies are baked and delivered for parties on both sides of the family. We have clean and appropriate clothing. Everyone got their haircut. Only one person will be wearing the wrong size shoes tonight (we promised she can take them off as soon as we get to the party -- she just has to have snug toes in the car and at church, sorry Super Girl!). We all have dress coats which fit!

I am at peace. I am savoring this moment.... In a few minutes I'll remember what I've forgotten and panic will set in. For now, I will enjoy this moment.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!