Makin' Christmas Memories

This was so much fun!

Of course, the traditional Christmas Eve pig roast!

Santa likes "Black & White" cookies with his milk!

There's nothing like having all my babies home together!!!
Seeing this picture makes my heart swell.

All of my treasures, including my beautiful, soon to be daughter-in-law, Gloria.

Definitely A Bouquet of Blessings.


My sister, better known by our little ones as Ayi, started a new tradition, reading Happy Birthday Jesus to them before bedtime on Christmas Eve.

The little ones all listening intently.


Their giggles filled the house!

My big boy and big girl!

Amanda with her buddy and 2nd big brother, Adam.

My stunning older baby girl! Oh, how I love this girl!
(NOTE: Disregard the squooshed nose. I love her smile in this picture!)

Christmas would not be complete without my man, the one who keeps it all together!




Santa has arrived! Now we just wait for the little footsteps to discover the goodies.


"Look, Mama! Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk!"


A wonderful morning filled with love.

Definitely a big hit!

Of course, after all that excitement, Batman had to take a milk break!

I really have to say that this is one of the best Christmas' I've had in a while. I absolutely loved having all my kids home. Everyone got along great, we laughed lots and the air was just filled with everything that Christmas brings, love and joy. Sweet hubby made a delicious breakfast for everyone and the rest of the day was spent just hanging out in pj's just having fun. Sadly, Tito and Gloria had to head back to Miami early since he worked that evening, but I am very happy that he made the trip up, even if it was just for a day.

I have to admit that as I watched the joy and heard the laughter coming from my husband and my six beautiful children, I'd frequently stop myself and quietly whisper, "Thank you, Lord!"

This is it....

Foolin' around with a new little GADGET I got for Christmas!

This is what life is all about. Last year as I was drumming up my New Year's resolutions, I so badly wanted to win the lottery in 2008. As a matter of fact, I truly believed I would. There was no doubt in my mind .

Tonight, December 26, 2008, as I sit here pondering about where I am in my life, it occured to me, I did win! No, I didn't win millions. For that matter, I didn't even win $20. But what I have, no money in the world could ever give me. I have a life that I love, a husband that I cherish and feel at times that God has gone way overboard in blessing me with. I have six children who make my heart beat and I would give the world for. I have a very close family who I could always count on. And of course, I have a Savior who died for me so that I could have eternal life. I HAVE INDEED EVERYTHING I NEED!

P.S. We had an AMAZING Christmas! Check back soon because I'll be posting details with pictures.

Here, finally, is our Christmas card. (You can click on it to enlarge it.)

We had a great weekend seeing my family in Miami. It's been pretty much non-stop and with the exception of one more gift, I'm done with the shopping! Thank you, Lord!!!!! I am often stopping and taking deep breaths when I begin to get overwhelmed with all that is left to do.

I was told today that Scott has to work a full day tomorrow, which stinks because our Cuban celebration is on the 24th, so we'll be late. But, I keep reminding myself of the real reason for the season, and that's helping me get through the craziness of it all. Of course, the tradition continues that our "Noche Buena" celebration will be at my Mom's filled with family and friends and of course, the traditional pig roast, with black beans, rice and yucca! YUMMERS! (HERE are some pics from last year's celebration).

The little ones are beyond excited and so am I. For the first time in 5 years, I will have ALL of my babies together on Christmas morning. No waiting for anyone to come home this year. All of the sweeties that were born in my heart, are right there, in my heart and by my side. My oldest will be coming into town tomorrow with his fiancee. God is good!

I'm off to buy that last gift and will be scurrying back home to start the wrapping and making sure that no one is peeking. Amanda noticed that none of the gifts under the tree have her name on them. ::gasp::

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas. From the depths of my heart my desire is that your Christmas is filled with all the joy and hope that was brought into the world that first Christmas night.