Christmas 10

Just a few images for memories' sake . . .

DEC 6

And then I remembered one of my FAVORITE (relatively new) holiday traditions . . . Rosco de Reyes. I have Mauricio to thank for this infusion into our celebrations. And I love it!

Hot cocoa (stirred and whipped just so with a hint of mint).

Pastry with sugared candy (pretty, but I have yet to actually eat the candy).

And baby Jesus. And another baby Jesus. And another. And another.

But it only seems fair that everyone who wants a baby Jesus should get a baby Jesus.

The Upside of ILF

The first Christmas Slade and I were married, we spent the holiday with his family here in Oregon. We arrived over the mountains, by a miracle, to an ice-filled scene. Although beautiful, we spent a portion of the break without electricity. And most everyone had their turn of illness. And, in Steven C and my defense, this was our first year with in-laws.

How does one process such an event? By terming the phrase "In-law Fatigue (ILF)." A kind way of saying, "How do we deal with all these people and the mix of personalities?" Don't worry, it (now) carries with it an endearment to it.

But the beauty of ILF is that time takes care of many things. And you recognize that you are better because of the in-laws and their behaviors/ideas/habits/etc.

For example, we have spent the last 3 years celebrating Rosca de Reyes with Mauricio and Jenni. Never heard of it? Neither had we. But it takes place on the 12th day AFTER Christmas (January 6th.) It is a wonderful, easy holiday that involves drinking frothy Mexican hot cocoa and cutting into a wreath-shaped pastry. The pastry has candied fruit on top and represents the jewels and treasures the wise men brought to present to baby Jesus.

But there is more. A "baby" is baked inside the bread and the person who "finds" baby Jesus has the event at their house the next year.

Last week I found myself looking forward to this year's Rosca de Reyes. Jenni and I both had the vague memory that Kennah "found" Jesus last year. So we had our first Rosca de Reyes Wednesday evening. The bread (which usually was on the stale side--it's the idea that is important) was very fresh. In fact, Pollo had one of the very last ones out of the bakery's oven. Mmmmm!

But a little confusing as 6 babies were found this year!

And so, I snub my nose to ILF on this matter. I LOVE this addition to our family's holiday traditions!

Kids '09

Meeting Max

Last month a friend told me they were giving their kids a yorkie for Christmas. I thought it was the perfect gift for Mom. I called to see what she thought of the idea. She was interested. So we scheduled a time to meet the dogs. She found one that matched her criteria: mellow and sweet.

Since it was a Christmas gift, we all felt it important that she wait until Christmas (afterall, SHE taught us that principle.) And to my shock (and disappointment) she was completely OK with that. I wondered if this was an indication of her true interest, or, lack of it.

But I didn't have to wait long before she broke down and started using all the tricks we'd tried for years to get our gifts early. Logic, necessisty, the "benefit" for us, etc. She wanted her gift early and the anticipation of waiting was beginning to do her in. Yipee! THAT's what I wanted to see. (heehee)

She had different conversations with us each individually trying to weaken our resolve. Some kids holding much firmer than others.

But last Saturday an early faction (Jenni) took the majority and convinced us all to relent to an early delivery. We all parked a block away and caroled up to her door.

She'd been leaked a clue about our arrival a couple hours early and wasn't quite surprised. But that did not lessen the thrill of her Christmas gift.

Welcome to the family, Max! (After the Grinch's dog.)